DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend.  This is a large state park in an interesting location.

Date of Stay: March 21-25, 2012

Weather During Stay: Plenty of sunshine; highs in the 70’s and lows in the 40’s.  Often breezy in the afternoon.

Site Description:  The campground here has four loops, one of which is for tents only.  The remaining three have 110 sites with water and electric hookups (50 amps), the majority of them back-ins.  Each loop has its own host (with firewood for sale), dumpster and restroom with showers.

Quail Loop is closest to the entrance station, with 45 sites.  Further into the park and up a hill, sites in Red-Tail Hawk Loop and Cooper’s Hawk loop have expansive views.  Roads and pads are asphalt, almost all sufficiently long for big rigs.  Each site has a substantial picnic table in good shape.

We were in Red-Tail Hawk loop, site 70, long and level, with a little shade provided by a tree (unusual here).  Although the sites are spacious, the sparse vegetation provides absolutely no privacy.

Rate:  $25/night for 50 amps and water.  Add a $5 reservation fee (one time, not per night) if you make a reservation.  We were here during spring break and all sites were reserved.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is excellent.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish; several local channels on the air antenna, including PBS.  Several NPR stations, including 102.5 and 103.3 FM.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This hilly state park covers 423 acres at 3,300 feet in elevation.  Vegetation is sparse; very limited shade.  The upper camping loops (Red-Tail Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk) have expansive views to the town of Cottonwood and mountains beyond.  Quail Loop, lower down the hill, has many more trees and bushes and more privacy (but no distant views).

Lighting/Noise: Quiet and dark, though each restroom has a couple of unobtrusive amber lights on all night.

Favorite Sites: We preferred the sites in the two loops up on the hillside, which are sites 46 through 110.  We would not be likely to reserve sites 46 through 52 - they appear to be more sloped than we like. Arizona’s online reservation site has descriptions and photos of each site, a big help when making a reservation at an unknown campground.

Hiking/Walking: GREAT!  Trails of varying lengths run through the park, including the day use area with three large, pleasant lagoons for fishing.  Trails connect to public lands outside the park, including the Verde River Greenway.  It’s possible to walk to nearby Tuzigoot National Monument - if you can get accurate directions!

Comments: We used Dead Horse Ranch State Park as a base camp to visit Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, Jerome and the historic section of old Cottonwood, but there is plenty to keep campers busy in the state park, too.  Grocery stores, restaurants and other services are nearby.

ESCAPEES NORTH RANCH RV PARK, CONGRESS, AZ (NW OF PHOENIX)

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Roomy, well-maintained, friendly park.  400+ deeded lots create a varied and interesting RV-friendly community.

Date of Stay: March 9 through 20, 2012

Weather During Stay: Warm and sunny, with cool nights - though we extended our stay to allows a spring storm to pass by.

Site Description: 107 large, level, FHU sites (30 amps) are arranged in 3 long rows, two facing each other, the third facing the deeded lots owned by Escapees. We are in site 97, facing east.  Sites are on gravel, and each has a wooden picnic table.  Sites are spacious, with plenty of room for slides, awnings, tow or towed, picnic table, chairs, etc.

This is an Escapee park; you must be an Escapee to stay here. Besides the rental sites, the park has a huge neighborhood of mostly well maintained, deeded lots that can be built on and bought/sold like normal real estate - very interesting mix of everything from unimproved lots (very few) to large, site-built homes (mostly southwest style) and everything in between.  (Click here for more information and photos of the deeded lots.) The park’s activity center is located in the deeded-lot neighborhood, but accessible to all guests of the park.

Two of three rows of rental sites	North Ranch clubhouse

Clubhouse has library, activity rooms, laundry room.  Easily accessible dump station located near entrance, along with trash and recycling. 

Rate: FHU (30 amps) sites are $14.50 plus electricity (currently 12.3 cents per KWH) daily; $85 plus electricity weekly.  No reservations - first come, first served. 

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon cell service for phones and WiFi.  No obstacles for satellite TV dish.  Several stations (including PBS) on antenna.  Local NPR on 91.5.  I believe Tengo Internet is available here for a fee; we didn’t use it, but did see “tengointernet” on our WiFi connection list at our site.
 
Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Arid, slightly sloping terrain at 2,500’.  Near views are of neighboring rigs or RV’s, park models or homes on adjacent deeded lots; distant views are of arid mountains.  Very appealing desert views.

Lighting/Noise: Very quiet at night, with subdued night lighting.

Favorite Sites: Not much difference between the sites for travelers.  We asked for a site facing east to catch the morning sunshine.

Hiking/Walking: Plenty of interesting walking in this huge park, or head out the back gate for unlimited walking on the BLM land surrounding the park.

Comments: North Ranch is an interesting, relaxing, friendly park in a rural desert setting.  Congress, the nearest town, is tiny; drive 12 miles south to larger Wickenburg for groceries and sightseeing.  Easy day trips to Prescott (higher elevation) and Phoenix.  Full list of park activities during winter season.  Click here for more information on their website.

TURQUOISE VALLEY GOLF & RV PARK, NACO, AZ

Our Opinion: Odel (a golfer) recommends it; Laurie is neutral.  This exceptionally friendly park is the place for RV’ers who like to golf!

Date of Stay: February 27 through March 2, 2012

Weather During Stay: Plenty of sunshine; highs were mostly in the 60’s and lows below freezing at night.  The spring winds kicked up most days.

Site Description:  This gravel RV park has 103 very level sites, 17 of which are 50 amp FHU; the remainder are 30 amp FHU.  All sites have cable TV with many, many channels.  Sites are typical of many commercial parks - just enough room for slides and the awning - a mix of back-ins and pull-throughs.  We were in site 52, a 50 amp FHU back-in site next to the road.

Roads are gravel and dirt, sufficiently wide for big rigs; turns are easily negotiated.  Laundry, showers and restrooms are available; we didn’t use or inspect them.  Propane is sold on site.

Rate:  With taxes, we paid just under $27/night for 50 amp FHU with cable TV.  Golf packages are available, along with monthly rates.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is good in Naco (rhymes with taco).  Didn’t bother with TV antenna; many channels on cable TV at each site.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish.  Free WiFi, sometimes blazing, sometimes crawling.  And something new and unexpected: NPR from Tucson on 91.7 FM! 

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat, dirt and gravel roads at around 4,600 ft. elevation.  A bit of desert landscaping and some tall, narrow evergreens have been planted in the park; the surrounding area is scrubby desert.  Distant views are of arid mountains.

Lighting/Noise: Usually quiet except for the occasional passing vehicle. Bright nighttime lighting in many sites.

Favorite Sites: No real favorites here, but we always ask for a 50 amp site when making a reservation (current phone number is 520-432-3091)

Hiking/Walking: Not good around the park (narrow roads), and the park itself is not large enough for much exercise.  Good hiking within 30 minutes to a hour (by car).  Many renowned birding sites within an hour drive.

Comments: This is a VERY friendly park, very welcoming to new arrivals.  Most of the folks in the RV park are golfers who pay for a month or more (usually more) and are eager to have new golfers join them.  The golf course is just across the street; the pro shop building also houses a restaurant that serves very good Mexican food for breakfast and lunch.    Entertaining Bisbee is nearby; Safeway is 5 miles north, Mexico a short walk away.  Lots of good birding and history in the area.   Website: www.turquoisevalley.com

JUSTIN’S DIAMOND J RV PARK, TUCSON, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend.  If walking/hiking is a priority for you, this is a great stop.

Date of Stay: This is our fourth stay, coming back after 3 ½ years.  Click here to see photos of our stay in September of 2008, when we had the place to ourselves.

Weather During Stay: Wonderful Tucson winter weather -plenty of sunshine, highs in the mid-60’s and above; lows sometimes below freezing.

Site Description:  All 125 sites at Justin’s are unusually large for a commercial park, a big plus for us - all accommodate a large rig, with slides and awnings, and room to park your tow or towed.  Most are very level and most are back-ins, though there are some pull-throughs in the front row near the road. 

Almost all are sites are FHU with 50 amps (we’ve seen one with a shared water connection). All are covered with a small rocks/huge gravel that is rather uncomfortable to walk.  Saguaros and native landscaping scattered around.  Roads are paved, which really helps keep the dust down here in the desert. 

