Rim shot

Time to share another great boondocking location. Most Arizona RVers already know about the "Rim," short for the Mogollan (mog-yawn) Rim, the place they all go to escape the summer heat in the desert. The Rim is the southern edge of a vast plateau that runs half way across the state. Unlike many areas in the southwest, dispersed camping in the national forest right along the Rim is not allowed. However, there are several areas set aside for designated camping, but with no services and at no cost. There's a two week limit, and at the height of summer these areas are in demand. But when I was there right after Labor Day, I had my pick of choice sites right on the edge, with views that extend forever. All were in tall pines, included picnic tables and large rock fire rings.

I tried to get a photo showing how close I was camped to the edge of the cliff, but then I couldn't take in enough of the magnificent view. So imagine my fiver parked just to your right and the land dropping away at your feet. Take a deep breath!

This area is east of Payson, Arizona. If you get the chance, go there. But as I said, there are no services, so please leave your site cleaner than you found it.