FREE Boondocking Camping - Lake Pleasant

[@clinthowe7629]

Carefree highway actually goes past I17 and dead ends at Scottsdale road in Carefree thats about fifteen miles east of I17. i was raised near 24th street and carefree highway. I did my share of waterskiing at pleasant.

[@floatdude]

Gone boating there a lot, spent many of summers there. Boated there when there was the old dam, the new dam made the lake much bigger.

[@lindawoody8501]

Thank you for the pleasant views of Lake Pleasant. Glad you found a good free boon-dock camp site. Thanks for the look behind the scenes into your fine rig. Safe travels!

[@stephenbrown3763]

Hey Russ!!! "SHOWING" ALL Arizona has to "OFFER!!!

[@xstanadu]

Awesome drone footage ! Wow ! I never knew Lake Pleasant was such a big area ! Thanks to you and your travels there ~ we all got to see it !!!!!! Thanks much for taking us all along on your Boondock Adventure !! Will look forward to what’s next ! Safe travels and again Thank you , SIR ( and hey , salad looked pretty good ! )

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

Boondocking, salad, drone views, beautiful scenery…couldn’t ask for anything better! 👍

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

The approach to Lake Pleasant was such a surprise. All of a sudden, there it was!

[@xoxo2008oxox]

I love these videos! So much work and yet so...relaxing. And the scenery! All those cactus. Thanks and keep on RverTV!

[@johnlenart597]

Enjoying one of many close to home hidden gems. We often drive across the country and never see our own backyards. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@autumnskyes5633]

There's an ice storm going on with a chance of a foot of snow in some places here in Duluth and Superior. These videos remind me there really is a sun. 😆 Be safe and don't forget to have fun.

[@michaeldane197]

Hey US 60 runs very close to my house within 20 miles of the Ohio River. US 60 meets in Huntington WVA.

[@timpage8996]

Water in Lake Pleasant comes from Lake Havasu by canal and then heads to Tucson by canal too!

[@skm9420]

Saguaro, Bartlett, Roosevelt, Alamo

[@susanstrickland6774]

Closer to home is turning out great! That was a beautiful drive, lake, and boondocking spot. Excellent drone footage, so clear. That lake water is so pretty, and I love the cacti. You have a great set up with the van, all ya need. 😊👍

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Thanks for the trip and bringing back my childhood memories I remember sitting in the water and the bluegill would come up and nibble on you. Safe Travels

[@RvDavy]

Been there grew up in Scottsdale az saguaro lake lake pleasant Bartlett lake russ you must check out Bartlett. Plus go to horse shoe dam 7 springs all close together go check out another time. It's worth every penny check out online for videos on.

[@lloydbaker6988]

Hey Hey it's another Ride Along With Russ again today. "LOVE IT" 👍

[@sarahh7024]

You missed quite a bit of the park but that way you didn’t give away the secrets! Never been back as far as you. Didn’t realize you would still see the lake. But back there somewhere there is a really fancy resort, like 5 star only open to paying guests. Hope you talk about the boon docking farther east on HWY 74.

[@vroddestroyer300]

Thank you Russ!!

[@lindamartin2045]

Thanks for another beautiful day.👍👍🤗😳🙂. Your van appears efficient and comfy, cozy. The saguaros are gorgeous.... keep an eye out for the sneaky low growing sharp cacti....ouch!

[@patd4u2]

I've parked at that camp area a few times trail riding in my UTV for the day, you can go from there up to Crown King. It's a rough ride but a very popular trail, they have some western buildings and a Saloon where you can get some really good hamburgers.

[@timclosson7166]

Thanks for the tour!! My wife spent a lot of time there at that lake back in the 80s with her kids, and friends. Memory lane for her!! Thank you!

[@timpage8996]

Stayed at Lake Pleasant for a week or so in 2018 trying figure this RV stuff out?? Have a cousin and family in Peoria that I spent Thanksgivings with.

