Dairy Springs

Star4.14
273 reviews
COCONINO

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

Opens Coconino National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dairy 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

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 273 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

COCONINO

Dairy Springs

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers cool high-elevation days, clear skies and peak trail access; popular season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fewer visitors in fall; scenery remains good but reviews are less frequent than spring/summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring visits are popular; trails and wildlife viewing are strong once open in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct–late May; winter visits and services are not supported.

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.
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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingSeasonal fishing is available at nearby Mormon Lake when it has water, though reviews note the lake is often dry.
BikingRoad 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 viewingWildlife 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 ProgramsA campground amphitheater offers campfire programs, though specific topics or schedules are not detailed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Dairy Springs

Reviews

4.1
273 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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Based on 273 reviews

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 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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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