How much does camping cost at Dairy Springs?

Camping fees at Dairy Springs range from $30-$135/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dairy Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Dairy Springs accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dairy Springs before I book?

Yes! Dairy Springs has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dairy Springs?

Dairy Springs is open May 01 to October 10. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dairy Springs?

Dairy Springs does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dairy Springs?

Fire policies at Dairy Springs: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dairy Springs have?

Dairy Springs has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dairy Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dairy Springs. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dairy Springs?

Dairy Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dairy Springs?

Popular activities at Dairy Springs include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dairy Springs

4.10

273 reviews

COCONINO

Top 12% in AZSpring

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Sedona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,100 ft

Price

$30 - $135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season: May 2, ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,100 ft

Price

$30 - $135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season: May 2, ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Dairy Springs

$30.00 - $135.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $135.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$135.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

9287749671cbilger@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dairy Springs

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

COCONINO

Dairy Springs

COCONINO

Nearby places

Flagstaff, AZ: Approx. 21 miles and 40 minutes drive. Mormon Lake Village, AZ: Close proximity, roughly 5-10 minutes drive.

Weather at Dairy Springs

Current alerts(13)

Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel
Check-in time is 2 p.m.; check-out time is 11 a.m.
Click here for more information on Coconino National Forest
Firewood for sale at $10.00/bundle. Ice for sale at $5.00/bag

Best Time to Camp at Dairy Springs

Best season: spring. Spring (May–June) offers the clearest combination of mild weather, wildflower-filled meadows, and active wildlife—perfect for hiking, biking, and shore fishing as Mormon Lake responds to snowmelt. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–70°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 7,100 ft, with long golden mornings ideal for trail outings and photography. Crowds are lighter than summer, campgrounds are newly opened (May 2 onward), and trails are at their most scenic before the summer monsoons and peak summer Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in AZ

May–June is best: wildflowers, cool temps and Mormon Lake often fills from snowmelt.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 2, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Out-of-season: October 12, 2025 - May 22, 2026.

About Dairy Springs

Dairy Springs sits at 7,100 feet in Coconino National Forest, a small high-elevation campground near Mormon Lake operated by the Forest Service. Spring brings wildflower meadows and active wildlife, with trails radiating from camp for hiking and biking. The campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store, drawing visitors who value quiet and clean facilities over resort amenities.

Dairy Springs provides a mix of primitive camping and group camping options. RVs, small motor homes, and tents are all accommodated.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring (May–June) offers the clearest combination of mild weather, wildflower-filled meadows, and active wildlife—perfect for hiking, biking, and shore fishing as Mormon Lake responds to snowmelt. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–70°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 7,100 ft, with long golden mornings ideal for trail outings and photography. Crowds are lighter than summer, campgrounds are newly opened (May 2 onward), and trails are at their most scenic before the summer monsoons and peak summer Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and oaks tower over campsites rooted in volcanic soil, with native grasses filling the understory. Mormon Lake. A geological anomaly that shifts between water and prairie depending on snowmelt and drought. Dominates the eastern horizon. The surrounding terrain shows its volcanic origins: ancient lava flows shaped the basin, and low hills mark where eruptions once occurred. Meadows bloom in depressions carved by those same forces. At this elevation, the air stays cool even in summer, and night skies reveal the Milky Way without light pollution. Elk and deer move through the forest regularly. Morning mist settles in the meadows before burning off by mid-morning.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo details on hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesA campground amphitheater offers campfire programs, though specific topics or schedules are not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV or two tents permitted per site.

Groups

Two group sites are available, each accommodating 40 people, and can be reserved simultaneously for a total of 80 campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov via online, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features are not explicitly provided. However, one review mentioned challenges when a handicapped child had to walk a significant distance to access an unlocked bathroom.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some noted as larger and more private (e.g., sites #16+). Trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Higher site numbers (e.g., #16+) are noted for greater privacy.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesHigher-numbered campsites provide more privacy and are larger. Avoid campsites #4 and #5 due to proximity to traffic and facilities.

Best CampsitesSites 16 and higher offer more privacy and space, according to multiple reviews. Site 10 and Site 20 get mentioned specifically as roomy and relatively secluded. The two group sites can handle gatherings up to 80 people. Trailers up to 35 feet fit in most sites, though gravel roads have scratched some RVs on the way in.

Need help booking Dairy Springs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No hookups

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dairy Springs offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Three trails originate from the campground, providing scenic views of Mormon Lake and the surrounding areas.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided, and user reviews indicate they are maintained regularly but may have a strong odor.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Dairy Springs

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From Booking Sources

4.1

273 reviews

Satisfactory

Dairy Springs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with most campers appreciating the cleanliness, spacious sites, and natural setting. However, there are consistent complaints about the behavior of some camp hosts and enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 273 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 273 reviews.

Site #16Loved
Site #16-30 are first-come, first-served and noted for privacy.
Site #10Mentioned
Site #10 was described as spacious but rocky, and site #20 was spacious but prone to becoming muddy after rain.

What Campers Love

Campers praise the campground's cleanliness, quiet environment, and proximity to hiking trails. Vault toilets are frequently described as clean, and some note the helpfulness of certain camp hosts.

Based on 273 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include rude or inconsistent behavior by some camp hosts, lack of flushing toilets, and disturbances from noisy neighbors. The dry state of Mormon Lake also disappointed some visitors.

Based on 273 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Higher-numbered campsites offer more privacy. Bring earplugs to avoid disturbances and download maps for offline use due to lack of cell service.

Based on 273 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer visits are most popular, with fewer visitors in fall. Winter reviews are rare, suggesting the campground is less accessible during colder months.

Based on 273 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This was one of the quietest campgrounds we have stayed at." "Hosts Doug and his wife were very friendly and accommodating." "The bathrooms are extremely clean with a light inside." "Camp hosts were...

Based on 273 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews from users with disabilities, but one complaint noted difficulty accessing bathrooms for a handicapped child.

Based on 273 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews mention seeing many well-behaved dogs during their stays.

Based on 273 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want alpine scenery, trail access, and spring wildlife viewing in a small, quiet campground.

Skip if

You need bear boxes, paved roads, or can't tolerate vault toilet odors.

Nearby Campgrounds

Coconino National Forest Recreation

Double Springs is a small, high-elevation campground in Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, operated by GoExplorus. Set among alpine forest with access to the Arizona Trail, it offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and spacious sites. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and peaceful setting, though some note muddy pads and occasional noise issues.