The “front” (south) section of the park is set up in standard rows of side-by-side, back-to-back sites and is slightly higher than the “back” (north) section.  Sites in the north section are arranged around a “golf course” - a large dirt area with 8 raised mounds, each covered with green outdoor carpeting sporting a cup and flag.  We would fear for our windshield if we saw someone tee up! 

The single dumpster is up front by the entrance/exit.  Laundry (6 pairs of washers/dryers), a clubroom, and WiFi with plenty of antennas round out the amenities.  Lots of planned activities (hikes, bonfire, donut get-togethers), which we ignore but long-term campers may appreciate.

Rate: About half the sites in the park (including all the sites in the north section) are designated “premium” and cost $2 per night more than “standard” sites, $29/night vs. $27/night.  Premium sites might be slightly larger than standard sites, but seem to be considered premium because no one parks behind you; you back up either to the desert or to a wash/greenbelt, so have more privacy.  Current weekly rates are $189 (premium) vs. $175 (standard).   All fees and taxes are included in the quoted rate.  I believe they participate in Passport America in the summer (off) season.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon works here (3G), including the aircard.  No cable TV, but nothing to block a satellite signal.  A few local stations are available on TV antenna, including two PBS stations.  Local NPR station on 89.1.  Wi-Fi - with about 4 antennas scattered through the park - worked very well most of the time.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation here is around 2,500 ft.  The park is mostly flat; one small elevation change between “front” and “back” sites. Views here are fabulous, even when the park is full.  Near views are of rigs in the park and surrounding native plants.  Distant views are of beautiful, arid mountain ranges, including well-known Gates Pass, covered with Saguaro cactus.

Lighting/Noise: Low lighting is unobtrusive at night.  Residents in the nearby neighborhoods head to work early, and the sound of their vehicles stands out in the otherwise still mornings.  Also some noise (not bad) from neighborhood dogs, livestock, and coyotes in the desert.

Favorite Sites: We are willing to pay a couple dollars more for a premium site; we like the spacious feel, and the farther back from San Joaquin, the better for us.  In the off season, we stay in the north section; this time (high season), we were in site 74, facing south and bordering the greenbelt along the back of our site.

Hiking/Walking: This is where Justin’s (and Desert Trails, next door) shines.  Trails start on the north side of the park and head into Tucson Mountain Park.  It is possible to hike into Saguaro National Park (long hike).  The Sonoran desert here is gorgeous, and there are geocaches hidden around, too.  Trails are well developed and marked.  What a great amenity!

Comments: If only it was easier/quicker to get into Tucson!  We come back to Justin’s (and Desert Trails, before Justin’s opened) for the wonderful desert hiking, the great views, the beautiful sunsets… but complain each time we decide to go to Tucson!  The nearest big grocery store is about 20-25 minutes away.  The traffic on the “easy” route to Tucson (Ajo Highway) can be a real bear, so we usually take the beautiful but winding Gates Pass Road.  The drive to just about anywhere we want to be in Tucson is at least 30 minutes; longer to Costco or Trader Joes.  Website: Justin’s Diamond J RV Park.

PIMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, TUCSON, AZ

Our Opinion: Neutral.  Though dusty, the fairgrounds are convenient when we are passing through Tucson and want to overnight or spend an extra day stocking up on supplies.

Date of Stay: January 25, 2012 - our fourth stay.

Weather During Stay: High was just under 70, low was 35.

Site Description: We have parked in two different areas at the fairgrounds.  This trip, we are in the main lot, in a 50 amp FHU, back in site (406).  The majority of sites in this area are back to back, closely packed on level dirt (or dust or mud, depending on the weather), some of the sites 30 amps, others 50 amps.

Since we don’t stay here more than a night or two, we prefer to park in a different area (the 500 row, not available today due to repaving), a strip of somewhat grassy 50 amp W/E sites that back up to a row of trees.  Very level, with more grass than dirt. No sewer hookups in this row, but there is a dump station available.

In both areas, sites are very tight when they all were occupied, but feel reasonably spacious when you don’t have neighbors (which is why we prefer the 500 row for short stays).  Access roads are wide.

