Who We Are

We’ve done our time… We played the corporate game. We managed to escape those organizations with our health and souls very much intact. Now we’ve set out to create a new and exciting reality where we make the most of every day!

At our core, we are artists, writers, musicians, sculptors, astronomers, birders, nature enthusiasts and just generally kind-hearted folks.

We are inspired by the area; in awe of its natural beauty, its endless sunshine by day, dead-dark skies by night and its rich opportunistic history.

Although we’ve spent years here, we’ve managed to never run out of places to explore or things to do…
We bet you’ll agree!

Join us to Explore, Cre@te and Trade!

the timeless and abundant natural resources found right here, in the Middle of Everywhere!

and renew your passion for self-expression by honing your skills in arts and crafts amidst like-minded artisans.

where civilizations have done so for millennia. Discover new and lucrative opportunities for a cultural exchange of goods from both onsite and our forthcoming virtual market – Smugglers’ Loot.

WHAT’S the latest at the roost?

Take a look at our collection of current photos to the right. 

Check out our full collection of Social Media posts on our Blog page.

Even better… Why not stay up-to-date by following us on Social Media? Just click on the links below.

The Birding Pond with Waterfall

Nearing Completion & Adding Koi

The New Horno (Brick Oven)

A wood-fired brick oven for baking pizza & homemade bread

Our New Raku Pottery Kilns

Discover the ancient technique of Raku pottery

Gathering Center Pod

Our New Center for Trade and Gallery for Artistic Display.

F5 Theming & Design’s 1,600-sf Art Production Facility

Pam Price’s Scenic Art Production Facility

Horticulture Tents

Come & grow your own veggies!

The Sun in H-alpha

Come & shoot your own photos of the Sun with our H-alpha filtered telescope

Gems & Mineral Workshop

Gems & Mineral Workshop Interior

A few words from our Land Leaseholders and Guests…

I have been in the theming business for 30 years & have worked on many nationally acclaimed projects, including being the Art Director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Florida. I moved my production facility onsite because I believe in this project. It will take effort to revitalize & enhance the site, but with the backbone of infrastructure & the positive spirit & talents of the people involved, we will put together an incomparable facility. I hope that everyone who encounters the website & is not afraid to dream, or needs an opportunity, becomes a part of the rebuilding & therefore the future success of Smugglers’ Roost. I’m all in!!

Pam Price

Leaseholder / Owner F5 Theming & Design, LLC

Thank you! Yes, meeting some wonderful people. Definitely picked the best place to put down my roots. Thanks for all of your help. You guys are the best. 😀


Cindy R.

Leaseholder – Email Comment

This is where the cool people live, or words to that effect, were what we heard, shortly after Lilly and I bought our lot at Smugglers’ Roost. At our age, time seemingly speeds up, and becomes more precious, as the moment becomes more cherished. Time for this rolling stone, is not on my side anymore.

I think Lilly and I have found our tribe…never, ever, thought I could say such a thing.

Mark D.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

What the Roost may lack in “amenities” is overridden by the beautiful night skies, the collective sense of community between the people here, the natural beauty of the landscape, the collaborative environment and attractions within traveling distance.

Cherri N.

Leaseholder   – Facebook Comment

I’ve looked quite awhile for a permanent location…FL is outrageously expensive with huge monthly fees, crowded spaces, and with lots of restrictions. It doesn’t get much better as you go north or west..especially if you are looking at locations near attractions or towns/cities/etc…well I wasn’t ! Smugglers’ Roost and surrounding area…access to the wonderful National/ State/ Reginal/Tribal Parks…and the Cowboy history/legends/ towns of the old Southwest USA is what I was looking for.

Shannon C.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

I have looked at in FL where everything is paved, grounds manicured, and amenities like clubhouses and swimming pools, but those also come with a high initial price tag and usually a fairly substantial monthly HOA/maintenance fee. I’m looking for something a lot more economical for now (pre-retirement) where I don’t have to be focused on keeping it rented when I’m not there to cover the costs…and ready to go to for retirement to stay months on end if I want to without a lot of overhead. So rustic grounds, stargazing, blissing out by the campfire, and desert/ranch life is cool with me out West–we have a Class A and this is still full hookups. And I’ve always been partial to being around nice people. And turquoise! 🙂

Gabrielle M.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

Great people to work with. Just finished my lease and deed registration in hand. I took the chance and leased and haven’t had the chance to get down to see. Look forward to visiting in June.

Tim F.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

I think it’s going to be a great community. We can’t wait to get back.

