Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping Near Tonopah AZ

[@PhotoAlbert]

Wonderful video Ray! So much to enjoy in this one! After the bitter cold we've been enduring here in the midwest, I am so ready to become a snowbird and this looks like a perfect place to go! I loved the photos you added to the end and also the smooth jazz music! Keep up the terrific videos, we love seeing them all!

[@roberthtfld]

Love it there. Can't wait to get back!

[@JazerNorth]

We were there early December. It really is a nice area to park. The rocks settle into the sand overtime as you walk on them and by the end of a week you have a sandy beach where you walked a lot.

[@garywheeler2055]

New sub, very well produced. Love the beagle.

[@mistycreek6342]

Your Google maps intro is a really cool perspective of your travels.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, I hope it adds some perspective to the landscapes. I know I love to use it to research a potential area. What a great tool. Cheers! Ray

[@rbiggs67]

***The perfect edited video*** That was real nice detail on showing the route and location. Then to hike up to show the surrounding was great. I noticed that the Class A that was near you had a nice solar system going on. Well done done slide-show at the too. Safe-Travels!

[@ronwasser4852]

great video was really interested in the stones/rocks

[@JJs-ClassC-Adventures]

Thanks for showing Google map. That really helps me get the correct perspective. We had planned to be in Arizona now, but our 4 year old granddaughter had emergency surgery. We are keeping her while parents work until she is recovered and can stay with regular caregiver.

[@LoveYourRV]

Sorry to hear that. :(

[@thomv2118]

Nice video! Thanks for totally valuable info too.

[@DarkEnergyStudios]

Thank you for sharing these treasures (BLM dispersed camping sites) with us! These are exactly the type of places that we want to visit. Quiet, private and pretty.

[@siriusjay3398]

We boondocked there two times last winter. It was an amazing spot. Great video.

[@carolbulsa3564]

Great video! Really like the satellite map overview at the beginning. It puts the rest of the video in context and provides great info. Interesting to know about the rocks too, plus bonus points for thinking of your wife!

[@LoveYourRV]

Happy wife, happy life! :)

[@craigmorrison6498]

Beautiful video Ray. Can't wait to check this spot out.

[@herezdeb]

Thanks Ray. It's a place I want to check out too. Be safe.

[@georgemcelroy9441]

welcome to tonopah we live down the street on two acres , house is up for sale , and just bought our rv, doing mod to the rv thanks for all the awesome diy videos i have learned alot . ty ty ty

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, your welcome. :)

[@Rphasmid]

Enjoyed this video.

[@kevinklein2610]

Good day Ray and family. My wife and I are venturing into full time Rving in 2.5 years. We purchased a travel trailer in Dec of 2017. We've been to quartzsite for the big rv show in January. We are taking a trip with the rv the second weekend in March. We drove out to Tonopah today 24th of Feb. after watching your video on Saddle Mountain to teach us how to boondock. While we were there we came across your camp today, unfortunately you must have been out exploring, as we did while we were there. Would have loved to meet you as I (we) follow you on the majority of your travels. I enjoy your product reviews as it is helping me learn a lot about what I feel we will need when we start full timing.

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, too bad I missed ya, I was off to town for a restocking run, propane, groceries, drinking water, etc.

[@zacksisland]

Love following along on Google with the picture from your dash cam. What a great location!

[@Walt1119]

Another really great video Ray! Liked the map view at the beginning, and you were right, wow what a sunset sky! And always like the pics at the end!!! Have a great time!! Thanks for sharing with us!! W.

[@bikenmama]

Ray, Saddle Mountain is on my list to be at this year. Thanks for showing us around and giving us a better look.

[@vipermandan]

Love the videos Ray, keep up the good work and thank you for sharing with us!

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome, thanks for watching. :)

[@thebutterflyexpress7565]

This was the first place I stayed when I got to Arizona! It was really beautiful, planning to go back in the spring.

[@LoveYourRV]

Good choice. :)

[@javajunkie9748]

Thank you for sharing another wonderful video. The scenery is just beautiful!

[@gkeller9958]

I plan on arriving there in about a week. Right now spending some time in the Ajo Blm area. Thanks for the view !

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool! we love the Ajo area.

[@romans8385]

I really appreciate the views from the heights, seeing the roads in, getting perspective on those gorgeous mountains. I'm a Marylander and love the Appalachians, but yearn to see the mountains of the southwest. It's cool looking at the map in the beginning of the video, tracing the route. And the beautiful photos at the end...wow...we smiled because it sounds like Peanuts' Schroeder playing the melody. Many thank you's--I don't make videos but I know it must be time-intensive and a learned skill. Godspeed.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome, happy to hear the video is of use and enjoyed. Cheers, Ray

[@rvnormburgess]

great pictures also

[@newenglandersescape8543]

Great pics at the end!!

