Ed's Camp, located along historic Route 66 in Mohave County

From everything that I've been able to read, Ed's Camp was established around 1920, by Ed Edgerton, a former miner, who quickly discrovered that he could make more money catering to the needs of Route 66 travelers then slaving away in the mines. Ed just threw up a few buildings, including the Kactus Kafe, a gas station, a "bathroom of sorts, and a few cabins. He also established a campground of sorts, and the remnants can be clearly seen from the road.

Left: It's a cold, windy January 12, 2007 afternoon, as I look west from the top of Sitgreaves Pass, toward Ed's Camp in the distance. Yes, that's snow in the foreground. Right: Framed by a huge cactus, you can see the gas station at Ed's Camp and the Kactus Kafe.

Ed's Camp is located on private property, so if you want to take photos, you'll have to stay near Route 66 and not to wander past the fence that marks the property. Jerry and I were standing on the side of the road, taking photos, and a couple in a late model Nissan stopped near where we were standing, and the driver warned us not to step on the property, as the owner might unleash a rabid dog on us, and she always carries a shotgun. We assured the guy that we didn't plan to trespass, and got quite a chuckle out of his dire warning.

Left: The Men's room, and you can't see it, but the Ladie's room is on the other side. Right: How's this for high-tech at Ed's Camp? This building appears to be the remains of a machine shop.

Ed's Camp is located on old Route 66, about 20 miles west of Kingman, Arizona, about 3 miles east of Sitgreaves Pass, and about 15 miles east of the historic mining town of Oatman. There's a weathered sign at the west end of the camp that reads: Ed's Camp. R.M. O'Sullivan. 8500 Oatman Rd. Kingman. If you're traveling along Route 66, a visit to Ed's Camp is a must, but watch out for the lady with the shotgun and the rabid dog!

Photos: Ed's Camp is littered with 80 years of junk, car parts, rusted appliances, tires, and just about anything else you can imagine. These photos show some of the deluxe cabins offered to mororists of the Route 66 era. Well this is how they look in 2007; I suppose 50 years ago they were in somewhat better condition.

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