Blake Ranch RV Park, Kingman AZ

Stay Date:  March 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

This has become our favorite stop when transiting the area.  With easy on/off from I-40, the park is on a hill above the interstate and truck stop/restaurant.  After check in with the friendly staff, it’s an uphill drive to the parking area.  Sites are level gravel and spacious with with small trees for shade, but still satellite friendly.  Verizon cell/data were strong, and the park WiFi worked well.  Although we don’t use them, the restrooms and laundry are below the parking area adjacent to the office, and could be inconvenient depending on your spot.  A little noise at night from the truck stop, but not enough to be a distraction.  It’s an eleven mile trip to Kingman for shopping, but other than shopping there’s not much to do in town.  With Good Sam discount the price is reasonable at $32/night.  Blake Ranch RV Park

Mission View RV Park, Tucson AZ

Stay Date:  Feb 2016
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
We chose Mission View because of it’s location – just off I-19 a few miles south of Tucson, it gave us quick and easy access to Tucson and surrounding communities.  We were impressed with the park’s facilities; a large heated indoor pool surrounded by exercise equipment, nice clubhouse, library, meeting rooms, and reasonable laundry ($1 wash/.75 Dry).  The staff and residents were very friendly and we were welcomed to participate in their activities.  Sites were large, with concrete patio and table, and with ample room to park our vehicle next to the motorhome.  Good hookups, typical spotty WiFi, lots of OTA TV channels, and no obstructions to the satellites.  Verizon cell/data were strong.  Nice wide streets although the speed bumps were irritating.  Located at the edge of South Tucson, a deteriorating neighborhood, the park has 24-hour security.  The Passport America rate for one week @ $19/night was a bargain over the usual $245/week.  Mission View RV Park

Adobe Village RV Park, Yuma, AZ

Stay Date:  Jan 2016
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Yuma is a snowbird heaven, where the population more than doubles in the winter.  To understand how many people from “up north” come here, take a look at Yuma on Google Earth – and try and find a structure that isn’t an RV or mobile home.  RV parks here run the gamut, but most are 300+ site places with countless planned activites.  We were looking for a one-week stay, without the amenities or activities that we wouldn’t use.  Adobe Village was perfect for us; reasonable, convenient to I-8, and a weekly rate that included electric.  Like all Yuma parks, there are few trees, but the lots were very large with a concrete patio and streets are very wide.  Hookups were good, Verizon cell/data were strong, and there were lots of over-the-air TV stations….but most were Mexican.  People were friendly, but get used to sentences ending with “eh?” with all the Canadians.  For the area, a week’s stay was a reasonable $150, electric included.  Adobe Village RV Park

Saguaro Escapees (SKP) Park, Benson, AZ

Stay Date:  Nov-Jan 2015/16
Our Rating:  GOOD –9
Our stay of choice when visiting the area; the park has the friendliest group of people you’ll ever meet.  Members of the SKP RV Club can rent the lots of leaseholders who are abscent, or a separate area with long-term spots.  Since you’re renting from a leaseholder, each lot is different; you may have a concrete pad and patio, or in our case, just a large gravel lot.  The lots are very large, hookups are convenient, and there are few trees to block a satellite.  Cable is included but isn’t very good, and there’s no Wi-Fi except at the clubhouse.  Verizon cell/data is strong, and there are OTS stations available.  The clubhouse has a large gathering room, a pool room with professional-quality tables, a library, craft room, exercise room, meeting rooms, and a nice laundry.  Everything is spotless, inside and out.  There are hiking trails behind the park that lead into the desert, and a few small trails scattered throughout the park.  Convenient to Benson with a number of restaurants and a Wal-Mart and Safeway, and a bit less than 40 miles from Sierra Vista or Tucson.  It’s worth the annual dues to be a member and use this park.  Monthly rates are low at $330 plus Electric.  Saguaro SKP RV Park

