Within Coconino National Forest, Dairy Springs Campground provides a compact camping experience managed by the US Forest Service. The campground sits close enough to Mormon Lake for convenient fishing access, with reservations available and pets welcome throughout the facility.
Tall trees surround the camping area, creating natural boundaries between the forest service road and individual sites. The campground maintains a smaller footprint with limited privacy between spots, though several hiking trails branch out from the area for exploration. Sean H. notes that "Dairy springs isn't far from Mormon Lake which had decent fishing." Cell phone coverage drops to zero in this location, which many campers appreciate as a break from connectivity.
Road noise stays minimal here compared to campgrounds closer to main highways. Camp hosts typically occupy the area during peak seasons, providing information and maintaining the grounds. The surrounding forest offers hiking opportunities that extend beyond the immediate campground boundaries.
Families looking for a straightforward forest camping experience will find this campground manageable, while anglers can easily access Mormon Lake's fishing opportunities. Those seeking extensive privacy between sites or full amenities may want to consider alternatives, but campers comfortable with basic forest service facilities and close proximity to neighbors will find Dairy Springs meets their needs for camping near Coconino National Forest.
Description
Overview
Dairy Springs is a comfortable campground tucked away in a scenic area of northern Arizona. Its main attraction is the seasonal Mormon Lake which, when filled with water, draws visitors for fishing, windsurfing and wildlife watching. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and photography are available year-round. The facility has both individual and group sites that can accommodate groups of many sizes, including large families.
Recreation
Recreation usually centers around fishing in nearby Mormon Lake (seasonally). The area is ripe with additional outdoor activities. Three hiking trails originate at Dairy Springs and one at nearby Double Springs. The trails lead to scenic overlooks of Mormon Lake and surrounding prairies, forests and volcanoes. Wildlife watching is also popular. It's a very good place to spot hawks, including northern harriers and ospreys. The area boasts a healthy population of elk and mule deer too.
Facilities
The moderate-sized campground has 30 single unit campsites with tables and cooking grills, in addition to two group sites that can each hold 40 people and may be reserved at the same time for a group of up to 80 campers. Campsites are nicely spaced with plenty of room and shade. Visitors can walk along a self-guided nature trail or attend a campfire program at the facility's amphitheater.Fifteen single unit sites are available at the adjacent Double Springs Campground by reservations only.
Natural Features
Dairy Springs sits in a picturesque forest of old Ponderosa pine and oak trees with a grassy understory. The campground is at an elevation of 7,100 ft. and has summers that are characteristically sunny, warm and dry, with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. Dairy Springs is adjacent to Double Springs Campground, which has a spring that runs to the surface just above the camping area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 774-9671.
Nearby Attractions
The closest town is Mormon Lake, Arizona. This small and scenic mountain resort village is conveniently close to the campground and offers horseback rides, mountain bike rentals, a country store, service station and steakhouse.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDairy Springs Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Flagstaff, Arizona, go southeast on Lake Mary Road/Forest Road 3, for 21 miles. Turn right (west) on Forest Road 90 at the north end of Mormon Lake. Proceed 4 miles to Dairy Springs Campground (4.6 miles to Double Springs Campground).
Address
COCONINO
AZ
Coordinates
34.956146 N
111.485407 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 30 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 23 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 58 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 23 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