Rate: All sites, back-in or pull-through, 50 amp or 30 amp, FHU or W/E are the same rate: $20/night.

Phone/radio/TV: Though our cell phones have 5 bars, we had a very difficult time with our MiFi today – finally gave up.  Local NPR on 89.1.  Several local TV stations on the antenna, including PBS (channel 6).  No obstacles for the satellite.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation is around 3,000 feet.  Terrain is flat desert, but palms, evergreens and grass have been planted at the fairgrounds - welcome green.  Arid mountain ranges frame the distant views.

Lighting/Noise: Various fairground activities can be noisy during the day, but it has been quiet at night when we have been here.  We are far enough from the light poles that the night lighting is unobtrusive - but this would not be true in all spaces.

Favorite Sites: The 500’s, with 50 amps and water.

Hiking/Walking: This is a large fairground with plenty of space for walking. 

Comments: Typical fairgrounds, with an arena, many large buildings, restroom blocks, pavilions, lots of parking for RV’s and cars.  Because of the horse and livestock events held here, we noticed lots of flies on one stay, and we frequently notice an unpleasant sewer smell.  A few miles off of I-10, it is not luxurious, but is a convenient, reasonably priced spot to overnight or stay a few days to stock up at Costco and Trader Joe’s in Tucson.  A large Fry’s grocery store is about 5 miles away.

HOLT’S SHELL RV PARK, GILA BEND, AZ

Our Opinion: Recommend – with caveats.  We use this only for overnight stops and post boondocking cleanup.  Convenient, inexpensive, FHU with excellent laundry facilities. 

Date of Stay: Many times.  Date of this review is January 24, 2012.

Weather During Stay: Sunny and calm; high 68, low forecast for the low 40’s.

Site Description:  24 level sites on gravel at the back of a truck stop ¼ mile off I-8 and a mile from the center of Gila Bend.  19 sites are very large pull throughs, 5 are large back-ins.  All sites have 30/50 amp service, water and sewer.  Dumpster in the center of the park at the laundry room.  4 washers cost $1.00 each; dryers at 75 cents for about 40 minutes. 

No office in the RV park.  Pay for your site at the fuel station/convenience store up front.  There are also a couple of fast-food type restaurants and a hotel next to the truck stop.

Rate: Regular price is $24/night.  Passport America (with some date restrictions) and Escapees pay $12 night for 50 amp FHU. 

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service, both phone and aircard, is excellent in Gila Bend (check out the cell tower in the photo - you park right under it).  Nothing is available on the TV antenna.  No obstructions for TV satellite dish.  Their advertised free WiFi worked well.  NPR on 91.5 (with a little or a lot of static, depending on???).

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Flat gravel roads and sites at 790 feet elevation.  The little park is surprisingly nicely landscaped with some native trees and flowering plants; the surrounding area is scrubby desert.  Distant views are of arid mountains to the east, the truck stop to the west.

Lighting/Noise: Some noise from the nearby interstate and from the trucks coming, going and settling in at the truck stop, but not enough to overcome the appeal of the low price and convenient access.  Night lighting in amazingly unobtrusive given the proximity to the truck stop.

Favorite Sites: Any of the pull throughs… all are long and spacious, easy in and out for our rig.  No need to disconnect the Jeep, another plus.

Hiking/Walking: Nothing special.  We usually plan to walk elsewhere.

Comments: Gila Bend is a convenient stop for an overnight and thorough cleanup with traveling between Catalina State Park in Tucson and boondocking in Yuma or Quartzsite.  To empty the holding tanks, get out the dirt and have a nice, long, hot shower, we want a level, FHU site with 50 amps.  Holt’s Shell RV Park (Exit 119 On I-8 Gila Bend) provides all of that at a low, low price, along with easy access to fuel and propane.  No reservations, but plenty of convenience.  Wish there were more solid, secure, no-frills, low-cost RV parks like this!

REVISITING CATALINA STATE PARK – TUCSON (ORO VALLEY), AZ

UPDATE:  As of 2012, all Arizona State Parks are on a reservation system.  At this popular park, you should make reservations well in advance, as you would be lucky indeed to find a site for more than one night without a reservation during the winter season.  Check the Arizona State Park website for the phone number, or to make reservations online.

