- Ocotillo
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
Similar campgrounds nearby
Reviews
78% Recommend20 ratings · 12 reviews
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.
Rebecca M.
6 years on Hipcamp
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.
N
Nicole P.
6 years on Hipcamp
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.
James L.
7 years on Hipcamp
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· March 2019
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Awesome little getaway
K
Kevin B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· February 2019
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.
Justin L.
8 reviews
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....
J
Jose N.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
It was a great little getaway!
K
Kevin B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· January 2019
awesome spot would go back again for sure
Alec B.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2018
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Spent a few nights out at this adorable yellow casita. Definitely an experience! Such a unique little house and camp area, I really wasn’t sure what to expect but accommodated all my needs. Somewhere between camping and glampinh with the basics you need to be comfortable mixed with the eclectic personality of the little house all while feeling remote in the desert. We would definitely spend time here again
Sarah W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2018
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
What a magical little place! It’s so beautiful. What I love is seeing the little yellow “castle” tucked amongst the desert rocks and brush. It’s truly glamping and a wonderful spot to explore the property itself as well as other areas nearby. There are trails to explore mere steps from the little house and the hosts shared with me the trail to a little hidden spring. What beauty. Yes, you are near the highway and hear trucks but honestly you still feel like you’re in a world away. The wind, the birds and the flora and fauna are breath taking. The cabin itself has neat little touches like candles and sconces which make it seem like it comes from a fairy tale. The little tiled round alcove at the back Was a perfect spot to sit and eat a sunset snack along with a little Vino.
Don’t even get me started on how surprisingly elegant the outhouse is. It’s straight out of Princess Bride, with an antique table, a washing bowl and wall sconces. I put glow sticks in there for any possible night visits and it was actually beautiful. Yes it’s a compost toilet and all you have to do is bring some sawdust or peat moss and do your thing. It’s not stinky like most outhouses, because there is plenty of air thanks to the two windows and the mountain pass wind is ever present, so it’s actually very clean.
Jenna and Kisha were excellent hosts and if asked, they are a wealth of information about the area. They thoughtfully left a bunch of tinder for the fire that started right up and soon I had a beautiful sunset fire blazing thanks to them. They joined me at my invitation and we had a wonderful visit. They are super chill and very careful not to be intrusive to guests who might be shy or want to be alone, but I bonded instantly and they were happy to come and say hello and share their adventure.
I had to cut my visit short due to a friend who needed me, but I WILL be back to enjoy the amazing sunrise and sunset amongst the sun goddess sculpture that greets all guests there and the beautiful plants and birds.
I’ll be back for sure.
Susie K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2018
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
As advertised. This is a great place to get away for a night. It's only a bit out of SD and right off the freeway. Great landscape right in your backyard, vast and rocky - fun to climb!
Aaron T.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2018
Group trip ·
Mountain Springs Off-Grid
Mountain Springs Off-Grid is an awesome place to camp! The views are breathtaking and the cabin was so cozy and comfortable. A great set up with everything you need! Not only did we sleep great in the cabin but the outdoor cooking area made cooking meals super easy. Highly recommend staying at Mountain Springs Off-Grid!
Brie W.
16 reviews
Location
Ocotillo, Imperial, California, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Brett B.
Joined in March 2018Things to do nearby
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