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AR15.COM
9/23/2013 2:58:23 PM EDT
My friends and I are planning on camping this weekend. We are undecided on where to go, so I would like some suggestions.
We are in the Phoenix area and would like to go north. No further than three hours drive time, accessible without off-roading ( we will not be taking a truck or SUV), and we want to be able to bring firearms for target shooting.
9/23/2013 3:02:11 PM EDT
[#1]
Maybe give Fossil Creek a try.
9/23/2013 3:16:02 PM EDT
[#2]
there are lots of spots off of tonto creek on the control road that goes around to tobto village.  you can get there by car and if you hike over a hill you can shoot pretty much anywhere out there. hour and a half drive. if you neex specifics i can google map coord some places.
9/23/2013 3:32:18 PM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
Maybe give Fossil Creek a try.
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Fossil Creek was nice when you could camp on the creek. The restrictions now make it...less appealing...considering if you go more than 100-150 yds from the creek you are in desert, high desert but still desert.
9/23/2013 3:34:20 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
there are lots of spots off of tonto creek on the control road that goes around to tobto village.  you can get there by car and if you hike over a hill you can shoot pretty much anywhere out there. hour and a half drive. if you neex specifics i can google map coord some places.
View Quote


Thank you, I would appreciate the Google map coords.
9/23/2013 3:40:21 PM EDT
[#5]
I go camping at least once a month, 2-3 times a month during the Summer.

The Forest Lakes area is really nice and easily accessible. You have your choice of Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake if you want to camp close to fishing. For just plane camping I prefer going just East of Forest Lakes taking Fire Road 99 (which turns into Wildcat Rd) and camping either just before, or about 1 mile after, the power lines. If you drive past the power lines there are great spots with tons of firewood and few people venture past them.
9/23/2013 10:57:04 PM EDT
[#6]
depending on either how i feel about having a "close" neighbor, I enjoy clint wells / strawberry area or Mount Lemon.
9/24/2013 7:21:49 AM EDT
[#7]
Mingus mountain should be beautiful this time of year.
9/24/2013 10:02:43 AM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
Mingus mountain should be beautiful this time of year.
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Bring a warm sleeping bag, it gets cold up there.
9/24/2013 10:06:25 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
I go camping at least once a month, 2-3 times a month during the Summer.

The Forest Lakes area is really nice and easily accessible. You have your choice of Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake if you want to camp close to fishing. For just plane camping I prefer going just East of Forest Lakes taking Fire Road 99 (which turns into Wildcat Rd) and camping either just before, or about 1 mile after, the power lines. If you drive past the power lines there are great spots with tons of firewood and few people venture past them.
View Quote


Thanks, that is pretty much what we wanted.

We're looking at around either (34.417837, -111.084854) or (34.423453, -111.089693)  The primary activities would be shooting/fishing, I'm assuming these areas would be GTG?
9/24/2013 11:04:17 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:


Thanks, that is pretty much what we wanted.

We're looking at around either (34.417837, -111.084854) or (34.423453, -111.089693)  The primary activities would be shooting/fishing, I'm assuming these areas would be GTG?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I go camping at least once a month, 2-3 times a month during the Summer.

The Forest Lakes area is really nice and easily accessible. You have your choice of Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake if you want to camp close to fishing. For just plane camping I prefer going just East of Forest Lakes taking Fire Road 99 (which turns into Wildcat Rd) and camping either just before, or about 1 mile after, the power lines. If you drive past the power lines there are great spots with tons of firewood and few people venture past them.


Thanks, that is pretty much what we wanted.

We're looking at around either (34.417837, -111.084854) or (34.423453, -111.089693)  The primary activities would be shooting/fishing, I'm assuming these areas would be GTG?


Knoll Lake is a fantastic lake, make sure to check the fishing reports before you go. Now if you want to fish AND shoot you are going to have to make sure to camp at least a couple of miles from the lake because the areas immediately around the lake are typically deemed "congested areas" and shooting is prohibited.

I can't remember if there is good camping off the 115 (Limestone Rd) or the road just West of Knoll Lake where you can still shoot but I have camped here (34.418335, -111.012856) and shot. Unfortunately you have to hike down to Bear Canyon Lake to fish but it does mean that the lake is pristine.
9/24/2013 2:58:19 PM EDT
[#11]
I was looking at going up to Dog Town lake on Saturday with the kids. Is there anywhere to primitive camp up that direction without all the government BS camp site reservations?