[@kevinp2820]

Hello Russ, those power lines head out to a place called Castle Hot Springs. Lots of history too it. JFK stayed there to recoup from his war injuries. Big resort for the rich and famous back in the day. It is being rebuilt as another exclusive resort for the rich and famous today. How was your overnight stay? Hopefully the campground neighbors weren’t too noisy.

[@lyndacompton1846]

My sister lives in Tucson can't wait for your visit there

[@peggymccurdy1941]

Thank you for the trip. Can’t believe the size of the lake. Like your van set up and your delicious salad.

[@stephbrandenburg9957]

Now that’s a reason to go fishing. Your supper looked great. I’m only on pineapple upside down cake mode . So much for my diet. Take care. Thanks for lovely excursion!

[@campgoerOne]

Hi Russ! 🙋‍♀️

[@lizhuffman5537]

I really like your setup. Especially the lounge chair.

[@jesscarey7666]

Thanks for the drive Russ!!

[@purejoy1658]

You surely do a great job on your videos! How do you do what appears to be overhead videos or aerial videos?

[@timadams3489]

Very cool !! You sound like Bruce Dern . Great sound, great video quality, fun trip, THX !👍👍👍👍

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

Thanks a bunch Russ!

[@gypsydavefreeman]

Thanks for the in-depth video of this area! I’m coming this week in March 2023! Looks like there isn’t any snow ❄️ ⛄️ there either, lol

[@zrkn1]

So many memories, and dang Russ, you sure are good at this. I've never seen that area from an eagle's point of view. Fantastic!!

[@ericthered760]

Hey Russ - @1:03 - You're on the far western end of US Rt. 60 - I live on the far eastern end - terminus Virginia Beach, VA !!

[@caroliram1982]

So glad you drove down the Carefree Highway--so pretty!

[@rvertv]

thank you

[@charleshicks3492]

Thanks Russ; brings back memories; haven’t been there since 72; when I nearly drowned; no fees back then😎😎😳

[@paulricher5547]

Thank's for the trip Rusty!!

[@larrymiller8210]

Never knew about lake Pleasent. Next winter for sure. Thanks Russ

[@lucyfoster8624]

Thank u for sharing Russ. Thanks for the tour of ur van. The west is sure a beautiful place!

[@bennyhill6161]

RusS does it Again folks!

[@deetrvl4life875]

Yum!! I haven’t had 1000 island dressing in ages and it use to be my fav! Thanks for the reminder! Enjoyed the trip and the tour! ❤️

[@gregprince2523]

B.O.A.T. Bring over another thousand!! Bankruptcy starter kit!! You got that right Russ!

[@juliebradford2999]

Thanks for Sharing! Stay Safe.

[@kimbrandom2789]

I grew up in the Phoenix area, many moons ago, in my teens and early 20's Lake Pleasant was a boating/fishing/party lake so it wasn't my vibe. I prefer quieter recreation areas a bit more nature focused. But this was a fun video, and interesting to see how developed Lake Pleasant is after all these years. Thanks for sharing!

[@macbook802]

It depends where you are

[@skm9420]

@@macbook802 and when you're there

[@skm9420]

If you make friends with someone that has a slip at pleasant harbor I've seen monster fish on the surface when I was roofing the bathrooms they put out after the last big storm that tore up the harbor.

[@sammott8557]

Water and lake is beautiful. Again, I envy you in your travels. Again, keep on sharing and I will keep on following your videos.

[@seymourrivers6169]

Thank you for this episode of Free Boondocking camping @ Lake Pleasant

[@steveshortridge6255]

You got it going on Russ awesome !

[@bruceanderson7762]

When you go thru Wickenberg, you need to try Anita's for lunch, or dinner...it's an absolute must.

