Many places feel like they are in the middle of nowhere; this one actually is.  A 24 mile drive from Stafford AZ, along a bumpy asphalt road brings you to some lovely desert camping with miles of OHV trails and 2 hot thermal pools for soaking.  For just $3/day you can camp, soak, or ride in this beautiful desert oasis.

There are only around 14 designated sites, but there are many other tucked away spots where you are welcome to set up camp.  Just be careful to stay out of the soft sand, or off the popular OHV trails. We set up just just off the dirt camp road, with a short walk to the pools, and pit toilets, and woke each morning to Gambel Quail and Mourning Doves.  We happened to visit during the 2019 spring “super bloom” and desert wildflowers were everywhere. The sand outside outside our trailer revealed that a bobcat had sniffed us out. The desert and the surrounding area is full of life, you just have to look for it.  

Come prepared to dry camp as there is no other water source than the thermal pools, but the pit toilets were very clean and well stocked by the friendly camp host.  The pools fill each morning once sunlight hits the solar panels which power the pumps. By sunset the pools will begin to drain, so everyday there is a new supply of freshwater in the tubs.

Trail activity was pretty loud and busy during the weekend, but as the workweek began things died down and all was quiet.  We cycled on the road rather than the OHV trails because we didn’t bring orange safety flags, or really want to compete with motorized trail traffic.  There are endless desert hiking opportunities just outside the OHV area.

Note:  Cell service was spotty in the campground, but we were able to make a phone call, but no data.