Hualapai Mountain Park, Arizona — Hotel in Kingman

Read about this park a while back in a book I have listing Arizona's best campgrounds but never had a chance to visit until recently. It did not disappoint but there are things prospective visitors need to be aware of because your mileage may vary depending on your expectations.

Let's mention the best part first – despite being just an easy 30 minute drive from the town of Kingman, Hualapai Mountain Park feels a world away. The day I visited in July it was over a hundred degrees in Kingman but only high 80s at the park. A low in the 60s in the morning made for perfect weather for tent camping especially surrounded by all the lush forest. Once quiet time set in at 10 pm all you could hear was the wind rustling through the trees without any traffic to disturb the solitude.

I only got to sample a small part of the local trail system due to time constraints but even then I got to see some amazing views from the Stonestep and Pine Lake Overlooks. The trailhead was easy to get to and the trails themselves were fairly well-marked. Quite a few hikers were around on that Sunday morning but it was far from crowded. I definitely would want to come back to Hualapai with more time on my hands just to check out more of the trails.

Now for the “your mileage may vary” part. There are plenty of options for staying at Hualapai ranging from RV sites with hookups to cabins to simple tent camping. The cabins look great but apparently get reserved quickly and are kinda pricey plus there's a 2-day minimum stay on the weekends so keep that in mind if you're interested in them. According to the ranger you can do a walk-in to stay at a cabin subject to availability but there were none available on the weekend I was there – a weekday stay will probably bring better luck.

RV sites on the other hand have to be reserved in advance. I don't RV camp currently but I did see the two sections for RV camping and you'll want to choose carefully depending on your choice of experience. The Elk Ridge area across from the ranger station is easy to get to and has more sites but is basically just a large, open lot with RV hookups while the Pioneer Park area has fewer sites and requires navigating through the tight, twisty roads in the park but it's in a nice forested section.

Tent camping is also a very site-dependent experience. I got lucky and got one of a couple of sites with a wooden platform perfect for pitching a tent on a nice level surface. It also had decent shade and privacy with a water spigot right beside and a proper restroom nearby. Other sites were far less developed, more isolated, and only had a porta-potty close by so you'll want to have a good look around before choosing your home for the night. Also, there are no showers for tent campers – only for cabin occupants.

Aside from the main loops near the ranger station there's another area farther on called the Pine Basin loop that can also be used for camping. A word of warning though, unlike the paved main loops this section is just a dirt road that gets pretty rutted and narrow. There are only porta-pottys and no water so I really would only recommend this for hard-core campers with a proper high-clearance vehicle. Don't even try to enter it with a normal car.

The main camp roads are paved thankfully but unlike other campgrounds I've been to with narrow, roughly one-car width roads the routes here are not arranged to be one-way so be wary of oncoming traffic.

Overall, Hualapai is a wonderful campground that's well worth a visit though you'll want to know what you're getting into before staying there. Some prior camping experience would...

Hualapai Mountain Park is one of my favorites in Arizona. It is Nestled in the forested heights just outside Kingman, and makes for a refreshing escape from the heat of the low lying deserts. The park offers a cool retreat amidst nature's tranquility. It's a perfect getaway for those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors without venturing too far from the conveniences of Kingman.

One of the park's highlights is its extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy stroll, or an experienced hiker in search of a challenging trek, Hualapai has trails to suit every level. The paths meander through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views and the chance to encounter local wildlife. [On a previous visit I had a herd of elk go right through my campsite].

For an overnight stay, the park provides various options, including charming cabins, RV camping and numerous semi-secluded campsites for tent campers. The cabins are well-maintained and equipped with basic amenities, offering a comfortable stay amidst nature. The campsites are spread out, allowing for privacy and a sense of solitude. Each site comes with a fire ring and a picnic table, enabling visitors to enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars—an experience enhanced by the park's minimal light pollution, which makes star gazing here absolutely spectacular.

It's worth noting that while the park is a county facility, it's well-maintained with clean and accessible amenities. There are picnic areas and restrooms conveniently located throughout the park, ensuring a comfortable visit for day-trippers as well.

A few tips for future visitors: Check the weather forecast before you go, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Also, if you plan to have a campfire, make sure to follow the park's fire safety regulations. Lastly, if you're interested in renting a cabin or securing a campsite, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the park is quite popular among both locals and tourists.

Hualapai Mountain Park is sort of a hidden gem, offering a a wonderful retreat with its scenic trails, cozy accommodations, and stunning...

Beautiful Mojave County park located on top of this mountain oasis in the desert. Tent camping on a first come, first served basis. Nice cabins for rent, some stone, some wood, some with fireplaces, some with wood-burning stoves. Nice hiking trails, easy to moderate. Pine forests all around. This is a well-maintained and managed park. Privately owned Mountain Park Resort is just 3 minutes up the road; there they have a restaurant, small general store and rooms for rent. You'll see Elk and Deer walking all around these parts. Beautiful retreat that I...