A Little About Coyote Howls RV Parks
Welcome to Coyote Howls!
Aptly named, there are very few nights you won’t hear the coyotes howling.
Where It All Started
We have found a few articles from 1979 and 1991 and according to reliable sources, the Coyote Howls project was established due to the lack of sanitary facilities that could provide for the numerous campers that were staying at the nearby Gunsite Wash (about two miles south of today’s Coyote Howls Campground).
So the good citizens of Why and the local Gunsite wash residents leased 207 acres of BLM land at $1 an acre. They started to build the Coyote Howls Campground.
It Was a Group Effort
The townspeople of Why and the campers worked hand ‘n’ hand together to make this work. They knew that if the campground succeeded so would the town. The town’s first well was drilled in 1963, and a water system was installed in 1969. Later, water meters placed in the town of Why. The labor was done by many of the residents from Coyote Howls, working side by side with the locals.
The first bathhouse was started with the people in the park doing part of the labor, assisted by their local neighbors of Why. It is said that three local ladies, using picks and shovels, dug the water line from the water main to the park… a distance of 317 feet.
It’s About the Community
The park was administrated by the Why Utility Co. When the park first opened, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners were held at local homes. The owners provided the turkey and the campers and Why residents provided all the fixings. They were one community.
After the park was well established the need for a community building was discussed. The land was acquired from the BLM under the Public Purpose Act. They funded the building project from fish fries, B-B-Q’s and baked food sales. The activity room was built a few years later and what a wonderful addition to the park this has been.
A Big Project
There is now room for approximately 500-600 rigs, with each spot being about 50×50. The newest bathhouse was completed in 1982, which has 4 men’s and 4 women’s showers. There are now five bathhouses and 4 dump stations.
The history of the park is a sign of people pulling together for a common goal and it is a success story that has turned out to be a wonderful place for people to come and enjoy the beautiful desert and the other campers that come from all over the country.
Why?
According to this historic document, it says that Why used to be called Rocky Point Junction because it was the turn-off point en route to Rocky Point Mexico. It was later called the “Y” because the three main roads joined here. Later, they needed an official three letter word so they could bring the Post Office to town. Someone then said, “Well, I’m always asked, “Why would anyone live here, so why don’t we call it Why? I think it is a great name and always a great conversation maker!
At one time there was a bar, café, store and Post office and in 1970, sixty-three people lived in Why.
Most of this information was found from old documents and news clipping, so we would like to give credit to the authors: Thelma Heatwolf, Liz Piveral and Elaine Roberts. Thank you for your research and helping us to preserve a little of the history of the area
IN THE HEART OF THE SONORAN DESERT
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We look forward to seeing you!