Best Equestrian Camping near Oatman, AZ

I wanted to find a place that was close to Oatman so I could make a daycation away from the house in Vegas. Everything I saw implied this one was the most reliable and closest to the site. I did see along the path however a few others, but my reservation had already been made and for $30 nonrefundable that meant I was keeping my claim on my site.

The site was not a deluxe site like some KOA's have but it was a non-primitive site and I had hook ups so I was excited to see what it was this campground had to offer.

I was staying during offseason so I knew I wouldn't have access to the pool or hot tub, the hot tub would have been nice however. I was expecting to maybe play some mini golf but the course looked unmaintainted like it too was in the off season, a little disappointing.

Since there wasn't anything to do really at camp I went and explore the Historic Route 66 in Kingman to follow up my fun in Oatman on the same journey. it was quirky and bold and had some really nice stops. I was very happy with having proximity to the options I got to see so it made the campground worth it. I was given a few tips from the office as to the must see locations and I managed to check them out before it got dark. (pictured)

All in all, I wouldn't say I wouldn't give this place a shot again during a different time of year, but during the early months of the year it wasn't all I was wanting it to be and more.

I had been camping in August by the Colorado River in Arizona, a mistake that time of year. About midnight I was too hot to sleep, and the mosquitos were eating me alive. I decided to move, and an hour later I rolled into Kingman, Ariz. to get gas. I saw a sign for Hualapai Mountain Park, and, knowing nothing about it, I took a chance. Within a couple of miles, the temperature had dropped and the air was fresh. I rolled into the park about midnight, somehow found a camping spot amid the towering Ponderosas and slipped into a deep sleep in the cool air. In the morning a friendly ranger reminded me to pay, nodding in understanding at the story of my escape from the desert. The campground itself was beautiful. The big Ponderosas kept the site cool well into the day--it is almost at 8,000 feet! Better yet was the short hiking trail I took the next day to a promontory on Aspen Peak with a stunning view east across Arizona. A memorable stay.

A stay here is like a stay right in the mountains where you can see everything around you and truly appreciate the atmosphere. Up at this camp anyone can come and enjoy stretching out and enjoying a day or weekend away at a reasonable rate with good company all around you. There wasn't a single camper that I met here that wasn't pleasant, maybe it is that mountain air.

When I visited there were not any events going on here so it was a typical day in the middle of the week, there were still plenty of other campers here but it did not feel overwhelmingly full by any means. I opted for a site without water because there were plenty of spigots around so I didn't figure it was a must have at that moment. My site was pretty basic with a picnic table out of stone and a grill but it was nestled in the mountains and seemed like my own little piece of happiness. Only $17 for my site seemed more than reasonable and I felt like I had plenty of room to really spread out.

This campground has a little piece of history being a part of the jobs created during the Great Depression. At that time they put people to work etching out paths through the mountains, some of those are still in use today and as you hike along the many trails here you are hiking along the path with such an appreciation for the beauty that you tend to forget that this once was a place which reminded people of hope in the midst of tragedy through minimal wages.

While there I checked out the Aspen Peak trail which was awesome and I recommend it as a must see!!

TIPS:

• Sites are first come first serve so get there early on busy weekends.

• Check their site for special events, they often host off road events here because of the terrain in which case sites fill quickly.

This is a great place to get away from the heat in Bullhead City. There are lots of dry tent camping sites scattered throughout the park, or you could rent a cabin or even a teepee. There are rv sites with full hook ups if that's your preference. We went tent camping in the pine basin section there's no water so we brought enough for the trip. In our area I only saw port a potties scattered throughout the area. There are a lot of deer wandering around and they're not shy, a doe walked right up to me the first morning while I was making coffee. I have been told there are Elk wandering around too but I didn't see any. We enjoyed it there and will be going back. The fees are reasonable $17.00 a night for camping, you can buy firewood and ice at the check in station.

I was looking for a remote Cove to set up for a couple nights on Lake Mead and found this little gem off the beaten path but still accessible on a rugged and steeply graded access road. There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended... Take this to heart.

(We came down from north of the cove off of Princess Cove Rd. There is also access from the south off of the same Princess Cove Rd. We didn't see that route driving in at night... Probably try that next time.)

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.

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. It was a cacophony of songbirds just before the sun went down over the mountains over the water to the west, Nevada's coastline to the Colorado River fed Lake. There are also Gila monsters, tortoise, mules and many more creatures that come visit the water-side.

It was refreshing rinsing off in the crisp, clear water! Bring water shoes as most of the coastline is rocky. 

Do not leave food out and also there are no glass containers allowed at this location! Respect your wildlife community and those enforcing the sustainable practices. Shout out to the upstanding rangers working this area! Thanks for watching over us and the respectful reminders.