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

Rose Valley RV Park, Silver City, NM

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD –9
We stayed at this park years ago, and were pleasantly surprised on our return how much the park as grown and improved.  Friendly hosts at check in, and good oiled gravel roads to our back-in site.  Each site has a rustic fence or shrubs planted to reduce the ever-blowing wind in the spring.  Hookups are convenient, and cable TV is furnished.  The park WiFi wouldn’t connect in our location, but Verizon cell and data were strong.  This has become a busy park with many long-term residents, most of who keep their sites neat and uncluttered.  The laundry, exercise, and library were all immaculate and well maintained.  Quiet at night, with easy access to the main shopping areas and downtown.  Reasonable at $27/night.   Rose Valley 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

Rusty’s RV Ranch, Rodeo, NM

Stay Date:  April 2014
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
There are so many RV parks – and most are the cookie-cutter variety.  So it’s a treat to find one that is unique; and Rusty’s certainly is that.  Located in the desert near the Chiracahua Mountains of Southeast Arizona (Rusty’s is just over the border in NM), it has become a mecca of sorts for amateur astronomers and birder watchers.  The remote location makes for dark, crystal-clear nights, and the Chiracahua range has some of the best birding sites in the US.  The sites at Rust’s are huge – around 1/4 acre, and have a permanent table and fire pit.  The pull-thrus are long (200’), level, and like the park roads, are dirt and gravel.  Hookups are centrally located, and the WiFi worked well, although Verizon cell and data were sporadic due to the location.  The owners are hands-on, friendly, and work hard to improve the park.  Each Friday they host a pot-luck and provide the main course (a wonderful rice/sausage/broccoli dish on our visit), plates, and drinks in the clubhouse.  The clubhouse has an immaculate laundry and a large outside garden has trees, fountains, ponds, and bird feeders to make it a refreshing place to sit.  There’s a small above-ground pool and a pond surrounded by trees and populated by a group of feisty geese.  There’s not much in Rodeo, but Portal, a small town at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, has a small store and café that serves the best green-chile cheeseburgers you’ll ever eat.  There are plenty of back roads and trails to explore, and the birding is exceptional.  You’ll probably run out of things to do after a while, but for a few days or a week this is an exceptional park.  The Passport America rate is good for three days @ $17/night for full hookups.  Rusty’s RV Ranch.