Spending the Fall, Winter, or Spring in Central or Southern Arizona, is a popular plan with RVers. RV parks in these parts of the state offer great weekly and monthly rates as well as plenty of activities from October thru April. But, getting reservations in these parks requires planning ahead or persistence and luck.
No Worries. There’s a good chance that you can find a gorgeous desert spot to boon dock. Boon docking in AZ is so much more than thoughts of Quartzite. That could be nice for a week or so, especially in January for the RV show. But if your idea of boon docking doesn’t include views 100s of other RVs for as far as the eye can see in every direction, and freezing temperatures every night (yes, Quartzite can be quite chilly), I’m talking to you. Central Arizona may be the place you want to plant yourself for a spell.
Are you hoping to spend lots of time outdoors, hiking, seeing ancient ruins and natural beauty? Or do you enjoy restaurants with Al Fresco (outside) dining, golf, tennis, shows and museums? Is this a split decision? No worries! Staying anywhere near the phoenix area allows you to enjoy the best of both lifestyles. The city proper contains over 40,000 acres of park and preserve land, from popular Camelback Mountain with its steep 1.2-mile summit trail and ceremonial Hohokam Indian cave, to the 2,608ft Piestewa Peak and the easier trails of nearby Dreamy Draw Recreation Area in North Phoenix.
There are plenty of outdoor shopping centers in all parts of the area that are as much entertainment center as they are places to shop. Many offer Patio Dining, water features, and outdoor fireplaces with comfy couches as well as outdoor concerts.
Winter is when many gardens come to life in the Sonoran Desert. One of my favorite places is the 140 acre Desert Botanical Garden, established in 1939. It’s home to more than 50,000 cacti, succulents, and flowering desert plants, many
of which bloom in winter. They have concerts and other events thru out the cooler season.
All that is within the city limits! However, just a short trip in ANY direction will open up so much more! Head east for Lost Dutchman State Park at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. They have camping with hookups and stunning views from your site. They have plenty of ranger lead programs, fabulous hikes for all levels, and quiet evenings (if you don’t count the coyotes howling).
A little further up the road is the stunning Canyon Lake. If you have a National Parks Pass, it works here for parking as this is in the Tonto National Forest. You can explore in your own kayaks, rent a boat, or book an excursion on the Dolly Steamboat where you will learn about water management in the Arizona deserts and maybe see some bighorn sheep or a bald eagle!
Just north of Mesa is Saguaro Lake. You might see the famous Salt River Wild Horses here. And Yes!!! Your National Parks Pass works here too! There are some fantastic trails, my favorite is from Butcher Jones picnic site and wraps around one side of the lake. Come here at Sunset and you are sure to see lots of families and couples dressed in their best attire
having professional photos taken. It’s that beautiful!
One of the best ways to get out and see nature is on horseback. My favorite place to start is https://aztrailriding.com in Mesa, AZ. We met at their ranch where we chatted a bit, then they loaded up our horses and drove to a location near the Salt River. We saddled up and followed a trail into the trees. We found several of the Wild Horses, Cardinals, and even wild cattle! Mike and Shannon will arrange 2 hour to multi-day camping or glamping trips with their beautiful horses. Rides are tailored to your skill level, but don’t expect to just sit on a horse looking at the rear end of the horse in front of you. They want both you and their horses to have a great adventure. If you’re going to be staying nearby, take lessons at their ranch and earn your boots this winter!
