Arizona Highway 84: 10 Roadside Stops from I-8 to Casa Grande
September 18th, 2026
Old motel signs, roadside relics, open desert views, and vintage neon lights along a scenic Sonoran Desert drive from Interstate 8 through Stanfield to Casa Grande.
Hey all you desert drifters on the open highway! Whether you're headed east or west along Interstate 8, don't even think about blowing past Exit 151 without giving Highway 84 a little love.
And to my fellow RVers, listen… There’s not one, but TWO options for camping with some desert views to swoon over. More on those in a bit.
From vintage motel signs and old Western roadside relics to saguaros, desert mountains, and neon lights… this stretch of Arizona highway is desolate but will not bore.
1. Lucky's Truck Stop and the Pullman Signs
A weathered reminder of the old Pullman Motel, Restaurant & Cocktails, still standing near Interstate 8 at Exit 151 along Arizona Highway 84.
Just off Interstate 8 at Exit 151, Lucky's Truck Stop is a place to fuel up and grab a snack. BUT, it's also a place that will pique your curiosity if you take a little time to look around.
For starters, there's that old Pullman Truck Stop sign, along with another advertising a gift shop, motel, restaurant, and cocktails. I’m talking an old-school roadside stop where back in the day truckers and travelers could park, get a room, grab a bite, and enjoy a nightcap at the motel’s cocktail bar before hitting the hay. Oh, how I wish the remnants of the motel were still here today.
The current owner told me that the truck stop and RV park next door were once connected, but unfortunately, I couldn't dig up much more about the old Pullman. I tried!
And what's the story behind that big safe sitting outside? Was it once guarding the day's earnings, or did somebody just toss if off into the desert? Either way, it looks like it's seen some things. What if there’s something still inside!
There's also an old Farmall tractor and a little sign on the building beside the cactus that reads, “On This Site in 1897 Nothing Happened.” Love that.
52745 W Interstate - 8 Frontage Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85193
2. John Wayne's Old Ranch Property
A glimpse of John Wayne’s ranching history along Arizona Highway 84.
Leaving Lucky's, head over the overpass and follow the road as it curves to the right. Be sure to take in all the saguaros sprinkled across the mountainsides as you make the turn. About two miles down, keep an eye out on your right for an old rectangular house hiding behind a majestic collection of high-rise saguaros.
This was once a part of John Wayne's Red River Ranch and feedlot operations. He didn't actually live here, it was one of his many properties tied to his Arizona ranching ventures. I especially love the old hitching posts at the very front of the house.
I'm not personally a John Wayne fan, but whether you are or not, this old Western-style house is worth a look. Between the hitching posts out front and the cactus giants surrounding the house, this place is a little piece of the Old West that’s still here to swoon over.
Note: Although no one lives here, this is still private property, so please admire this Old West history from the roadside.
3. West Pinal (Kortsen) County Park
Jim Kortsen West Pinal County Park, a desert camping stop along Arizona Highway 84.
Alright fellow RVers, remember those camping spots I mentioned? Here's the first located about a mile past the old John Wayne property.
West Pinal County Park is simple, but it gives you that feeling of being out in the open, wide Wild West. You've got huge saguaros surrounding you, Table Top Mountain in the distance, and I-8 running alongside the park. You can gaze off at the semis rolling by in both directions, close enough to enjoy the view but far enough away to escape the roar of traffic.
It's something to see. And for those of you who love that feeling of being in the wind, this is a good place for it. Whether you're passing through in a car or with your home on wheels, it's worth pulling in for a look.
A little heads-up: There are no hookups or fancy amenities here, just the Sonoran Desert views including saguaros galore and a place to park your rig.
Details:
For those wanting to stay a bit, the park offers overnight dry camping for just $10 a night, plus a $2 reservation fee. You'll need to reserve your campsite and pay online through Campspot and you can stay up to 14 consecutive nights.
There are picnic ramadas, grills, horseshoe pits, and trails if you're needing to stretch your legs before getting back on the road.
And if you're just passing through, pull in and have a picnic, it’s free. You don't have to spend the night to enjoy this place.
West Pinal Park Camping Reservations
50801 AZ-84, Maricopa, AZ 85139
4. Wild West RV Ranch
Wild West RV Ranch, a roadside stop along Arizona Highway 84.
And here’s camping option number two.
About four miles down the road from West Pinal County Park, keep an eye out for the Wild West RV Ranch sign. It's one of those exciting roadside signs that fits right in with the Western feel of Highway 84.
