Best Campgrounds near Kingman, AZ
The Kingman area encompasses a diverse range of camping environments, from high-elevation pine forests to low desert landscapes. Hualapai Mountain Park, located about 10 miles southeast of downtown, offers a dramatic escape from desert heat with elevations reaching nearly 8,000 feet and temperatures typically 10 degrees cooler than the city. Several RV parks cluster within city limits, including Kingman KOA and Blake Ranch RV Park, providing full hookups and amenities for travelers along Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66. Free dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land can be found at locations like DW Ranch Road and Hualapai Mountain Road, offering primitive sites with no facilities but scenic desert views.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas. Many BLM dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly when venturing beyond the first mile of access roads. As one camper noted, "There are very few spots in the front that a 2WD can get into; all the ones further in need 4-wheel drive." Summer temperatures in lower elevations regularly exceed 100°F, while winter brings occasional snow to Hualapai Mountain Park. Cell service is generally reliable near town and along major highways but becomes spotty in more remote areas. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming pools at KOA operate seasonally. BLM dispersed camping typically allows 14-day stays before requiring relocation.
Campers consistently highlight the dramatic temperature differences between desert and mountain sites as a key feature of the region. "Within a couple of miles, the temperature had dropped and the air was fresh," reported one visitor to Hualapai Mountain Park. The park's pine forest environment offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities including elk and deer, and both tent and RV sites. Highway noise affects some dispersed camping areas close to Interstate 40, with several reviewers recommending traveling further down access roads for quieter experiences. Sites near town provide convenient access to Historic Route 66 attractions, while those seeking solitude can find it in more remote BLM areas. Most RV parks offer clean facilities and consistent experiences, though spacing between sites varies considerably.