[@ScotWalt858]

Very nicely done. Thank you.

[@DnSAdventures]

Those were some pretty cool rocks you found :) Love the sunset towards the end of the video! Thanks for sharing Ray, have a great weekend! - Shane

[@pilotdiana]

Thanks for sharing I will definitely try this spot.

[@rick-oj2pd]

It's nice to follow the travel log just to get an idea of the areas where we would, or would not like to explore. I know it's a tough job, but someone has to do it. (Ha Ha) Thanks for all the information.....

[@downundasvideos6402]

Thanks again Ray for another great video, we also very much appreciate the use of Google Earth to show us your tracks. It would be very helpful if when showing us your movements on Google Earth if you could increase the size of your mouse pointer as we have difficulty picking it up. Thanks. Downunda - Melbourne Australia

[@LoveYourRV]

You're welcome, thanks for the mouse pointer feedback. Cheers!

[@warmweeniesdoxiesweaters2884]

Love, love, loved this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindav7609]

It is beautiful there, appreciate the pictures and video. FYI the farm smell you get is not from a farm, it is from an industrial chicken egg production operation which is majorly affecting the town of Tonopah. Hickman Industries.

[@darrelljones5788]

I always enjoyed your video's Ray : ) This place is very nice. Cheers my Friend

[@Aethelwulf_Freawine]

Excellent, informative video! Just what I've been looking for to plan my winter getaways. Cheers!

[@IndigenousPathways]

Thank you so much for your excellent videos! I am relatively new to your channel. I appreciate the use of GE to open your videos with high level information and viewpoint, followed by granular details on the ground re road conditions, cell signal, etc., giving way to your wide vista photos that touch the heart and inspire visitations. I have a VW van and plan to get away from the campgrounds and more onto BLM land in the (hopefully) near future. I just need to establish a battery/solar set up to run my cpap at night. I welcome any ideas you or others may have to offer. Thanks again!

[@LoveYourRV]

Cool, glad you are enjoying the vids, thanks for the nice comment. I think most cpaps require at least one large lead-acid battery fully charged for each night. So in a van, you'll want to try and have at least two coach batteries I would think. to recharge two large deep cycle batteries, 300 - 400 watts of solar panels would be nice to have. Cheers! Ray

[@ontario32twindward]

Loved everything about this Ray, map, music, photos, great job as usual. Just wondering if you have considered a small drone like the dji spark to give another element to your videos.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, Rick. Not at this time. I've thought long and hard and here are some of my reasons. I'd hate to annoy the other campers with the buzzing and the perceived evasion of privacy and many places like state and national parks have outright banned them. Lots of the desert BLM lands are next to military airspace. Most folks come to places I camp at for the peace and natural surroundings. I know I personally I can't stand the sound of the things. If they could figure a way to make them a lot quieter for a cheap enough price I may change my mind. I have many other things on the wishlist of a higher priority though, like a better camera and mic setup. Finally, I'm not sure of the legality of flying one for me as a Canadian in the US, I believe you need some sort of license. Plus I get lots of exercise hiking up to get overview shots. :) Cheers! Ray

[@NonPremiumID]

Bring your screen tent, to shield you from the swarm of flies here. Saddle Mountain has chalcedony (translucent agate) and Fire Agate, here, as well.

[@janicepeck4828]

Great video Thank you ! not been to Saddle Mt. Will put it on my list. Look forward to your video and really appreciate them. Happy Safe Adventures. Jp.OK

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

We enjoyed the views from your hike thanks for sharing your new found favorite.

[@rogerkern]

Really like this format 👍 Great videos as usual.

[@Scrambler85]

Another excellent video thanks for posting

[@4blake]

Beautiful spot! Thanks for the great info and video. Away from the craziness of RTR at Quartsite. Do you ever show any of Ann's photography?

[@LoveYourRV]

No, she has her own blog where she shows it off - annemckinnell.smugmug.com/ I can't afford the licensing fees. , haha Cheers! Ray

[@karenr67]

Thanks for the hike, gorgeous. Don't blame you for not going to RTR.. I've been viewing and it sounds like a soap opera. Too many wanna be Princesses.

[@cmobley69]

Karen R hahaha.

