Campground Overview:
Packsaddle and Windy Point Recreation Sites are situated two miles apart along the crest of the Cerbat Mountains, high above the old mining town of Chloride, Arizona. Located at a 6,000 foot elevation, these recreation sites are located in a picturesque woodland consisting of pinyon pine and juniper. Visitors here are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding valley and distant mountain ranges. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14-day stay limit. There are no fees to picnic at Packsaddle Recreation Site.
From Kingman, Arizona, travel 18 miles north on Highway 93, to the Bureau of Land Management-maintained Big Wash Road turnoff. This turnoff is 1.5 miles north of the State Road 62- Chloride turnoff. Windy Point Recreation Site is located 11 miles up the unpaved Big Wash Road from its junction with Highway 93. High clearance vehicles are highly recommended.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Kingman |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Packsaddle Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Both Windy Point and Packsaddle campgrounds are located south of the Mount Tipton Wilderness. This Wilderness contains the entire northern half of the imposing Cerbat Mountains. Although 7,148-foot Mount Tipton dominates the area, the real eye-catching attraction, the true centerpiece of the Wilderness, is located north of and below Tipton: the Pinnacles, immense tusklike rows of maroon-colored spires towering above open, yellow desert valleys.
If you make the physically challenging climb up Mount Tipton, you’ll discover a stand of large ponderosa pines on the northeast side and tremendous views in all directions, including the Pinnacles. Deep washes divided by descending ridges, small valleys, and bowls are found throughout the area. Unlike the nearby Black Mountains, the Cerbats are highly vegetated on their upper slopes with piñon pine, shrub live oak, manzanita, bear grass, and desert ceanothus. Large granite outcroppings break the ridgelines, the gray and red rock contrasting with the green vegetation. You’ll probably encounter mule deer and raptors, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a kit fox, bobcat, and a Gambel’s quail or two. Backcountry explorers should pack plenty of water in with them.
To the South of Kingman, AZ the Hualapai Mountain Park offers 10 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to enjoy. Situated atop the Hualapai Mountain Range, the trail provides spectacular views of the desert and the mountain ranges in the distance. Construction of the trail system began as a result of The New Deal, which put millions of Americans back to work following The Great Depression. Planning began in 1936 and construction started a short time afterward by the Civilian Conservation Corps with oversight by the National Parks Service. While on the trail, users may experience mid to upper elevation habitats, unique geological features, and a variety of wildlife species. Remember, please be courteous to other trail users and enjoy your visit. (Click Here for Trail Map)
The Hualapai Mountains dominate the skyline south of Kingman, Arizona, and are the highest mountains in northwest Arizona. The summit of the range, Hualapai Peak, is a well-known hiker’s destination and the highest point in Mohave County, as well as one of the most prominent mountains in Arizona. The peak and range are easily visible from all directions, and are especially impressive viewed from the west as there is nearly 6,000 feet of vertical difference between the summit and the desert plains below. The range is noted for its liberal sprinkling of huge granite rocks and outcroppings; the summit itself is a slab-fest of these giant pillars. A good trail and road network makes for an easy half-day hike to the base of the summit, while a moderate scramble and bushwhack, plus some minorly exposed climbing at the very top, gives the summit-bagger a good reward for his or her effort.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