Unlike the dry camping at West Pinal County Park, Wild West RV Ranch offers full hookups and amenities. And if that’s not enough, you can say hey to their emus, peacocks, turkeys, and chickens too!
860 S John Wayne Parkway, Maricopa, AZ 85258.
5. Crazy Richard’s Trading Post & Stanfield’s Old Roadside Signs
Crazy Richard’s Trading Post, a weathered roadside relic in Stanfield, Arizona.
Next up, in Stanfield, keep an eye out for Crazy Richard’s Trading Post sign, the old “Buy Sale Trade” sign, and a few other weathered roadside relics.
I haven’t been able to dig up much history on these signs, but man, do they get me wondering what kind of treasures passed through that trading post back in the day!
And who Was Crazy Richard, anyway? And why was he crazy? I need to know!
6. Abandoned Faith Bible Church and Saguaros
The old Faith Bible Church, a weathered desert landmark along Arizona Highway 84.
Continuing through Stanfield, look out for the old Faith Bible Church near the corner of Highway 84 and N Candlestick Drive. Or, as I like to call it, the Saguaro Church.
I've always been drawn to the mystery of abandoned places. With its rounded arches and enormous saguaros standing out front, this church looks like it belongs in an old Western.
It pains me to say, yet again, that I haven't been able to dig up much history on this place, either. This stretch of Highway 84 is full of interesting sights, but it sure has a way of leaving me with more wondering than answers!
7. Boots & Saddle Motel Sign
The vintage Boots & Saddle Motel sign, a piece of Casa Grande’s roadside history.
As Highway 84 carries you into Casa Grande, there's another roadside relic worth a little love: the old Boots & Saddle Motel sign.
Come on, who can resist a good old motel sign, especially one with a name like Boots & Saddle! The motel dates back to 1954, and that Western sign is still standing tall. The motel was also used as a filming location for the independent thriller Coyote Requiem in 2012.
509 West 2nd Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
8. Saigon Grub
A big bowl of vegan pho at Saigon Grub in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Saigon Grub was the perfect place to burn a little more daylight before visiting the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park. I went with the Vegetable & Tofu Pho with no regrets.
1355 E Florence Blvd #132, Casa Grande, AZ
9. Casa Grande Neon Sign Park
The old Hotel Sacaton sign glowing at Casa Grande Neon Sign Park.
And finally, the sun went down! Time to see those old neon signs in all their nighttime glory. The Casa Grande Neon Sign Park is a little collection of restored vintage signs from businesses of days gone by. Old motel signs, restaurant signs, and other roadside beauties light up the night, giving you a glimpse of what Casa Grande's streets once looked like after dark. I bet it was really something to swoon over.
If you love roadside signs and vintage nostalgia, you won't want to miss this. Actually, if you just love neon lights in general, as I do, you won't want to miss it either.
I could've spent hours frolicking amongst the neon lights. And let's not forget those chairs made from old pickup truck tailgates. Give me one!
408 N Sacaton St, Casa Grande, AZ 85122
David Snider’s GMC tailgate bench in Casa Grande.
10. Cowtown Tavern
One last stop for drinks and a little pool before calling it a night. Back in Stanfield, near the Crazy Richard’s sign, is a little local bar with that small-town atmosphere. It felt like the perfect place to wrap up this Highway 84 adventure.
36796 AZ-84, Stanfield, AZ 85172
Ending the Highway 84 desert drive with a game of pool at Cowtown Tavern.
Until Next Time, Desert Drifters
So there ya go… A little stretch of Highway 84 with a whole lot more to see than you might expect if you appreciate the subtle things.
From old roadside signs and towering saguaros to abandoned places and neon lights, I’d call it a pretty entertaining desert drive.
So, the next time the open road takes you to Interstate 8, don't hightail it past Exit 151.
And if you notice something I missed, or happen to know a little history about any of the places mentioned, click here to let me know. I’d love to update the article with the information.
Know Before You Go
✦ Camping: West Pinal County Park offers dry camping, while Wild West RV Ranch has full hookups and amenities. If you're staying overnight at West Pinal, be sure to reserve a spot online.
✦ Timing: If you want to see the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park all lit up, plan to stick around until after dark.
✦ Private property: Some of the old buildings and roadside relics along this drive are on private property. Enjoy them from public areas and respect posted signs.
✦ Desert essentials: Bring plenty of drinking water, especially if you're exploring during the warmer months.
