Cactus Atlas

Reviewed: Oct 8, 2025

3 out of 5

I camped at Site 3, a couple years back, when I filmed a campground review for our other Youtube Channel, the Cactus Atlas. (I also am the guy that runs Campvue). So, writing a review under Cactus Atlas to keep things where they belong. You might be interested in my Campvue review of Site 18, as most of what I wrote about 18 also pertains to Site 3. It goes something like this: this campground is amazing, great amenities like showers and flushing toilets. Amazing landscape to camp in. But lacking in privacy, due to sound bouncing off rocks easily here, and you are out in the open, clearly visible to all who pass by. Like my word of warning in the site 18 review, be prepared for windy conditions here and blowing dirt, which 100% will get in your tent and cover your items, if your tent is like most. I say this not to deter, but to set expectations so you can take measures to deal with it. Don't like hearing that? Try to book a yurt here instead, or buy an RV if you are a tent camper. Or deal with it and have fun anyway like I did. I gave Site 18 a 4 out of 5 stars, but opted to give Site 3 a 3 out of 5, which may not be completely fair. They both sit up against rocks and are cool sites, but I'd argue Site 3 is a little closer to the road and slightly less private, so that's why the difference. Site 3 is among the better sites in the campground, just not the best in my opinion. But you'll likely still love it. The only unique thing I dealt with at 3 but not at 18, is there was a colony of ants (not sure what kind) all over the ground here. I predict any site will experience that from time to time, and not a single ant bugged me or bit me or got in my tent, but slightly unnerving, but I got used to it. Just comes with the territory. Best advice is, don't leave food waste or wrappers out in the open to attract them, including how some might discard the last bite of a sandwich and throw it on the ground. Or in the fire ring. That's probably why this happens from time to time. Don't be a "trash-hole" ;). They have a dumpster and places to throw away your trash within walking distance. Ants are something to be aware of, but not scared of. Nor are ants a feature of Site 3... I imagine every site here has had its share of them, and chances are, Site 3 will not have ants when you stay here. I liked the little bridge to the site that crossed the ditch that water flows through after a rain. Nice touch. Felt like my own private mote. Okay, stretching that a bit, but fun to pretend! This seems to be a site geared towards a tent camper and not good for large RVs, just like 18. But there are tons of sites meant for huge rigs here, so no worries if you need that. Just pay attention on the reservation site when you book. It's probably pretty clear which sites are "walk-in", tent camper-style sites, and which have big driveways, by watching the video footage for each site. All in all, I can highly recommend site 3, but can't give it a 4 out of 5 if I think site 18 is cooler, but still struggle giving it a 3, as it would easily be a 4 star site if I was not comparing to a few others here. You'll be happy if you book site 3 I think! Also want to clarify, clearly this campground lacks natural shade of any sort and is very exposed, but I give shade a good review in the optional details, just like any site here, since each site has a shade shelter.