Dolan Springs sits at an elevation of 3,200 feet in northwestern Arizona's high desert terrain. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall. The area features a mix of Joshua tree forests and creosote bush scrubland where equestrian campers can access multiple designated trails and dispersed camping areas across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
What to do
Trail riding from Happy Trails Campground: Access multiple trail systems directly from this equestrian-friendly site located 45 minutes from Grand Canyon West Rim. "Lake Mead is only 10 minutes away! This campground is perfect for those with the outdoor bug like us. Hiking for miles atv trails everwhere you turn," notes Teresa M. in her Happy Trails Campground review.
Night sky photography: The dark skies near Dolan Springs offer excellent stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. "Beautiful views and very peaceful. Excellent for star gazing! Lots of trails to explore with your off roading toys," reports Aimee K. about her experience at Happy Trails Campground.
Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife including quail, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. "The water is the clearest I've ever seen and the water fowl dive freely along the banks... There is a treasure trove of wildlife here apparent just from the birds singing," explains Lyle F. about his experience at Arrowhead Cove.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the Dolan Springs area offer generous spacing between sites. "HUGE rv spaces big enough for our rig, boat and atvs!" writes Teresa M. about Happy Trails Campground. At Kingman KOA, "Wide, level spaces with bushes in between. Lots of amenities including rec room, playground, dog area, and mini golf," according to Rich J.
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation creates separation between camping spots. "They all have fences, ours had shrubs, which gave the feeling of privacy," notes Danielle S. in her review of Kingman KOA. Similarly, at Katherine Landing South Campground, "oleander trees space out each camp spot which give you all the privacy anyone could need," according to Brittney C.
Water access points: Several camping areas offer access to Lake Mead despite low water levels. "This Cove is sheltered from wind by trees and tall grass. A small peninsula also blocks direct site from the water so this is a very private site," writes Lyle F. about Arrowhead Cove. However, Eight Mile Dispersed Camping has limitations as one camper notes: "It's a hike to get to the water from here you can't actually get down to the water so keep that in mind."
What you should know
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Many access roads to free camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "The drive off the paved road isn't as long/bad as you'd expect. I had a little trouble getting in but that's partially my fault, try not to drive into a dispersed camping site at night when its the first time you've ever been," advises Charlie C. about Arrowhead Cove.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. At Hualapai Mountain Park, temperatures are significantly cooler than surrounding areas. "Cheap, clean, well maintained, lots of wild life!" reports Ashley E. The park sits at 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, providing relief from desert heat.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most free camping areas lack basic amenities. "Total boon docking and rough roads. But it's free and you can literally camp where you want... At this location you can stay 7 days," explains Brittney C. about Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several established campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. "This a great experience since we were originally not planning on camping on our way back to California, but it got late and we were tired. We got a KOA basic cabin which fit my husband and I and a bunk bed which our son loved. The campground also had a pool, hot tub, playground, mini golf and a little train that kids to ride in around the park," explains Katherine T. from Kingman KOA.
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn wildlife sightings into learning experiences. "I have been there many times over the years and have never been disappointed. I have never been so close to wild life before the elk and deer roam the area, especially in the morning hours," writes Chris G. about Hualapai Mountain Park.
Safety considerations: Keep children away from steep shorelines and watch for desert wildlife. "Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping," advises Michele M. regarding Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Tips from RVers
Level sites availability: Most established campgrounds offer relatively level spots, but dispersed areas require careful placement. "Sites were somewhat different but level and solid. But the whole drive thru the neighbors front yard threw me for a minute until I got the gist of it," mentions Les W. about Happy Trails Campground.
Big rig accessibility: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with pull-through sites. "We have learned that KOA's laid out in the 60's and 70's are not laid out for modern big rig rv's. We have a Cyclone 4270 (44' 5th wheel) and in truck and we're around 60'. This means we hunt for alternative camp sites with larger layouts and entry points," explains Daniel from Blake Ranch RV Park.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds have designated quiet areas. "There is a no generator section meant for tents, but we didn't stay there as it seemed fully booked so I picked an RV/tent site at the far end," notes Amy G. about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
