Camping areas surrounding Kingman, Arizona offer desert and mountain environments at elevations ranging from 2,000-8,000 feet. The Hualapai Mountain area sits at higher elevations providing cooler summer temperatures than the desert floor, typically 15-20 degrees lower during peak summer months. Access roads to remote camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly during monsoon season (July-September).
What to do
Wildlife viewing at higher elevations: Hualapai Mountain Park campers regularly encounter deer and elk throughout the grounds. "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. I have never been so close to wild life before the elk and deer roam the area, especially in the morning hours," notes one visitor to Hualapai Mountain Park.
Night hiking opportunities: The clear desert skies and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions. "This place is a must come. Trust me. I've been outdoors for years and this place is the place to come. I came night hiking here and the star will amaze you. I got to see reptiles like tarantulas and scorpions," reports a camper at Hualapai Mountain Park.
Mini golf and family recreation: Kingman KOA provides structured recreation activities. "A lot of trees and tons of things to do with the kiddos.. a really nice play ground and mini golf are always a bonus. Fresh paint and well kept are perfect for me... KOA's are really good at making everything fun with family," explains one reviewer.
Disc golf course access: The mountain park area offers a casual disc golf experience between rain showers. "We played a bit of disc golf between rain showers, saw an elk, explored the area, and ate twice in Kingman, just 10 miles away," shares a visitor at Hualapai Mountain Park.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures year-round: Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area provides relief from desert heat. "I ended up staying here a couple of nights and it's beautiful! Stay was in September and the weather was beautiful. Trees cover almost everything, there is a little creek, and plenty of opportunities to go exploring on hikes," writes one camper.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout at the BLM sites. "My boyfriend and I stayed 1 night here with our dog and we loved it. The sites are well spread out so each camp has privacy. We will definitely be back!" notes a reviewer at Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area.
CCC-built historic structures: The stone cabins and trails built during the Great Depression add historical interest. "This park is a hidden gem, a little rustic. Campsites built by CCC, old stone cabins, walls, and trails. There's RV parking away from park, a few campsites for small trailers, and beautiful tent sites," explains a visitor at Mohave County Park Hualapai Mount Park.
Unique glamping close to Kingman, Arizona: The historic stone cabins provide distinctive glamping experiences. "Rent a 1930's stone cabin for $90," suggests one camper regarding luxury camping options near Kingman.
What you should know
Variable site quality within campgrounds: The Pioneer RV area has challenges with spacing. "The Pioneer RV Campground consists of about 10 sites terraced into a hilly area accessed via a steep, one-way but well maintained road. The sites were way too close together for privacy," cautions a visitor to Hualapai Mountain Park.
Primitive conditions at some sites: Prepare for limited facilities at certain locations. "We arrived after the rangers had left for the day so we had to put cash in an envelope at the pay station. It is not $15 like the app says, it is $30 a night for tent camping and if you arrive late, have exact change because you won't be able to get change back," reports a camper at Hualapai Mountain Park.
Tent site availability challenges: Finding suitable tent spots requires timing and flexibility. "We were the only ones tent camping that night and our spot was the best one in the area! We could hear the Elk mating call a few times throughout the night but it did not disturb us," notes another visitor to Arrowhead Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
4x4 requirements for some access roads: "There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended... Take this to heart," advises a reviewer about reaching the lake areas.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for hot weather relief: Davis Camp Park offers water recreation options. "We group camp here with fellow youth sports families. The kids love the open areas to run and play in though there are not great playgrounds. The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining," shares one camper.
Kid-friendly cabin options: Sleeping arrangements designed for families reduce setup stress. "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," explains a visitor to Kingman KOA.
Morning wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning activities to maximize animal sightings. "A great commune with nature," mentions a camper who regularly visits the mountain parks for wildlife viewing.
Budget-friendly glamping alternatives near Kingman: Stone cabins provide affordable luxury camping experiences for families compared to typical glamping prices. "$20 a night, dry camp will get you out of the blast furnace of the Kingman summer. 10 gorgeous miles of hiking trails," notes a visitor about Hualapai Mountain Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited turning space in mountain campgrounds: "The campsites were great, but they were not level, and the turnaround area was under construction so I didn't really have room and nearly jackknifed it (maybe rookie mistake)," warns an RV owner about the mountain park areas.
Seasonal site access concerns: "The trip is a bit challenging pulling a trailer as it is steep and winding. There are no amenities at the RV sites, which was disappointing, and they cost the most," cautions an RVer about Hualapai Mountain Park.
Spacing and privacy considerations: "Wide, level spaces with bushes in between. Lots of amenities including rec room, playground, dog area, and mini golf. Very friendly staff. Close to town but in a quiet neighborhood," notes a camper at Kingman KOA regarding the RV setup.
Dump station and hookup availability: Full service sites exist but require advance planning. "They have full hook ups, showers, bathrooms, a nice swimming pool, dump station, all spots are very close to your neighbors with no privacy AT ALL!" explains a visitor at Needles KOA.
