Camping sites near Golden Valley, Arizona range from dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to established RV parks with full amenities. Located in Mohave County with elevations between 3,300 and 8,000 feet, the region experiences dramatic temperature changes between valley floors and mountain camping areas. Access roads to dispersed camping locations often require careful navigation with varying quality depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking in Hualapai Mountains: Explore the 10 miles of hiking trails in Hualapai Mountain Park where temperatures are significantly cooler than valley locations. "I have been there many times over the years and have never been disappointed. I have been there in the snow and rain, and it is still a good time," notes one visitor. The park offers trail options for various skill levels with terrain changing from desert scrub to pine forests.
Route 66 exploration: Use Kingman as a base for exploring historic Route 66 attractions. "We also ventured out to Chloride to see the rock murals and petroglyphs - neat experience," shares a camper who stayed at Adobe RV Park. The drive to Chloride from Golden Valley takes approximately 30 minutes and features restored mining-era buildings alongside outdoor art installations.
Rockhounding opportunities: The desert terrain around Golden Valley provides excellent rockhounding sites. A seasonal resident at Tradewinds RV Park explains, "The mountain views are spectacular everywhere you look, and if you're a rockhound like myself, this area is a little piece of heaven." Local rock shops in Kingman can provide maps to public collection areas where jasper, agate, and petrified wood can be found.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The dark skies over dispersed camping areas offer exceptional stargazing. "No light pollution at night so you can see the Milky Way," reports a camper at Tradewinds RV Park. Locations further from highways provide the darkest viewing conditions, with summer monsoon season bringing clearer nights after storm systems pass through.
Wildlife encounters: The mountains provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. "I have never been so close to wild life before the elk and deer roam the area, especially in the morning hours," explains a visitor to Hualapai Mountain Park. Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing times, with mule deer commonly seen year-round and elk most active during winter months.
Colorado River access: Waterfront camping at Davis Camp Park provides direct river access. "Loved being able to set up our Napier Sportz tent with our Subaru at the river's edge on the Colorado River just outside of Bullhead City. So clear!" describes one camper. The park offers designated swimming areas with beaches that are typically less crowded during weekdays and non-holiday periods.
What you should know
Temperature extremes: Higher elevation camping provides relief from summer heat. "Within a couple of miles, the temperature had dropped and the air was fresh," notes a camper about the transition from valley to mountain elevations. Temperature differences between Kingman and Hualapai Mountain Park can exceed 20 degrees, making mountain campgrounds popular summer escapes.
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access roads to free camping areas require attention. At Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping, a visitor warns "Contrary to what others say for reasons I can't imagine this road SUCKS and is severely water damaged and NOT maintained as it is the old hwy." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most dispersed camping access roads.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is pleasant at lower elevations while summer requires planning for heat. "This RV park is more long term residents, but they have overnight spots," notes a visitor to Zuni Village RV Park, highlighting the winter seasonal population that temporarily increases during cooler months. Lower elevation camping becomes challenging from June through September when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Select campgrounds with family-friendly facilities. "This a great experience since we were originally not planning on camping on our way back to California... The campground also had a pool, hot tub, playground, mini golf and a little train that kids to ride in around the park starting at 9:30am," reports a family who stayed at Kingman KOA. The facilities include organized weekend activities during summer months.
Space considerations: Look for campsites with adequate room for activities. "A really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat," notes a family camper at Kingman KOA. Sites along outer loops typically provide more space for setup and play areas.
Safety planning: Prepare for wildlife encounters and weather changes. "We ran into a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake within feet of the campsite. They are aggressive and fatal," warns a visitor to W Big Wash Road Dispersed camping area. Teaching children proper outdoor awareness and carrying basic first aid supplies is essential when camping in remote locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for noise management: Position RVs strategically at dispersed sites. One camper at Davis Camp notes, "Based on the street we were on, Bullhead City was a very sketchy place though and did not feel very safe. The campsite itself felt safe though." RVers recommend selecting sites away from main roads and requesting spots away from highway noise when staying at established parks.
Hookup reliability: Sunrise RV Park receives positive reviews for dependable services. "Hookups all worked perfectly," reports a visitor, which is significant in an area where summer power demands for air conditioning are constant. When booking during peak summer months, confirming electrical capacity is recommended as some older parks may have limited amperage available.
Golden Valley dispersed camping areas near Golden Valley, Arizona provide peaceful camping near Golden Valley, Arizona without established facilities.