Cotton Lane RV Park, Goodyear, AZ

Stay Date:  Oct 2015

Our Rating:  GOOD – 7

This large snowbird park was mostly empty during our visit, which considering the narrow sites made it acceptable for our four-slide motor home. Paved interior roads with gravel sites and a strange arrangement where the patio was at the rear of the site. Small trees, so no TV satellite obstruction and lots of OTA channels. Good Verizon cell and 4G, but park WiFi was too slow probably because of our location on the far side of the park. Convenient to I-10 and Loop 303, so a good stay for easy access, otherwise nothing special about this park.  We’d avoid it during the winter months.  Pricey at $34/night.  Cotton Lane RV Park

Blake Ranch RV Park, Kingman, AZ

Stay Date:  Oct 2015
Our Rating:  GOOD - 8
Easy access to the interstate and 12 miles from Kingman, this park is our choice of places to stay when transitioning the area. The level gravel sites are at the top of an uphill slope and it can be difficult unhooking a tow vehicle, but with a restaurant within walking distance there’s no need to unhook for one night. Sites have partial shade and a table, and are well spaced. The park WiFi worked well in spite of the number of RVs present, and Verizon cell/4G were strong. Cable TV was adequate and there were no obstructions for a TV satellite. Friendly office staff. This is a popular place and was full by early afternoon, so reservations are a must.  Reasonable with the Good Sam discount; $27/night.  Blake Ranch RV Park.

Roper Lake State Park, Safford AZ

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
We were impressed with this park.  A large facility with a small lake, there are day use areas, a beach, fishing docks, and a natural spring hot tub.  Entry roads and sites are paved, and our back-in Cottonwood Loop site was huge, with a shelter and table, and a fire ring. Our site backed up to an arm of the lake with stagnant water, and so the mosquitoes were abundant when the wind calmed and at night.  So no sitting around the fire here.  We had 50A and water hookups, and there’s a dump station on the exit road.  Lots of nice trails connect the different areas of the park, and there’s a loop trail that takes you up on a small mesa.  The area with the swimming beach, called the “island” has great birding with it’s large variety of plants and trees.  There are great views of the Mt Graham, and well maintained landscaping throughout.  The office/visitor center has a nice gift shop and the volunteers we met were very friendly.  No cable or WiFi, but our Verizon Jetpack worked well and there were no obstructions for the satellite TV.  The Swift Trail is a paved road to the top of Mt Graham and is worth the trip – incredible views and a lake at the 10,000’ level.  A trip to the “Gila Box” riparian area is also interesting.  The Gila River creates a heavily-wooded strip through the desert landscape.  Narrow, winding roads can be a problem with a large vehicle.  A trip to Morenci and the copper mine is worth the effort.  They’ve been digging since the 1870s and it shows.   Our only complaint on the park besides the mosquitoes is the huge speed bump placed on the park exit.   It’s bad enough that they built it so high, but you hit it an an angle which makes it even worse.  But overall, a great park and worth the $25/night plus $5 reservation fee (you need a reservation).  Roper Lake State Park

Desert Trails RV Park, Tucson AZ

Stay Date: November 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
If you’re tired of cookie-cutter, side-by-side RV parks, you’ll enjoy this park.  Formerly a water park, sites are arranged helter-skelter throughout the park.  Some are side by side, some back to front, some angled….but it all works.  Lots of desert landscaping and a fair amount of Palo Verde trees to provide shade at most sites.  Interior road are mostly paved, and wander without reason through the park; sites are gravel and mostly back-in.  Unusual for this are is that electric is included in the price, which makes it a good deal for those of us with lots of power requirements.  Unlike many snowbird parks, there doesn’t seem to be any cliques, and everybody waves and smiles.  Lots of facilities; pool, hot tub, library, sewing/craft rooms, card rooms, exercise rooms, and weekly entertainment decided on by a Monday meeting of residents.  Very resident-oriented staff, and as a result, lots of returnees. Free WiFi, but it didn’t work well at our outer fringe location.  No cable, but clear views of satellites and good OTA reception.  Verizon cell and 4G were good.  Behind the park is a network of trails that wander through saguaro-studded desert and beautiful views.  The location is a bit off the main road, but not far from ample shopping and the interstate.  Reasonable at $595/month for 50A.  Desert Trails RV Park