[@izzimichaels2892]

karen r, i get the same impression, way too much drama from what i see here on youtube (rtr)

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

There is a rock exposure that is the actual saddle. When viewing it from one angle it really looks like a saddle. It is not the overall look of the mountain from a distance (like you, this is what I originally thought was why it is called Saddle Mountain).

[@VernonWallace]

Thank you.

[@GaryBoyd02]

Great video Ray!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks. :)

[@huntersummers9807]

Hi Ray, Love your videos and the places you camp at! We found Rockhound state park due to you and loved it! With all of your travels in the southwest have you ever had any issues with Valley Fever?

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, no we haven't had any issues, Seems there is something out to get you almost anywhere you go. we have some bad stuff back in BC like Lime disease and Cryptococcus gattii,fugus. Got to live your life I figure.

[@eddiemharris9351]

Love your videos. While at Saddle Mountain did you notice if any large size Class A's out there? Will the road be ok to drive one out there? Heading that way in Dec and want to check out places to stay. Keep em' coming.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes. There was one I pointed out in the video footage, large Class A. :) See in this photo on the left - www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/gallery/saddle-mountain-blm/View-of-the-campsite.jpg

[@jimmystewart3288]

Ray, do you travel with your refrigerator on with propane or do you turn it off? If you turn it off, how do you keep things cool and frozen? Just wondering. We had a class C and would travel with it on, but are thinking of getting another rig and got to thinking about this and wondered what other RVers do and if it's safe? Great video as always, and give the beagle a scratch behind the ear for me.

[@LoveYourRV]

I know many RVers travel with the propane fridge on but I'm not one of them. We have never had the propane turned on during travel and in all our travels haven't had any food spoil. It holds its temp in there pretty well after all its very well insulated like a giant cooler. The only caveat is we don't RV in extreme temperatures usually 80 degrees is max we see during our travel days. We also don't open the fridge much so it keeps the cold in.

[@ralphfairbanks475]

Been following you for quit a while and have to say that this is one of your best videos. Informational and great slide show at the end 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏼

[@LoveYourRV]

Thank you!

[@cindyhaddock4087]

Hey..enjoying your videos...is this google earth on a laptop? Or some type of gps? Thank you..safe travels,

[@LoveYourRV]

It's Google maps on a laptop using Chrome browser in sat mode with 3D turned on. Cheers, Ray

[@mrrey8937]

Thanks for the video. I've been a ling time watcher of your vids. I noticed on your google maps what looks to be BLM indicator labels, where do you get that info from? for example, when you were describing the path to saddle mountain BLM area, when you final reached the destination I saw a label indicating "BLM".

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, It's actually on Google maps - goo.gl/maps/pGFk8ZqQmcQ2 I was using Google Earth for the video screen captures - www.google.com/earth/ Cheers! Ray

[@mrrey8937]

Thank you very much Ray!

[@johnbarnes1739]

Hello Ray. I'm sure you have been asked this question many times. I'm from the Midwest and we do not have blm land. When I head to the west how do I find blm land that we can camp at. Is there an app for this? Love all your videos. Thanks.

[@LoveYourRV]

Hi John, here is a blog post I wrote up a while back addressing your question in detail :) - www.loveyourrv.com/find-rv-boondocking-campsites-us-south-west/ Cheers! Ray

[@gac914]

Beautiful site!!!

[@theferallife8812]

Nice location but come prepared for pack rats. After our first night a pack rat had built a nest in the engine compartment from the firewall insulation. Fortunately it appears there was no damage to the vehicle wiring.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the warning, we haven't had a problem there in several visits but with all the rain this year and the greening up of the desert, I wouldn't doubt the rodent population is booming, lots to eat. Cheers, Ray

[@kylnj8331]

nice clip!

[@cyndifoore7743]

Another great video Ray, I’m assuming that the still shots are mostly Ann’s. If she’s not selling her work she should be. Great job Ann.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, all the photos in the videos and Love Your RV! blog are mine. :) She is a great teacher it seems, thanks! You can find her photos on her blog - annemckinnell.com/ or she has recently started uploading more vids to her KZbin at - kzbin.info

[@jasff69]

Ray .... Thanks for the video. You really do great videos and admit that I wait for each one to come out. Any problems with mice or bugs getting into the camper while on BLM land? If so, how do you handle that issue. Thanks.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thank you. We haven't had too many issues with bugs but do get mice once in while. We hear them at night pretty quickly and I find good old snap traps and peanut butter solve the problem best. I've been blocking holes with spray foam and steel wool to help stop them. They aren't any more prevalent on BLM land, I've had them in campgrounds and state parks too. Cheers! Ray

[@blueheartcrochet1962]

When you going to be near Phoenix Ray, we are in Florence would be nice to meet you,!