Our Opinion: Rave; a favorite stop for several years.  This is an update to my previous review in October of 2008 (click here to see the campground during the off season).

Date of Stay:  February 17 through 22, 2011.

Weather During Stay: Mild, with sunshine, clouds and WIND.

Site Description:  This campground often is full by noon from mid-January through March, so you don’t get to choose a site… you feel lucky to get one at all.  All sites are fairly level, most are very long and big-rig friendly.  Sites are exceptionally spacious, but most offer no privacy.  All sites and roads are paved.  About half the sites are back-ins; the rest are long pull throughs.  Each site has a heavy-duty picnic table.  Dumpsters and recycling containers are available in each loop.

We were assigned site A35, a long, level, south-facing back-in site in loop A, the old loop.  Sites on the south side of loop A are dry (no utilities), sites on the north (around 20 sites) have W and E.  Nice, clean, modern restrooms are centrally located, and trees (leafless this time of year) are scattered throughout the loop.
Loop B is the big “new” loop (not so new anymore, but is how we think of it), with 75 large W and E sites.  The restrooms, with showers, are the nicest we have ever used.  There is a “family” restroom/shower we have used together, very roomy and comfortable.  The great showers make it much easier to stay for an extended period without a sewer hookup.

Just opened two weeks ago: an overflow area (near the group sites and a modern restroom with showers).  If a developed site is not available when you arrive, you can wait/overnight in the large, level, dirt overflow lot.  
Rate:  Rates for sites with 30/50 amp E and water have gone up to $25/night.  No sewer hookups.  $15/night to dry camp in Loop A.  Two large dump stations are conveniently located.  Maximum stay is 14 days, strictly enforced during the busy season.

Phone/radio/TV: Aircard on broadband.  Verizon signal strong.  NPR from Phoenix on 91.5.  We pick up a couple stations on the TV antenna (the local CBS affiliate).  No obstacles for satellite TV. 

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This flat, desert campground is at 2700’ elevation.  Native trees are scattered throughout, providing a bit of shade.  The arid, rocky, Santa Catalina Mountains tower over the campground - impressive views and frequently gorgeous sunsets.

Lighting/Noise: Very quiet, very dark.

Favorite Sites: We prefer the perimeter back-in sites of Loop B, but didn’t have that choice during this visit.

Hiking/Walking: Fantastic.  Hikes of all lengths and difficulty.  The hiking and views are the big draw for us here.

Comments: Catalina State Park is just north of Tucson in an upscale, quickly developing area.  In the park, you feel as though you are quite remote from the city, but dining and good shopping (including Trader Joe’s and several great grocery stores) are within a few miles.  A super Wal-Mart is right across the street in a new shopping area.

APACHE PALMS RV PARK, TEMPE, ARIZONA

Our Opinion: Neutral. A small, well-maintained urban park on the Phoenix light rail line.

Date of Stay: January 9 through 16, 2011. We returned February 14 through 16; I updated this review after our second stay.

Weather During Stay: Sunny, cool days; cold nights.

Site Description: This is a small (71 sites), clean, tidy RV park in an urban setting. Most sites are back-ins, but there are a few pull-throughs. Sites are gravel; each has a concrete slab patio. It appears that all sites are FHU (30/50 amps), with cable TV included.

Sites are very level. Our first site (59) was barely long enough for our 38’ motor home, though we had sufficient room for our slides and Jeep in our site. (In the picture of our site, you can see the chair and reflector we set under the corner of our slide to aid our neighbor when she parked her truck next to us!) During our second stay, we had a long, roomy pull through with a picnic table, considerably large and more pleasant.

The park has a small pool and spa, and a laundry room with 4 washers/4 dryers.

Rate: For our first site, we paid $210 for one week, plus another $31.50 for the extra day (this included a AAA discount). For the pull-through, we paid $35.20/night (with AAA discount). Reasonable for the amenities and urban location.

Site 59, our first, much smaller site.	Site 16, a long, roomy pull through with picnic table.

Phone/radio/TV: Excellent Verizon signal here for both phones and aircard (blazing fast). WiFi is included, but we didn’t use it. Our site had no obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite TV dish worked, and the included cable TV had dozens of channels. NPR on 91.5.