[@krazymike1912]

Was just there had great time with my son doing some fish

[@josephatkins6581]

Nice show, Thank you

[@WEHenry]

Yum-yum, salad looking good & healthy Mr. Russ👍🤠🌴🇺🇸

[@kengyang1908]

Good u give wifi info....wish l was bak there n l just left there three weeks ago....Minnesota boy with a 75 degree view every day....I'll B Back....by the way everyone l met was so chill n laid bak....thanx AZ....good time n please. B kind to mother nature n mankind

[@cyn4rest]

Love the lake. It always amazes me to see so much water in the desert. Thanks for a nice trip, Russ. Sleep tight

[@scottfrost8956]

You need to go to Apache lake. Just outside of Phoenix along with Canyon, Saguaro and last but definitely not least, Roosevelt lake which is the largest of the chain of lakes.

[@kimfrommn7162]

Great Day!!! Thanks for taking us with you!!! 🤗♥️🙏🏼

[@HH_A.M.]

I love your videos; i live the vanlife and on my bucket list im visiting good majority of the places that you recommended. 👍🏾

[@nancycain4434]

Beautiful lake, thanks for the drone video. Your van setup is really nice.I hope you got a peaceful night's sleep.

[@billmccabe6188]

Nice to see your rig

[@surfdetective]

I felt the breeze……very cool seeing your set up

[@robertjean659]

Great setup in the van. What time did you say dinner was? 🇦🇺🇦🇺👍👍

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thanks Russ, always appreciate your videos. As silly as it may sound, it’s great that you mention the phone reception in an area. Safe travels!

[@Go4Corvette]

Thanks for the tour, Russ. Have fun.

[@brunsonpowner8925]

A normal intersection in the NJ/NY area

[@dungteller367]

looks like your having a good time. I was full time for 7 years miss it a lot. health has me in a house. Even my smallest rig had a full bath 14 foot Casita. Thanks for posting your travels, I'll keep an eye on your journey.

[@Greg_Jones]

I just left the Table Mesa Trailhead area. It's just before the Park entrance way on the other side of the lake. I rode to the entrance but didn't have my wallet for the $2 pedestrian/bike fee. The guard let me ride down to a viewing area. Nice!!! 2 miles from the lake and got my first mosquito of the year.

[@miguelmartinez-ew9hv]

if you try to get a reservation in August should be no problem. It is still winter Snow Bird are still here. Come back when the temp hit 115, lots of room then.

[@boondocksteveo1586]

Fantastic video Russ, A must place to visit.

[@ojtamayosr]

I bet there were a lot more snowbirds there as recently as two weeks before you arrived.

[@johnmckenna8989]

...Well, I just had a big salad,....feel like I'm in my old Chevy/Frontier campervan parked beside you, lol .....Do you ever take night shots, desert at night, starry sky kinda thing ? ......Thanks for doing my traveling for me...........................John, (west coast,Can.)

[@desertrose9499]

Gorgeous! I missed this one!

[@bren_artstudio54]

Glad to see inside your van! ❣️🌵🌵❣️✌️✌️❣️

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

🙋‍♀️Hello Russ! Carefree Highway let me slip away on you.... Do you remember that song by Gordon Lightfoot? Too cool for school. Lake Pleasant was very inviting. The blue color of the lake is beautiful. All the vehicles in the parking t gave the impression it was busy. Where were all those people? Fishing must be really good. They were on the other end fishing & boating. Salad looked very inviting for a hot day. Your Bluetti Serves you well when boondocking.

[@roadtripmaniac5478]

Very cool!!!

[@roblow6309]

Thank's that's not a bad place might have to try that place someday !!!

[@robhebbs7960]

Nice rig Russ, you got all the comforts a single man needs. I like the lakes on the east side of phoenix, where i live. Roosevelt and Apache lakes. I will be at Picacho peak state park this weekend Russ, Honk your horn when you go by on I-10 heading to Tuson .

[@patrickhastings6421]

I’m glad you did a video on this area! I’ll be in Arizona starting in October.

