The Chocolate Mountains to the east of Glamis North KOA display their finest features during this "magic moment" lasting only a few minutes just before sunset each evening,

This is how the two 'gossip pools' and four spas looked in 2005. With hot mineral water kept at 98F by an attendant, the gossip pools provided wonderful therapy for arthritis and a meeting place for the park residents to share their thoughts and plan social activities.

By February 2008 when this picture was taken the two former "Gossip Pools" and the four spas were well into refurbishment and a large new pool was being prepared. A succession of due dates came and went, and a succession of contractors came and went. David Paige, the hired park manager, vowed that if the pools were not done by June 2008 that he would resign. They were not- and he did!

At Glamis North KOA the three hot mineral pools and four spas have been under construction since summer 2007 when the new management unveiled their plans for a grand "SHOWCASE OF THE PARK" refurbishment of the pool area. Work was halted early 2009 after disputes and mechanics liens with various contractors. No completion date is available from management.

One large heated freshwater pool is still available for use. The four Roman Tubs with hot mineral water were finally returned to service after park residents got involved in late 2008.

The 4000 square foot former clubhouse at Glamis North KOA, for over 20 years the scene of the annual Variety Show, dances, potlucks, bingo, art and crafts shows, the library, and Sunday church services- the social hub of the park- has now been converted into the park office and store, and Sassy's Outback Cafe, and is only open during the winter season. The park is closed during the summer when no amenities are available for visitors or for the full time residents of the park. It looks about the same in June 2009 only the helicopter has flown away!

Ten Cavco rustic cabins have been brought into Glamis North KOA for renting out to visitors who come without their own trailer or other RV. After the County objected to the cabins being dug-in as they were first installed, they have been re-installed in this unique manner, spread over two adjacent spaces in the park.

The transformation from a "best kept secret" quiet hot mineral spa populated by snowbirds to a widely advertised ATV park with few rules has brought a few changes to the ambience of the park!

Glamis North KOA welcomes off-roaders, though care must be taken not to enter illegal areas. The park sits on the border of Riverside County, where off-roading is prohibited unless specifically designated. Some local county trails are not designated for off-roading, and off-roaders have been recently cited in nearby areas. However, Glamis sand dunes, approximately fifty miles away, can be accessed by the Coachella Canal road.

This map, taken from MapQuest, shows Glamis North KOA at the red marker, and the Riverside / Imperial County line as the red line. The apparantly "open desert" is a patchwork of private property and BLM land. Roads and trails may be BLM, county or private, and current maps and regulations are recommended for any traveller. Street legal Jeeps and similar 4x4's are recommended for travel in this area. Maps showing legal Off Highway Venicles (OHV) riding areas in Riverside County may be downloaded free from Riverside County Sheriff. Imperial County OHV information is available from Imperial County Sheriff.