Elevation/landscape/terrain: This is a flat campground in a flat urban area at 1,140 ft. elevation. Views are of neighboring rigs and palm trees.

Lighting/noise: Our site was comfortably dark at night. The big surprise: very little noise at night, in spite of the urban location.

Favorite Sites: The largest sites are the few pull-throughs and some of the sites in the back of the park. If we returned, we would be willing to pay the extra fee (around $4/night) for the roomier pull through sites.

Hiking/Walking: Sidewalks outside the park, or drive to parks in the Phoenix metro area.

Comments: Planning renovations to our motor home, we needed a conveniently located urban park. Apache Palms is very tidy, fairly quiet, located on the light rail line, very close to ASU, and convenient to Best Buy, Costco, etc. Not a normal choice for us, but it worked well for what we needed. The small size makes it more appealing to us than most of the HUGE RV parks in the Phoenix metro area.

SADDLE MOUNTAIN RV PARK, TONOPAH, ARIZONA

Our Opinion: Recommend.  Great spot for a cleanup after a week of desert boon docking.

Date of Stay: January 24, 2011.

Weather During Stay:  Sunshine.

Site Description:  This large (300+ sites) RV park has been revitalized since our first stay 5 years ago, when it appeared on the verge of bankruptcy.  We didn’t have time to check out all the activity rooms and common areas, but it is clear that the current ownership cares about the park.

Though there are plenty of snowbirds here, the park has many level pull through sites for overnighters or short term stays.  Sites are gravel and/or decomposing asphalt, each with a concrete patio (no picnic tables) and a couple of tall palm trees, Our site had another little obstacle, a large utility box that made pulling in a little tricky (we unhooked the Jeep to allow us to maneuver).

It appears that all sites are FHU (30/50 amps).  Voltage was on the high side, barely under the level acceptable to our EMS, but it stayed within the safe range.

Rate:  We paid $23.80, the price for Escapee RV club members (15% off the normal rate).  Passport America accepted March through December.  Weekly and monthly rates available.  2 pet limit.

Phone/radio/TV:  Usable Verizon signal here for both phones and aircard.  WiFi is available (TengoInternet), but we didn’t use it.  Our site had no obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite TV dish, and the air antenna picked up quite a few channels from Phoenix.  NPR on 91.5.

Elevation/landscape/terrain: This is a flat campground, surrounded by a high brick wall, in the very small town of Tonopah in the desert between Quartzsite and Phoenix.  Local views are of neighboring rigs and palm trees; distant views of arid mountains.  We really liked the palm trees and the wide streets.

Lighting/noise:  Our site was comfortably dark at night.  Very quiet.

Favorite Sites:  As shown in the photos, not much difference between the sites!

Hiking/Walking: We didn’t explore at all since this was just an in-and-out overnight for us.

Comments:  We needed an easily accessible RV park with FHU to clean up on our way to Phoenix after a week of desert boon docking.  We weren’t the only ones - as the afternoon wore on our row filled with other transients leaving Q.  Very friendly office staff make check in easy, and they allowed us to wash both the rig and the towed.

THE FORTUNA FOOTHILLS, YUMA, AZ

Not a campground, the “Fortuna Foothills” (usually just called The Foothills) is a sprawling, RV-friendly development of privately owned lots 10 miles east of downtown Yuma, AZ.  The area is bounded on the north by Interstate 8 and accessed from either Fortuna Road or Foothills Blvd, stretching south for a couple of miles.  The area was developed from I-8 to the south over several years, so the newest lots are south of 48th Street, with the newest and most “upscale” residential use in the southeast area.

Spacious RV sites can be rented from private owners, usually for 1-3+ months in winter.  Craigslist.com is a good source, or drive the streets and call phone numbers on the “RV Site for Rent” signs. 

Our Opinion: We liked the area south of around 44th Street, which is the part of the Foothills we explored.  We were happy with our inexpensive stay on a no-frills lot in this sunny snowbird destination.

Date of Stay: December 25 to January 2, 2011.

Weather During Stay:  Ranged from sunny and warm to sunny and cool/cold, with a day of rain thrown in.  Usually breezy, sometimes windy.  Yuma is often windy is winter and spring.

