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A Spark in the Dark

A Spark in the Dark, near Williams, Arizona, is a unique camping spot that offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. With only three sites available, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quiet time under the stars.

This campground is known for its incredible sunsets and breathtaking night skies, making it a favorite for stargazers. Visitors rave about the Milky Way views, with one camper noting, “The night sky was incredible.” The host, Clifford, is often mentioned for his warm hospitality, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well taken care of during their stay.

While the amenities are basic, the campground provides fire rings for cozy evenings and offers firewood for sale. Clean outhouses are available, and many campers appreciate the remote feel of the area, which is well off the main road. As one reviewer put it, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet.”

For those who enjoy exploring, the surrounding landscape is perfect for wandering with your dog or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a solo retreat or a small gathering with friends, A Spark in the Dark is a fantastic choice for a memorable camping experience.

Description

"Drifting along like a tumbleweed, you're right where you're supposed to be!" :)

ENJOY! 40 acres of beautiful mountain / desert / prairie views on this private homestead. Tents, vans, RVs, travel trailers and whatever else you might arrive in… Whatever you're looking for, this "Primitive Plus" (with extras!) campground is sure to be a unique experience for making some great memories! There are only a handful of available sites to ensure you have a very large area to yourself - wherever you choose to set up in this diverse environment. Great for large group retreats or the single camper needing a meditative experience in nature. Also great for very large events (hit me up for planning)! The focus here is private, raw, beautiful nature. :) Oh, and just as important - your camping will be HASSLE-FREE! Spend your time at your camp the way YOU want - the host won't bother you. (I'm pretty sure I can speak for the host, as I am he. Lol)

LAYOUT! The Spark is divided into two very large areas. Almost half the property is dedicated to drive-up campsites which are placed along a peaceful, meandering service road. Another huge portion is dedicated to the nature trail and areas you can explore. Take pics out there, search for cool rocks, plants, and wildlife, or set up an area to create as a second "satellite camp!" An old road, dry pond, meditation spots… anywhere you find yourself day or night you are welcome to be!

STARS! The deep, dark night sky is filled with shooting stars, The Milky Way, satellites, and maybe even a random UFO! There is nearly zero light pollution here and the night sky unfolds above us like a dazzling 3D light show!

WILDLIFE! Most of the usual northern Arizona wildlife is possible, and sometimes very likely here! From pronghorn antelope and the occasional elk and mule deer all the way down to jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and packrats… You're almost guaranteed to see neat animals sharing the property along with you!

RESTROOM! Bring a flashlight for those nighttime trips to the restroom. It's a Porta Potty style restroom and it's nicer than you'd expect. :) It also has the official Guest Book where you can share your experience in the area with other campers and music to give you something nice to listen to! Since this is a Porta Potty, there can sometimes be a smell inside but I keep the surfaces clean and anti-bacterialized!

WEATHER! Please check the weather at zip code 86320 before coming. We are open all year during any weather (excepting emergencies) so you are responsible for making sure the weather forecast is compatible with your camping expectations! Weather considerations: during windy days prepare to pay special attention to using extra long stakes for anchoring things like tents, tables, and shade canopies. When rain is in the forecast it can get VERY muddy out here very fast. So if you see that rain is a possibility, be prepared for that. :)

FUN AND GAMES! The Spark includes a modest "community fairgrounds" style area separate from the camping sites which includes a Horseshoe Pit and Cornhole Toss! Stay tuned for future outdoor weekend movie nights! (coming soon)

HOST! I live on the property and will check you in when you arrive unless we've made other arrangements ahead of time. And I'm here for YOU. Forget something important that isn't available in the camp market? I might have something from my personal stash you can borrow. Anything you might need I'll do what I can to accommodate. :) By the way, I'm also an officially ordained Dudeist Priest - so if you want to get married while you're here and have everything in order I can handle it Big Lebowski style. ;)

PACK IN/PACK OUT! There is NO TRASH PICKUP at this time at The Spark so be prepared to pack-out what you bring in. :) Any dumpsters you may see on your way in are privately owned by other people and are NOT for our use. :) Also The Spark is a private homestead - there are no hookups for RVs. This is a boondocking, dry camping experience. :) However! There are full services only 4 miles east on the I-40 where you can dump your trash, empty waste tanks, and refill your water and fuel! (The Belen and Star station).

