Verified
Established Camping
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
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
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
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Flagstaff
- 1 hr 10 min from Prescott Valley
- 2 hrs 15 min from Phoenix
- 2 hrs 21 min from Lake Havasu City