Camping in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Arizona

See full blog post - www.loveyourrv....
In this video, I give you look at our campsites in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. (Kofa NWR). We camped off Palm Canyon Road and visited in late January of 2016 and enjoyed it very much.
If you're into photography, hiking, and scenic views this place is a recommended spot for you.
Campsites are very primitive with no services but accessible to larger RVs. Access was on a graded flat gravel two lane road. I found the further in the better the views and the thicker the surrounding cactus became.
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[@photographybya7602]

Drove through this area for the first time and didn’t know anything about it. Thanks for the info, the beautiful scenery and your calm demeanor. I agree, the chollas are incredible in the late afternoon sun and clouds in the sky are even more beautiful than a totally clear day. Interesting info about the fan palms as well and the hiking and free camping.

[@tonymathyssen1608]

Thanks for sharing Ray. Can't wait to get here. Tony & Cathy. Hugs to Anne.

[@Matt.Jungfleisch]

Ray, what a beautiful place to stay, and for free. You, Ann and Angie are living life to the fullest. Thanks for taking us along.

[@LoveYourRV]

+Matt Jungfleisch We sure are! You're most welcome, thanks for viewing. Cheers Ray

[@jasonhines5524]

Wonderful. Thank you

[@rvthurston5281]

WOW - Kofa has been added to my list of places to spend a week. The beauty is one thing but to hear I can bring the ATV is like icing on the plan. Thanks for sharing

[@BlaneysChannel]

A couple of those stills should be in a book or magazine. WOW!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks!

[@sjntube]

Live out in East Mesa, AZ. Camp out at Lost Dutchman State Park all the time. Kofa looks to be PERFECT. The campgrounds in town can get a bit crowded. I need a good getaway spot.

[@LoveYourRV]

This place should do you fine. ;)

[@sjntube]

Regarding the Oregon Pipe BLM site, have you ever run into those of the "illegal" persuasion running around out there? That park is pretty close to the border and we've been hearing reports of Cartel activity down that way. Do you ever feel unsafe?

[@LoveYourRV]

Never, I've felt pretty safe down there. More safe than any large city I ever visit, that's for sure. In recent years they have really stepped up enforcement, there are tons of border patrols down there. The national monument has been recently opening large areas that were previously off limits. I think a lot of the concerns are old news now. - america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/4/23/arizona-park-once-deemed-most-dangerous-in-the-us-reopens-to-public.html

[@cacatr4495]

Thanks for sharing. I've saved this to my Arizona playlist, to the Kofa section.

[@kennyc388]

Nice vid....plus no crappy annoying music. Thank you!

[@rvertv]

beautiful place !!

[@robreighter2851]

Superb video Ray! They just keep getting better and better. Thanks so much.

[@LoveYourRV]

Great to hear! Cheers Ray

[@GypsyFree]

Spectacular! Thanks for sharing!

[@LoveYourRV]

You bet. :)

[@peterolsen2088]

Ray, a tiny bit of foam over the mic port will stop that wind noise. Use the removable two sided Sotch type tape. It leaves no stain or sticky spots and its cheap enough that when it is lost, a replacement is easy and way cheap.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, it has dual mics under the lens, I 'll try some foam across their grills, Cheers Ray

[@Lifeonthetrail]

Love that desert!

[@ROWLESmade]

Beautiful area! It's really an amazing place to camp.

[@semretired15]

Sure enjoy your video's. Very Nice, beats the cold and rain here in Seattle.

[@yongchamuniz5644]

thank u 4 sharing. beautiful pics too.

[@traveller9625]

Beautiful Ray, thanks

[@lloyddahlen1141]

Another neat place Ray

[@sleim754]

Loved the video and especially the end music.

[@davidhinnant9345]

Those Cholla look like giant sea anemones in the fading sunset light. Thanks

[@Drifter5.7]

WOW what beauty! your a fortunate guy Ray. Nice still-pictures.

[@LoveYourRV]

Ya, very cool spot, thanks!

[@sarahandtedsexcellentrvadv4633]

+Love Your RV Do you have GPS coords you can share for that spot? We would like to take advantage when we travel down to Arizona this April. Thanks, and a great video!

