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We have an 80 acre Organic Medjool Date farm located at the base of the Gila Mountains in Wellton, AZ. We are a bit off the beaten path but once you get here it's so worth the drive. The star gazing is amazing and if you like off-roading there are trails everywhere out here!
We have lots of chickens, a few turkeys, two goats (Phoebe & Mabel), two dogs-a pug named Bob and a three-legged Golden Pyrenees named Nymeria, and a desert tortoise named Miles. Ask us about our organic Medjool dates, farm tours, and farm fresh eggs!
We have a nano-BREWERY and restaurant on-site, open seasonally to guests and to the public. High Tanks Brewing Co is open November-April Thurs-Sun from 11-5pm. Throughout this season we offer many fun things to do such as farm tours, live music, cornhole tournaments, yoga, farm-to-table style dinners, and much more. Please check out our website www.hightanks.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hightanks for a schedule of events.
Learn more about this land:
Come shack up in our 1975 Vintage Trailer or bring your own RV/trailer/tent and experience camping nestled among the Date palms at the base of Gila Mountain. We offer Wi-Fi at the brewery but cannot guarantee a signal at your site.
Explore the desert! There are many hiking trails in the area and even more places to take your ATVs.
We are only a 10-minute drive from our sleepy little town of Wellton and a 35-minute drive from bustling Yuma.
Be sure to check the listing carefully for details and feel free to ask questions.
Maximum stays are limited to 7 nights.
$40 / night
$20 / night
Buttercup Ranger Station is located off of Grey's Well Road near Interstate 8. This station offers visitors a location to purchase their dunes permit, gather information and seek medical aid. This station is open Friday through Sunday from mid-October to mid-April during the high visitation period.
Midway Campground is located off of Grey's Well Road and offers visitors areas to camp. Vaulted toilets and dumpsters are available on site.
Scout
The first night they put us tent camping in an rv spot which was great. In the morning they said we had to pack up because somebody needed the spot. We moved to their "tent" section which was actually the walk way to the hot tub. Middle of the night drunk people walked right by our tent being super loud and woke us up. Can't blame them since the park had us put our tent in the walkway. Don't stay here!
Ranger
There are endless camping possibilities in Kofa. Primitive, dispersed real wilderness camping. No water. No toilets, no hookups, generators... and you have to have a 4x4 to get there! Just my kind of spot. I've explored all over this area by jeep, and by foot and never get bored going off on some new abandoned mine trail. There are hidden caves all around and great hikes to get there!
I'll just share my two favorite hidden gems in the area: Signal Peak is a must, and if you do, I recommend camping around Skull Rock. For a scenic offroad trail + neat cabin stay head to Kofa Mine Cabin!
For Signal Peak and the Skull Rock stay, you can park regular cars along Palm Canyon Road where the Kofa Natl Wildlife Refuge Brochures and info are and hop into a 4x4 for the rest of the drive. You'll need it. Don't attempt get to skull rock in any regular, vehicle, or anything without high clearance.
**NOTE: I have left a car in this lot with no issues while camping up in the canyon over night, but of course, do so at your own risk.
From that parking lot you head up to Kofa Queen Canyon and pick your spots for camping. There are plenty of good spots for tent on ledges, or on cots down near skull rock. Here you can grill and have general campfire fun.
The road to Skull Rock is undeveloped, needs high clearance and is a tight squeeze for wider vehicles. It will not accommodate campers or trailers. Tent camping only (aside from maybe your serious bug out vehicle!)
Skull rock camp spot is about a one hour and 45 minute drive from Yuma. From HWY 95 turn (east) onto Palm Canyon Road (not too far past the Border Patrol Checkpoint. Drive east 3.2 miles to Kofa Queen Canyon (KQC) Road on the left (north now). Follow KQC Road northeast about 7.5 miles into the Canyon to where a subsidiary Canyon opens up to your right (south). Passenger cars won't manage this last road. You'll need high clearance and preferably 4wd. The road inside the canyon is alternately rocky and sandy, and braids in and out with the wash. Just follow the 'better-looking' route if unsure at a junction. Enough people come up here you should be able to see lots of tire tracks.
*NOTE: There is no cell service at the campsite.
From here we drive down the trail bit further to get to Signal Peak (roughly 4,800ft), it's Kofa's highest peak. This is a strenuous hike with steep slopes and some scrambling, and should only be done by experienced hikers in good physical conditions with proper hiking boots. The beautiful view from from the top is absolutely worth the hike.
Dogs: Although I know of people who have brought dogs up here, it is a very rocky hike and could be very hot or treacherous for your pup. You may consider bringing a dog only if he is an avid hiker and has very strong paw pads (or hiking boots), and can physically handle the demands of this hike. Also, dogs as per Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rules - are required to be on a leash at all times.
For the Kofa Mine Section, head on your way out to the Kofa Mine Museum and then just past it take the turn to Big Eye Mine - 15 mile offroad trail where a real, high clearance truck/jeep 4x4 is needed. There are at least 2 hairy sections that I even got a jeep stuck in for a minute. All of this area is full of mines and great open camping spaces.
