Faywood Hot Springs — Hotel in Four Corners States

I didn't read as many reviews as usual before coming here. I trusted our friends in Albuquerque who we visited with over brunch. They said, "if you're in that area, you should check out Faywood Hot Springs, it's just a unique place, sort of magical." At least that's what I heard. When I got back to the RV, I got online and checked reservations, not expecting to find anything within the following two weeks that we would be in the area. At this time of year, everything has been booked up as we've traveled further south and west from our journey from Maine. But I lucked out. There was one campsite left for three nights. I'm here on the second of our three nights and wish I could stay longer. This is a quiet, calm, centering place in southern New Mexico. Maybe a not-so-well-kept-secret, although I suspect advertising is largely word-of-mouth and passed down in families. This may be the most relaxed, comfortable and accepting campgrounds we've been to, in a throwback, bring on your activists, yoga teachers, organic farmers, and home schoolers in revamped school buses way. But you could also see your kindergarten teacher from 40 years ago on her way to visit grandkids in Tucson. RV sites are close together, but not like a parking lot: there's desert brush between sites and no noisy main roads and . Scenery is vast fields bordered by distant mountains. Pets are welcome, on leashes, but not in the buildings or hot spring pool areas. There are lots of places to walk the dog. It would be awesome to have a fenced in dog park, and it seems like there's plenty of room for one if the owners could manage to fund and build one.There are resident peacocks, who wander around and sometimes visit campsites. I haven't had a chance to check out the star gazing trail or labyrinth, but I'll be back and they'll be here. I'd get lost anyway. I haven't needed much customer service, but so far, the interactions I've had with staff have been pleasant and professional. Things seem to run smoothly. The check-in desk and main office houses a convenience store with some jewelry and gifts, as well as the basics, but the "hip" basics too, including some gluten-free, dairy-free and organic shelf-stable products and a handful of frozen and refrigerated items. Laundry is two washing machines, one of which is pending repairs; and one dryer. Quaint courtyard and other sitting areas scattered around the grounds. Some of the pools are clothing required and others are clothing optional. Signage is clear. It doesn't feel like this is a big deal to anyone--it's presented as respectful options without judgment. Pools are varying temperatures and all fairly close to all of the sites. I have walking issues but was still able to walk with my crutch around the campground and to the pools, with the option of driving our tow car to handicap parking spots at most of the buildings and pools. There are private pools available to book from late morning through sunset for 2 to 10 people for a moderate price. The public pools stay open. The atmosphere is laid back and people respect privacy and diversity. Several people around the campground appeared to be working from their RVs, taking breaks to walk, cycle, or soak in a pool. These folks, some of whom stay long-term at Faywood, don't look stressed out. That's contagious. Respectful doesn't mean anti-social at Faywood. People are also very friendly, helpful, generous, and welcoming. A neighbor offered some food when we checked in and set up after dark: another woman showed us around the different pools and walked us over to the one she thought we'd like. A couple knocked on our door when they saw the Maine Plates because they also came from Maine. And we've had dinner plans with a neighbor for two nights. It feels like you can be here 3 months or 2 nights and you're considered part of the gang for that amount of time. You're "in the know" now about this magical place....