Site Description:  We rented a gravel site on a gated double lot that had FHU for 4 RV’s, plus trash and recycling bins.  Lots of room, no frills.

The variety of residential options on these lots is amazing, ranging from graveled, no frills lots (like the one we stayed on), to lots with RV sites and patios, to casitas, park models, modular homes, and site-built homes, some selling for upwards of $300,000. 

What they all have in common: RV’s are allowed to park on all lots.  Streets are paved and wide enough to easily maneuver a big rig while turning into a gated lot.

No frills lot in the foothills.	Front wall, gated – a step up.

Rate:  We were told that the average monthly rate January through March is $325, which includes utilities.  Because we stayed prior to January, when the snowbirds flock to Yuma, we were able to rent short-term.  The typical daily rate appears to be $10-15, including utilities.  It is very difficult to find a short-term (less than monthly) rental during the high season.

Phone/radio/TV:  Good Verizon signal here for both phones and aircard.  Our site had no obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite TV, but some of the landscaped sites might have palm trees to avoid. The air antenna picked up several channels, including networks and a PBS station.  NPR on 88.9.

Double wide modular home with RV space and landscaping.	Typical lot that needs some TLC

Elevation/landscape/terrain: Not far above sea level, Yuma is one of the sunniest places in North America.  Foothills Blvd. rises slightly as it heads south from I-8, so the distant view improves as you continue farther south.  Local views are of neighboring rigs and homes; distant views are of arid, very rocky mountains. 

Lighting/noise:  NO streetlights in our area - YAY!  All nighttime lighting is low, on the 3-4 ft. high brick fences.  Very nice.  This is a very quiet area; no disturbing noise at night.

Hiking/Walking:  Walking on the wide roads is safe, easy, and interesting - good for biking, too.  Lots of variety and pretty views.

Typical scene of RV’s and a home on a wide street with palms.	Couple hundred thousand dollar plus home, fully landscaped.

Comments:  Because of the difference in age between the lots closest to I-8 and those farthest away, there is a wide variety of appeal between the older lots and the newer lots.  We stayed in one of the newest areas and enjoyed it, but drove some of the older neighborhoods and found them less appealing and somewhat run down, varying from lot to lot.  If you rent via the internet, be sure to ask for photos of the site, the lot, the neighboring lots and the view across the street.

Plenty of businesses in the area, including a large Fry’s grocery store at I-8 and Fortuna Road, and a post office that accepts General Delivery mail on Fortuna Road.

QUEEN MINE RV PARK, BISBEE, ARIZONA

Our Opinion: Rave.  We love coming to this lovingly developed and maintained desert park.

Date of Stay: We have stayed here half a dozen times over 4 years.  This stay began 12/20/2009; we plan to be here 2 weeks.  This is an update of our 9/2008 review.

Weather During Stay: It is winter here now, so weather is cold.  Low’s might go below freezing, with daytime highs anywhere from the 40‘s to the 60‘s.  Wind, sun, clouds...

Site Description:  Queen Mine RV park is a large, level, graveled circle, perched high up on the side of the open pit copper mine that dominates Old Bisbee.  The 25 FHU sites (30 amp), all with cable TV, are all back-ins, lining the outside of the circle, facing center.  Generally, motor homes park in the sites on the south side, facing the view to the north, backed up to a mountain; 5th wheels with large rear windows park on the north side, their view windows facing Bisbee or the red mountain to the north.  Great views.

Low rock walls and plantings of native plants and trees have transformed this gravel lot into a cozy refuge.  Above the Queen Mine museum and tours, it almost feels remote… but it is a short walk down the hill into charming, funky, old town Bisbee.  The small office building houses a clean laundry room and restrooms.  Trash and can recycling is near the entrance.  A covered picnic table outside the office makes a pleasant spot to socialize, and a small dog walk hugs the driveway.

Rate: This park no longer offers Passport America or Escapee discounts.  Rates - including WiFi and cable TV - are $28/night, or a weekly rate of $165, electric include.

