A Spark in the Dark

"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" boondocking-style (with extras!) experience 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. The focus here is private, raw, beautiful nature. :) LAYOUT! The property is divided into two very large areas. You'll drive around and choose your ideal spot to set up your camp in the spacious and scenic camping area. And if you like, there is a gigantic area of the property off-limits to vehicles which is ideal for hiking and exploring. You can wander out there day or night, take some beautiful photos, swing your metal detector around, search for cool stones, even have a campfire or set up a tent and build yourself a second "satellite camp!" This gigantic area of the property offers some very interesting spots like a small dry pond and an old road that used to cut through the property as well as the guarantee of having no vehicles to watch for as you photograph, meditate, or whatever you're up to. It's completely up to you - it's YOUR stay! If your camping needs dictate that you need \*total\* privacy just message ahead of time so I can have a spot like that saved for you. STARS! The Spark is your "front row to the universe!" This area is known for mind-blowing stargazing as there is near-zero light pollution. It's PERFECT for viewing the Milky Way and meteor showers, shooting stars and drifting satellites. If you want the perfect place for watching any special night-sky event then I have you covered with some of the most clear and dazzling views of the universe... WILDLIFE! Although we are just a short drive off of the freeway (not quite 3 miles), we are remote enough that there is always the possibility of interesting wildlife sightings. Most common are the lullabies of cricket music and coyote song. It's not out of the question to maybe spot the following animals in the area: cows, antelope, deer, javalina pigs and elk. Various snakes including bull snakes are possible as well as the slight potential for rattlesnakes. There are also adorable prairie dogs here and there along with ravens, jackrabbits, squirrels, field mice and maybe the occasional wandering tarantula. Of course you always want to keep an eye out for things like scorpions, fire ants, snakes, and cacti anywhere in Arizona. :) Many of these animal sightings can be rare and most all of these animals will go out of their way to avoid us. :) Just keep an eye out and be responsible with your food and garbage, and make sure your children and pets are under your supervision and control...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! There are solar lights inside but you'll want to bring a backup light for those times when it doesn't charge very well. With no electricity or lights throughout the property, walking around in the dead of night is like stumbling through inky blackness. So bring some reliable lighting with you! Just a note: I keep this very clean but the tank can get smelly, especially in the summer. It's a Porta Potty after all, so the higher temps definitely will affect the smell - but all the surfaces will ALWAYS be clean. :)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! The campground host lives on the property on a small homestead. This is where you will check-in and where you can purchase gallons of water and firewood bundles. And don't be afraid to ask for help if you forgot something you need... Can't find your phone charger? Do you need a battery jumpstart or to air-up a low tire? Did you forget your propane tank for cooking? Maybe you forgot your little camp stove? Have you just realized you need extra long tent stakes that you didn't plan for? Did you suddenly realize you forgot to pack your flashlight? If you realize you're lacking some kind of essential then ask the host! There is a possibility he has something you can borrow while you're visiting! PACK IN/PACK OUT! Please be aware that there is NO TRASH PICKUP currently at this time for the campground 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 experience. :) However! There are full services only 5 miles east on the 40 where you can dump your trash, empty waste tanks, and for refilling your water and fuel! (The Belen and Star station).GEAR AND STUFF AT THE MOONLIGHT MARKET! Available for rent ($10 for the length of your stay) are 6 foot folding utility tables. There is also a little area here called The Moonlight Market which is a self-serve collection of stuff you might want or need! Gallons of water for sale, ground stakes to borrow, emergency pet food, maybe a few souvenirs... and a changing selection of various items are available here with simple instructions. Self-service day or 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! No matter where you choose to camp, please keep in mind that the ENTIRE PROPERTY is yours to explore or take photos or test gear or hike or meditate or whatever you like! Think of The Spark as a "Choose Your Own Adventure" experience. And wherever you find yourself, day or night, you are welcome to be. :)CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT! Check-in is any time after noon, and check-out is 11am. Out of respect for other campers enjoying the evening stars I respectfully encourage you to arrive before sunset. However YOUR SCHEULE IS MY SCHEDULE and 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!COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS! I will follow your lead as I give you a very quick run-down of the property. I can also provide a contact-free check-in if you like, simply give me a heads up before you arrive and I'll explain the campground by text. I also provide hand sanitizer in the restroom :)"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: Grand Canyon Village South Rim - 86 milesSedona - 86 milesDowntown Williams - 27 milesFlagstaff Airport - 62 milesSnow Bowl Ski Resort - 74 milesPhoenix -Sky Harbor Airport - 156 milesOutdoor Supply Store - 27 miles in WilliamsLakes for fishing and recreation - Dogtown Lake, Cataract Lake, Kaibab Lake, White Horse Lake (all in nearby Williams) - between 27 and 45 miles depending on the lakeEssentials 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 --------------------------------------------------------\*\* MJ friendly. Enjoy openly on this very private property!\*\* pet and child friendly (under supervision, of course!) \*\* please observe the included camp rules and quiet hours (8pm-8am)\*\* emergency services available nearby