Dispersed camping in the Gila

Within the Gila are many unmarked primitive campsites with no tables, no toilets, maybe a home-made stone fire ring, maybe shade, maybe not.

 

Shade and seclusion

 The majority of dispersed sites I stayed at were along SH15 as they were more abundant and offered a variety of scenery, from the deep woods to a bare hilltop.

 Making do with what the spirits provide

 

good windbreak, stone fire ring, great view

oh, the view

can't see this from the campgrounds

a bit close to the edge, but out of sight

Many of these boondocking sites are suitable for smaller vehicles (read: towing a camper might be a chore), but 5.4 miles past McMillan is Pine Flats, a large old growth spacious cleared-out expanse suitable for just about anything. NFS does stockpile rod rock here, so just sayin'. My first stay was during the Early Times, when no one came out..spooky at night, having it all to myself...but I found my hatchet there, so check your camp sites for stuff others leave behind.