The Apache RV Park, located near the Gila National Forest, features 32 units for reservation year-round. Each of the RV sites feature full hookups with water, electricity, and sewage. Also on the grounds of the park is a shower building, coin-operated laundry room, and a community firepit. At the office, guests can purchase propane, sodas, snacks, t-shirts, and hats. The owners of the property note that the "big draw" of the area is hunting, specifically elk, mountain lion, turkey, and deer. Susan, one of the owners, remarks that the busiest time of year for the establishment is generally from September through December, due to hunting season. Besides hunting, there are petroglyph hiking trails located relatively near the property that guests can enjoy. Susan reports that there are a variety of trails within walking distance of the park that can be utilized by tourists.
The Apache RV Park is located 9 miles outside of Reserve, New Mexico. The property consists of 32 units that can be reserved at any time of the year, as the park is open year-round. Each site has full hookups with water, 30/50 amp electricity, and sewage. In addition to their site, during a stay, visitors have access to a shower building as well as a laundromat. The laundromat has eight washers and eight dryers, all coin-operated. If patrons need it, propane is sold at the main office building, and those staying at the park can cook on propane grills. Also sold in the main office are sodas, candy bars, t-shirts, and hats if occupants would like to purchase memorabilia from their trip. Susan says there is a collection of rocks in the main office building that guests in the past have enjoyed looking at.
The grounds of the RV park feature a firepit in the middle of the property. There is seating provided around the firepit. Located on the grounds is a relatively large field that Susan, one of the owners, says many people use to walk their dogs. A lending library can also be found at Apache RV Park, and Susan says guests are welcome to take a book and/or leave a book for a future patron to read if they want. Throughout the park, there is WiFi available to visitors, and a dumpster on-site if needed.
Those who have stayed previously at the Apache RV Park often comment on the hospitality of the staff at the park, as well as the space provided at each site and the access provided during hunting season. One former patron said, "This is a nice place in Gila National Forest that is very peaceful. The owner was very helpful and told us about lots of good spots to see nearby, including an easy trail that we really enjoyed. The park also has nice laundry facilities." Another guest who previously stayed at the park said, "The staff is very polite and provide excellent customer service. The place is clean, and it’s located on a quiet road with limited noise. The view is nice as well." While staying at the park, the owners hope that guests can feel relaxed. Susan, one of the owners, says she tells patrons to "make themselves at home and enjoy their stay." She reports that when people first check in, they help them to their sites and chat, but after the visitors get to their sites, the staff tries not to bother them. If needed, Susan can provide maps of how to get to various trails.
During a stay at Apache RV Park, there are a variety of policies in place that guests are expected to follow. Generators are not allowed, as well as setting up clotheslines. Quiet time occurs at 10 PM each night and lasts until 7 AM the following morning. Additionally, occupants are asked not to wash their vehicles at the park and not to drive or walk through any unoccupied lots. Visitors are allowed to smoke on the property but not in any of the buildings or near other patrons. Lastly, Susan says, "[they] love pets," but ask that they are picked up after.
While the establishment is open year-round, Susan says that the busiest time of year tends to be from September through December, as this is generally peak hunting season. She says that the region is known for elk, mountain lion, turkey, deer, and bear hunting. In the springtime, an activity known as shed hunting, where people look for the antlers that elk have shed, is popular with tourists to the area. Besides hunting, there are multiple hiking trails near the park as well as in the Gila Wilderness. Four-wheeling, ATV riding, and off-roading can be done in the Gila National Forest as well. Susan reports that the region is designated as a "dark sky area," where the Milky Way can be seen at night at various points of the year. Snow Lake, Quemado Lake, Apache National Forest, and Gila National Forest are all nearby attractions for visitors. Two restaurants that can be enjoyed by those in the area are Uncle Bill's Bar, which serves food as well as drinks; and Ella's, which is open for breakfast and lunch.
Susan and Lon Strombeck purchased the Apache RV Park in 2005. Lon previously worked for the power company in the town, while Susan lived farther from the area until they met. Susan and Lon enjoy getting to meet the people that come to stay with them at the park and learning about their different lives and backgrounds.
Originally, the land was inhabited by the Warm Springs Apache people, who lived in the vicinity along the relatively small river that runs through it. The RV park was then built on the land before being sold to the current owners. Since they took over, Susan and Lon have worked to put up vinyl fencing between each of the individual RV sites. In the future, they hope to continue running the park and meeting the visitors that come to the region. Susan says that sometimes those traveling through the area, who are not staying at the park, will come by and ask for directions, and she loves being able to help them get to where they need to be.
1597 NM-12
Reserve, New Mexico 87830
United States
Campground
Susan and Lon Strombeck
