Dairy Springs Campground: Your Guide to a Flagstaff Getaway

Dairy Springs Campground Introduce

For Arizonans and visitors alike, the allure of the high country near Flagstaff is undeniable, offering a cool and forested respite from the state’s intense heat. Dairy Springs Campground, nestled within the Coconino National Forest, provides a classic mountain camping experience. It's a place where the air is fresh, the ponderosa pines are tall, and the sense of outdoor adventure is palpable. This campground is a popular choice for those who want to be close to the amenities of Flagstaff while still feeling immersed in nature. It caters to a wide range of campers, from those with large RVs to families with kids and pets, offering a mix of essential services and beautiful scenery.

The location in the forest makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to reconnect with the natural world. The towering trees provide ample shade, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, even on sunny days. The surrounding area is rich with opportunities for exploration, from hiking trails that wind through the forest to scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the northern Arizona landscape. While the campground provides a sense of seclusion, it's also conveniently located near a major metropolitan area, giving campers the best of both worlds. This balance between a rugged outdoor feel and convenient accessibility is one of its most significant selling points, making it a reliable choice for a quick weekend escape or a longer vacation.

Dairy Springs Campground is a place where you can bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends. The dog-friendly policy and the presence of kid-friendly hikes mean that no one has to be left behind. It's a place designed to facilitate shared experiences and create lasting memories. While the camping experience is generally positive and the natural setting is beautiful, some campers have noted issues with the behavior of a specific camp host, which can impact the overall experience. It is important for potential visitors to be aware of such feedback and to understand that individual experiences can vary. However, the fundamental quality of the campground itself—its clean sites, beautiful environment, and practical amenities—remains a consistent draw for many visitors.

As with any national forest campground, visitors should be aware of and abide by all local rules, including those related to quiet hours and fire restrictions. Being prepared and respectful of fellow campers and on-site staff helps ensure a pleasant and peaceful stay for everyone.

Location and Accessibility

Dairy Springs Campground is located just south of Flagstaff, Arizona, within the Coconino National Forest. While a specific street address isn't widely used for navigation, it can be found on Forest Service roads accessible from the main highways leading out of Flagstaff. Its general location in Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA, places it within a very short drive of the city, making it a highly convenient option for campers coming from anywhere in the state. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access for a variety of vehicles, including large RVs.

The accessibility of Dairy Springs is a significant advantage. The campground provides on-site parking at each campsite, which makes setting up camp and keeping your vehicle secure a simple process. Its proximity to Flagstaff means that if you forget a supply or need to run an errand, the trip to town is quick and easy. This convenience is particularly appealing for families and those who prefer not to be in a completely remote location. The easy access to the campground also makes it an excellent base camp for exploring the larger Flagstaff area, from the San Francisco Peaks to the popular mountain bike trails and scenic drives.

Despite its proximity to a major city, the campground’s setting within the national forest provides a sense of being truly "away from it all." The tall trees and natural environment create a peaceful atmosphere that helps campers relax and de-stress. For many, the short drive and convenient location are a key reason for choosing Dairy Springs over more isolated or difficult-to-reach camping spots.

Services Offered

Dairy Springs Campground is a developed campground that offers a variety of services to enhance the comfort and convenience of your stay.

RV Camping: The campground is well-suited for RVs, with dedicated sites that can accommodate a range of sizes.
RV Water Hookup: For added convenience, some sites may offer RV water hookups, which is a significant benefit for travelers who need a reliable source of water.
Payments: There is a camping fee required to stay at the campground. It is best to check the official reservation service or call the Forest Service office for current pricing and availability.
Children: The campground is good for kids. The natural environment and open spaces provide a safe and fun place for them to play and explore.
Kid-friendly Hikes: The surrounding area features trails that are suitable for families, allowing you to enjoy a hike with even the youngest members of your group.
Parking: On-site parking is available at each campsite, ensuring that your vehicle is secure and easily accessible.
Pets: Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash and all pet regulations are followed. This is a big plus for pet owners who want to bring their furry friends along.