MOONLIGHT MARKET! This is a self-serve collection of stuff you might want or need! Gallons of water for sale, firewood, some loaner items like ground stakes, emergency pet food, bug spray, sunscreen, maybe a few souvenirs… and a changing selection of various items are available with a wide variety of ways to pay. Self-service 24 hours day and night!

FREEDOM OF CHOICE! After checking in, the host will point out a few things you'll want to know such as the restroom, wandering area, and camping sites. From there you will simply enjoy a search of the property to find your perfect spot and enjoy the sun and the stars!

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT! Check-in time is after 12 noon and check-out is 11am. YOUR SCHEDULE IS MY SCHEDULE - so if you're coming in after dark please let me know in advance as I have a separate check-in process to make things easier in the dark. If you need to come earlier, just message me first and we'll work something out!

"THANK YOU!" from the bottom of my heart for your interest in A Spark in the Dark private camping - my passion. :) I will send you a welcome message on the day of your check-in with critical notes on directions to get here, current weather and the like. And I look forward to sharing my property with you!

NEARBY: Essentials like grocery, gas, post office, souvenirs, service station, full RV services, and a couple of small town restaurants - only 5 miles away in local Ash Fork. Emergency services also available nearby.

RULES:

~ Cannabis/MJ friendly. Enjoy openly - you're fine!

~ pet and child friendly (under supervision, of course!) Pets can roam off-leash as long as they are fully under your control. :) We love pets here!

~ please observe the included camp rules and quiet hours (10pm-8am)

~ emergency services available nearby

Location

A Spark in the Dark is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

You will get exact directions in a welcome message that I will send you on check-in day, but we are located about 4 miles west of Ash Fork on I40 and 3 miles south of the exit. Your check-in welcome message will have exact GPS directions and tips, weather info and other information that will help you know what to expect. I'm so happy you found me and I look very forward to having you out! 45130 N Celestial Place, Ash Fork, Arizona, 86320.

Coordinates

35.19618162592951 N
112.57196950435542 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2024

Excellent spot

The peace and quiet and beauty of this place far outweighs the drive in from the 40. I have a 29’ motorhome with low ground clearance and I made it just fine.

Site4
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Shawn , October 16, 2024
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Shawn , October 16, 2024
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Shawn , October 16, 2024
Reviewed May. 13, 2024

As advertised

Host met us coming in and was very cordial.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2023

Amazing views

This campground was truly unique and definitely worth it! It offers amazing views for sunsets and is perfect for stargazing!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Evelyn G., September 30, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Evelyn G., September 30, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Evelyn G., September 30, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2023

Great star views!

Great spot to camp off the beaten path. The night sky was incredible with great views of the milky way. Clifford was an exceptional host!

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Fantastic campsite

We had a large group and Clifford was able to accommodate us greatly. We enjoyed everything about our stay with one exception. Unfortunately, the septic guy's truck had evidently been down for some time, and the port-a-potty was full to the brim. We ended up having to find our own solution to the "waste" problem for our group. This isn't the host's fault, but it definitely impacted our experience.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Josh A., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Josh A., May 30, 2023
Reviewed May. 8, 2023

Desert Bliss

Spark in the Dark offers spectacular sunsets in a dispersed camping setting. Clifford, the host, is great. I enjoy exploring the grounds with my dog.

