Dispersed camping near Kingman, Arizona offers a desert landscape ranging from 3,500 to 7,000 feet in elevation with temperatures varying drastically between lower and higher sites. The area features juniper forests at higher elevations and sparse vegetation in the lower desert terrain. Roads leading to many sites become rutted after rain, making vehicle clearance an important consideration when planning a visit.
What to do
Stargazing at higher elevations: From Crozier Dispersed campsites, visitors get excellent night sky views away from city lights. "Stars look amazing!" reports one camper, while others note the "sparse juniper forest" provides minimal light obstruction.
Wildlife watching: Cattle grazing is common in this region, creating interesting encounters. At W Big Wash Road Dispersed, one camper mentioned "The cows are super cute to wake up to. I didn't smell them at all." Another camper noted "Free-roaming cows, didn't bother us at all."
Mountain exploration: The higher-elevation areas provide cooler temperatures and different terrain. Near Hualapai Mountain Road, one camper noted "Beautiful spot overlooking Kingman. You are about 8deg cooler than in the city."
What campers like
Space between sites: Many BLM areas offer generous spacing. At Hwy 193 BLM Dispersed, campers appreciate the privacy: "There are so many little private spots, several marked with rock fire pits, that you can find clustered in this little area, and yet with all the junipers and plant life surrounding you it will still feel fairly private."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to highways, many sites remain peaceful. One camper at Hualapai Canyon described it as "Quiet & Easy" and noted it was "a nice cool area for end of a June."
Cost-effective camping: Free camping on trust lands requires an inexpensive permit. A camper at Arizona Trust Land explained: "You do need an Arizona trust camping permit. It cost $20 for the whole year. You can get it online."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires careful driving. At DW Ranch Road, one camper warned "Super soft sand and rocks so we snuck in and had to be towed out. I would stay here again but I guess I would need a different car."
Wildlife hazards exist: Some areas have potentially dangerous wildlife. A camper at W Big Wash Road Dispersed cautioned: "Seems like a beautiful setting but we ran into a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake within feet of the campsite. They are aggressive and fatal."
Cell service fluctuates: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. One camper reported "Good att service and Verizon was spotty, but usable" at Hwy 193 BLM Dispersed, while another noted at W Big Wash Road: "Gave only 3 stars due to sketchy cell (AT&T) and no internet."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established fire rings: Fire safety matters with children. At Hwy 193 BLM Dispersed, campers noted "some camp areas have a stone fire pit" which provides safer containment.
Select spots away from traffic: Some areas have unexpected vehicle traffic. A DW Ranch Road camper warned "DW Ranch road had a lot of local traffic, including jeeps that I'm assuming were going off roading but they kept blasting by at 2/3AM with those huge light bars on them."
Consider seasonal limitations: Summer heat affects activities with children. A camper at Hualapai Mountain Road noted "You are about 8deg cooler than in the city," making higher elevation spots more family-friendly during hot months.
Tips from RVers
Pre-scout difficult roads: Many RVers recommend reconnaissance before bringing large rigs. At DW Ranch Road, one camper advised: "We stayed right off highway in big parking lot. Class C towing Jeep. Scouted out sites further up the road with Jeep but they were occupied even at noon."
Level site challenges: Finding flat spots poses difficulty. At Hwy 193 BLM Dispersed, an RVer noted "Sand is soft and we had a hard time getting and keeping our RV level."
Look for turn-around options: Limited maneuvering space affects larger vehicles. A camper at W Big Wash Road Dispersed warned "The road is a little washboard and there aren't a lot of good turn around spots."