It is important to remember that this is a forest service campground, and while it has a host, some amenities like full sewer hookups or showers may not be available. Campers should be prepared with their own supplies and have a plan for waste management.

Features / Highlights

Dairy Springs Campground is known for several key features that make it a desirable camping spot.

Scenic Environment: The campground is set among beautiful ponderosa pines, providing a classic high-country camping experience. The shaded sites and natural beauty are a major draw.
Family and Pet-Friendly: The campground is well-suited for families with children and pets. The combination of open spaces and kid-friendly trails makes it a welcoming and engaging place for all.
Convenient Location: Its proximity to Flagstaff and easy accessibility make it a great option for a spontaneous weekend trip or as a base for exploring the area's many attractions.
RV Accessibility: The campground’s suitability for RVs, along with the availability of water hookups at some sites, makes it a comfortable and practical choice for RV travelers.
Hiking Opportunities: The surrounding forest provides a wealth of hiking trails for all skill levels, from short, leisurely walks to more challenging treks.

Contact Information

For reservations and official information, it is best to contact the Coconino National Forest office or check the Recreation.gov website.

Address: Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Phone: (928) 226-0493
Mobile Phone: +1 928-226-0493

What is worth choosing

For Arizonans looking for a straightforward and enjoyable camping experience, Dairy Springs Campground is an excellent choice. The main reason to choose this campground is its ability to offer a classic, forested camping experience with a high degree of convenience. The short drive from Flagstaff means you can quickly escape the heat and be in a beautiful, natural environment without a long and complicated journey. This is particularly appealing for families with kids who might not enjoy a long car ride. The presence of amenities like RV water hookups and on-site parking further enhances the convenience, making it a more comfortable option than a primitive dispersed site.

The natural beauty of the campground is another significant draw. The shady sites and quiet environment, despite being close to a main road, offer a peaceful place to relax. The ability to bring your dog and take your kids on easy, kid-friendly hikes makes it a truly inclusive destination for the entire family. It's a place where you can create memories by the campfire, go for a pleasant walk in the woods, and simply enjoy the cool mountain air.

While a few specific user reviews have highlighted negative experiences with a particular camp host, it is important to separate this from the quality of the campground itself. The beauty of the sites, the amenities, and the location are consistently praised. By choosing Dairy Springs, you are opting for a reliable, family-friendly, and scenic campground that serves as an excellent gateway to all that the Flagstaff area has to offer. With a little awareness and a focus on the many positive aspects of the location, your trip is sure to be a rewarding one.

Dairy Springs Campground Details

Offerings
RV camping
RV water hookup

Activities
Hiking

Payments
Camping fee

Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Dairy Springs Campground Photos

Dairy Springs Campground Location

Dairy Springs Campground

Arizona Coconino County Flagstaff

Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA

Dairy Springs Campground Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 126 user reviews.

