By Alibaster Smith
Camping has changed a lot over the years. The traditional, or popular vision, of camping involves finding a quiet spot in the woods, setting up a tent and gathering sticks for a fire. Today, many modern conveniences are incorporated into the camping experience as well as well-defined, sectioned-off lots for people to park recreational vehicles. One popular camping destination is Arizona, with more than 100 campsites to choose from. Some of them are in remote locations, while others offer the customary modern accommodations such as running water, electricity and cable for your RV.
Kaibab Lake Campground
Kaibab Lake Campground, northeast of the town of Williams, offers fishing, hiking, and the historic Route 66 scenic drive. The campsite also offers over 60 campsites with fire rings. While there are no utility hookups, there is potable water, water hydrants and garbage disposal onsite.
Directions:
If you are coming from the town of Williams, you need to take I-40 east. Head 2 miles and take exit 165. Turn north onto Arizona 64 and go about 2 miles. The campground entrance will be on your left.
www.hikercentral.com/campgrounds/114093.html
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is the home of the famous Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is 1 mile deep and the Colorado River runs through it, carving out the canyon. The distance across the canyon is 10 miles, but travel from the North Rim to the South Rim (or vice versa) takes approximately five hours to complete.
Directions:
North Rim: From Jacob Lake, go 30 miles south on Highway 67.
South Rim: 60 miles north of the town of Williams. Take Arizona route 64 from I-40.
www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Stockton Pass Campground
The Stockton Pass Campground represents more of a "popular vision" of camping. There is no water and no utility hookup. While there are vault toilets and fire grills, that's about all you get. Be prepared to do some hiking. Also, the campsite is located near a bear trail. In the spring and fall, you may want to use extra caution when camping while bears are traveling up and down the mountain. There is no fee to picnic or to use the campgrounds.
Directions:
Take US 191 from Safford, Arizona. Go south 17 miles on Arizona 266. Stay right onto 266 and head southwest 12 miles to the Stockton Pass picnic area.
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/camping/sites/stockton_pass.shtml
Beaver Creek
This campsite is located near Wet Beaver Creek. It's a great place for fishing, swimming, wading and birdwatching. There are also hiking trails and even the road that takes you to the campgrounds is considered one of Coconino National Forest's scenic routes. The campgrounds offers toilets (pit style), fire rings, cooking grills and drinking water. You can even buy firewood onsite.
Directions:
I-17 to 179 exit. Drive 3 miles south on FR 618 until you reach the campground.
www.publiclands.org/explore/site.php?id=679
Cunningham Campground
The elevation of Cunningham Campground is 9,000 feet above sea level. There are no utilities, water or toilets. This is true camping. Bring your RV, but it is recommended that you not drive anything over 22 feet in length as the vehicle will have difficulty negotiating the switchbacks on the roads leading up the mountain to the campgrounds.
Directions:
Take US 191 to Arizona 366, from Safford, Arizona. Drive south 8 miles. Turn right onto 366 and go southwest approximately 25.8 miles. The campground is between Grant Creek and Moonshine Creek. Access to the campsite is seasonal.
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/camping/sites/cunningham.shtml
About the Author:
I am a Registered Financial Consultant with 6 years experience in the financial services industry. I am trained in the financial planning process, with an emphasis in life insurance and annuity contracts. I have written for Demand Studios since 2009.
