6 days of boondocking bliss in the Arizona wilderness

A few weeks back I wrote about the 10 elements to the perfect boondocking campsite.  At the end of that article I mentioned that we rarely find spots with all 10 items on our wish list.  Well, a few weeks back, we hit the boondocking lottery with this one.  It took some effort to find this place and when we arrived, we knew we wouldn’t want to leave any time soon.  Our spot was nestled up against giant granite boulders, excellent protection from the forecasted wind, and steps away from our site were such incredible views of the nearby rugged peaks they looked fake.  We were in boondocking heaven and after 6 days, it was tough to move on.  We soaked up every minute of peace and serenity at this spot knowing that life doesn’t get any better.

I imagine many of you will be curious where this was.  At the risk of ruffling feathers, I’ll be upfront and say that we’re going to keep this one to ourselves.  So many places that were once little known and took time and effort to find are now listed on camping websites and apps complete with directions and GPS coordinates.  This particular place is not listed anywhere and I’d like to leave it that way, at least for now.  I’m sure that will change soon enough.  Our feelings on publicizing locations is mixed as we do use these resources to locate sites.  We’re just discouraged by the increase we’ve witnessed in trash and general disrespect to Mother Nature.  We cherish these places and leave them as if we were never there so that hopefully others may enjoy them the same for many years to come.

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Not only was it a bumpy ride to this spot but we learned that one of the latches on our cabinets broke.  This is why you don’t carry glass in an RV : )
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These boulders were like an adult playground.  We climbed up them every night to watch the sunset.
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On our first night, Mark was visited by a ring-tailed cat.  Mark didn’t get a photo but said it climbed around outside the trailer and stared through the windows at Mark.  He had no idea what it was until googling “raccoon-looking cat”.  We later learned it’s the State Mammal of Arizona.  You’re welcome for that fun fact : )
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Zero light pollution made for some excellent stargazing.
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I have no idea if we’ll ever be back but this spot will forever be remembered fondly.  We hope you enjoyed the photos and understand our desire to not publicize its whereabouts : )

17 Comments

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  • Beautiful photos of a lovely paradise. I betting I know this area but will keep the secret. Almost bought a piece of land there but it was so remote I thought no one would visit, HA! Thanks for sharing!

  • I agree, if it’s special then I wouldn’t share it. Too many times I’ve camped at a location and then have gone back a few years later and it’s trashed. Anymore I don’t disclose routes or locations to any places I find just because of this experience. Plus I think it’s more fun to find them on your own like you did. Safe travels!

  • Like a treasure hunt. Use the photos to look for your perfect spot. I want to know but respect not knowing. Love this website blog.

  • I read your teaser last week and my wife and I were pretty sure we knew where you were. We hope to make it back there someday soon ourselves. Just need to find a new FWC. We’ve been enjoying your posts!

    • Such a great spot, isn’t it?! We knew someone would recognize the photos! We just didn’t want to be the ones to give it away : )

  • The suspension on Casitas was a reason we looked but passed on them. Left stock, they just aren’t designed for a lot of washboard back roads. Did you guys upgrade the springs or add shocks?

  • If you are going to upgrade your suspension by adding shock absorbers, (which you might not have room to do so), you might want to consider replacing it with a Rubber Torsion Axle with the suspension built-in. I used to have an Aliner ‘A frame folding trailer’ with torsional axle, and it works well on washboard & rough roads. I also used to have a Chalet folding trailer with standard straight axle & coil springs, and it bounce like a basketball- not worth a hoot on rough roads.

    I now have a 4WC, and considering getting a Casitas, and replace the axle with a torsional independent suspension axle.
    The dura-flex axles are easily available, and they don’t cost an arm & leg.
    Google: Henschen Dura-Flex Axles for technical info.
    Happy trail to you all.

    • Thanks for the advice Louis! Mark is adding shocks next week. We’re curious to see what kind of difference that will make.

  • Michele,
    I hope the shocks installation will work: rocky & washboard roads can be destructive on things inside and outside of a trailer.
    I have one question: what is the brand & model # of the rechargeable headlamp Mark is wearing standing on a rock overlooking your campsite at night. I’m amaze how much light it puts out. I saw the info, of it somewhere in your web, but can’t find it now. I will appreciate your reply. Thank you.
    Happy Trail to you all,
    Louis

  • Michele,
    I found the info on the headlamp Mark was wearing, I was looking for it in the wrong section of your website. No need to answer my question. Thank you. Happy trail to you all.
    Louis

By michele

About

Hi!  We’re Mark & Michele, a couple of modern-day nomads perfecting the art of slow, perpetual travel.  Our tiny home on wheels and slow-paced travel style allows us maximum freedom at minimal expense.  This blog is where we share our travels as well as our insights in to this lifestyle that we absolutely love.  Thanks so much for being here.

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