Camping and Exploring Near Mayer Arizona

We had no idea how much we were going to enjoy camping near Mayer, Arizona! Honestly we didn’t know the town of Mayer existed and had no idea we were going to be camping nearby for two weeks. Sometimes it’s the random spots that we stumble upon with absolutely no expectations that end up being the best boondocking experiences.

In this case, we were ready to be done in the Phoenix area but it was too cold still to head up to Flagstaff. After a great couple weeks camping near Sycamore Creek we used the National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map to check out forest roads that had dispersed camping on them. That’s when we found the spot that we spent two weeks on camping near Mayer. But the adventures we went on during our stay really made this experience memorable!

Quick Info: Camping Near Mayer

Cost: Free

Ownership: Forest Service

Stay Limit: 14 days

Directions: If you’re heading north on the AR-69, as you’re approaching the town of Mayer turn left onto Main Street. Then immediately branch left onto Antelope Creek Road for about a mile. Turn right onto Forest Road 93/Blue Belle Mine Road and follow that for 1.9 miles. Take another right onto Triangle M Ranch Road and after a half mile turn left and you’ve arrived.

Road Conditions: The dirt roads are well maintained but there are some bumps and dips along the way.

Miles From Town: About 5 miles from Mayer

Cell Service: Yes

Solar: Excellent

Where to Get Water: There are a couple Glacier Water refill stations in Mayer.

Our Experience Camping Near Mayer

As we were checking out forest service roads to look for dispersed camping we weren’t having much luck. Many of the roads were extremely rough, super narrow, and impassable with a trailer. Luckily, we turned onto Forest Road 93 and were lucky enough to find a spot. Thankful just to have found a nice spot, we couldn’t have asked for the next two weeks of adventure that we were lucky enough to experience!

The spot that we settled into while camping near Mayer was extremely quiet, secluded and pretty. There were tiny wildflowers all over, and vast green views. Immediately, it felt cozy and we were happy to be home. Later that day we had a few curious horses come over and check us out. They were so intrigued by us, it was adorable.

Camp here later – Pin it now!

During our two weeks camping near Mayer, there was virtually no traffic. We encountered one local on a four wheeler, and that’s it! We heard coyotes on several occasions and also some dogs barking at the nearby ranches. But this spot was very peaceful! And there is not much light pollution to spoil the skies in this area so the stars were incredible.

If you need supplies while camping near Mayer, there is a gas station with really low gas prices and some other provisions. There is also a Family Dollar, post office and some other shops.

Now, on to the good stuff! What made our boondocking experience here so great was our random exploring nearby.

Exploring from Our Campspot

I won’t bore you with the details about all of the dirt roads and washes that we explored but I will highlight some of them!

Small Summit Adventure

Naturally, we set off to explore the “road” that we were camping off of. This rocky road climbs up along the hillside and leads further into the (beautiful) nothingness. We followed it until we reached a watering fixture at the base of a steep, rocky peak. From here, we knew we didn’t walk this far to not climb to the top of this small peak. So we scrambled up the rocky hillside and before we knew it we were at the top!

There were great panoramic views and a glimpse into more of the nothingness that surrounds this area. It was beautiful, unexpected, and a great day hike without leaving home. While we were at the top we saw a scorpion, some lizards and then some cows in the distance.

Wash to Road to Mines Walk

For our next random adventure, we walked to the first wash and took a left. Eventually, the wash intersected with the dirt Blue Belle Mine Road which we decided to take. We followed the road up. It climbed and climbed until finally we got to a vantage point to see where the road leads up ahead. The walk was much more of a hike than a walk on a road. The conditions were a bit rocky, pretty steep and granted great surrounding views. From the top we could see some evidence of mining operations. This wasn’t an amazing adventure but it was a cool walk to see something new without leaving home.

Wash to Rocky Canyon Dryfalls

Our favorite adventure in the immediate area of where we were camping near Mayer had to be this one. Once again, we turned left at the first wash from home. We followed it past where it intersected with Blue Belle Mine Road. We passed lots of cool rocks, then some bigger rock formations and even some higher canyon walls.

Even further from there the wash reached some awesome river rocks, some big enough for climbing. There were dryfall rock formations that made this wash much more exciting.

We continued following the wash for about 3.5 miles one way. During this stretch we found more dryfalls, some small pools, adorable frogs, beautiful flowering cacti and everchanging scenery. Eventually, the wash leveled back out and there was a small stream flowing at this point. We turned back once we saw there were no more exciting rock formations.

Also in this area we had our first encounter with Javelinas! We were heading home after the adventure and heard something nearby. We though we were looking at wild pigs but after we got home and did some research we found out that they are called Javelinas! They were so cute and it was so exciting to see an animal that we’ve never seen (never even heard of) for the first time! Definitely a cool moment that we won’t forget.

Camping near Mayer was a great experience!

There are also some OHV roads and trails in the surrounding area. Within an hour drive from where we were camping near Mayer there are some other cool hikes to check out. Like Watson Lake in Prescott! Or Little Granite Mountain Loop. And the two must-see hikes: West Clear Creek Trail and Black Canyon Trail. This ended up being a really cool spot to camp. There was so much to see without leaving home and the spot itself was pretty, peaceful and relaxing.

Thanks for Reading About Camping Near Mayer!

Here are a few of our other unexpectedly adventurous boondocking experiences:

• Camping in the Black Hills
• Boondocking Experience at Trona Pinnacles
• Camping and Climbing at Logandale Trails
• Laguna Mountain Camping

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