Tanque Road Dispersed Camping

We were staying up at Hog Canyon not to far away from this site but it was getting a bit chilly in the evenings. On a day trip into Safford we went exploring and found Tanque Rd. We like the fact that the elevation was quit a bit lower and then we found the perfect location for our MH. Very large pull in site right off the main road with a fire pit (just a circle of rocks). We moved the same day.
There is the occasional truck that comes buy but so few it was hardly noticeable. It seems there is some light hunting and by all the broken beer bottles...target practice. We only heard a couple of shots fired the whole time we were there.
The site we picked was a half mile off of US 191, but there was another larger area another 1.5 miles further down the road. I road my mountain bike about 8 mile down the road and found many other places to pull off and camp wether on the main road or an offshoot road. Be aware that the offshoot road will, at some point require a truck or 4-wheel drive. We will defiantly stop here again if we come this way.
Have some motion activated solar lights as there are pack-rat mounds scattered all around. We had no problem but if caught with no lights...well, be warned.

July rain may not be a good time, only traveled about a 1/4 off hwy, road condition was muddy, pools in places, found a pull off and stayed a few hours, but worried about going any further due to road condition and not being able to turn around with trailer.

Would have like to have gone further down the road to see what is all there, but caution prevailed.

I like it, but would rather travel when dryer.

We only drove up this road to check out some BLM. Have never off grid camped. Staying at a koa close by wishing we would have stayed here. This road is all sand and 20 miles long. I would imagine during wet seasons or after rain could be slick/muddy. We were here in the end of December and the road was very smooth. Not problems beautiful views can’t be beat. Will remember this spot and hope to do some off grid camping in future.

Here’s the good. It’s close to the highway and 20 miles down the rd is the hot wells. It’s also beautiful with the mountains in the distance. Especially if you go about a mile or 2 in..
The bad. Ground seemed fairly packed when we came in. It rained the first night and when I stepped outside the next morning my boot sank into the ground. I knew this wasn’t good. Getting out was like pulling a trailer down a slip and slide. I got lucky and was able to walk the tires out. Even if you have 4x4 you need to check the weather and make sure it hasn’t rained and won’t rain while you’re there. I stayed one night in a 27ft TT with 4x4 diesel.

We stayed here for 2 nights in late March of 2021. Had no problem getting our 26’ bus to a big, secluded site about 2.5 miles off on 191. Our site had 360 degree mountain views and we could see anyone coming and going on the main road.

We saw 2 rigs near the entrance and continued on to find a nice spot. Our site was littered with bullet casings, which we cleaned up over 200 .22 cal shells. Must get lively during summer or hunting season. We heard no gunshots during our stay.

The Hot Wells were closed due to Covid, so we didn’t get to check them out. Safford is 20 minutes away for major supplies if you need.

We pulled in Sunday at about 2 took the road to the right to the 1st pullout. we have a 20 foot trailer and there was plenty of room I would suggest if you were a bigger rig to stay up a the top of the road. We did not go down 20 miles to the Hot Springs we stayed up on the road so I’m not sure what all is down there. We were the only ones out there.🙂 safford is a 29 minute drive and has everything you need there. You must see the historical part of safford. We collected 3 13 gallon bags of trash. 😩 come on people do your part so we can keep camping on BLM for free some of us depend on it...

Pulled into our campsite Thursday late afternoon. We were situated about 3/4 off 191 on the right hand side of Tanque Road. Most of the viable sites closer to the road had already been snatched up. Tanque Road is a nicely maintained dirt road that 25 foot long Jose the Campulance could navigate easily.
I found this area to be beautiful, with views of the mountains from ever angle. We were treated to a gorgeous sunset that evening, and the next morning were able to get in a nice walk along the double track trail near our site. We did not experience our site to have litter and was very clean. A fire ring was present and we did find a couple nails by the ashes, so be careful when driving in!
Verizon gave us 2 strong bars

Stayed 4 nights here, great quite spot with cell service! We were able to get in & out just fine with our 30 foot class a motorhome.
No trash services, pack it in & pack it out. Would stay here again!

Plenty of spots further in. Easy access for all. Main road is solid and pull offs and spur roads in great condition. So quiet and beautiful views. Would stay again

Arrived mid Saturday morning, drove 3 miles down the Tanque road and found an amazing site! Stayed for a week. Saw roughly 1-2 vehicles come in a day. Very secluded sites. So peaceful during the day and night. Could see traffic from the main road, but couldn’t hear it. T-mobile 5G was spotty in the rig, LTE worked better inside. I was able to work remotely without any issues (streaming video quality). Will definitely return!!