Blake Ranch RV Park, Kingman, AZ

Stay Date: April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
We liked this park from the start just from the phone reservation.  The lady in the office was extremely friendly and flexible on our length of stay since we needed service on our motor home.  On arrival, we were welcomed and told not to worry, they’d make sure we had a space for as long as we needed.  The park is located on a bluff above an interstate truck stop, and although close to all the activity, is quiet at night.  Everything is gravel, but sites are large, level, and ours had a nice-sized tree and a picnic table.  Hookups were well-located, and the cable TV and free WiFi worked well during our stay.  No obstructions to the rooftop satellite, and Verizon cell and data were very good.  The park is also a “horse hotel”, but that part of the park is located on the far side and any activity or smells were not noticeable.  The only drawback is the 11 mile distance to Kingman, but the quality of the park made the drive worthwhile.  Kingman has a surprising number of good restaurants and adequate shopping, and an above-average Freightliner facility.  A quality stay at $26/night (Good Sam).  Blake Ranch RV Park

Norma’s RV Park, Joseph City, AZ

Stay Date: April 2014
Our Rating: GOOD – 7
Sometimes all we need is a safe overnight parking spot with hookups, and Norma’s, a small park in a small town along I-40, fits the bill.  Easily accessed off the interstate, there are just a few pull-thus, so call in advance.  We were able to keep the tow attached with blocking anyone, and the electric worked well.  The water hookup was in a well covered by dirty water, so we just used our on-board supply.  No WiFi, and we didn’t use the park cable.  Our satellite had a clear view and Verizon cell and data were strong.   A friendly owner, in his 90s, came around to welcome us and chat.  A bit tight to avoid trees and other RVs getting out, but it can be done.  The rate of $18 made this a good stop for us.  Norma’s RV Park

Distant Drums RV Resort, Camp Verde, AZ

Stay Date:  April 2012
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
An excellent park with great facilities and a friendly staff. An escort led us to our site on the paved roads, and each site is level concrete with a parking pad.  The lots would be improved with a table, you’ll have to bring your own if you plan on grilling outside.   Landscaping throughout the park is exceptional, and although near the Interstate, it's quiet at night. The free Wi-Fi worked well, and Verizon data service was usable, but slow. The location provides an excellent base for visiting Sedona, Montezuma Castle, and other area attractions. As mentioned, the showers are cleaned after each use, a remarkable service. A medium-sized casino is across the Interstate and has all of the usual dining opportunities.  We enjoyed our stay here and will return.  $33/night.  Distant Drums RV Resort

Lazy Days RV Campground, Tucson, AZ

Stay Date:  Multiple, Last April 2012
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
This park continues to improve under the new Lazydays management. We dined at the relocated restaurant for lunch and were impressed; the food was excellent and reasonably priced. Security is very good, both at the gates and in roving patrols, important since the park's location, while convenient to the interstate, is in a less than desirable location. Every employee that we came in contact with was friendly, cheerful, and concerned with our stay - there's even a concierge in the office. The free Wi-Fi worked well except when overwhelmed in the evenings, and the cable TV was limited but clear. Our pull-through site during this visit was on an uphill angle, but otherwise the site and hookups were good. This park would be perfect if there were paved pads instead of the gravel which is difficult to walk on, but it's still one of the best places we've visited.  $33/Night.  Lazydays RV Campground

Arrowhead RV Resort, Welton AZ

Stay Date:  November 2009
Our Rating:  REALLY UGLY – 3
This is a long-term snowbird park, not an overnight stop. For $28 (cash only) you get a spot in a gravel parking lot on the periphery of the park with water and electric only - no sewer hookup, table, trees; just dust and train noise. Unfriendly people looked at us as if we were intruders to their remote little world.  Our bad, we should have done more research; don't make our mistake - avoid this park if traveling, there are better, less expensive parks around. We'll avoid this park in the future.

