Dairy Springs
4.34115 reviewsCOCONINO
Quick Facts
7,100 ftPrice
$30 - $135/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Open season: May 2, ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
7,100 ftPrice
$30 - $135/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Open season: May 2, ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDairy Springs
$30.00 - $135.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Site fees range from $30 for standard and tent-only sites during peak season to $135 for group sites accommodating up to 40 people. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$135.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$165.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider9287749671cbilger@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
4.34
Recommended
Based on 115 reviews
105 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanhiking
"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."
Fees & Passes at Dairy Springs
$30 - $135/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations made before the scheduled arrival are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancella...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Coconino National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Dairy Springs
Summer days at Dairy Springs unfold with brilliant sunshine and crystal-clear skies, where temperatures remain refreshingly cool thanks to the high elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the landscape, bringing dramatic cloud formations and the sweet scent of rain on pine needles. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter blankets this 7,100-foot paradise in snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and pristine beauty in the off-season.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 2, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 2, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Out-of-season: October 12, 2025 - May 22, 2026.
- Current Alerts: Reviews mentioned periodic fire restrictions due to dry conditions.
About Dairy Springs
Nestled in the heart of Coconino National Forest, Dairy Springs Campground offers a tranquil escape into northern Arizona's high country. With 30 intimate single-unit campsites tucked beneath towering pines and two spacious group sites perfect for family reunions or gatherings of up to 80 people, this mountain retreat provides the ideal basecamp for adventure. The legendary Mormon Lake sprawls nearby—a fascinating geological wonder that transforms with the seasons—while miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding wilderness, where elk, deer, and countless bird species make their home among the ancient trees.
Dairy Springs provides a mix of primitive camping and group camping options. RVs, small motor homes, and tents are all accommodated.
Historical SignificanceThe springs that give life to this region have drawn visitors for generations, with the neighboring Double Springs still bubbling to the surface in a timeless display of nature's persistence. Mormon Lake carries the legacy of hardy pioneers who first settled these highlands, their determination and faith forever etched into the landscape's name. These early settlers found what modern campers still discover today—a place where the land's ancient rhythms offer both challenge and sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Dairy Springs unfold with brilliant sunshine and crystal-clear skies, where temperatures remain refreshingly cool thanks to the high elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the landscape, bringing dramatic cloud formations and the sweet scent of rain on pine needles. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter blankets this 7,100-foot paradise in snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and pristine beauty in the off-season.
ElevationPerched at 7,100 feet above sea level, Dairy Springs exists in that sweet spot where desert meets mountain forest. This dramatic elevation gifts visitors with crisp, pine-scented air and temperatures that can be 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson below. Here, the thin mountain air carries the calls of ravens and the whisper of wind through ponderosa boughs, while the altitude paints sunsets in colors more vivid than any artist could capture.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient ponderosa pines and stately oaks create a living cathedral at Dairy Springs, their massive trunks rising from a soft carpet of native grasses that sway in the mountain breeze. The mysterious Mormon Lake stretches across the horizon—sometimes a shimmering expanse of water, other times a vast prairie that seems to hold the sky's reflection in its golden grasses. Volcanic hills punctuate the landscape, silent reminders of the powerful forces that shaped this land millions of years ago. Every vista tells a story, from the morning mist that clings to the meadows to the star-filled nights that reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Geological RegionDairy Springs occupies a remarkable position in Coconino National Forest's volcanic highlands, where ancient lava flows created the unique basin that holds Mormon Lake. At 7,100 feet, this landscape showcases northern Arizona's geological drama—where ponderosa pines sink their roots into soil enriched by volcanic ash, and meadows bloom in depressions carved by long-ago eruptions. The surrounding terrain reads like pages from Earth's history book, with each hill and valley revealing chapters written in stone and shaped by fire, ice, and time.
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Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some noted as larger and more private (e.g., sites #16+). Trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Higher site numbers (e.g., #16+) are noted for greater privacy.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesHigher-numbered campsites provide more privacy and are larger. Avoid campsites #4 and #5 due to proximity to traffic and facilities.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes loops or sections with 30 single-unit campsites and 2 group sites. Sites are generally gravel and dirt, nicely spaced, with shade from large trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 2, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Out-of-season: October 12, 2025 - May 22, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov via online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites #16-30 are designated as first-come-first-serve without reservations. Reviews mention that these sites are larger and offer more privacy than reserved sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 calendar day for individual sites) forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications incur a $10 change fee only if new dates differ from the original reservation.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
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
The campground features three hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks of Mormon Lake, prairies, forests, and old volcanoes. Trails range from 0.2 miles to 3 miles, making them suitable for families. "Ledges Vista trail offers breathtaking views," as per a user review.Fishing
Seasonal fishing is available at nearby Mormon Lake when it has water, though reviews note the lake is often dry.Biking
Road biking is possible on the roads around Mormon Lake, which are "great for biking, with adequate width to avoid proximity to vehicles," according to a user review.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as hawks, ospreys, elk, and mule deer are commonly seen. "Lots of mountain bluebirds and woodpeckers" were noted by one reviewer.Cultural and Educational Programs
A campground amphitheater offers campfire programs, though specific topics or schedules are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation opportunities are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding opportunities are not specified.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in place due to dry conditions. Firewood is sold at $8 per bundle, and visitors are advised to burn wood on-site to prevent tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as elk, mule deer, and hawks may be encountered. Bear warnings are listed, but food storage lockers are unavailable. Gravel roads may cause difficulties for large RVs.
Active alertsReviews mentioned periodic fire restrictions due to dry conditions.
Weather at Dairy Springs
51
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency hospital and police services available in Flagstaff, AZ, approximately 21 miles away. Campground hosts make rounds regularly to check on campers.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present and maintained. User reviews mention clean garbage areas.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Mormon Lake, which is dry most of the time. Lake Mary is within driving distance for fishing and other water activities.
Common complaintsComplaints about gravel roads scratching RVs, vault toilets emitting bad odors, and rude behavior from some camp hosts. Lack of bear boxes and proximity to noisy campers were also noted.
HostCampground hosts are frequently cited as helpful and friendly, though some reviews describe rude or inattentive hosts. Hosts maintain clean bathrooms and sell firewood ($8 per bundle) and ice ($5 per bag).
Campground Map
COCONINO
Driving directionsFrom Flagstaff, Arizona, go southeast on Lake Mary Road/Forest Road 3 for 21 miles. Turn right (west) on Forest Road 90 at the north end of Mormon Lake. Proceed 4 miles to Dairy Springs Campground.
Road access includes 21 miles on a paved road followed by a 4-mile drive on gravel roads. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel, which may be bumpy but are maintained. However, low-hanging branches scratched larger vehicles as noted in some user reviews.Nearby places
Flagstaff, AZ: Approx. 21 miles and 40 minutes drive. Mormon Lake Village, AZ: Close proximity, roughly 5-10 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Mormon Lake Lodge offers mountain bike rentals, a country store, service station, and steakhouse within close proximity to the campground. Additional supplies can be found in Flagstaff, AZ, 21 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
115 reviews
Dairy Springs is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 115 reviews
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 115 reviewsCommon 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 115 reviewsPro 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 115 reviewsSeasonal 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 115 reviewsCamper 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 115 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #16-30 are first-come, first-served and noted for privacy. Site #10 was described as spacious but rocky, and site #20 was spacious but prone to becoming muddy after rain.
Based on 115 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed reviews from users with disabilities, but one complaint noted difficulty accessing bathrooms for a handicapped child.
Based on 115 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviews mention seeing many well-behaved dogs during their stays.
Based on 115 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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