Affordable Camping Gear Blog! » camping gear

Joe the camper — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:43:16 +0000

GunslingerTM Corral Hunting Holster Product Review

I know I’m not the only one that finds it difficult keeping a rifle slung on one’s shoulder while maintaining one’s balance climbing over rocks and deadfalls, or crossing creeks and logs, or low crawling to that ideal vantage point. And it sure seems like the rifle picks the most inopportune time to slip, clanking against a rock and dinging the scope or stock.

It’s just always been something that as hunters we’ve had to put up with — until now. Enter the Gunslinger Corral from New Frontier Products, a simple device that attaches to any belt, from a standard pants belt to the belt on a back pack, and if you’re a suspender man and don’t have a belt, well it comes with its own.

This isn’t a gimmick, it really works. I could write a few hundred more words about it, and I will just as soon as I’m back from my Canadian Moose hunt, but watching the Gunsligner Corral video will demonstrate what a great product this is. And just in time for hunting season. Affordable hunting gear.

Firearms!!

Joe the camper — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:52:42 +0000

We now carry all of your hunting needs as well as all your camping needs. We now carry affordablehand guns, affordable rifles, affordable combination firearms, affordable revolvers, and affordable shotguns. We carry many brand names in firearms. We carry Braztech, Browning, CZ, FNH USA, Glock, H & R, Heritage, Knight, Marlin, Mossburg, Rossi, Savage Arms, Savage Rimfire, Taurus, Thompson Center, Traditions,Walther, and Winchester Guns. We can have them delivered to a local gun store in your area with in a couple days. We have over 20,000 guns in stock. We are very competitive in pricing. Give us a holler and we can suit your needs with affordable firearms to suit your hunting needs.

Folding Beach And Camping Chair.

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:27:15 +0000

When going to the beach, it’s a great idea to take a folding beach chair with you. Typically when people go to the beach, BBQ grills, volleyballs, and picnic supplies. But the one thing that someone shouldn’t forget is the beach chair.

Resting your feet in the sand while taking in the sunshine is apt to become the new great American pastime, or really the pastime of anybody who appreciates the fine art of rest and relaxation. Available for a low price, you can find a good folding beach chair at several retailers.

Camping Sites in Arizona 19

Joe the camper — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:08:06 +0000

Potato Patch on Mingus Mountain
Jerome
Without a doubt, ghost towning is one of the most popular activities in the state; abandoned mining camps are spread across the entire territory. Many were literal flashes-in-the-pan: A quick strike quickly played out and the residents disappeared. Where precious metals were found in larger quantities, more enduring towns were established.Jerome, on Mingus Mountain, is one the most picturesque of these mining communities. Built directly on the steep mountainsides, some of the ramshackle buildings slide a few feet down the hillside every year. Much of the town has been restored and thrives as an artist’s colony and one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
Potato Patch is the closest campground to the bustling town. It rests high on the mountain, offering tall ponderosa pines as shelter to those seeking rest after a day of shopping in old Jerome. Hiking in nearby Woodchute Wilderness is another popular pastime. It is a good place to pitch your tents, and enjoy the nite sky from your sleeping bag.

Don’t miss it: Spend an evening waiting for Elvis or Jimmy Hoffa to appear while nursing a beer in the Spirit Room (one of my favorite haunts in Jerome). Then watch the stars twinkle through the pine boughs while stretched out on the ground at Potato Patch.

Directions: Take SR 89 west out of Jerome until you see the sign for the campground.

More info: Verde Ranger District, 520-567-4121

Lynx Lake
Prescott
Striking it rich: Thoughts of wealth fill my mind as I strain for a flash of gold in the swirling muddy water and gravel of a handheld pan. Although my labors are in vain this day, there’s something hypnotic about the whirlpooling vortex. I’m outside the popular retirement community of Prescott, at the forested retreat of Lynx Lake. Golden morning sunlight streams through tall ponderosa pines lining the lake’s edges. Fishermen in boats appear silently suspended in the morning mist. While gold panning is a popular diversion, fishing is the main attraction at this destination.

Directions: Take the Walker Road turn-off about five miles outside Prescott. Follow Walker Road to the campground.

More info: Bradshaw Ranger District, 520-445-7253

Camping Sites in Arizona 18

Joe the camper — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:04:50 +0000

42. Idlewild
Chiricahua Mountains in southern Arizona
The Chiricahua Mountains are one of the most famous of the “sky islands” in southern Arizona, rising from the desert floor to elevations up to 9,600 feet. Components of the Sonoran Desert, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madres come together to create a unique combination of flora and fauna that has captivated the scientific community for decades. Every spring, the Cave Creek section comes under scrutiny as birders descend into this ecological melting pot attempting to catch a glimpse of the elegant trogon. With a spectacular red breast and green metallic feathers on its upper parts, the trogon is one of the few tropical species in the continental United States.
Other rare species also are known to inhabit the Cave Creek area. Idlewild’s close proximity to the Southwest Research Center (managed by the Museum of Natural History in New York) makes it an excellent base of operations for birdwatchers.