Lake Powell Campground and RV Park, Page AZ

Stay Date:  September 2008
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Overall a nice park for the price. Entry/exit is a little tight (they should move the dumpsters), but the office staff was friendly, the utilities worked fine, and the free WiFi and cable worked well. Sites are long, gravel, reasonably level, and there are some trees for shade.  Free cable TV and working WiFi.  Some trees, but most sites have a clear shot to the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nothing special, but a good place to stay, reasonable at $27/night ($3 extra for cable)  Lake Powell Campground and RV Park

Apache Flats RV Resort, Fort Huachuca AZ

Stay Date:  Numerous, last stay November 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
Our favorite military campground.  Located on the back side of the post, it’s in a historically interesting area, surrounded by lush desert, and staffed by friendly, professional hosts.  All concrete roads and pads, sites are large and nicely landscaped.  Free cable TV, no WiFi, but Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nice small gym where all the equipment worked, and a community room where pot-lucks are held each week.  Lots of hiking trails, and not much danger of snakes due to well-cared for group of campground cats.  A great stay, but it stays crowded.  $14/day, $85/week makes this an incredible bargain.  Military or DoD ID required  Apache Flats RV Resort

Adventure Bound/Cactus Country Resort, Tucson AZ

Stay Date:  October 3007
Our Rating:  BAD – 6
Located on the far southeastern edge of Tucson but with easy access to major roads, this is an OK park for a stopover or short stay but very overpriced during the winter at $43/night.   Lots of potential; large, gravel sites, good hookups, some shade, but the large number of long term/permanent residents with work trucks and outside storage detracts from the appearance. Free cable TV was poor and free WiFi seldom worked.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. A large number of dogs in the park, some of which are tied and left during the day while their owners are off to work create noise.  Cactus Country Resort

Havasu Falls RV Resort, Lake Havasu AZ

Stay Date:  October 2007
Our Rating:  BAD –6
Large expanse of desert gravel with concrete pads for RVs. No shade or grass, and sites are close together. WiFi was very weak and barely usable. Free Cable TV.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nothing special for the steep overnight rate of $37.  Havasu Falls RV Resort

Gila Bend Air Force Station Famcamp, AZ

Stay Date:  Multiple, last stay October 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD - 7
Certainly not a destination, but a convenient, secure, and inexpensive place to spend the night on the long stretch of I-8 between Tucson and San Diego.  Friendly gate guards and office people; but self check in is also available.  Pretty much a gravel parking lot with hookups, there’s a gym across the street and a free laundry, but that’s pretty much it.  No BX or gas station, dining is across the interstate in Gila Bend.  Good hookups, except that the water is just about undrinkable, but for $7 who can complain?  Good Verizon cell and Aircard, nothing in the way of seeing the satellite, no cable or WiFi.  Some jet aircraft noise during the weekdays, otherwise quiet and dark at night.  Military or DoD ID Required.  Gila Bend AFS

Yuma KOFA Escapee RV Park, Yuma AZ

Stay Date:  April 2007
Our Rating:  REALLY UGLY – 3
We’re Escapees, and never expected to stay at a park with such a bunch of rude, unfriendly people.  On check-in, we waited while the office girl ignored us while eating her lunch.  This is one of the parks where you rent the site of an absent owner, and ours was a concrete back-in.  Hookups were good, Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  The park has a rule that you can’t use your washer.  Cost is plus electric, which with the a/c running all of the time came to $22day.  I’d be embarrassed to say I was an Escapee if lived in this park, maybe it’s the area that makes people so rude.  Yuma is a huge snowbird location, but we avoid it; nothing but sand, rocks, and blowing dust.

Cochise Terrace RV Resort, Benson AZ

Stay Date:  February 2007
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Primarily a snowbird park (who’d want to be here in the summer?), this is a well organized, comfortable park.  If you’re going to stay in Benson, than this is the only place where you won’t hear the trains.  Paved roads, pea-gravel well-groomed back-in sites, not much shade.  Local ordinances require that your sewer hose NOT touch the ground.  Free cable, pay WiFi, easy shot to satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well.  Nice pool, exercise room, and clubhouse.  There’s also a “dance hall” and occasional entertainment.  Plenty of planned activities during the winter, and generally friendly folks, but as in all snowbird parks, cliques exist.  Quiet and dark at night, occasional coyotes (don’t let your pet run free), and a short drive to the Wal-Mart and dining.  No longer a bargain unless you have Passport America, and even then it’s $27/day.  Cochise Terrace RV Resort