[@LoveYourRV]

The uRamblers Yes, goo.gl/maps/1pPq8xrzgk62 Might be a little too hot then.. but maybe you like heat. :)

[@sarahandtedsexcellentrvadv4633]

Thank you!

[@larryandjackieoz5275]

Beautiful. So glad you had great weather. We were in Mesa Dec. 19 - Jan 9 this year and let me tell you it was not so beautiful. Cold and rainy. It snowed in Tucson and we had hail in Mesa. Had to buy two extra heaters for the motorhome as we ran out of propane. So it is nice to see that the sun does in fact shine in AZ. Hope to go back this year. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@LoveYourRV]

Been a colder winter this year that's for sure, I was in Palm Springs/Yuma at that time and got some rain and cloud too with temps 10-15 degrees below normal. El Nino I guess... Sure has changed the last few days though the sunny 80-degree weather is back. Yay!

[@vivienne6004]

Great video. We are planning a trip to Az this Feb and now considering the Kofa NWR. thanks for helping.

[@Rvfootprints]

Yet another great video! Thanks!

[@joesilva4479]

So so good a video ! I have watched all of your u tube videos and they are a delight for those who love to rv camp and take photos and home movies. Love to see you shoot in to quartzsite for supply's.I hope to camp their some day.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks Joe. We are now back camping just outside Quartzsite again. It's actually really nice now that the main event RV show is over and most people have left. Much more subdued and peaceful. We went out to eat last night at a local's favorite place called Silly Al's pizza. Very good pizza! for when you come here check it out. Appreciate you wanting my vids, cheers Ray

[@johnmercer6212]

Great job Ray, very professional....

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks very much John, I lack the equipment and patience to be truly professional but hope my amateur video and photos gives folks a glimpse into how beautiful the place is and some details to help them visit it too. Cheers Ray

[@jacksonmacd]

great video, as usual! I really like the description of the access (distance, condition) of the gravel road. As wanna be boondockers, my wife and I are a little apprehensive about taking the Class A rig very far off the beaten path. your video gives us an idea of what to expect. so please keep up with that info in any future vids.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks. :) Will do. I saw 4 or 5 Class A rigs setup up a few miles in from highway 95. The ground around there is very firm and the Palm Canyon road is quite wide for the most part two large vehicles can pass and flat.

[@joesilva4479]

Thank you for answering my post.

[@drljnkns]

Thanks Ray, great video, as always. I think we will have to give snowbirding a try next year. hi hi.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks Darrel. Sounds like a plan to me, we love it. Cheers Ray

[@1timby]

Another beautiful spot. You guys ever do any time lapse of the night sky. As I 'll bet without any light pollution you would get a ton of stars & the Milky Way...LOL

[@LoveYourRV]

My wife Anne the "pro photographer" does it occasionally, me I'm usually in bed, haha Here is an article she guest posted for Digital Photography School about photographing star trilas which contains some of her photos. The Joshua Tree one is pretty cool - digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-star-trails/

[@1timby]

Love Your RV Thanks I'll take a look....:)

[@fatguytravels7409]

Need too check this place out, looks nice. Drove by on way too Yuma a few days ago. Diesel has gone up. Paid $1.12 around Christmas in Barstow. Sure like these prices 😜👍🏻👍🏻

[@AwayWeWinnebago]

Such a great spot. We were there last year and saw you parked. I would definitely like to go back this winter and explore more in our Jeep. Maybe we will see you?

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I can see us returning again, loved it. Cheers!

[@compasslife6658]

Great videos! Glad I found you😊

[@cyndifoore7743]

I'm assuming that Ann took the still shots at the end, she's quite an amazing photographer.

[@LoveYourRV]

Actually, my shots. :)

[@scottomich1885]

Another awesome video Ray! Hope to be there next year! I will be looking for the flag :)

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks!

[@DuaneLipham]

Great video Ray. Lovely area! I really enjoy the still shots you include in your videos. I am a nature and outdoors photographer too and I'm assuming that Ann is the one taking those shots. Anyway, I love your work! Great color saturation and composition. Keep 'em coming, they are much appreciated!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks! The photos are actually mine. Annes a good teacher I guess. :) Cheers! Ray

[@greghomestead8366]

Watching this January 2022. Diesel is $3.79 Thanks 🥔 joe

[@RVGrannyWA]

Hope you will video a hike to Palm Canyon. My husband went up, but his photos didn't turn out well. Still waiting to see what it was like.