ATTENTION: If you are headed to Faywood Hot Springs and your map tells you to take the Lordsburg exit from 1-10, DO NOT do it. You will regret it. Take the Deming exit from I-10 and it’s 24 miles up 180. Take the Lordsburg exit and you will be bouncing down 19 miles of a one way dirt road in a cow pasture with no signs of civilization whatsoever. Before getting off this dirt road you will have to take a detour through a creek bed because the bridge is closed due to holes in it. You will think you were in the Dukes of Hazard before you come to paved road again. If there has been recent rain you will be screwed because I don’t see AAA or your good insurance sending anyone to help you anytime fast. It’s our opinion, since Faywood Hot Springs is aware that the maps sometimes take people this way, a warning should be listed on their website. We were in a car and it was scary. I can’t imaging being in an RV or motorhome, especially a big one. This is every bite as important to mention as not going into the cabin loft or the cost of extra sheets when renting a cabin as we did. We didn’t have any animals with us but we’ve had plenty of animals in our lifetime. Not sure how anyone with a pet can keep it out of the bed. Just charge people for the dog being in the bed and be done with it. Besides the directions this is a very nice place. If you are expecting the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons, you’ll be disappointed. If, however, you don’t mind a rustic place with natural landscaping, no snobbery or fake bs, you will love it here. Our cabin was very clean, no pest, vermin, or rodents, no signs of any. Cabin had the standards one would expect in a hotel, small fridge, microwave, towels, etc. Cabin also had dishes, drinking cups, utensils. Outside was a small screened patio with a couple chairs and small table. Also, a picnic table, fire pit and charcoal grill. All nice. All the cabins are set up in such a way that they are shielded from the neighbors. The neighbors are there and close but you don’t know they are there and close. The pools were also extremely nice. We used the public and the private and have no complaints. Water was perfect, the setting relaxing. There was lighted pathways and small solar lights all over so if walking at night you could see enough to get around. I love flashlights, I have a lot of small LED flashlights with my current pride and joy being my 3,000 lumen Fenix. Should you need to use a flashlight consider using it on the red, moonlight or low setting. High settings are overkill, and messes up the night vision of others who are trying to enjoy the ambiance. Be mindful if you will. Folks will appreciate your efforts. Gift shop/convience store was well stocked with essentials like frozen meals, ice, fire wood, ice cream, candy, TShirts, postcards, toys, stuffed animals and trinkets. They also have books and games for your use. Several public restrooms and changing rooms. I think they had a laundry room but we didn’t use it. Two Walmarts in both directions, one about 25/30 miles away the other about 35/40 mile away. About 3 miles from Faywood Hot Springs is City of Rocks State Park. Cost is $10 per out of state vehicle, $5 for NM residence. It is well worth a visit. Besides flashlights, I also love rocks. They have giant rocks there. (It was a self guided tour.) Awesome. We wish we would have had more time at this relaxing oasis. We look very forward to a...

Always a great time at Faywood. The public pools are so nice, and relaxing. there are plenty of nearby outhouses, bathrooms and showers. I love the outdoor shower between the visitor center and public pools the most. Taking a quick shower to rinse off any bug repellent or sunscreen before entering the pool turns into an opportunity to listen to birds and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. The pools are clean, they check the temperatures often and they are always keeping the areas well maintained. I'm a little jealous of the man who works at the springs that checks the temperatures of the pools, (and surely many other tasks to keep the place running) because if I could have a job where I can work shirtless outside in the middle of the desert I'd be in heaven. I LOVE BEING NEKKID. Which leads me to another favorite thing about this place: they offer both clothing optional and clothing required pools and campsites. Nothing like soaking in the hot water with my nips pointing to the stars at night. Star gazing from the pools at night is honestly so perfect. Walking the grounds with my dog in the morning is so peaceful. He and I love visiting all the chickens in the bird sanctuary and admiring the peacocks from afar. Camping there is nice and the fact that you are so close to soooo many awesome places to explore, and visit is great. You can take a short trip out to City of Rocks, Rockhound State Park or even a short, day trip up the mountain into the Gila Wilderness where you will find countless hiking trails, and attractions like Mogollon petroglyphs, Cliff Dwellings and Museums. Jenna was the person I communicated with about my reservation, and she was fantastic. She was very polite and helpful on the phone and gleefully accommodating to hiccups on our end like after hours arrival and last-minute additions to guests. Many things have changed over the years to adapt to things like COVID and inflation, but the quality of the stay here has never wavered and in many ways improved. The people who complain about this place are meant for those hoity toity spa places and have absolutely no appreciation for nature and just how great this place really is. seriously, if I could live here, I'd do so gladly. Thank you, Jenna, and shirtless guy (sorry I don't know your name) and everyone else involved in keeping this place running. P.S. Take that 1/4 hike up to the Stone Circle and Star Chair at night for some stargazing. It may not look it but that big ol chair is so comfortable. Tilt it back and take in all the stars. I promise you...