Scenic and Dispersed Camping!!
"Drifting along like a tumbleweed,
you're right where you're supposed to be!" :)
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 fo
"Drifting along like a tumbleweed,
you're right where you're supposed to be!" :)
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-zero light pollution. It's PERFECT for viewing the Milky Way and meteor showers, shooting stars and drifting satellites, as well as spoting 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 a mile), 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! Times are NOT strict. But 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
- Check in: After 12PM
- Check out: Before 11AM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out Weeknight discount: 10% off
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Fishing
Lots of great fishing lakes in nearby Williams - about a half hour's drive away!
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Scenic and Dispersed Camping!! in Arizona.
Places to see near A Spark in the Dark Campground
111 Reviews
Clifford was very attentive prior to us arriving. His directions were superb. He came out to greet us as we pulled up. He was very kind and explained all that he had to offer us. We choose a site he recommended and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and campfire. In the morning, we took a loop around his property. It is super clean, and has some other amazing spots to camp. We highly recommend a Spark in the Dark!

Peaceful and serene. Fantastic Sunrises and Sunsets. This high desert oasis, a short 3 mile drive off the 40 fwy is amazing Off Grid, private getaway. Clifford is a great host and the enclosed private property is laid out perfectly with plenty of space between spots. Only 30 minutes from the town of Williams for entertainment, restaurants, shopping etc. and about an hour to either Flagstaff or Prescott.
Be prepared for Off Grid type stay. The road in is a straight shot down slightly rough dirt road but doable with almost any vehicle, just take it slow and easy. I don't recommend very large vehicles like 5th wheels or very large rvs, but small to medium would be fine.
Pack it in, pack it out rule and camp fires allowed during our stay.
Also, not sure about other carriers but our Tmobile signal was surprisingly amazing.
We really enjoyed our visit and we'll definitely be back. Highly recommend.




This Hipcamp is the best. Clifford was so welcoming and had a great vibe. Good communication and directions. We wanted privacy and never saw another person. Lovely area to hike and outstanding views. Really enjoyed our stay!
Thought this might work for the wife , myself and our three big dogs but far exceeded expectations ! The host , Clifford was very friendly and more than helpful with our trek across country ! Would definitely stay here again !!!!!
Clifford is a kind and generous host. The views from the site we chose were beautiful at sunset. Pick your spot on the loop he has set up. There is a clean little porta potty here that was much appreciated. Hubby spent time in the morning at the “Juniper Council” ❤️
Good directions and a nice overnight location from the I-40. Thank you for sharing your special place Clifford!

Really wonderful stay. We were the only ones out camping, it was very peaceful and felt very safe. Our 2WD VW eurovan had no issues with the road. The porta-potty really was nicer than you would expect!
Super cool spot. I stopped by for a night on my way to the Grand Canyon. Easy directions and check in. Large property with multiple places to camp. There was one other camper and the host on the property at the time of my stay, but I did not hear or see them outside of check in. Porta potty is available, as well as wood for fires.
When I checked in, there were high winds, but they settled down as the night wore on. Definitely a great place to stargaze and listen to the coyotes.
Clifford runs a we’ll thought out camp where you’re not just a number — rather a shape denotes your camp space! We arrived at night, following great directions from Clifford, and thought that it was just us but woke up to find two other camps that were situated perfectly for privacy and solitude. Very clean. Wish we would have had seen the cool horse shoe set up before we had to leave. I would gladly stay there again and I would highly recommend.
Awards
- Property
- A Spark in the Dark Campground
- State
- Arizona
- Country
- United States
- $20/night
- 6 Sites