Directions: Take SR 80 south from Interstate 10, then turn west to Portal. From Portal, take FR 42 west for two miles to the campground.

More info: Douglas Ranger District, 520-364-3468

43. Cattail Cove State Park
Lake Havasu
On a lake where rambunctious boat parties are common, this park offers one of the quieter camping experiences. Nice views of Lake Havasu are afforded by most of the somewhat smallish campsites. But visitors come for the boating and swimming, which are easily facilitated by a boat ramp, jetty and dock. After all, with the lake adding humidity to one of the state’s hottest temperature zones, hanging around the campground is the last thing you’ll want to do. The facilities are superb, with showers, a horseshoe pit and a playground for children.

Directions: Take SR 95 south from Lake Havasu City. Turn right at the sign for the park. Campsites can be accessed from any of the boat ramps on Lake Havasu, or from the boat ramp in the park.

More info: Cattail Cove State Park, 520-855-1223

44. Cattail Cove Boat-In
Lake Havasu
My friend John is riding the wake of the boat on a pair of water skis. The cool breeze washes over me as we skim the calm waters of Lake Havasu. I’m searching the shoreline for a secluded cove in which to set up camp. Spotting a likely location, I yell back toward Bob and point. Swerving toward the shore, Bob releases the line and coasts in. The east shore of Lake Havasu is your oyster — if you have a boat and camping supplies. The 140 campsites that can be accessed only by boat are spread over 15 miles of shoreline and offer a unique camping experience. Bob and I set up camp and return to the water for more skiing. Tonight, we’ll watch the stars come out and wait for the moon while pork chops sizzle on the barbecue.

Directions: Take SR 95 south from Lake Havasu City. Turn right at the sign for the park.

More info: Cattail Cove State Park, 520-855-1223

Camping Sites in Arizona 17

Joe the camper — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:57:39 +0000

Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Southern Arizona
It sometimes seems more liquid than flora: When the wind gusts, the grass ebbs and flows around my knees like the tide. Moving in, then sucking out. I watch a single gust of wind sweep across the grass like a wave in a turbulent sea. Radiating a golden luminescence in the fading sun, the rolling grasslands cascade against the distant mountains. I’m standing on dry land in the middle of an ocean at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge, while obviously a place to observe a plethora of wildlife, offers a pristine camping experience in the savannahs of southern Arizona. All camping is backcountry and is permitted only at designated sites. A multitude of roads crisscross the deserted countryside, allowing travelers to find complete isolation.

Directions: Take SR 86 from Interstate 19; turn south on SR 286. Continue until you reach the sign for the refuge.

More info: Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, 520-823-4251

   West Stronghold
Dragoon Mountains in southeastern Arizona
     It’s easy to see why Apache chieftain Cochise chose to hide in the Dragoon Mountains while waging his personal war on white settlers. The Dragoons are a veritable maze of granite spires, yawning crevices and abrupt precipices. Balancing rocks and boulders, the size of small houses, are sprinkled across steep hillsides. Cochise successfully evaded the U.S. Army and lived comfortably off the land while holed up in the friendly confines of the West Stronghold for years.
     When I think about it, I realize I like the Stronghold for the same reasons. I can disappear from the maddening crowds, and although I don’t exactly live off the land, I enjoy camping here. There is no organized campground, but there is an abundance of natural campsites. Hole up next to the stream, surrounded by massive sycamores and barren canyon walls. Or withdraw to the wide, rolling grasslands that seem to cascade against the mountains. In the West Stronghold, the choices are abundant.

Directions: Take Middle March Road east from SR 80 just north of Tombstone. Turn left onto FR 687 and follow the signs.

More info: Douglas Ranger District, 520-364-3468

Camping Sites in Arizona 16

Joe the camper — Thu, 14 May 2009 06:39:40 +0000

Bog Spring
Madera Canyon
Serious birdwatchers flock to southern Arizona from all over the country to add to their life-lists. Fabulous Madera Canyon is one of their most popular destinations, as the lush canyon attracts a variety of species. Watch as a vermilion flycatcher does his bat imitation in the pursuit of airborne insects. Listen as a pyrrhuloxia (also known as a gray cardinal) announces your presence with a loud alarm. Monsoon rains in late summer sometimes precede an explosion of colorful butterflies in this mountain oasis. The canyon also offers hikers many choices with over 65 miles of trails. The cool, wooded campground proffers shaded campsites and a nature trail.

Directions: Take the Madera Canyon exit east from Interstate 19. Follow the signs to the campground.