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon signal is strong here, and the aircard is on speedy Broadband.  WiFi is available at no extra charge, though we haven’t tried it.  About 30 channels on cable TV; no obstacles for satellites.  Radio in this part of the state is crummy - no local NPR (hooray for Sirius!).  NOAA weather radio does not get a signal here.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: A level RV park at 5300’ on the side of a deep, defunct copper pit mine.  Wonderful views of deep red mountainsides and the Victorian buildings lining the steep canyons of Old Bisbee.

Lighting/Noise: Subdued night lighting is unobtrusive; very quiet.

Favorite Sites: Since we travel in a motorhome, we like the sites that back up to the hillside, where we face north east.

Hiking/Walking: Walking up Tombstone Canyon, though Bisbee to the underpass, is about 4 miles round trip.  Wandering through the streets of Bisbee is fun, too.  Lots of good hiking in the area, but all the hikes require a drive.

Comments: Finding the way to the park can be tricky.  We unhooked our towed the first time we came up here to check it out, as the road and route can be confusing. The Bisbee Natural Food Coop is a short drive away, Safeway is a little farther.  A good golf course is in Naco, 5 miles away.  Eat at Rosa’s for great Italian food, Café Roka for expensive and delicious fine dining, Bisbee Breakfast Club for delicious (and large) breakfasts and lunch.

USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK, MESA, ARIZONA

Our Opinion: Rave.  This large regional park has spacious sites and good hiking trails, adjacent to an urban area (Phoenix, AZ).

Date of Stay: December 15th through 19th, 2009.

Weather During Stay:  Lovely mild southwest winter weather.  Lows at night in the low 50’s, daytime highs in the 70’s.  Mostly blue skies.

Site Description:  Our site (27) is a very spacious back-in, aligned mostly east-west, perfect to capture the sun’s morning warmth.  The reasonably level, gravel pad is suitably sized for a big rig, with lots of level, graveled space behind.  A Palo Verde provides shade and privacy on the south (patio) side.

Of the 75 sites available, it looks as though half a dozen are occupied by hosts - and it shows in the meticulous maintenance of the sites.  Both “pullout” and back in sites are available (predominantly back ins).  All sites are raked gravel, with large concrete picnic tables, fire rings and grills at each site.  All sites have water and 30/50 amps.  Most sites can accommodate big rigs, and most sites are level enough – but we did see several that are too sloped for our use.

This is a huge park, and the campground designers did not skimp on space. Several restrooms (with showers); adequate dumpsters.  Spacious dump station available. 

Rate: W/E sites are $25/night.  No senior discount; no weekly discount.  Camping fee includes use of dump station.  All sites are first-come, first-served, no reservations.  14 day consecutive stay limit enforced, but only one night out required before you return. 

Phone/radio/TV: Verizon service is good on both the aircard and phones.  No obstacles for roof mounted TV satellite. All networks, PBS, and a few independents on rooftop antenna. NPR on 91.5 (probably others as well).

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  This is gently rolling terrain, punctuated by arid hills and stony mountains.  Fairly dense desert vegetation: palo verde, saguaro, barrel and cholla… very appealing desert scenery.   Elevation is 2,000 feet above sea level.  Views from the campground are of other (reasonably distant) campers, cactus, multitudes of birds, and high, rocky mountain outcroppings.  Distant views of the city lights at night.

Lighting/Noise: No streetlights in the camping loop (a good thing), but the restrooms have fairly bright lighting at night.  We were positioned so that wasn’t a bother.  Very little urban  noise of any kind.

Favorite Sites: Many, many, appealing sites here.  Choose according to your sun exposure and view preference.  As usual, we prefer perimeter sites to the interior sites, and back-ins to pullouts.

Hiking/Walking:  Walking the loop road of this campground is pleasant for a stroll, or take the half-mile nature trail.  Trailheads for several longer hikes are a short drive from the campground.  We enjoyed the birds-eye view from Wind Cave, and a viewpoint on the Pass Mountain Trail.  Trail maps and information are available at the check-in kiosk.

Comments: This park is a lovely oasis next to densely populated Phoenix, AZ.  The campground occupies a small area of the park, which includes substantial day use areas, numerous trails, and a horse staging area.  November and December would be ideal times to visit - the campground was half full during our stay, but is full daily from mid-January through the end of March.