Jon S.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

Purchased a double lot! Animas here we come!!! Everything by everyone stated by this organization has been straightforward and legit. So excited! Bye, bye Florida!!!

SueAnn C.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

I can’t wait to get my RV out there!

Jennifer A.

Leaseholder – Facebook Comment

I just left Smugglers Roost 2 weeks ago. I really enjoyed my time. Their infrastructure appears to be solid. The park itself is in its infancy. If you have ever boondocked in the desert, like Quartzsite, or Yuma, or Havasu, Think of those places with full-hookups. The park is not fancy, but it’s just getting started. If I was based in the west, this would be a no-brainer. But since I’m based in the East Coast, it’s a little far. However, if you’re a full-timer who seeks a home base, You won’t find a lot anywhere in the country for this price. Otherwise, expect a 40 mile drive for groceries. The area surrounding is beautiful. Just my 2 cents. Oh – I almost forgot that they roast coffee beans on site. The aroma was wonderful.

Mike G.

Guest – Facebook Comment

This is an up and coming RV park. they have everything you could ask for, its just not as pretty as you may be use to. the community of people here are AMAZING. Our coffee grinder broke and we were easily able to ask a neighbor. highly recommend stopping here!

Crystal M.

Guest   – Review via Harvest Host

Had a blast! Slim and Curly are friendly hosts with a vision for the future, and we can’t wait to come back and see the limitless potential of this site unfold. For now, kids loved star gazing and discovering planets through their high powered telescope.

Jeff R.

Guest  – Review via Hipcamp

This is a great base camp for gravel bikers. Great ride to the Chiricahua National Monument and you can tailor the ride from 100 to 50 miles return. The scenery of cave creek canyon and the monument are absolutely amazing 🤩

Maja & Chris R.

Guests   – Comment via Instagram

I had a great time here, immediately felt like family! They are working on adding lots of amazing stuff so I will be back Curly 😃. They have a very nice bathroom/laundry room (free) and general store coming soon.

Dawn F.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Fantastic place to stay. Quiet, dark skies and Curly is the best! Friendly, helpful and just a really nice guy. Can’t wait to come back and see how it’s grown.

Todd H.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Awesome place!! Curly was incredibly nice and helpful! So close to Chiricahua and other attractions.

Rodolfo Y.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp


My first reservation with Harvest Host and it was awesome! The moment I drive up the driveway, the host, Curly, greeted me with a warm smile and an introduction. After making sure I was settled into my spot, I was introduced to his telescope, and an amazing view of the night sky. Couldn’t ask for a better first time!


BJ M.

Guest   – Review via Harvest Hosts

Smugglers’ Roost is a wonderful spot with a budding community of artists and creatives. All the space and services you need as an RVer are available and Curly was a most gracious host. Beyond the services for the RV life, Curly will give you the universe. Once the sun goes down and the skies darken, he will open up his impressive telescope and astronomy skills and let you peer into the star filled night. This is a special place with a vast amount of potential and the Chiricahua Mountains are only 25 minutes away. Highly recommend!

Joon K.

Guest   – Review via Harvest Hosts

This is Bob and Kristie!

Thank you for the awesome experience you provided. After looking through your telescope at Jupiter and Saturn I can now know where to find them in the night sky and think of you and your hospitality.

Thanks also for the great roast coffee



Bob & Kristie S.

Guest   – Review via Harvest Hosts

When we pulled up, we were greeted by “Curly Bill” and away we went! What a cool place. It’s surrounded by LOADS OF BEAUTY! Gene was a gracious host, fun to talk to and HOLY COW – the night sky presentation he gave me and hubby, plus a couple of others with that amazing telescope was off the hook! We got to see Saturn (could see the RINGS!), Jupiter, the Pleiades, and more – it was FASCINATING! Then, to make our stay EVEN MORE AWESOME, Curly delivered some “Smugglers’ ROAST” Coffee to our rig to brew the next morning. AMAZING! One of our favorite stays/places so far – and that includes ALL TRIPS (not just via Harvest Host) – and if you love OPEN SPACE, surrounded by amazing scenery and INCREDIBLE sunsets, you WILL LOVE Smugglers’ Roost! Thanks CURLY BILLLLLL!

Brian & Erika R.