[@gregprince2523]

That was a good spot Russ!

[@dylanreynolds8264]

lake pleasant would be a great place to visit someday

[@donnafriedt-gyulay3815]

Nice to see you'll be eating healthy!! I like that!! Yay, you!!

[@thomascraig2732]

Great videos Russ.

[@realMartinHamilton]

Thanks for sharing this gem of a place Russ! Looks like you had a gorgeous day to make this cool video. Too bad people want to create all that noise with their generators. If only there was a way to convince them to go solar.....

[@Truth-f2q]

The water by that road was all dried up but 3 weeks ago it filled up again.

[@clinthowe7629]

if it hasn’t changed since i was there last there’s another big marina over by the east end of the dam opposite a boat launching area.

[@alfredosanchez2466]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 I’m currently at lake pleasant now for a whole year saving on rent so I can retire by 35 ❤ but I loved the video Kool✨💫

[@dougt8215]

I like it when you show the screenshot of the map so I know what area you are talking about. More maps every once in awhile would be great.

[@JeffOnTheRoads]

It’s referred to as “Old Airstrip” on Campendium. Very popular with the OHV community, and for good reason; direct access to the lake, and hundreds of miles of trails, including one that goes all the way to Crown King (4x4 or SxS only). The site is fairly wide open and can get crowded, with only so much space available. On the the southeast side of the lake you’ll find the New River Road camping area, which is larger and much closer to supplies. Both have their advantages. You could easily drive through both on the same day to decide which feels best. No problems turning around.

[@yshsuzuka]

Thanks, nice video! What is your drone brand name? I like to have one! I like the desert area of the southwest, so I enjoy watching your travel. Safe drive!

[@LLC273]

I have only boondocked in a national forrest where we were pretty isolated. Next time you go to one, would you show us what the etiquette is for picking a spot in those fairly crowded open areas?

[@Volunteersunrise]

Russ, I really enjoyed Lake Pleasant. It reminded us of a Desert Reservoir in north New Mexico east of Farmington. The place is called Navajo Lake and it is wonderful. If you are staying more regional this year you might want to "check it oooout". Lol We discovered it by accident last year because we ran low on gas and the young folks working at the marina were so helpful. The earthen dam is a thrill ride crossing from the south. Just a heads up from Tennessee. Safe travels.

[@azrooster602]

i come here all time not for camp , you can go to water shore line from here . love your video

[@mjm3852]

This looks like an awesome spot; thanks for sharing! Was it busy/noisy/dusty with the ATVers?

[@caniexplain7086]

love your videos from kolkata(india)

[@treasuretom13]

Hi Russ great adventure! Can you give me the brand name of the solar block window foil your using? Cheers Amigo!

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

Miss my 20-ft ski boat. If it's the last thing I do in retirement is get me another one.

[@carlh-thehermitwithwi-fi679]

i like that price! I'm watching your videos in reverse.

[@magicworldbyjorg]

..cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…

[@dalekundtz760]

Boondocking around any major city is usually crowded. Was wondering if you could have taken the van out a ways on some of those trails? Saw some trailers out their and would believe they were not towed out with a dune buggy. That lake was great from the drone shots. Was interesting to see the green water close to the boat marina area. Thanks for taking us with you Russ.

[@GeographicallyFree]

If you drive the trails to the lake from the OHV staging area, there are some spots there. We walked it a few weeks ago and saw a van and a truck camper settled in at a couple different spots lakeside.

[@rapsux]

Hi, Can you tell me if there is a road that goes down to the lake area from the BLM staging area? How close to the lake can we get with a 26' RV? What I was wondering is if we could boondock above at the BLM area, put our boat in the water at the south ramp and drive it over to the NE side of the lake and park the boat there for the weekend and have access to it from the BLM area. Drive our truck as close to the water as we can get to access the boat?

[@birdman5223]

Good stuff MrRuss🌝