[@LoveYourRV]

We'll be at Lost Dutchman SP from 21st to 28th. :)

[@MrCfuller]

Once you find a camping area how do you get the 14 day camping permit? Do you have to drive back to town? I'm not sure how it works. Play safe on the mountain

[@LoveYourRV]

If a permit is required there will usually be a sign or a camp host on site. Most sites are simply on the honor system. If in doubt you can always visit or phone the local BLM office for the area your in. www.blm.gov I find in general the busier ones require a permit, they want to let everyone have a chance to camp and the lest traveled ones don't.

[@tmathyssen]

Hey Ray. You mentioned that Anne was of taking pictures at the end of this video. Does she have somewhere where she posts her favourites? Facebook or someplace else. Would love to see some of her pics. Take care and safe travels. Tony & Cathy, St. Lazare Qc, Canada.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, you can check out her blog - annemckinnell.com/ :)

[@tmathyssen]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[@saharts]

Hi Ray, with your water topped is it enough to stay 14 days? How many gallons is your on board water tank?

[@LoveYourRV]

We have 60 gallons fresh tank, we could do 14 days if we wanted to practice strict water savings, but we like to wash dishes every day and have quick showers every couple days to stay fresh. Usually, we last 7-10 days. I carry a pair of 7 gallons jugs and can go get water and top up to increase the camp time as well, we have 120 gallons of waste tank capacity. Big tanks for a smallish fifth wheel was one reason I chose this Cougar. We are usually bored and ready to move to a new spot after a week, we like to move around and explore rather than hunker down in one spot. Cheers, Ray

[@alphabetsoup7918]

Ray, do you have problems with cacti/thorns hurting Angie's feet?

[@LoveYourRV]

Depends on the place and the type of cactus. Usually no but I have to be extra careful when in a thick area of cholla cacti as they have extremely sharp barbed needles. Also places the have that dry grass loaded with goats head thorns are a pain but at least just pull out. She is good if she gets one she raises her paw and waits for me to remove it. A man's comb worked well.

[@alphabetsoup7918]

Thanks Ray.

[@waianaegal744]

I'll be heading that way from central New Mexico the 1st week of February. I've stayed at the Buckeye Regional park but now hear it's closing down... how sad it was great there... this will be a very nice replacement. How is cell and over the air tv in this area? thanks and love your video...

[@LoveYourRV]

Great cell since the I10 is so close, but I didn't get any TV channels, probably a good thing as there is never anything good on anyway. :)I saw some rigs camped at Buckeye park on the way by today. Cheers, Ray

[@rd4660]

I had to laugh at the “I didn’t get any TV channels” comment. We made the decision NOT to be a slave to the TV when we retired. Our lives are much more tranquil without being connected to the insanity that passes for network programming and the wacky news.

[@Wannakatana2112]

Dumb question, how does one know the boundaries of this area, what is included in the BLM land and what is not, so as to not park on private property for example? I really just want to be close to the "entrance" anyway but was just curious.Also, does one need some sort of park permit?

[@LoveYourRV]

There are maps you can get that show BLM boundary. Here are a couple examples - arizonaexperience.org/live-maps/arizonas-recreation-cultural-sites-map publiclands.org/Get-Books-and-Maps.php?plicstate=AZ There are BLM offices and visitor centers that will help with paper maps and advice from rangers and volunteers. Also, this post may help you - www.loveyourrv.com/find-rv-boondocking-campsites-us-south-west/ This particular BLM dispersed camping area isn't patrolled to much and I've never seen a camp host or registration, its free and no sign-up or permit needed. I imagine general BLM rules apply - freecampsites.net/dispersed-camping/ Cheers, Ray

[@cloud381]

I am new to your channel I am also new to full timing in general in fact I leave in a couple of months. I look forward to finding out more they your videos. I suspect I will purchase one of your links for half price on wet camping in Gila Bend.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, here is a link to some free ebooks I have online as well - www.loveyourrv.com/ebook-download/ Maybe they will be of help for you. Cheers! Ray

[@cherylcoan7112]

I've been wondering why you keep your little walker on a lease all of the time?

[@LoveYourRV]

Do you mean my beagle? If I didn't she would just wander off. :) Once they get a scent they just follow it.

[@weschilton]

Pretty place! Do you get a lot of noise from that Class A party bus? I always hear about those folks being loud, bright and kicking up a ton of dust.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, was very peaceful. :)

[@ladyjay6741]

Great Video Ray. What's the temp there this time of year? Thanks for the info.