[@LoveYourRV]

Unfortunately, I didn't take my video camera. There are a few still shots I took here. I think the view back out was pretty cool - rvhappyhour.com/members/raytronx/activity/35211/

[@RVGrannyWA]

If I can find them I'll post the pics he took on my Google+page.

[@centralny753]

Hi Ray .. Great video once again . Short story for you . I am sitting in my den enjoying your video and my wife comes in and said to me , CK out this video about 20 more RV upgrades and I said I already watched it . She looks at my computer screen and see's your Ann said to me . I know her , I took a great class from her for my camera . Small world .. If you ever get to Central New York when the snow melts and warm's up a bit (this am 2/14/16 it was -24 with wind chill at -34 ) Look us up . Paul

[@thomas194907]

ray, is it o.k. to metal detect in that area, especially down those canyon washes ??? beautiful spot !!!

[@LoveYourRV]

Doesn't look like it - www.fws.gov/refuge/Kofa/visit/rules_and_regulations.html "Recreational (noncommercial) rock or mineral collecting is restricted to the designated 1.5 square mile Crystal Hill Area. The use of tools, including metal detectors, in collecting rocks and minerals is forbidden."

[@walterblackledge1137]

720p doesn't do the scenery justice.

[@johnhatcher9684]

Hey Ray love your channel I am from Nova Scotia and was wondering if you ever run into snakes in Arizona thanks John

[@LoveYourRV]

Hi John, thamks, I have yet to see one and this is our 5th year visiting Arizona, but that is mostly in the winter from Decenber to March, we usually don't stay into April when it gets hot enough for them to venture out from hibernaiton in a large way.

[@garygauthier6152]

Ray have you ever run into snakes? and I mean the slithering ones lol

[@LoveYourRV]

No, we visit in cooler weather during the winter months when the snakes are hibernating, then migrate up in elevation or north as the weather warms in spring. Usually, they start to emerge from their burrows in the area around March or April.

[@johnpurdum8126]

I love it that you share your boondocking adventures! I have a couple of questions about how big your water tanks are? Grey, black, fresh? And how often you two have to dump your tanks? Ours are about 36 Gallons all around, give or take, and we can get about 4 days with grey and 5 to 7 for black. Thank you.

[@LoveYourRV]

60 gallon Fresh 40 Black 40 Bathroom 40 Galley We generally go 7-9 days.

[@johnpurdum8126]

Thank you Ray. Those extra tanks that you have really help you extend your stay off grid. Especially if you have one dedicated to the bathroom itself.

[@fargley001]

13:37 - Beagle hood ornament

[@LoveYourRV]

haha, I got to get her chromed. :)

[@organichemone]

How prevalent are snakes in the desert? You seem to camp in a lot of desert areas. I’m not a big fan of snakes, even nonpoisonous ones.

[@LoveYourRV]

I don't find them to be a big issue in the winter, usually too cold for them to be active, they hibernate. I've actually yet to see or hear a rattlesnake, though if you like to be there in the hot season they are around. I hear they usually try to get away from you so unless you step on one or put your hang into where they are hiding you aren't likely to get bit.

[@ATravelingOrchid]

Thanks great video. Do you ever have any problems with your dog getting into trouble with the cactus?

[@LoveYourRV]

No, not many problems, but we have a few years experience traveling in the southwest so have encountered the cholla before. I put the beagle on a very short leash and she is light enough to carry if they are thick when hiking. I also always carry a hair comb just in case, good for removing the needles. Cheers Ray

[@josephbingham1255]

I met a man and wife closer up to those mountains that said they would feed a mountain lion. They said they would leave food on a table - go back inside the trailer - then watch a mountain lion come and eat it. Another time the heat of their nighttime campfire would attract so many rattlesnakes they had to flee to the trailer!

