Packsaddle Campground

For Arizonans seeking a true escape from the heat and hustle, Packsaddle Campground offers a unique and authentic outdoor experience. Nestled high in the Cerbat Mountains above the historic mining town of Chloride, this primitive campground is a hidden gem that caters to those who appreciate rugged beauty and quiet solitude. It’s a destination for the self-sufficient camper, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting that feels a world away from the city. The elevation of approximately 6,000 feet means cooler temperatures than the desert floor, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing getaway during the warmer months.

Packsaddle Campground is not for everyone, and that's precisely its appeal. As one reviewer noted, it’s "not easy to get to and rough camping," but the reward is a "quiet picturesque beautiful place." This is a place to disconnect, slow down, and immerse yourself in nature. The amentities are basic, but they are exactly what you need for a genuine camping experience. With a good mix of tent sites, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, the campground provides the perfect foundation for a memorable trip. It's a fantastic choice for families looking for an adventure, offering kid-friendly hikes that allow children to explore the natural environment safely. The serene atmosphere is particularly notable during the weekdays, when you might just have the entire place to yourself, creating a truly personal and intimate connection with the landscape.

The location of Packsaddle Campground is a key part of its rustic charm. It is situated near the small, historic town of Chloride, AZ 86431, USA. Getting there is part of the adventure, as the campground is accessed via an unpaved road. From Kingman, Arizona, you travel north on Highway 93 before turning onto the Bureau of Land Management-maintained Big Wash Road. The scenic nine-mile drive up this road requires a high-clearance vehicle and can be rough, as noted by visitors. This inaccessibility acts as a natural filter, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly dedicated to a more primitive camping experience. It’s important to be prepared for the drive and to take it slowly, especially if you’re not accustomed to unpaved roads.

Despite the challenging accessibility, the destination is well worth the effort. The campground is located on the crest of the Cerbat Mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain ranges. This vantage point provides a shady respite from the hot desert floor and an incredible backdrop for hiking and photography. The on-site parking is convenient, and once you’ve navigated the road, you can easily set up your camp. The location is also fantastic for those who want to explore beyond the campground, with nearby recreation opportunities including off-highway vehicle driving and the historic trails around the Chloride mining area. It's a great choice for those who want to be close to the conveniences of a town like Kingman but feel completely removed from the urban environment. The journey to Packsaddle is a transition into a more rugged, beautiful world.

Packsaddle Campground offers a selection of basic but essential services to ensure a functional and authentic camping experience.

• Tent Sites: The campground provides designated tent sites, each offering a flat space to pitch your tent and a personal spot to call your own. The sites are well-maintained and blend into the natural surroundings.
• Picnic Tables and Barbecue Grills: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a barbecue grill or fire pit. These amenities are crucial for preparing meals and enjoying a classic campfire experience.
• Public Restrooms: The campground has public restrooms, specifically vault toilets, which are well-maintained and provide a necessary convenience for campers.
• On-site Parking: On-site parking is available, making it easy to unload your gear and set up your camp.
• Camping Fee: There is a camping fee for using the site, which contributes to the maintenance of the facilities.

These services are a testament to the campground’s focus on providing a low-impact, natural experience. The lack of electricity or running water encourages a self-reliant approach to camping, which is what many outdoor enthusiasts are looking for. The presence of bear-proof garbage disposal, as noted in a review, is another important feature that helps maintain the cleanliness and safety of the site for both people and wildlife.

Packsaddle Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an experience rich with unique features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination.

• Picturesque Scenery: The campground's location at a high elevation provides "beautiful, quiet picturesque" views of the surrounding pinyon pine and juniper woodland and the distant valleys. It’s an ideal spot for photography, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the vast Arizona landscape.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area is known for its excellent hiking trails. The Cherum Peak Trail is nearby, and the overall landscape is perfect for exploring. Reviewers have noted that there are plenty of places to "explore," with "kid-friendly hikes" being a specific highlight for families.
• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: Due to its challenging accessibility, Packsaddle often has few visitors, particularly during the week. This means you can often have the entire place to yourself, offering a sense of peace and privacy that is rare in more popular campgrounds.
• Kid-Friendly: With its kid-friendly hikes and opportunities for exploration, the campground is a great place for families to introduce children to the joys of camping and hiking in a safe and engaging environment.
• Well-Maintained Site: Despite being a primitive campground, reviewers have praised it as an "excellent and well maintained campsite," with clean restrooms and fire pits.

These highlights come together to create an authentic and rewarding camping trip for those who are prepared for the journey.

Contact Information

Packsaddle Campground is located in Chloride, AZ 86431, USA. For official information about the Packsaddle Recreation Site, you can contact the Bureau of Land Management's Kingman Field Office. Please note that there is no direct phone number for the campground itself.

What is worth choosing Packsaddle Campground

Choosing Packsaddle Campground is an ideal decision for the Arizona resident who values an authentic, secluded, and peaceful outdoor experience over modern conveniences. What makes this campground so special is precisely what might deter others: its ruggedness and isolation. This is not the place for an RV with hookups or a family looking for a pool; it's a place for tent campers who want to truly get away from it all. The journey itself is a key part of the experience, and the effort it takes to get there ensures that once you arrive, you are met with a sense of accomplishment and a quiet, uncrowded environment. The reviews from real customers highlight this trade-off: a difficult road leads to a beautiful, quiet, and well-maintained place.

For those with families, Packsaddle offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the joys of primitive camping and hiking. The trails are good for kids, and the natural environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-site amenities, while basic, are exactly what you need: a place to sit, a place to cook, and a clean restroom. The fact that the place is often empty during the week is a massive draw, providing a rare chance for total solitude. This makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil and reflective getaway. Furthermore, the scenic location in the Cerbat Mountains provides a much-needed escape from the desert heat, with the higher elevation offering cooler temperatures and fresh air. If your idea of a perfect camping trip involves a star-filled sky, a crackling campfire, and the quiet beauty of the Arizona high desert, Packsaddle Campground is without a doubt worth the journey.

Packsaddle Campground

Chloride, AZ 86431, USA