Boondocking Adventures in Williams, AZ

A beloved camping haven for my family is nestled within the forest of Williams, AZ. We love camping amongst the green trees, the red dirt, by the blue lake, all while being surrounded by elk and deer. It is free and peaceful, but yet a short drive to downtown. Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, situated about 35 miles outside of Flagstaff. 

Where to stay in Williams, AZ

1. One of our favorite camp spots of all time is Dogtown Rd Dispersed . It is the epitome of boondocking- completely cost- free. Just remember to arrive well- prepared with water and a full generator for a truly off- grid experience. 

• Our visits to this spot have been exclusively during the summer, precisely during the enchanting monsoon season. These monsoons hold a special magic, and the earth eagerly absorbs the rain, allowing for a swift dry-up, leaving us with a comfortable camping experience.
  
  
  
  
  

2. Following about a week of boon-docking, we usually transition over to Railside RV Ranch for a few nights. This allows us to catch up on laundry and dump our gray and black tanks. While it may be a bit costly, after boon-docking it becomes a reasonable expense.

3. Lastly, we stayed at the Grand Canyon/ Williams KOA Journey. We stayed here years ago, before we had our fifth wheel. We stayed at a tent site, and loved it. If you choose to stay here bring your bathing suit for the pool and check out the go-karts!

What to do in Williams, AZ

1. There are plenty of trails to hike in Kaibab National Forest. Last time I went hiking with my mother- in- law, we came across a herd of elk. We may or may not have gotten lost, that is still up for debate. 

2. Take advantage of Dogtown Lake Reservoir, put your kayak on the water or catch some trout from shore. 

3. Don’t forget to shop local in the quaint and historic downtown Williams, located on the infamous Route 66 where you will find Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum.

4. For the more adventurous, try out the Route 66 Zipline or visit Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.

5. One of our family favorites is Bearizona Wildlife Park. You have the option to drive or walk through, we did both. Pack your patience if you drive through, bears are known to just sit in the middle of the road for a while, it happened to us! We loved watching the curiosity of the black bear cubs. 

6. We also took our kids Target Shooting in a designated and safe area. We believe it’s responsible to teach our kids gun safety. You may disagree and that’s okay. They had a lot of fun, both of them are excellent shots. I’m not too shabby myself, although being around guns isn’t my favorite, I hate loud noises. 

7. Lastly, take a drive to The Grand Canyon, walk a few trails, and soak its beauty.

Where to eat in Williams, AZ

1. One of the most popular places to eat is Cruisers Cafe 66 Bar and Grill. We have never personally eaten here, but our family says it's delicious. 

2. Our Aunt says the best waffles she has ever had were served at Pine Country Restaurant.

3. We also like the bbq and atmosphere at Frontier BBQ and Beer Garden. They have a nice outdoor area set up with corn hole and ping pong. 

Williams will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a place that reminds me of family. A place surrounded by beauty. A place where you are sure to experience monsoons, a place to get relief from the heat, a place where stillness is rewarded with deer, elk, or a golden eagle. Williams is a sacred place where our Aunt’s ashes are scattered, a place so quaint, yet filled with so much to experience. 

Bible Verse of the Day

Romans 1:20 NLT

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 

Reflection

• We are explicitly instructed to observe nature as a means of understanding God. In Williams, I felt a sense of humility in the face of His immense power demonstrated by the monsoons, while simultaneously being enraptured by His benevolence in safeguarding the birds amidst the storms. Witnessing the Golden Eagle fiercely protecting its nest left me in awe of His guardianship. Gazing at the stars and contemplating the moon illuminating our camp filled me with wonder.

• Out of all the planets out there, ours is the only planet proven to host life, otherwise known as the goldilocks zone. I believe it takes more faith to believe in the long chain of implausible coincidences in order for our earth and everything in it to exist, than to believe in a creator. Look at the intricacies of our DNA and the complexities of our human eye, our complex cells, and the 60,000 miles of blood vessels within our bodies.

• I see God when I look at the creativity of a giraffe with its beautifully patterned coat , its elongated neck that defies gravity, complete with a long tongue perfect for grabbing leaves, not to mention its colossal size representing strength and finesse . I look at the platypus and see a creature that lays eggs, has a duck -like bill, sports otter- like feet, and boasts a beaver- like tail and all I can see is a sense of humor that points to a creator. I can go on and on, but you get the picture.

• God reveals himself to every nation and every generation, are we open and humble enough to see it and accept it?

Prayer

I pray that God will reveal Himself to each of us through His creation whether that be through nature or people. I ask that we will be humble enough to admit we need His grace everyday and I praise God for that grace He freely offers through His son. I’m grateful that there is nothing I need to do to earn my salvation because I would fail. May God inspire us and give us the desire to get out in nature and really experience His presence.


* I'd be THRILLED to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment or prayer request below.


*Never miss out on future posts by clicking here to follow me!