There is beauty and magic in nature! The Spark exists to help give campers positive experiences and memorable moments in a safe and natural environment.
ENJOY! 40 acres of beautiful mountain / desert / prairie on this private homestead. Tents, vans, RVs, travel trailers and whatever else you might arrive in (any size!)... Whatever you're looking for, this "Primitive Plus" camping 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 huge section of the property 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. Many past campers already have created lots of spots with campfire rings you can adopt or feel free to create your own spot in a place no one has camped before! 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, even have a campfire or set up a tent and spend a night or three out in the wandering area. 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 known for mind-blowing stargazing as there is near-(phone number hidden)light pollution. It's PERFECT for viewing the Milky Way and meteor showers, shooting stars and drifting satellites, as well as spotting the SpaceX Starlink Train. If you're wanting the perfect place for watching any special night-sky event then we 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 (about 3 miles), we are so remote that there is always the possibility of interesting wildlife interaction. 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, regular rabbits, squirrels, field mice ad maybe tarantulas. Of course you always want to keep an eye out for things like scorpions, fire ants, snakes, and cacti anywhere in Arizona. :) DON'T LET THIS LIST SCARE YOU! 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 John style restroom and it's much 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!
WEATHER! Always 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. Free firewood is also available in the form of any dead wood that has fallen on the property! And don't be afraid to ask for help if you forgot something you need... Did you forget your propane water boiler? 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 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).
EQUIPMENT RENTALS! Available for rent RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP are 6 foot folding utility tables, and 10 x 10 feet shade canopies. Everything comes with extra long heavy duty ground stakes. Styles and availability are limited and vary from hour-to-hour throughout each day.
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 12:00 noon. Out of respect for other campers enjoying the evening stars we encourage you to arrive BEFORE sunset. It would also be very difficult for you to choose a location and set up in the total blackness of night out here. If you know that you will be arriving after sunset just let me know ahead of time and I can make your arrival much easier!)
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS! I will maintain proper distancing from you as I give you a 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 campground - 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!
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NEARBY:
Grand Canyon Village South Rim - 86 miles
Sedona - 86 miles
Downtown Williams - 27 miles
Flagstaff Airport - 62 miles
Snow Bowl Ski Resort - 74 miles
Phoenix -Sky Harbor Airport - 156 miles
Outdoor Supply Store - 27 miles in Williams
Lakes 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 lake
Essentials like grocery, gas, post office, souvenirs, service station, and a couple of small town restaurants - only 5 miles away in local Ash Fork
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** MJ friendly. Enjoy openly on this very private property!
** pet and child friendly (under supervision)
** please observe the included camp rules and quiet times
** emergency services available nearby
The spots
Anywhere you choose to camp you will have a SPECTACULAR sunset and a DAZZLING night sky view (depending on the atmosphere of course, which is usually very artistic!). Also be ready to hear gorgeous coyote music or to be lulled to sleep by cricket songs during the warmer seasons!
The sanitary facilities
There is a standard Porta Potty on site for the restroom. The inside is cleaned and disinfected regularly, there is also a guest book inside if you'd like to read about others' experiences or write about your own while you "take care of business." Also included inside is a bottle of hand sanitizer and a solar charged light. When there is enough sunlight for power you may also hear some music!
The amenities
So far in three years campers have no no issues with cell phone reception or data service. So you should have no problem staying connected using your service provider!
The activities
Horseshoes and Cornhole games are available for you to pass the time and sharpen your skills!
