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Phoenix-area GTG Feb 8-12 Usery SP - Lunch on Sunday

PostPosted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 9:32 pm
by JudyJB
Just updated heading to include location and dates. Several folks can make it at least for a day.

I am going to be spending most of the month of February in the Phoenix area at three regional parks: Usery Mountain, McDowell Mountain, and Lake Pleasant. All have water and electric and are very scenic. They each have paved sites that are well spread apart. Cost is about $26/night.

Of the three, Lake Pleasant is the prettiest, but a long way from anything. Usery is Sonoran Desert and gorgeous, but it is also only a couple of miles from Mesa, AZ, so very convenient to things. Haven't been to McDowell yet.

Here is website for Maricopa County Regional Parks: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/camping.aspx

Usery also has a group site for tents and RVs with no hookups. Need 6 to commit to this area, if anyone is interested.

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 5:41 am
by Bethers
I've been to all 3, like all of them. McDowell is my favorite, but wouldn't rule out any of them! I'll be further south, though. If you have reservations, with dates, you might want to make one of the locations an official gtg and see who can make it. I do know that during that time, they may all get pretty full.

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:27 am
by avalen
I'll come visit for a day trip. We also have a forum sister in Mesa, hopefully she'll see this and respond too.

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:45 am
by mizdeb
I will be in that area also so count me in for anytime except Thursday Fri and Sat. Will be working those days.

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:39 am
by avalen
I drove by Usery a few weeks ago, thought that area was beautiful. McDowell Mtn is gorgeous too and spaces are really far apart.
Can't say that I care a whole lot for Lake Pleasant, too many jet skies disturbing my peace ;) :D

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 10:52 pm
by snowball
I probably would be in for a day trip as well get so lazy in the winter don't want to hook up and go so I'll probably just drive in
let us know the dates
sheila

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 7:14 am
by carolb
A possibility for me, depending on when in Feb :D

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 6:49 pm
by SoCalGalcas
A VERY GOOD possibility for me....let me know the dates. lyn

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 9:15 pm
by JudyJB
How about Saturday, Feb 8 through Wed, Feb 12?? That would give people a weekend and a couple of weekdays. I will be there Feb 7-13. There are still enough spaces available, but you should get reservations fast as they do fill up. I'll be in Site 48.

This is a good campground because it is so close to Mesa for shopping, but you still feel like you are in the wilderness. You are on the slopes going up to a mountain, so you are a lot higher than Mesa and can see the lights of the city at night. Desert Botanical Garden and Heard Museum are terrific day trips.

Here are a couple of photos from last year:

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Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 5:40 am
by carolb
Ok, I'll be staying with friends in Mesa (if I'm not in CA at that time), so may just be a day visitor too! Which campground did you decide on???

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 5:41 am
by Bethers
And which of the 3 cg's will you be at those dates and are recommending for the gtg?

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 6:29 pm
by JudyJB
Usery Mountain, Buckhorn Family Campground. It has only one campground that I know of other than group campgrounds. I will be in site 48.

There are some primitive campgrounds there, but this is the only one with electric. And I need electric, especially when there is no shade. A lot of birds and other animals here. Nice, really big spots.

Here is the page with maps. http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Sun Oct 20, 2013 11:09 pm
by Bethers
JudyJB wrote:Usery Mountain, Buckhorn Family Campground. It has only one campground that I know of other than group campgrounds. I will be in site 48.

There are some primitive campgrounds there, but this is the only one with electric. And I need electric, especially when there is no shade. A lot of birds and other animals here. Nice, really big spots.

Here is the page with maps.

Since you've officially picked which week and location - how about editing your first post of the thread with that info, including editing your subject line - and maybe also the link you meant to post here :)

One of us will make it a sticky when you do that.

Re: Anyone interested in Phoenix-area GTG in February?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 8:42 am
by SoCalGalcas
Hi Judy, I have a reservation for 3 nights..9th, 10th, & 11th. There were not many sites left when I got my reservation so if others are planning on coming, better get those reservations in. lyn

Re: Phoenix-area GTG Feb 8-12 Usery State Park

PostPosted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:25 pm
by JudyJB
Done! Thanks for the suggestions, Beth.

While I have listed 4 days, let's let a day for those who want to come for just a day. Does Sunday, February 9 work for everyone? We can plan a potluck for that day. And maybe a walk/hike?

Here is the park website: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/