trailsrestroomslaketreesfirewoodcellfire pitdrivingpriceclose enough

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This past weekend in July 2025, my family and I found ourselves at the Dairy Springs Campground group site A, which, on the surface, boasted well-maintained grounds, shady spots, and seemingly clean amenities. However, this initial impression quickly turned sour thanks to the insufferable camp host, Darren.Our first night, we were enjoying some card games and, admittedly, lost track of time while chatting and laughing past 10 PM. At precisely 10:09 PM, Darren stormed over and rudely interrupted our fun. Instead of a simple reminder, he unleashed a tirade on our group, berating us for our noise level while speaking to us in the most condescending tone imaginable. Despite our immediate apology and commitment to quiet down, he lingered, unrelenting in his criticism. Claiming that the "entire campsite" was complaining about us is laughable—really, in just nine minutes, Darren?The following morning, like a bad nightmare we couldn’t escape, Darren returned to continue his tirade, this time chastising us about our dogs barking occasionally. We had a small group, significantly less than the site's capacity for 40 people, and yet we were apparently enough to drive him into a frenzy. One can only imagine the chaos he’d create if faced with an actual crowd!Darren, here’s a piece of advice: perhaps being a camp host isn’t your true calling. The camping experience should be about enjoyment and rest, not living in fear of encountering a man whose idea of hospitality is to micromanage a quiet evening. This trip was marred not by the noise of laughter or barking dogs, but by your needless harassment.
July 23 · Stefanie Wheeler
Me and my parents stayed at dairy springs for memorial weekend, on Friday (5/23/25) Darren Banks the camp ground host comes up the campsite and stands at the end of the campsite staring at my mom it made her feel uneasy, he never said a word until my dog (who is part pit bull and just happens to look like a pittie) started to bark at him. Darren Banks decided at that point to tell my mom he was concerned for her safety and that the dog is only barking cause it doesn’t feel safe. My dog is a very anxious and protective dog and the whole weekend only barked at him any time he was by the camp site. He came back later that night asking us to leave because the dog was “scaring the guest” (my dad went around before this and asked the guests if she was bothering them and they all said no she was just being a dog) so at this point we asked to speak to the park rangers and Darren Banks and his boss told us they will not be calling them but we have been warned about her barking. On Saturday (5/25/25) Darren Banks would drive past the camp site very slowly and would take about 10 minutes to clean each bathroom just to try and get my dog to react more than barking. We did end up talking to the park rangers that night and asked if a dog barking is against the rules they said no they only require the dogs to be on a leash at all times.mt dog was never off leash at any point all weekend. Darren Banks would drive past us about 20+ times a day and kept telling us to calm our dog while he just stood at the end of the campsite looking at us. We did inform him that we talked to the park rangers and they said there is nothing wrong with our dog barking and he then told us “it doesn’t matter what the park rangers say it matters what I say” which is not true since Dairy springs is a national forest the park rangers run the campground. He would keep driving past us all weekend it slowed down on Sunday after the park rangers talked to him but he did end up cleaning a campsite that’s across from us and was never used (my guess to try and irritate my dog). I just wantbto say we will not be coming back as long as he is the campground host he doesn’t like certain breeds and it shows, since we were informed that he had no issue with another dog who was off leash and tried to attack him and there was other dogs barking all weekend he only had an issue with mine. We were also informed he had told someone that they would be kicked out if they ran their generator that they needed to use a medical device over night and he told them it didn’t matter what it was needed for if he heard it at midnight they would get kicked out. There was other people with generators and they were never told anything. He picks people he wants to be rude to and gets offended when you don’t back down. He also never introduced himself to us we had to ask for his name and then he gave an attitude and said ” oh now you want to be social.” If you decide to stay at dairy springs just be cautious about the campground host and if you have a dog that gets a bad reputation be careful he will most likely have it out for you. Needless to say I am very disappointed about this since I have been coming here since I was a kid and never had issues with dogs barking before.
June 17 · Jalyn Burrows
My family and i have been going to Dairy Springs campground for close to 20 years. This year we went with our youngest daughter and one of her dogs. We have taken dogs here before and they love the hiking.Anyway we had issues with the camp host Darren Banks from the very beginning of our trip due to our dog. She would bark and growl at him as he would stand staring at our campsite, saying nothing. He would then tell us we had to settle our dog down. He also tried telling us it didn't matter what the forest rangers said about dog policies, only what he said.Per the forest rangers your dog must be on s leash at all times
May 28 · Michelle Burrows
Nice clean campground, it was just so windy.🍃 Great place for hiking but not for swimming. Mormon lake is a field,
July 04 · Lucy
Space #2. We booked this reservation because it was the only thing that it was available for the weekend that we wanted to go. I was a little reluctant but to my surprise it was the perfect spot for a family. The camp host Doug was the sweetest lovely gentleman and he told us he was sad we were leaving because we were family that made my heart smile. The bathrooms were the cleanest that I've ever experienced in all my years of camping. We will definitely be making reservations again.
August 26 · Kimera Caswell