The main camping area is a flat area on the mountainside East of Summerhaven, with a steep approach. The view from the area is great, and the area has some pines, as do the neighboring properties. Turkey cross the property seasonally, as well as the occasional deer. This is a leave no trace site.
The site is current undergoing enchancements, so there will be evidence of demolished boulders, landscaping, and fencing. The site is safe to traverse, but care should be taken to avoid rock and uneven terrain, fence posts, and so on. Usage of the site is at your own risk.
Toilet and waste:
A bucket toilet is provided, with composting bags. Toilet waste, as well as other waste, must be taken with you, when you leave; there is no trash service. There are sometimes dumpsters in town that can be used to dispose of waste.
The bucket toilet consists of a bucket, bucket seat, funnel, and hose. The consumables are composting toilet bags, wood shavings/chips, and toilet paper. You do not need to use the funnel and hose, but may if you wish. At a minimum, place the bag into the bucket, with the bag edge over the edge of the bucket, and place the bucket seat onto the bucket. The bucket seat should firmly fit onto the bucket, and retain the bag.
When your stay is complete, please make sure the seat and bucket are clean, as well as the funnel and hose, if you used them. Please make sure all supplies are returned to the Toilet Supplies container.
Directions:
The address is 12672 N Ray Ave.
Make your way to the intersection of N Sabino Canyon Parkway and Retreat Rd. in Summerhaven, AZ. Head east up the steep Retreat Rd., and make the right onto Tucson Ave., followed by a quick left onto what Google says is Ray Ave. Make an immediate right onto N. Ray Ave, and follow the dirt road until a steep driveway on the left appears. This driveway (and the other entrance 100 ft further on) provide access to the land. If trying to park off the driveway, enter the first driveway entrance to drive forward onto the approach and park, or enter the second driveway and then back onto the approach and park. Once parked (See Parking for additional instructions), access the land from the driveway according to the images.
Parking:
WARNING: Do not park on the driveway itself. There is a half-moon driveway that provides a way to either drive forward or backward onto the approach. Park on the (1) dirt approach to the land, just off the steep driveway, or (2) on the half moon parking spot at the top of the driveway, or (3) at the bottom on Ray Ave, out of the way. If any vehicles are blocking vehicular access to the dirt approach to the land, please contact me.
Recreation:
The shops of Summerhaven are close. Marshall Gulch is a popular recreation area on the Arizona Trail, South of Summerhaven. There is also a lot of opportunity to hike and rock climb on the area.
The area is not very suitable for RVs; it is not possible to bring an RV onto the property.This site sits among pines, and has a great view of the Mt. Lemmon mountainside west of Summerhaven. Expect the occasional group of turkey to come up the driveway or path, and plenty of other birds in the trees. It's a good option for someone hiking the Arizona trail, or planning to spend time at Marshall Gulch, Summerhaven, or other places on Mt. Lemmon.
Notes: *Top Site presently accommodates best up to a 4-person tent, plus chairs, space for composting toilet, etc.
*2WD vehicles can make it up the hill, but AWD or 4WD is recommended. The road is paved most of the way. Do not try to come up Ray Rd from the south; the road is incomplete.
*It's a steep but safe walk up from the parking area. If you park on Ray below the parking area, then it will be a longer steep walk.
One neighbor is not often there, and is relatively quiet and private when they are. The other immediate neighboring lots are undeveloped, so the site is relatively private.
The site is big enough for a couple of small tents (no more than 4-6 people). There are storage containers available (please use the heavy tool box as a bear box), as well as a bucket toilet with supplies. There is no water on site. Leave no trace, or, better yet, leave it better than you found it 🙂.
The site is current undergoing enhancements, so there will be evidence of demolished boulders, landscaping, and fencing. The site is safe to traverse, but care should be taken to avoid rock and uneven terrain, fence posts, and so on. Usage of the site is at your own risk.
Toilet and waste:
A bucket toilet is provided, with composting bags, as well as a privacy tent. Toilet waste, as well as other waste, including pet waste, must be taken with you, when you leave; there is no trash service. There are sometimes dumpsters in town that can be used to dispose of waste.
The bucket toilet consists of a bucket, bucket seat, funnel, and hose. Do not use the funnel and hose. The consumables are composting toilet bags, wood shavings/chips, and toilet paper. Place the bag into the bucket, with the bag edge over the lip of the bucket, and place the bucket seat onto the bucket. The bucket seat should firmly fit onto the bucket, and retain the bag.
When your stay is complete, please make sure the seat and bucket are clean. Please make sure all supplies are returned to the Toilet Supplies container.
The address is 12672 N Ray Ave.
Make your way to the intersection of N Sabino Canyon Parkway and Retreat Rd. in Summerhaven, AZ. Head east up the steep Retreat Rd., and make the right onto Tucson Ave., followed by a quick left onto what Google says is Ray Ave. Make an immediate right onto N. Ray Ave, and follow the dirt road until a steep driveway on the left appears. This driveway (and the other entrance 100 ft further on) provide access to the land. If trying to park off the driveway, enter the first driveway entrance to drive forward onto the approach and park, or enter the second driveway and then back onto the approach and park. Once parked (See Parking for additional instructions), access the land from the driveway according to the images.
Parking:
WARNING: Do not park on the concrete driveway itself. There is a half-moon driveway that provides a way to either drive forward or backward onto the approach. Park on the (1) dirt approach to the land, just off the steep driveway, or (2) on the half moon parking spot at the top of the driveway, or (3) at the bottom on Ray Ave, out of the way. If any vehicles are blocking vehicular access to the dirt approach to the land, please contact me.
Recreation:
The shops of Summerhaven are close. Marshall Gulch is a popular recreation area on the Arizona Trail, South of Summerhaven. There is also a lot of opportunity to hike and rock climb on the area.
