Major Excavation Clears Way for New Flagstaff RV Development

Nearly 18 million tons of red rock were excavated and repurposed within about a mile of historic downtown Flagstaff as part of the development of the new Flagstaff Mountain RV & Campground. The four-acre hospitality project sits below the southwest edge of McMillan Mesa along historic Route 66.

108 Excavating and Highland Excavating removed the material and reused it entirely on site, primarily for backfill supporting campground pads, road loops and landscaping. According to project engineers, the approach minimized hauling impacts while preserving natural drainage patterns.

The previously undeveloped parcel behind the former Muffler Magic property is being developed by longtime Flagstaff residents Ronda Stump and her son, Arron Bailey. Stump, a retired escrow officer specializing in Northern Arizona hospitality properties, said the project reflects a deliberate choice to pursue a low-density hospitality model rather than a traditional multi-story hotel.

“We found this property and didn’t want to go vertical,” Stump said. The team envisioned something horizontal, integrated with the natural landscape.

Despite that goal, the site required extensive excavation because of its position on the mesa’s edge. Bailey noted that all excavated material remained on site.

“The majority of what you see here came from this ground,” he said. “The overall footprint stays relatively small and we cut very few trees.”

Only about 10% of landscaping material was imported, primarily from the Verde Valley, according to the developers. Mogollon Engineering and Surveying confirmed stormwater runoff patterns will remain consistent with pre-development conditions.

The developers incorporated sustainability strategies throughout the project. High-efficiency LED lighting complies with Flagstaff’s Dark Sky regulations while reducing energy demand. Electric radiant heating was selected instead of natural gas systems, and concrete paving was used to avoid repeated petroleum-based sealing required with asphalt.

Infrastructure has also been installed to accommodate future solar energy expansion.

The on-site convenience store and bar are housed in the repurposed Muffler Magic building, preserving embodied energy in existing materials while avoiding emissions associated with new construction.

Bailey emphasized the project’s local sourcing. “Our contractors and subcontractors are 100% local,” said Bailey, formerly owner of Randy’s Downtown Garage. “These are people I grew up with here.”

Participating companies include Barmore Flooring and Design, JAMZ Electric and Foundations Concrete Construction. Architectural Design Studio, led by Anne Mead, handled design work.

Agassiz Landscape Group incorporated excavated red rock into landscaping and planted native trees. The site sits near the historic Arizona Sandstone Co. quarry, which supplied “Arizona Red” sandstone used in many downtown Flagstaff buildings. Flagstaff Fire Department Station 2 now occupies part of the former quarry site.

When Flagstaff Mountain RV opens, expected later this month, the public will be welcome to purchase beverages and food at the on-site bar and patio area, where a six-foot gas firepit is planned. The campground holds an Arizona Series 7 liquor license allowing beer and wine sales to both registered guests and the public. Single Speed Coffee Roasters will provide coffee service, while Jitters Lunchbox plans to offer sandwiches, espresso drinks and light fare.

The campground will feature 33 full-hookup RV sites, many positioned against natural red rock sandstone walls that help buffer traffic noise despite proximity to Route 66.

“All water lines are underground so we can operate through winter,” Stump said.

Fiber connectivity for high-speed Wi-Fi is already installed to serve digital nomads and remote workers. Planned amenities include a dog park, electric bike rentals and concierge-style promotion of local businesses.

“The idea is to support local whenever possible,” Stump said. “We want this to be a hub for exploring Flagstaff – hiking, skiing, the Grand Canyon – while keeping tourism dollars circulating locally.”

Stump noted the family’s longstanding connection to the community.

“We’re from Flagstaff. Our family moved here in the 1970s,” she said. “This is home, and we want visitors to experience it the way locals do.” FBN

By Stacey Wittig, FBN

Stacey Wittig covers tourism, hospitality development and business trends in Northern Arizona for Flagstaff Business News and publishes travel insights at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.

Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff residents Ronda Stump and her son, Arron Bailey, are striving to keep tourism dollars in Flagstaff while helping visitors experience the city like a local.