Kofa was established in 1939 to be managed: “…as a representative area of lower Sonoran Desert habitat with a maximum diversity and abundance of native plants and animals and to protect and preserve the desert bighorn sheep and its habitat…” Since 1955, over 560 desert bighorn sheep have been trapped on Kofa and transplanted to other areas in Arizona, as well as to the states of New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, to re-establish herds extirpated from habitat loss, development and over-hunting.
Unless you are a skilled Arizona adventurer, I'd advise against hiking or even offloading (in case something goes wrong) during the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to over 115 degrees F.
RangerMy last stop before I continued my trip into California and what an awesome stop it was. I’ve spent a month in Arizona roaming around and each area has me fantastic!
I’d immediately recommend having a truck or suv so you can really explore the entire area. I was camping in my overland Tahoe on this stretch and it handled the area well. My buddies has a Tacoma and Land Cruiser respectively so we were set.
It’s all about exploration out here. Lots of RVs bringing their play toss out here so you’ll run into a lot of dirt bikes and utvs which is awesome. Numerous mining areas and ranch buildings still dot the area and are fun to respectfully explore. Sunsets are beautiful, shade is non existent, and rocks aplenty. Cell service was non existent for majority of my trip, and no water that we came across. Saguaros and ocotillos are everywhere which add to the AZ landscape
Do your best to understand the local rules and regs here and abide by them. This is an area we need to respectfully use so we have it for decades to come
GuideA little introduction may be in order. My name is Randy Mahannah, aka Randoo, I am 67 years old, accompanied by my dog and I’ve been on the road since February 23, 2018, as of this writing just over 3 months. I have been in 5 states, 4 Motel 6’s and 10 different campgrounds over 6300 miles and stops at friends and family. I am on the road and I’m enjoying it. Let’s start with a bucket list item.
There is a place in the far western and southern desert of Arizona called the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. At first glance, one might question the possibility of wildlife even remotely living in such a harsh desert environment but live there these creatures do, most amazingly, desert bighorn sheep. But it isn’t just the critters, it’s the desert, some of the most rugged, badass, beautiful desert in America, the border of the Sonora and the Mojave deserts and amazing country.
Oh yeah, campground rating, uuhhh, no campground unless you consider the entire refuge as your campground because that’s what it is, primitive camping at its best. At Kofa there are no facilities, no restrooms, no designated campsites, no water, no nuttin’, just a bare spot in the dirt and a place to dig your privy. So in terms of a best-of-five something rating probably zip. In terms of desert lonesome awesomeness, 5 +.
Take lots of water, you’ll need it, at least two five gallon containers and if you are so foolhardy as to visit Kofa between May and September, take a fiver for each day you will be there, just in case. I was there in March and was quite comfortable, day and night. Winters will be mild daytime, chilly to cold at night, summers, oppressively hot daytime and dance-naked-under –the-moon beautiful at night with more stars than you have ever seen unless you’ve been to Machu Pichu under a new moon.
As for things to do, desert hiking both flatland and in the mountains is what is offered. Take a camera and try to get a sheep shot. If that doesn’t work the native palms in Palm Canyon that stand still and won’t run away from you and the landscapes under a changing desert sun are wonderful.
I spent three nights there and was enchanted by a desert landscape I’ve wanted to visit since I was draft eligible. It’s all about timing and tolerance but if you find yourself in the neighborhood of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, 23 miles south of Quartzite, 60+ miles north of Yuma, Arizona, allow yourself a night or two. Might pleasantly surprise you.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I'm SO excited to welcome this new partner. This property is a beautiful Organic Date Farm and they offer experiences to their guests. You can also rent an on-site camper. Visit this property and take some photos. Make sure to share your experience here!
TravelerWe had a great stay, enjoyed the atmosphere, delicious food and excellent beers. The live music in the weekend is a plus. We had an opportunity to see the beer brewer in action, and highly recommend their date beer. We also checked out the date farm; impressive. Camp spot is on the parking area, no hookups. Evenings and nights were quiet under the stars.
Scout
It was good to have such a friendly staff greeting the guest. The RV park was clean and very convenient for a one night stay since it was very close to the freeway, yet not too noisy. The nightly charge was inexpensive.
GuideThey have multiple activities every day for visitors and residents. We arrived around 8:30 PM, jumped in the pool and hot tub (thanks random resident for teaching us how to use the lights!!) and then headed back to our rig for the night. Geared towards RVs but we were just fine in our van. Full hookups for $32 a night! We paid cash in an envelope and dropped it at the office.