[@LoveYourRV]

Usually, anywhere from 60F - 80F nights 30F - 50F - www.accuweather.com/en/us/tonopah-az/85354/january-weather/2132943

[@northerniltree]

Ray, I assume you hoist your yellow flag as a visual aid to locate your RV in new and unfamiliar settings, with such a large area and from a distance nearly identical looking rigs. Either that, or that's a flag showing that you are an independent & sovereign nation out there in the boonies, whereas you have your own laws & traditions. Maybe a little of both?

[@LoveYourRV]

Mostly its just for fun but does help to find the rig, check wind direction and makes it easy for people that are coming to visit me spot our rig.

[@PatrickHayhurst]

Hey Ray, I don't know if you are a hot water enthusiast or not but there is a half way decent place at Tohonopah right near the filling station across the street to the south. You can go in there and have a soak in fresh hot springs water. It actually isn't a spring but a hot water well, just isn't a spring. Go give it a try. Cheers, Pat

[@LoveYourRV]

Really, cool, I know my wife would like that. Will keep in mind when we revisit. Thanks!

[@cmobley69]

Very kewl. How's the cell service?

[@LoveYourRV]

Excellent, since we had a line of sight to a tower on the I10.

[@keithb3178]

do you worry about scorpions or spiders and snakes for you or your dog

[@LoveYourRV]

Not so much this time of year as it's still cool enough for them to be hibernating or hiding out in their burrows for the most part. Once it gets hot enough we are usually migrating north and up in elevation so don't really encounter them.

[@keithb3178]

thanks

[@jerryhoops4043]

The Titan II Missile Museum is in Green Valley AZ just 35 miles south of Tucson. If you haven't been you might enjoy a tour of a deactivated missile facility. www.titanmissilemuseum.org/

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, been to the area few times, but missed a visit, have had others tell me it's worth a look.

[@PDX53]

Great video & gorgeous sunset skies. I was supposed to be in Quartzite right now but plans fell apart a few weeks ago. Turned out to be a good thing - I have friends who were there & they described it as a "hot mess" & only stayed two nights. BLM has designated a larger, supposedly better site for the 2019 rally. Please get a wind cover for your mike. I love your videos but the wind is distracting. No rudeness intended - I've learned so much from your channel & really appreciate seeing your new gadgets. I especially love the videos where you tell us what you did incorrectly & what you learned.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, we've never been big Quartzsite enthusiasts. It's cool to see once or twice just to experience the craziness, but not the prettiest place to camp. Thanks for the feedback, getting an upgraded camcorder with external mike capability is on the list for sure. The stereo mics on this one are built into the plastic molding, so a wind cover doesn't help. Was waiting for CES to see if any new models came on the market before pulling the trigger. Cheers! Ray

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

Did you need a permit? Where did you get it??

[@LoveYourRV]

Not for this location, it seems. I guess it's on the honor system. I find that in the less trafficked locations. Some of the more popular ones have a camp host that registers you with a 14-day permit, You can always call the local BLM office for the area to find out. - www.blm.gov/contact/arizona Some have little visitor centers with rangers on staff to answer questions and maps.

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

So a LTVA permit does not cover the 14 day sites? Thanks for link.

[@LoveYourRV]

I think the LTVAs are there own thing for folks that want an extended stay - freecampsites.net/blm-ltvas/ I've personally never stayed in one. Most are fairly crowded.

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

We love the places you boondock. Just need to get our feet wet first. LTVA might be a good start since it includes five different sites under one permit.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, its great for that. They are a little more controlled and have some services like sanidumps and garbage. Many folks love them for the social aspect and return year after year.

[@im2crafty]

Where's the critters?

[@LoveYourRV]

Didn't see too much, just a few birds and the odd lizard.

[@philipjanek3864]

What no tents lol

[@LoveYourRV]

Most of the tenters walk or 4x4 in further beyond where large RVs can go. There are some really nice sites closer to the base of the mountains.

[@damiion666]

Where can I take a dump? I will be coming here in my truck

[@LoveYourRV]

Do you mean yourself or to dump a waste tank?

[@damiion666]

Love Your RV lol myself

[@LoveYourRV]

No pit toilets on the BLM land so you'd have to drive about 20 minutes or so back to I10 where there are gas stations and a truck stop.

[@kevinthomas895]

Have you ever stayed near an old gold mine and done some amateur gold mining?

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I haven't. That would be kind of neat! I have a metal detector I carry around in the RV. It's fun to poke around sometimes and find coins and things.

[@The-GreenHornet]

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