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Mountain Springs Off-Grid

78%
·
· Ocotillo, Imperial, California
Hosted by Brett B.
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Ask us and we will tell you what we have learned!!
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Off-roading (OHV)
Climbing
Natural features
Desert
Hot spring
Not currently accepting bookings
More camping spots nearby
78%
20 ratings · 12 reviews
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Rebecca M.
August 5, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Do not stay here
We were very excited to check this place out. We had read the reviews and though the latest was a bit unpleasant, but we figured maybe it was a fluke.... It was not. I'm fact, it was very accurate. Brett never responded to our messages. Which we didn't truly mind, but when we got there, we were very displeased and feel he should have either notified us of a few key factors, or not let us rent it at all. I am listing the issues in order of importance to us. The house was completely NOT liveable. There was rat / rodent poop EVERYWHERE - all over the floor, shelves, windows and most disgusting - the bedding . * Not even sure why you'd have bedding if you aren't going to maintain it, just take it all out ??* Therefore we had to sleep in our truck if we w atrd to stay the night. The listing said the place was dog friendly - THIS IS NOT THE CASE. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR ANIMALS HERE. Not only was it rattlesnake season (which should have been disclosed to us beforehand) but there are Jumping (aka Teddy Bear)Cholla cactus ALL over the land. This is a very dangerous cactus that releases balls of spurs that very easily attach themselves to animals and are extremely painful and hard to remove. Within 5 min of being there, my dog got one in her tail. We were cautious about them after this (and googling what it was) but I was walking my dog on the dirt road to potty (figuring this was the safest place not near cactus) and one blew into her SNOUT! It was terrible. We had to use pliers to remove. Then within the next hour my boyfriend and myself were both stuck with them as they were blowing around in the wind. DO NOT BRING YOUR ANIMALS HERE . The solar electricity was not hooked up and therefore unusable. It was 104 degrees so we brought a fan to use but without the power hooked up, obviously this wouldn't work . We weren't too angry with this by this point because the feces everywhere made the house unusable anyway, but had we been able to use the house, this would have been bad news. We arrived at the destination to find the house was VERY close, to not only the highway, but to other tenants on the land. The highway was not a huge deal, but the fact that you are very close to other tenants was a bit of a downer. Again, we read this in a review but we're still shocked how close it actually was. The neighbor came to introduce himself. He was a very nice gentleman and actually was the one who told us about it being rattlesnake season. He seemed surprised we were even able to book, given the time of year and the fact no one has stayed in a while. We mentioned the condition of the house and he offered to help clean the house for us, but we felt that was not his job and not fair for us to ask him. The winds were almost 30 mph , which again should not have been a factor but we were unable to use the house at all. Also were unable to have a fire due to he winds. We were lucky we had the truck to sleep in but overall this was not a pleasant experience and we feel as a responsible host, Brett should have advised : - The house was unkept and hadn't been used in a while - The house and outhouse would not be cleaned before our arrival - the solar energy would not be hooked up, and not usable - Other tenants on the land were in direct eyesight of the house - It was rattlesnake season (we brought our dog) - there are Jumping Cholla / Teddy Bear Cholla cactus ALLLLLLL around the property and it is NOT SAFE for dogs - the winds are not in his control obviously, but he could have warned us about the season Very disappointed in the experience and we will be asking for our money back.
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Nicole P.doesn't recommend
June 5, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
No Communication At All
This was a very weird experience for me. I tried to reach the host several times before my trip. I messaged on hipcamp, texted, emailed, and called. I had questions about directions and the composting toilet but could not reach the host. When the day came, I drove to the site nervous that I had been scammed. Luckily I was able to find the site and the cabin looked like the pictures so I knew I was in the right place. I called the host again and got no response. The cabin was unlocked so I went in and there was a welcome note. I decided to stay, but I was uncomfortable the whole time. I felt like I was trespassing or this was a trick since I had never actually made contact with anyone. It was a lovely site, but the lack of communication and stress was not worth it. I don't know what happened to the host, but I hope they are okay and not renting out a site that they do not own.
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James L.doesn't recommend
May 19, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Bed Covered in Rodent Poop
Prior to our arrival, we contacted the host several times regarding check in, directions, and local activities. We did not receive a single response. Despite this minor setback, all was well upon arrival. The cabin was as-pictured: quaint, humble, and cozy. It was perfectly nestled among the desert mountains. We were happy with our stay up until we began getting ready for bed. We discovered that the bed was covered in what appeared to be RODENT FECES. Trying not to make a big deal out of it, we took the top sheet off, hoping the bottom sheet would be clean. Nope. It too was covered in feces and animal hair. Disgusting!! We were so grossed out that we packed up all of our belongings and drove 2-hours home. Very disappointing. Would not recommend staying here unless you're okay sleeping in feces.
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Kevin B.recommends
March 25, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Awesome little getaway
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Justin L.recommends
February 10, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Great spot little spot, easy to find. Was really windy when we were there so having the little cabin was big difference compared to tent camping. Will camp here again.
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Jose N.recommends
February 5, 2019
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Off the Grid, Peaceful.
This place is amazing if you want some peace of mind and be calm with your thoughts, this is the place. I hope to come visit again soon. Best advice coming here is dont expect to leave. I hiked for a good 2hrs around the area and it was great. I would for sure mention to be aware of wild life like anywhere else. This place is amazing....
Location
Ocotillo, Imperial, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Xawiƚƚ kwñchawaay (Cocopah) and Kumeyaay/Kumiais First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Brett B.Joined in March 2018
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