ScoutGreat people and great staff very well kept would return
GuideWe stayed here for one night on our trip and had a lovely stay. Definitely geared more towards people with bigger rigs, and a lot of the residents were long-term. Great laundry and bathrooms/showers. They also organize multiple community gatherings such as potlucks, discussion groups, organized golf and other activities. They also have a pool, which we sadly didn’t have time to enjoy. This RV park is located very close to several golf courses, which my fiancée greatly appreciated. Pet friendly as well. One thing I will say is that there is only one store in town (Del Sol) that sells propane (for stoves) so buying it before arriving is a good idea, as they were sold out when I tried to purchase some. Great nightly rates and close to the highway.
RangerIt state trust land. You need a permit, which is available online and I believe the image of the receipt on your phone or laptop would suffice. Should anyone check, which I have never seen. This is at least my second stay here. Nothing exciting but it is right off of I eight, which is not audible right now over the noise from apparently someone's generator. Haven't heard any yapping dogs or idiot kids running around with a parents bearing their asses off but this is my kind of place.
Traveler
Very nice and clean park. Convenient location close amenities.
ScoutSeasonal full-time residents
Guide
This is a “snowbird” park. The sites have both 30 & 50 amp service, water and sewage hookups, a laundry room, a pool with two large hot tubs, an activities hall, a games room with a poker table and half a dozen pool tables. We are parked up beside our family who stays at the park in the winter. This place was probably pretty amazing back in the day… sounds like it has new ownership, there are some restoration projects going on so hopefully it will get back to its former glory.
GuideApparently they have done lots of updating and things are looking better. They clearly have put some money into the place but staff is not taking care of it good enough. Bathrooms are new but are not cleaned well. New tile is stained already. Staff told us we had to buy a washcard, they just didn't know you can use that app only and recommended us drive down the road so we didn't have to buy a $10 card. The dryers count down weather you have the door open or closed. Pools are great and are popular. Lots of spaces available. In March. Mix match of mini homes and RVs. Pretty big place. They parked just near the entrance and it was very noisy with the freeway. If you can get in the back I'm sure it is much better. We also had a very strange sulfur smell at night, almost suffocating. It happened twice?
RangerMy family and I recently stayed at Bonita Mesa RV Resort, and while it does allow children, there are some drawbacks. Firstly, they charge$10 per night for every person over two people, which can add up quickly. We ended up paying $89 with the"having children" penalty. Additionally, they do not allow more than two pets, although we saw many sites with multiple dogs. Unfortunately, we also found that the campground was not clean, and the sites were incredibly tight. If you have more than two cars, it can be difficult to find a place to park. I also suggest not letting the RV host help you park if you have a big rig, as they were very kind but caused more harm than help. On a positive note, the pool was clean and some hours were set aside for children. The laundry room was also great, but again, the price didn't justify it. Overall, finding a decent campground in Yuma can be a challenge, especially if you have a family. While Bonita Mesa RV Resort does allow children, the drawbacks may not make it worth the price. If you have a family, I suggest finding somewhere else to stay.
TravelerWe stayed one night. Really clean showers and pool. Shady spot was a bonus.
Guide
Their website is a bit misleading, it is not clear that the resort is open for members only. Not knowing that we called to make the reservation for 3 nights. When we arrived we were told that we should attend a 90 minute presentation. We attended the presentation, but we didn't buy the membership, so now we can't go there until we wait for 2 years and attend another 90 minutes presentation. Otherwise the resort is very nice, considering that it is in the middle of the desert. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The grounds are well kept, bathrooms are clean, there is a fenced area for doggies. If you have a fishing license, you can fish in the lake. They also organize all kind of community programs, bingo, pool games, live bands, etc, that we didn't attend, because of the pandemic. We enjoyed our stay there.
GuideWell run park. Decent size sites. Hot tub, pool and laundry. Super clean showers, hot. Bake goods for sale daily.
Guide
From Imperial Dam road, it is an approximate 5 mile drive down a dirt/gravel rock washboard at times road. It would have been a five star dry camp if the locals didn't trash the area and bathrooms. Areas that were once camping spots have been blocked off or signs posted no overnight parking and makes it limited on space. Thankful we came in October, so there was a few spots open.
ScoutWe come here every year Lots of space
ScoutNice, quiet, clean, good roads. Boondocking.
GuideCamping and water recreation
GuideCamp close or far from others... how adventurous are you
GuideOne of the best boon docking places yet. 40ft Rv made it in easy
LegendMittry Lake free dispersed camping area.
This area is close to the Imperial Dam LTVA complex. The area is managed by the AZ fish and game and BOR. Camping limit is 10 days, free dispersed. There are 3-4 camping pod clusters seen from the main graded washboard gravel road. Lots of spots along the main road or tucked into the reeds. The area by the boat ramp has camping only in a designated area that looks recently created improvement. This boat ramp site also has a vault toilet and a dumpster. Cell signal is intermittent depending on your location.
I was disappointed at seeing a couple fire rings full of trash...
ScoutEasy to get to, very clean and friendly people. A great overnight stay when passing through Yuma.
Tent camping near Wellton, Arizona offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wellton, AZ is Organic Date Farm with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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