Mescal Mountain OHV Area

For Arizonans who live for the thrill of off-road adventure or simply seek a rustic, no-cost camping experience amidst rugged desert landscapes, Mescal Mountain OHV Area near Kearny offers a unique and exhilarating destination. This is not your typical manicured campground; it’s a designated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area with a dedicated camping zone, providing direct access to "miles of trail" for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles. While it embraces a raw, untamed spirit, it also provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Imagine spending your days exploring scenic trails with "a nice view" and your evenings under the vast Arizona sky, all without the burden of camping fees. Mescal Mountain OHV Area is a testament to Arizona’s diverse outdoor offerings, inviting locals to embrace the dust, sun, and adventure that define our state’s incredible landscapes.

Mescal Mountain OHV Area is located in Kearny, AZ 85137, USA. More specifically, it's situated within the vast expanse of Arizona's desert landscape, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a designated OHV recreation site. Access to the area is typically via unpaved roads, as is common with many BLM and State Trust Land sites. One detailed source provides directions: "Take SR-177 South about 22 miles. Turn left (east) on Hammond Drive and stay to the right (you will see two water tanks and road will turn to dirt). Continue .4 miles. Go over second cattleguard and veer left, continue .3 miles. Go over third cattleguard, campground is on the right." These directions indicate that while it's accessible from a state route, the final leg of the journey involves dirt roads, which might be rough in places, as suggested by a review mentioning the "old girl looks run down and used" referring to the area's overall condition. This means a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable. Being near Kearny, the area benefits from proximity to basic town services like gas and convenience stores (e.g., IGA within 1-5 miles SW), which is a practical consideration for a rustic camping and riding spot. Its location within the desert terrain, at an elevation of 2000 to 2400 ft, provides specific climate and riding conditions, with "rocky" trails and "few" trees, meaning limited natural shade. An AZGFD (Arizona Game and Fish Department) OHV sticker is required for off-highway vehicle use, a standard regulation for such areas in Arizona. This combination of accessibility to a town and immersive desert environment makes it a strategic choice for Arizona's off-road enthusiasts and campers.

Mescal Mountain OHV Area offers a range of basic, rustic services aimed at supporting off-road enthusiasts and campers. These amenities, while not extensive, provide essential comforts for a stay in this rugged environment.

• Free Camping: Camping at Mescal Mountain OHV Area is "free and is available on a first come, first serve basis." This makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious Arizonans looking for an outdoor getaway.
• Designated Campsites: There are "twelve campsites" available in the staging area. Each campsite is equipped with a "shade ramada, fire ring and picnic table." This is a significant amenity for a free, rustic campground, offering a dedicated and somewhat comfortable space.
• Vault Toilets/Restrooms: Restroom facilities, typically vault toilets (outhouses), are available on-site. While one review mentioned "the windows are broken out and there is no water going to the toilets" in an older review, more recent information suggests "restrooms" are available, implying basic, functional facilities.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available "On Site," which is a crucial amenity for primitive camping in the desert environment, though campers should verify the operational status of the water source upon arrival.
• Loading Ramps: For OHV users, loading ramps are provided, making it easier to unload and load ATVs, UTVs, and other vehicles.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are present at each developed campsite, allowing for campfires, provided fire restrictions are not in place and common sense safety rules are followed.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meals and outdoor activities.
• Shade Ramadas: The presence of "shade ramadas" at each campsite is particularly valuable in the Arizona desert, offering much-needed relief from the sun.
• Trash Containers: The campsites are equipped with "trash containers," although reviews caution that "garbage hasent been collected in months" at times, highlighting the importance of campers practicing Leave No Trace principles and being prepared to pack out all trash.
• Designated OHV Trails: The area features "25 miles" of designated OHV trails, offering a variety of terrain for different skill levels.
• Permit Required for OHV Use: An AZGFD (Arizona Game and Fish Department) OHV sticker is required for all vehicles, with non-residents also needing to purchase an Arizona OHV decal.
• No RV Hookups: As a rustic OHV area, there are no RV hookups (electric, water, sewer) at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for dry camping.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities available on site.