More info: Nogales Ranger District, 520-281-2296

Patagonia Lake State Park
Southern Arizona
Moderate year-round temperatures and wooded, lakeside campsites are the attractions. A swimming beach and paved boat ramp are available, and nearby Sonoita Creek Trail offers recreation for hikers. As with all state parks, the modern facilities include showers.

Don’t miss it: My favorite activity is floating around the placid waters in a rented boat — while pretending to fish.

Directions: Take SR 82 from Nogales. At milepost 12, turn west onto a paved access road until you reach the park.

More info: Patagonia Lake State Park, 520-287-6965

Hawley Lake
East of McNary
First light barely penetrates the tent fly. I roll out of my sleeping bag, crawl through the doorof my camping tent and grab my rod ‘n’ reel. I hear the faint cries of distant coyotes carried on the still morning air as I barefoot gingerly down to the shore. The smooth surface of the lake reflects the rich reds of sunrise as I rear back and send out a near-perfect cast. My fly sends out a series of small ripples when it alights on the water. A trout rises up and takes the fly almost immediately. Ah, breakfast on the hook. Where can you fish right out of your front door? You guessed it, here at Hawley Lake. The campsites are arranged around its edge, giving campers a feeling of near-isolation even when the campground is full. Gotta go; the frying pan is hot!

Directions: Take SR 260 east from McNary. Turn right on Route 473 and drive until you get to the campground.

More info: White Mountain Apache Reservation, 520-338-4385

Camping Sites in Arizona 14

Joe the camper — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:31:18 +0000

Bright Angel Campground
Grand Canyon backcountry
For a while the spectacular ever-changing views compensate for the pounding my legs an knees take as I descend the long trail. As the miles roll by, the pack on my back seems heavier, and my quadriceps begin to burn. To me, hiking continually downhill always seems more taxing than the uphill journey. At the end of the 18 miles trail, the campground at Bright Angel awaits, shining in the growing dark like a beacon to my weary and battered body. This is certainly one of those situations where the destination is as rewarding as the journey. Located in the amazing inner gorge, Bright Angel is one of the most incredible backpacking campsites in the world.

Don’t miss it: The canyon walls glow deep, glorious shades of reds as twilight slowly encroaches on the day.

Directions: Bright Angel can be reached from the south rim on the Bright Angel trail, or the from the north rim via the Kaibab trail.

More info:Grand Canyon NP 520-638-7875

Horseshoe Reservoir
Cave Creek
Boaters, fishermen, birdwatchers, and hikers are all attracted by the recreational opportunities available at Horseshoe Reservoir. Although this is a wonderful place to do some quiet fishing, my favorite activity is bird watching. Bald and golden eagles are often sighted in the tops of the tall sycamores. I have spent many an hour leaning back in a lawn chair watching an eagle’s activity with binoculars. The spacious campground is located in a thick and lush mesquite thicket. So bring your boat, fishing rod, hiking boots and binoculars; Horseshoe has got it all. You will have plenty of places to set up your camping tent.

Don’t miss it: Across the dam is some of the wildest and isolated country in the state; determined bushwhackers may be rewarded by a fleeting glimpse of a lion or bobcat.

Directions: Take Cave Creek Road from carefree and turn right on FR 19. Turn left on FR 205 and drive to the junction of FR 205A. Turn right to reach the campground.

More info:Cave Creek Ranger District 602-488-3441

Upper Canyon Creek
Pleasant Valley
The wind gusting through the tall ponderosa pines whispers something I can’t quite make out. The leaves caught in the current of the bubbling creek make lazy circles in the eddy below. Just beneath the surface, silent shadows of elusive brown trout periodically catch my eye. Canyon Creek lies in the shadow of the Mogollon Rim, offering solitude and peace (and an occasional trout) to those who seek to escape the beaten path. The backcountry campsites are dispersed along the creek.

Miss it: Intermittent visits from the local bruin population require the usual precautions. (After all, this isn’t Jellystone and that large black bear pawing through my food box isn’t Yogi.)

Directions: Take FR512 toward Young from SR260. Turn left onto FR33 to reach the campground.

More info:Pleasant Valley ranger District 520-462-3311

Camping Sites in Arizona 12

Joe the camper — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:22:09 +0000

Tortilla Flats on the Apache Trail
I call Tortilla the “in-between campground”: It’s located between the Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness areas, and between Canyon and Apache Lakes. Take a short walk up to the tourist attractions at Tortilla Flat. Stop into the Old West saloon for a drink or take a fascinating look into a box of live rattlesnakes. Nearby Canyon Lake is the most scenic of the desert lakes along Apache Trail, and offers the best wildlife watching opportunities. Big horned sheep and mountain lions have been seen on the steep cliffs bordering the blue waters. The Apache Trail offers travelers views of a lifetime from your camping tent – and smack in the middle is the “in-between campground” at Tortilla.

