Parker Canyon Lake Trailhead

It's just a dispersed camping area right off Lake Rd where the AZ Trail crosses the 2wd dirt road. There is a defined car parking area for the trailhead, and then three other large areas that can handle pull-through, larger RVs, tents, a handful of them at least.

The pro's here are
1. it's free
2. nice view of the lake
3. flat area for camping
4. easy to drive into- really not much further from the Parker Canyon Lake boat dock and store than the defined 'for fee' campground.
5. Verizon cell phone coverage in this spot! whereas there isn't at the campground.
6. It's right on the AZTrail (hiking, backpacking, trail running). The AZTrail is really well maintained and marked. Hard to get lost.
7. There are a few trees around. Scrub oaks and Juniper methinks. So, you might find a little shade or wind-block so that it doesn't feel too barren.

The negatives:
1. Dirt road (but easy 2WD)
2. No water
3. No toilets.

So- a fine boondocking spot.

You'll often find a few others camping in this spot.

I’m 4th generation Arizona and this was my first time here. Tough getting here but once you do it’s absolutely beautiful. There aren’t shade trees but there is a nice breeze throughout the day. It was extremely peaceful and there were free range cows a little farther down the road. The lake only allows 10hp so there’s not boating noise. Great coverage from AT&T.

Great alternative to the lake view campground with better views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Close access to hiking and fishing. Also a nice area to go explore with OHV.

Looked forward to checking this place out and was excited to see that it had cell reception. Unfortunately while we were there it wasn’t very peaceful with Border patrol vehicles constantly flying down the rough dirt road making all sorts of noise. We even saw toilet paper placed higher up in many of the trees in the area. It was quite strange. Made me feel more at ease since I had my pistol with me. I also would not say it is “Big Rig” friendly. It’s a pretty narrow rocky road. Will stay at the Parker Canyon Lake campground next time.

This was our first time boondocking, so we had a lot to learn. Pull into the AZ Trail parking and then walk south on Lake Rd to scout a spot. Road is dirt and rocks and not well maintained, but we did fine with our 2wd. There is a spot right across from the parking area with horse tie posts - not sure if that’s an acceptable place to camp. There were two spots south - the first one had a big dirt “curb” and was a bit overgrown. The second was perfect! 3 of the 4 days we were there it rained fairly continuously and got down to freezing on the last night. You are fairly open to the elements and wind. There was some nice dispersed camping off Montezuma Canyon Road (just to the east) which seemed to have a bit more vegetation. Either spot is a great alternative to Parker Canyon Campgrounds that charge $20/day for a pad and pit toilet - no hookups. Will come back when it’s warmer!