Site1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., May 8, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., May 8, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., May 8, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2023

Sunsets and Stars

This is the second time staying at Spark in the Dark. Loved it the first time and loved it again. Some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen! They are MAGICAL. The night sky is covered in stars. It truly is a beautiful place. It is quiet and private. The campground has wonderful areas to explore. It is now one of my dog’s favorite places to have FUN! Clifford, the host, is friendly and helpful. I am a solo female traveler, and feel extremely safe camping here. My dog and I will be staying here again soon!

SiteNot sure
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., April 23, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., April 23, 2023
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Teresa F., April 23, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2022

Top notch spot!

This place was amazing! Clifford was so kind and a great host! Quiet nights and beautiful scenery made for a wonderful stay! Thank you Clifford! We will be back!

SiteSunset Site
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Meghan R., September 27, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Meghan R., September 27, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Meghan R., September 27, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 7, 2022

Quiet and private

This campground is well off I-40, so very quiet. The roads going in are not paved, but passable with our small teardrop trailer. The sunset was fantastic and the sites were not too close, although we were the only people camping there on a Wednesday night. High points: quiet, almost lonely, Host was super friendly, helpful and welcoming without being intrusive, fire rings provided. Several cute things to see around the camp, and music in the outhouse! Firewood and gallon jugs of water available for sale. T- Mobile had good 5G cell reception. Low points: only one outhouse and it was very clean, but still smelly. No picnic tables provided or any other amenities (water spigot, shade, etc). Very open, but enough juniper trees to make it habitable. Note: be sure to call or email the host for tips and directions. Google maps will lead you astray.

SiteNorth East corner
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Amy H., April 7, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Amy H., April 7, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Amy H., April 7, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2022

Wonderful little escape

Wonderful camp site! Such beautiful views, very nice host and really clean bathrooms! Definitely coming back had a lovely time.

SiteSpark in the dark,back corner
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Chadd D., March 20, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Chadd D., March 20, 2022
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Chadd D., March 20, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2021

Awesome!

Clifford the host was very informative and super nice! He greeted us when we arrived and he had fire wood available to purchase. The views were beautiful, the night sky is truly amazing! Bring tons of blankets and layers it does get cold this time of year! We definitely will be back!!

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Wow for Clifford

We arrive mid afternoon and had this place to ourselves. Clifford greeted us and was friendly and informative. The views are awesome. Can’t wait till dark. Minimal facilities but great for a simple night in early November

Sitewest end
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Quiet, peaceful, great host!

Clifford was an amazing host. Felt very welcomed at check in. Was given weather updates prior to arrival and a warning of a storm that was coming in the middle of the night which I thought was very nice. Firewood for sale huge plus.

Sites are dispersed, if fully booked out, for someone like me I could see how it could be a little too close to each other. But the place is huge and so many site choices that really unless he's fully booked, you still feel like you're alone out there.

As a single female traveling with her doggy I felt very safe. A few coyotes made their way around our camp. They just walked on by didn't hang around. But definitely not a place to let your dog lose at. There are "playgrounds" which is just access to the remainder acreage which you can walk through. Very beautiful. Has a few spots for social gatherings and activities.

One cool thing I really appreciated was he had reserved spots for any late arrivals so that they wouldn't drive throughout the entire campsite and disturb current campers. This is a huge plus for me. I really appreciated that.

This will be a continuing camping spot for me. Can't wait to go again!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Nadine , November 2, 2021
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Nadine , November 2, 2021
  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Nadine , November 2, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2021

exactly what was needed

the host clifford makes this dispersed site easy to navigate. sometimes finding places like this can be awkward, but his signs and care for the experience make this a fantastic place to be in the northern arizona desert. the sunsets. the sunrises. the coyotes howling. this is a really good spot.

  • Review photo of A Spark in the Dark by Colleen D., April 5, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of A Spark in the Dark?

    A Spark in the Dark is located at 5015 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at A Spark in the Dark?

    A Spark in the Dark allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at A Spark in the Dark?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at A Spark in the Dark, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at A Spark in the Dark?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is fair.