Campground safety in southern NM and AZ

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by JerryJ

Thinking about a trip to southern Arizona and New Mexico and wondering if folks staying in commercial campgrounds in the area have experienced any trouble from migrants. News is full of stories about large numbers of migrants crossing the border causing problems, especially in Texas.
Any information appreciated.

There is more chance of you being driven off the road by some law abiding Arizonan driving recklessly and well over the speed limit than even having any encounter with a migrant.

[darlos]

Immigrants, legal or illegal, are in the US to better their lives.Not to bother campers. I suspect that walking down the street in any US city would be more dangerous than camping near the border.

[videoarizona]

I too have lived in AZ since the late 60s.
Been tent camping, truck camping and now RV camping all over the state. Boondocking and camp grounds. Never had an issue. That doesn't mean there's could be, as there has been. But usually not in the border areas. Most migrants just want to be left alone to get into a city. I know people down south where I live who always leave fresh water in jugs out for the travelers. My aunt did that for years. I live 33 miles from the border. Never had a problem.

I would be more concerned about the wildlife.

Simply put...use best practices as you camp...Common sense prevails.
David

[Yooper906]

Originally Posted by Hollander Mutthaulers

I'm guessing people here illegally aren't going to look for additional trouble.

I'm also guessing. I'm guessing the illegals have already broken laws, no?

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Freeman

There is more chance of you being driven off the road by some law abiding Arizonan driving recklessly and well over the speed limit than even having any encounter with a migrant.

LOL. Most of those drivers came from someplace back east and brought their bad driving habits with them.



We are so happy when the snowbirds go home and clear the streets for us again.

[CAG]

So we can continue to beat this horse also.



My mother did bird studies for AZ Game and Fish every year. She and her dog camped for weeks a few miles from the border and on the reservation (she also lived in Ajo which is about 20 miles from the border) She did that for more years than I can recall. She never had a problem but more than once CBP told her that she should not do that, it was not safe. She carried a big gun and was not someone who scared easily. Her mother was a pioneer woman who came to and settled in Colorado/New Mexico in the 1800s. It ran in the family.



1. If you are worried about it don't camp there.


2. Javelina will not kill you. They will kill your dog if you get too close with the dog. A dog looks like a coyote to them and coyotes are their natural enemies. They will rip you up if you get in their escape route because they have bad eyesight and scatter when spooked. They have nasty, sharp teeth. They have no desire to pick a fight with you but will protect themselves.


3. Rattlesnakes will bite you if you are stupid and don't pay attention. They will also bite your pet for the same reasons.



The bottom line to all of this and all of the comments is that if you are a person who does does not pay attention you become a victim. Victims are those people who are oblivious to their surroundings or make stupid choices. Sometimes the gene pool is better off without them (sorry but it is the truth).



Not all illegals crossing the border are criminals but some are, especially those not seeking asylum. The illegals that are crossing the deserts did not come here for asylum, they came here to work, are smuggling drugs, or are evading the law for a reason. Most could care less about your property because they are evading the law and want to stay alive. Don't do stupid camping or you become a victim. Stay in a town, with an organized campground. You are safer.



I do annual Gould's turkey surveys for AZG&F. Gould's are only found in NM, AZ and Mexico so it involves driving and hiking remote back country on or near the border. My wife and I camp in a town but back road and hike some very remote country on the border. I have never had an issue, but I don't do stupid things and pay attention to what is going on around me, but then I was a cop for 35 years so "trained observer" was my title. Bottom line, again don't so stupid camping.


Pay attention to your surroundings. You become a victim because you look like a victim.