[@LoveYourRV]

Sounds like some tall tales to me. ;)

[@josephbingham1255]

@@LoveYourRV Could be! There is also a class of people trying to live in that desert out of their run down vehicles. They say they do not camp on the California side of the river as the police are more aggressive against the poor.

[@bushwp11]

how do the dogs do with the cactus?

[@LoveYourRV]

+The Bush Homestead Not many problems, but we have a few years experience traveling in the southwest so have encountered the cholla before. I put the beagle on a very short leash and she is light enough to carry if they are thick when hiking. I also always carry a hair comb just in case, good for removing the needles. Most of the ground is bare, sandy and rocky. Biggest concern is the Teddy Bear Cholla, have to keep the dog well away and watch for the dropped arms, even for myself.

[@macmcdonald1072]

You need a wind mic.

[@LoveYourRV]

Unfortunately, it's a built-in mic with no external jack. It was REALLY windy steady 25 MPH for days, finally, I had to film or get no footage. Hoping to get a new camera soon that supports an external mic.

[@CruisingTheCut]

+Love Your RV you can buy tiny little "stick on" furry windjammers that go over built-in mics, could help.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Cheers Ray

[@jimleininger8963]

Where do I find that awesome blues track?

[@LoveYourRV]

That was a while ago so can't remember what it was called, at the time I was using KZbin royalty free music - kzbin.infovideos

[@jimleininger8963]

@@LoveYourRV Thanks Ray!

[@ginnywilliams5115]

Gorgeous location! Were you able to get a cell signal?

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, we were able to get our Verizon service.

[@ginnywilliams5115]

Thank you. You find the most amazing spots and we appreciate the time you and your wife take to share the video and photos with us. Always stunning.

[@2012escapee1]

How's the cell service? Any chance for Verizon 3G-4G?

[@LoveYourRV]

I got good data speeds with both 3 and 4G on my Verizon Mifi and our Tracphone worked fine.

[@MrRoboto2338]

Do you use some stabilizer software on your dash cam video? I believe you used the Garmin, as I recall.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I didn't. Yes it is the Garmin Dashcam 20

[@MrRoboto2338]

+Love Your RV Thanks. looks like you are only missing a beagle cam now. :)

[@dansmith6508]

I'll be at Kofa for the first time this January. Can you recommend any other hikes within say an hour of Kofa? Anything up to say 5 or 6 mile hikes would be great. Cheers.

[@LoveYourRV]

There aren't many designated hikes in the Kofa wilderness but there are lots of ATV roads and backcountry roads to follow up into the mountains. If you like hiking I highly recommend stopping in at Joshua Tree National Park, amazing scenery and hikes. It's about 3 hours to the west of Kofa. Cheers, Ray

[@dansmith6508]

Thank you. I am just checking out your playlist for hikes now. Looks like a good number along I-10 so that will be helpful. I wont likely get as far west as joshua tree this year. I was going to split january between Quartzsite and perhaps the Sedona area boondocking and hiking, but now i'm thinking i may just spend the entire month around Quartzsite area and hiking along I-10. Do you think i can find enough good hikes without doing national parks or is it best to buy a parks pass and hit some of those? Thanks again.

[@LoveYourRV]

Here is the website I use for finding hikes - www.alltrails.com/ They have an app as well. I think if you pay you can get the ability to download offline. We have always purchased the NP park annual pass. 8- bucks but it's worth it for us as we love the parks and visit often.

[@billywray4524]

does one need a permit to stay on the land there?

[@LoveYourRV]

No permit, but inside the refuge the stay is limited. A little outside is BLM land as well which is 2 weeks and no permit www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/KofaTearSheet_2014_508.pdf - Camping and Historic Cabins Visitors are welcome to camp on the refuge for a maximum of 14 days in any 12-month period. Campfires are permitted, though only dead, down and detached wood from areas not designated as wilderness may be used. As wood is scarce, it is suggested that visitors bring their own supply.

[@MrMark85044]

@ 14:20 you show your favorite spot. i know its been over a year but i was wondering if you have the GPS for this site?

[@LoveYourRV]

goo.gl/maps/yX6nqW45vVQ2 33.358806, -114.121511

[@MrMark85044]

thank you sir.

[@randyneill1311]

When you leave your spot to go dump how do you make sure no one gets in your spot?