Guest   – Review via Harvest Hosts

Big thank you for the warm welcome from Bill (Slim) and the very interesting night sky viewing with Curly! The drive out to the property is stunning! The property is in progress and we’re sure their vision will be amazing! This was the perfect stop for us on our way from Texas to Arizona where we could have full hook ups and be beside a huge field where our dog could run off some steam!! There is a Pizza and Wings restaurant in walking distance as well as a gas station and general store. Smugglers Roost has great hosts, great value, off the beaten path, and guided night sky tour with Curly’s awesome telescope! Thank you and will see you again!!

Lynne C.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Friendly people and great views. Curly has great plans for the campground. He treated us to an awesome evening of stargazing and was a wealth of information. We learned a lot! The bathroom and laundry facilities were great. If you have time, explore the area. We recommend the Shakespeare Ghost Town tour.

Beth J.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Large quiet campground, easy pull through and FHUs. Curly was great getting us set up with everything we needed. A bit of a drive getting here but the roads were all in pretty good condition. Washer & dryers and a nice clean rest room on site.

Kathy K.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Curly is resurrecting a 456 site work camp that had supported the copper industry for a number of years. As he brings facilities back on line he gracious, helpful, and entertaining. We’re only in our second day of a weeklong stay so we’re looking forward to exploring the surrounding areas.

Fred C.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

Curly was a great host! It was quite windy and dusty, and we were disappointed to miss a chance to look through his telescope, but perhaps we can sometime when the weather cooperates better! Curly checked in on us frequently and made sure our electric was working ok. Didn’t use the washer, but it was nice to know it was an option. Our AT&T hotspot worked fine and their wifi worked great, too. We had a short stay and just enough time to check out the Hachita ruins about a half hour away and grab some food at the cafe next door. We’d like to check out a few more things in the area coming through this way again.

Teresa K.

Guest   – Review via Hipcamp

This was a great little spot with the most amazing views. We were just using it to camp in our car, but the site is currently being developed having been bought fairly recently. We would loved to have stayed for longer, but it was super windy and we had to get on. It is also next to the most biodiverse area of the US, so go and explore in the mountains and walk through the trees. Beautiful.

Kirsty G.

Guest   – Review via Airbnb

Ben Macri
January 22, 2024.
Friendly, artist centered community, with very large full hook up acreage. Dark sky beautiful park and region. Wildlife abounds. Hundreds of Sandhill Cranes were migrating through.
Tracy and John Full time Rv’ers
November 19, 2023.
Very nice owners and they are doing a lot with RV park. Still a work in progress. Easy to use laundry room and Bathroom with a shower. Covered social area and they do many social get togethers. Park is very quiet. It is very remote. 1-2 hour drive for anything. Town has about 4 buildings. Valley Mercantile is great in a pinch but you will pay for the connivence. We had a nice visit with some great Rockhounding adventures.
Will Tanquary
August 21, 2023.
A place that everybody would love to be! You'll have to find it for yourself. You won't regret that you did.
Lilly Maya
July 1, 2023.
Our morning phrase is always:"Another beautiful day in paradise"...This said all.
Thomas Parshall
May 9, 2023.
Great place, vary clean
Cameo Wilson
March 31, 2023.
Loved our 1 week stay here during our cross country road trip. Full hookups for a great price. Super friendly people and owners, has laundry on site too.
LeAnne Jergensen (Hendricks)
March 2, 2023.
Windy place, but the host was fantastic and other people staying there long term were helpful also. Shower and bathroom was warm with heater you controled.
Rhonda Spayd
January 18, 2023.
Great people and a great campground for quiet and rest. Also a plus if you are an artist. It's an artist community. The only minus side is it's 35 miles from the nearest big store. There is an amazing country store with lots of grocery's hardware etc.
Hans B
November 4, 2022.
Very nice RV-Park. Owners started in 2021 and so far did an amazing job. Close to Chiricahua NP, Mexico and beautiful skies at night. Saturday night is telescoop night.

What We Are


We are a rediscovered residential community  boasting…


Experience the Wild West with all the comforts of home.

50-AMP ELECTRIC

All sites include 50-amp electric service; so you can make toast and watch TV at the same time!

Water

All sites include water supplied by our prolific well with adjudicated water rights for 2.5M gallons of water per year.

sEPTIC

No need to take a trip to the dump station here. All sites have septic connections.

High-speed internet

It’s easy to stay connected or to work remotely from the Roost! All sites feature high-speed (50 MB down / 15 MB up) internet via free WiFi or a dedicated service.

Smugglers’ Roost was built to last by world-renowned industrial contractor Brown & Root Industrial Services in the late 1970’s to serve as a long-term residential community for the Phelps Dodge mining workforce at the Hidalgo Copper Smelter in nearby Playas, New Mexico.