The Diamond region offers primitive camping opportunities across a high desert landscape with minimal facilities and restricted seasonal access. Most camping is available at BLM sites or private land with permission required. Winter access is often impossible due to snow, while summer brings extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Several established sites and dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come basis with no reservation systems in place.
What to do
Wildlife photography: Mann Lake Recreation Site draws photographers for its abundant waterfowl. "Lake is full of waterfowl. Bird photographers would enjoy this location," notes Fred S. who camped there in October 2024.
Hiking trails: Access the Pike Creek trail from Pike Creek Primitive Camp at Alvord Hot Springs for a challenging day hike. "The Pike Creek hike is Amazing too!! Definitely a Must!" according to Charyl B., who explored the area in spring.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The view of the stars is unmatched since there is so little light pollution," reports Raphaela H., who compared multiple camping locations in the area.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Frog Spring in Alvord Desert offers isolation despite open terrain. "Wide open and secluded at the same time... pretty cool site in the desert with mountain ranges surrounding you," according to Ian G., who visited in April 2024.
Wildlife encounters: Cattle commonly roam through camping areas. "Mann Lake is part of an open range so we woke up to baby cows shaking our car (which we didn't mind)," writes Katie M., who found this aspect of camping there enjoyable.
Natural sounds: The night brings distinctive wilderness audio experiences. Campers report enjoying "listening to the creek gurgling, the crickets singing, and the coyotes howling" at Pike Creek Primitive Camp, creating a natural soundscape unavailable at more developed sites.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many camping areas require navigating unmaintained roads. The road to Mann Lake Recreation Site requires breaking up "the drive on the dirt road," according to Jessy M., who found the site peaceful despite a "gross" lake condition.
Limited amenities: Bring all supplies, including toilet paper. At Pike Creek Camp, "open-air vault toilets (be sure to bring your own toilet paper!)" are the only facilities provided despite fees.
Weather considerations: Sites lack natural protection from elements. "No shade until the sun starts to go down behind the mountains," reports one camper about Mann Lake, making afternoon heat particularly challenging during summer months.
Site conditions: Expect undeveloped camping surfaces that deteriorate in wet weather. Sites at Mann Lake have "dirt surface; can get muddy & slippery when wet" according to recent visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Consider hunting seasons: Jackman Park Campground experiences increased traffic during hunting season. "Only negative was hunting season and all of the atv's zooming around," notes Jana M., who visited during fall.
Bring alternative activities: Limited infrastructure means families should pack games and activities. Mann Lake offers bird watching opportunities for children with "a lot of birds to watch," making wildlife observation a primary activity.
Water safety: Creeks in the area can be hazardous. Pike Creek was "flowing very fast, fresh, and super cold" even in early summer, requiring supervision for children and filtration for drinking.
Emergency planning: No cell service exists at most sites. "No cell service" is commonly reported, requiring families to have contingency plans for emergencies and weather events.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Mann Lake Recreation Site offers naturally level spots. "Sites appear to be level; large," notes Fred S., who found the camping areas suitable for vehicle-based camping.
Road condition awareness: Access roads deteriorate significantly after leaving paved highways. The drive to Frog Spring includes "gravel, to dirt roads with some gnarly trenches at the end but it's not too bad and definitely worth it," according to visitors who successfully navigated with appropriate vehicles.
Space consideration: Look for larger dispersed sites if traveling with multiple vehicles. Mann Lake Recreation Site had "about 10 campsites scattered about the area," offering options for different RV sizes and configurations.
