Category Archives: BLM property, free camping

This property is managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management). As such, citizens are allowed to camp for free. Sometimes a pass to display on your vehicle window is required. Always check with the District office for that State.

Hi Jolly Campground, Quartzsite AZ_Mar-31-2023

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March 31-Apri 6, 2023

This is one of my favorite no frills homestead stops, and one I escape to when I am tired of dealing with folks who feel they are entitled to more camping space than anyone else. Also, the host (Alex) is a wonderful, caring person. He is observant and makes sure people honor the 14-free day stay clause.

Hi Jolly is a free 14-day BLM dispersed (wide area) camping area location in Quartzsite, AZ on U.S. Highway 95. There aren’t any amenities (sewage dumps, electricity, or fresh water spickets). However, this property is conveniently located near service stations. A bank, fresh water and propane refills and dump stations. As well as, a grocery store, family dollar, dollar general, hardware store, fast food shops and indoor dinning eateries.  There are seven or more nearby campgrounds to name a few.  So, if you enjoy crowds, crowded living spaces, and busy people constantly roaming around. I certainly don’t like crowds and can only deal with these living environments occasionally.

Therefore, after watching the constant movement of people, hearing my neighbors conversations, and my dog Echo barking constantly, because our neighbor and their guests were sitting close to our motorhome to dodge the sun, rather than on their concrete patio slab under an umbrella. Further, slamming motorhome doors and closeness of one neighbor who decided to park his roofless ATV close to my motorhome to block blowing rain from get into his ATV.

At this point, I determined it was time to leave and visit with Alex and his wife at Hi Jolly, my peaceful place to mentally prepare myself for my return trip to Sioux Falls. It was a blast finding a few Canadian and European friends at Hi Jolly, planning their severe weather escape enroute home, the same as I. We left Hi Jolly in waves. Wishing each a safe journey home.

Jolly Holly Campground_Feb-25-2022

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Holly Jolly Sunset

Upon leaving B-10 Campground I stumbled upon Holly Jolly a 14-day free stay BLM designated primitive campground for tent, rv, trailer, fifth wheel and camping van owners which is also located in Quartzsite. Though no utilities (i.e., water, electric or sewage dump stations) are offered to beforementioned users living at the campground.

The Pit Stop, a facility less then 5-minutes away offers freshwater stations for campers to refill his/her water jugs or freshwater tanks. As well as inground stations to personally dump your own waste tanks and have portable or mounted propane tanks refilled by a service provider.

The host was extremely friendly. We talked for the longest time and was joined by a current resident, who was also friendly and confirmed my impression of the host.

There is a lot of land here. You are free to homestead wherever is comfy for you. If you don’t like your chosen spot, you are free to move around until you found a spot that works for you. Also, once your 14-days end. You must pack up and leave this property.

You are allowed to stay 14-days free at another BLM campground located 25 or more miles from this location. Then return to this property for another 14-days after you have stayed at another place for an additional 14-days, the host said.

He gave me a 14-day pass to display in my window which showed my arrival and my scheduled date to exit the campground. I thanked him and drove to a wide-open uninhabited space. A few days later I was joined by a few Canadians who were gracious neighbors and became fast friends.

Dakota Guarding our Home

Saddle Mountain Ranch Tonopah AZ

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Saddle Mountain is a landmark peak in the desert west of Phoenix in the township of Tonopah AZ. This BLM property is surrounded by private and State lands.

Folks are quick to speak of beautiful mountainous scenery and quietness, but not the flies. These suckers are determined to ruin your day.

You are greeted by many flies as soon as you open your door; they brutally attack by flying close to your face, ears and head until you kill it. I’ve tried but can’t determine why there are so many flies in this area because it does not stink.

Further, this property is not easy to access if your mobile home’s leveling jacks are close to the ground. Otherwise, your jacks will be damaged due to volcanic size rock scrapes upon entering the access road and throughout the grounds.

Tonopah is a small farming community consisting of a service stations, a post office, restaurants and schools. If you need to shop or conduct any type of business, you must travel 4.2 miles to Avondale, 23.5 miles to Buckeye or 33.6 miles to Goodyear. In fact, I travelled to Goodyear because the closest Staple’s supply store was in that area.

I spent 3-days at this BLM property; mostly inside my mobile home looking out the windows. I conclude, the mountains are certainly interesting.

Saddle Mountain_2

Saddle Mountain_3
A very rocky area – no runners here