Don’t miss it: One of my favorite activities in the area is to hike into the Superstition Wilderness at Fish Creek. Rugged and steep, Fish Creek is a maze of boulders immersed in a tangle of sycamore and cottonwoods.

Directions: Take SR 88 out of Apache Junction past Canyon Lake to reach the campground.

More info: Mesa Ranger District, 602-379-644

    Peppersauce Canyon on Mt. Lemmon
     The passageway ahead appears awfully narrow, but I’ve watched three people squeeze through. Just as I pull my hips free from the constricting corridor, my flashlight dies. Alone in the absolute, jet black, not-able-to-see-my-hand-in-front-of-my-face darkness, panic begins to snowball and threatens to become a full-fledged avalanche. I smack the light against the wall and it pops back on. As my pulse slows, I remember I have two back-up lights in my fanny pack. Feeling foolish, I scramble to catch up with my companions. Maybe spelunking is not an appropriate activity for a mild claustrophobe like myself.
      Peppersauce Cave stretches for miles beneath the bulk of Mt. Lemmon, and the wooded campground at Peppersauce Canyon provides adventurous spelunkers with a beautiful base of operations. (Caution: Never enter a cave without proper equipment and an experienced guide.)

Directions: Take FR 38 out of the town of Oracle to reach the campsite.

More info: Santa Catalina Ranger District, 520-749-8700

    Havasu Canyon (backcountry)
Grand Canyon National Park
     Turquoise water splashes over countless travertine terraces. The roaring stream beside me plunges off 75-foot precipices as it thunders to a wide pool. The rock on the perpendicular canyon wall mimics the water; it seems frozen in mid-wave. Walking slowly onto the sandy beach at waters edge, I plop down on a towel. The roar of Havasu Falls lulls me toward sleep; maybe I’ll climb down to Mooney Falls tomorrow.
      The campground at Havasu can be reached only after negotiating a 10-mile trail through the Grand Canyon and the scenic Indian village at Supai. The sites are small, but you won’t want to spend much time there anyway. Havasu Creek cascades over five unique and picturesque waterfalls as it courses to the Colorado River. Three of them, Navajo, Havasu and Mooney, fall within the jurisdiction of the Havasupai tribe. Exploring the creek through a virtual paradise is the backpack trip of a lifetime.

Directions: Contact the tribe at the number below for information and reservations

More info: Havasupai Tourist Enterprises, 520-448-2121

Camping Sites in Arizona 11

Joe the camper — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:42:28 +0000

Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Unlimited shoreline camping make Lake Pleasant a popular year-round destination. As with all desert lakes, it is alive with the sounds of aquatic sports during the summer season. Jet skiing, fishing, boating, swimming and sailing rank as favorites. The fishing can be quite stimulating, as the lake holds the state record for white bass; for avid fishermen, bass tournaments are held on Wednesdays and weekends. Wildlife viewing is another favored activity, with lucky visitors catching a glimpse of a bald eagle.

Don’t miss it: Find a secluded spot on the shoreline for a late afternoon swim and early evening barbecue while soaking up the finer points of an Arizona sunset.

Directions: Take the Lake Pleasant exit on Interstate 17 and drive west 15 miles to reach the park.

More info: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, 602-780-9875

Cave Springs
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon has a well-deserved reputation for its vast wealth of scenic beauty — and the Cave Springs Campground offers one of the finest Oak Creek experiences possible. Many of the sites border the creek itself, but don’t worry if you can’t snag one of those for yourself. There are many things to do to keep you busy. My personal favorite is a leisurely hike up maple-lined West Fork. Take a thrilling ride down the moss-covered chute at Slide Rock State Park or ride your mountain bike up (and down) infamous Submarine Rock. Grasshopper Point affords relaxation under massive sycamore trees. The possibilities are endless. There are many beautiful places to set up your camping tent.

Directions: Take SR 89 south out of Flagstaff. Cave Springs is about one mile south of the Pine Flat Campground.

More info: Sedona Ranger District, 520-282-4119

Grapevine (group campground)
Lake Roosevelt
Notorious as one of the nation’s premier inland states, Arizona has long boasted the largest per-capita boat ownership in the country. On a broiling summer day, one glance at the blue waters of Roosevelt may convince you they’re all on the lake at one time. Not to worry, the vast waters are large enough to provide wet relief for everyone. Jet and water skiing, sailing, swimming or fishing, there is something for everybody. The spacious campground at Grapevine provides large groups of campers with modern facilities. Boat ramps are about five miles away at Windy Hill.

Directions: Take SR 288 out of Globe and turn right onto FR 84 to get to the campground.

More info: Tonto Basin Ranger District, 520-467-3200