Mescal Mountain OHV Area offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for off-road enthusiasts and rustic campers in Arizona. These elements contribute to its unique appeal, despite some of the challenges noted by reviewers.

• Extensive OHV Trail System: The primary highlight is the dedicated "25 miles" of OHV trails spread across approximately 9,600 acres. These trails range from "somewhat rocky to very rocky" roads, providing varied terrain for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and even street-legal SUVs and Jeeps. This makes it an ideal playground for off-roading.
• Free Camping with Amenities: The fact that "Camping is free" is a significant draw. Coupled with this, the presence of "twelve campsites, each with a shade ramada, fire ring and picnic table," provides more structured amenities than typically found at free dispersed camping sites, making it surprisingly comfortable for a no-cost option.
• Potable Water Access: The availability of "potable water" on-site is a crucial and highly valued amenity in a desert environment, allowing campers to refill their supplies without leaving the area.
• Scenic Views and Hiking Opportunities: Beyond OHV riding, the area offers "a nice view" and is a "Good place to hike." This means visitors can enjoy the rugged beauty of the desert landscape on foot, taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and terrain.
• Shade Ramadas at Campsites: In the Arizona desert, natural shade is scarce. The inclusion of "shade ramadas" at each campsite is a thoughtful and practical feature that significantly enhances comfort during hot days.
• Diverse Terrain for All Skill Levels: While some trails are very rocky, descriptions suggest there are routes for "Amateur" riders, with "Some" for "Expert," indicating a variety that can accommodate different skill levels.
• Year-Round Accessibility: The OHV area is open "Year-Round," allowing Arizonans to enjoy off-roading and camping during the cooler winter months, which are often ideal for desert activities.
• Remote and Rustic Experience: This area offers a truly remote and rustic experience. While this can lead to issues like uncollected trash and vandalism as noted by some reviewers, it also means a less crowded environment for those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness feel.
• Elk and Wildlife Viewing Potential: Being in a natural desert habitat, there is potential for wildlife viewing, though not specifically mentioned for elk as in some other Arizona regions.

For Arizonans planning a visit to Mescal Mountain OHV Area, here's the essential contact information:

Address: Kearny, AZ 85137, USA

While a specific phone number for the Mescal Mountain OHV Area itself isn't directly provided in the reviews, this site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). For inquiries about current conditions, regulations, or any specific concerns (like waste management mentioned in reviews), it would be advisable for prospective visitors to contact the nearest BLM office responsible for the area. A general search for "BLM Arizona Florence Field Office" or "BLM Safford Field Office" might yield the relevant contact information, as these offices often manage recreation areas in central and southern Arizona. Additionally, resources like RiderPlanet USA (a motorcycle and ATV trails website) provide detailed information on regulations and amenities for the area, including the requirement for an AZGFD OHV sticker. Since camping is free and first-come, first-served, direct communication with a managing agency or consulting reliable online OHV resources before your trip is highly recommended to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on access, conditions, and any specific advisories.

Mescal Mountain OHV Area is an excellent choice for Arizonans who embrace adventure, off-road recreation, and rustic, free camping. For locals, its primary appeal lies in its designation as a free camping area with specific amenities like "shade ramadas, fire rings and picnic tables" at its 12 campsites. This offers a rare and valuable opportunity for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy an extended stay in the desert. The extensive "25 miles of trail" cater directly to Arizona's vibrant OHV community, providing diverse terrain for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes right at their doorstep. While reviews note some challenges, such as the roads being "rough" and occasional issues with trash or noise, these are often part of the reality of free, primitive camping areas and can be managed with proper preparation (e.g., packing out trash, choosing a site further from potential noise). The "nice view" and opportunities for "hiking" also provide a multi-faceted outdoor experience beyond just riding. For Arizonans seeking to explore the rugged beauty of our desert landscapes, enjoy thrilling off-road adventures, and camp under the stars without a fee, Mescal Mountain OHV Area offers an authentic and accessible slice of Arizona wilderness. It’s a place where the wild spirit of the desert meets the freedom of the open trail, inviting locals to create their own adventures.