Lost Duchman’s Stanton Camp

For Arizonans who dream of a different kind of outdoor adventure, one that combines the quiet beauty of the desert with the historical excitement of a gold rush, Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp offers a truly unique experience. Located near the historic ghost town of Stanton, this campground is a premier destination for gold prospectors and RV enthusiasts alike. It's more than just a place to park your rig; it's a vibrant community where you can meet like-minded individuals, learn about the art of prospecting, and enjoy a variety of social activities. As one reviewer put it, you can be as social as you want, whether you're looking to make new friends or simply enjoy some quiet time searching for gold in the dirt.

The campground provides a fantastic opportunity to escape the cold winters of other regions and enjoy the mild, sunny weather of the Arizona desert. Many people, including retirees, choose to spend extended periods here, creating a welcoming and tight-knit community. The sense of belonging is a significant part of the appeal. Campers describe the staff and volunteers as "awesome" and the atmosphere as "friendly." This isn't just a place to stay; it’s a place to make "new friends and prospecting partners," as a satisfied camper shared. The mix of recreational prospecting and social events ensures there is always something to do, keeping visitors engaged and entertained.

What truly sets Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp apart is its focus on gold prospecting. The camp provides access to gold claims for visitors to try their luck at finding treasure. This hands-on activity, combined with the camp's friendly, educational environment, makes it a perfect spot for both seasoned prospectors and those who are just curious to learn. The unique opportunity to "play in the dirt looking for gold" adds an element of excitement to a traditional camping trip. Beyond prospecting, the camp hosts a variety of activities and club events, from bingo nights to craft sessions, ensuring that boredom is never an issue.

For RVers, the camp is particularly appealing due to its flexible site options, from basic dry camping to full hookups with unmetered electricity. This makes it an affordable and convenient option, especially for long-term stays. The ability to have full hookups for a reasonable price, as highlighted by a camper, is a major benefit that makes it a great value. The accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, also make it a welcoming destination for all. All these elements combined—the unique theme, the strong sense of community, and the excellent amenities—make Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp a distinctive and worthwhile choice for your next Arizona camping adventure.

In conclusion, Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp is a unique and engaging destination that goes beyond the typical campground experience. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, community, and the exciting prospect of finding gold. For those looking for a long-term winter home or a fun and active weekend getaway, this place is a treasure in itself. The friendly people, affordable pricing, and abundance of activities make it a highly recommended spot for anyone in Arizona seeking a one-of-a-kind trip.

Location and Accessibility

Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp is located at 15650 Stanton Rd, Congress, AZ 86332, USA. It is situated in the rugged and beautiful desert landscape of Yavapai County, just north of Congress and southeast of the historic mining area of Rich Hill. The camp is set in a breezy valley, providing a welcome respite from the intense desert heat, especially during the peak winter season.

The camp is easily accessible by road, with clear signage leading you from the main highway to the site. The facility is designed to accommodate RVs of all sizes, and the sites are well-maintained for a comfortable setup. For those with mobility needs, the camp has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, which adds to its welcoming nature.

Services Offered

• RV and Tent Camping: The campground provides a range of camping options, including dedicated RV sites and areas for dry camping, catering to different preferences and budgets.
• RV Hookups: Many RV sites are equipped with full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer. The electric hookups are unmetered, which is a great value for long-term stays.
• On-site Facilities: The camp offers a variety of facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a laundry room, making extended stays more comfortable. The main clubhouse, which was once an opera house, serves as a central gathering place for community activities.
• Social Activities: The camp has a robust schedule of social activities, including weekly events, club gatherings, bingo nights, and craft sessions, fostering a strong sense of community among campers.
• Gold Prospecting Access: Campers have access to gold claims in the area for prospecting. The camp also organizes "dirt parties" and other group events where participants can learn and practice gold recovery.

Features / Highlights

• Gold Prospecting: The most significant highlight is the opportunity for gold prospecting. This is a unique activity that distinguishes the camp from most other campgrounds.
• Community and Social Atmosphere: The camp is known for its friendly and welcoming community. Many campers return year after year, and volunteers work to create a sense of family and camaraderie.
• Affordable Long-Term Stays: For members of the Lost Dutchman's Mining Association (LDMA), the pricing for full hookup sites is very affordable, especially for long-term stays, making it a perfect winter retreat.
• Historical Setting: The camp is located in the historic ghost town of Stanton, with old buildings and a rich history that adds a fascinating backdrop to the camping experience.
• Hiking: The surrounding desert landscape offers great opportunities for hiking, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Arizona scenery.
• Unmetered Electricity: The inclusion of unmetered electricity in the full hookup fee is a major financial benefit for RVers, allowing them to use their appliances without worrying about an extra charge.

Contact Information

Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp is a private campground managed by the Lost Dutchman's Mining Association (LDMA).

Address: 15650 Stanton Rd, Congress, AZ 86332, USA

Phone: (928) 427-9908

Mobile Phone: +1 928-427-9908

What is worth choosing

For Arizonans, choosing Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp is a decision to embrace a unique and highly specialized camping experience. The most compelling reason is the theme of gold prospecting. It’s an interactive and educational activity that adds a layer of fun and potential reward to a camping trip. The camp provides the ideal setting for this, from access to gold claims to organized "common digs" that bring people together. The atmosphere of camaraderie is something that you simply won't find at a traditional state or national park campground.

The value proposition for RVers, especially those planning a long-term winter stay, is unbeatable. The availability of full hookups with unmetered electricity for a reasonable fee makes it an incredibly cost-effective option. This allows campers to live comfortably in their RVs for months on end without the worry of a high utility bill. The on-site laundry facilities and showers further enhance this comfort, making it feel less like camping and more like a true home away from home.

Finally, the sense of community is a major reason to choose this campground. Campers consistently praise the friendly people, a result of the shared interest in prospecting and the various social activities that are organized. This environment is perfect for those who want to be more social and make new friends, especially for retirees seeking an active and engaging winter community. The camp’s historical setting adds another layer of intrigue, making it more than just a place to stay—it's a destination with a rich past. Lost Dutchman’s Stanton Camp is a place for adventurers, historians, and those who know that the real treasure is not just in the ground, but in the people and experiences you share.

Lost Duchman’s Stanton Camp

15650 Stanton Rd, Congress, AZ 86332, USA