Kingman, Arizona is in western Arizona and is the county seat of Mohave County. Initially, the area that would become Kingman was a railroad founding, but the new community was officially founded in 1882. Around this time, a civil engineer named Lewis Kingman was responsible for supervising the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad construction between Winslow and Beale Springs. He would later become the namesake of the city. In 1887, the county seat of Mohave County was moved from Mineral Park to Kingman. When World War II arrived, Kingman became the home of the Kingman Army Airfield, one of the Air Force's most extensive training bases. After the war ended, several major companies moved to the area, resulting in substantial economic growth.
As of 2022, Kingman has an approximate population of 34,000 and is known as "The Heart of Historic Route 66." The famous highway is celebrated in several places throughout the city, such as the Historic Route 66 Museum. If you're visiting Kingman, one of the first places you should stop by is the Kingman Visitor Center, where you can learn about the best things to do and see around the city.
Kingman is a beautiful destination for wine lovers, offering excellent attractions like the Stetson Winery and the Cella Winery. Other beautiful places to grab a drink include the Black Bridge Brewery and the Desert Diamond Distillery. If you're looking for outdoor recreation while in town, consider playing golf at Cerbat Hills or the Valle Vista Country Club. Alternatively, you could head to Lake Mohave for an afternoon of fishing, kayaking, or watersports. Another great option is to explore the scenic hiking and biking trails around Hualapai Mountain Park.
It would be best to explore a few of Kingman's fascinating museums. First, the Mohave Museum of History & Arts boasts an excellent collection of exhibits and works. There's also the Kingman Railroad Museum, where you can learn about the area's extensive railroad history and check out the excellent model trains.
Campgrounds Near Kingman, Arizona
The Crossroads RV Park is one tranquil spot to consider when you need camping accommodation in the greater Kingman area. The campground features 136 full-hookup RV campsites and offers top-notch nearby opportunities for boating and fishing. Guests will enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous views of the starry sky and sunsets.
If you're over 55, a wonderful place to stay is in Vista Del Sol. The luxurious campground offers a fantastic selection of amenities, including a swimming pool, a hot tub, pickleball courts, a fitness center, billiards, a laundry facility, pet parks, a clubhouse, and many more. While you're there, you'll also have convenient access to nearby casinos, retail outlets, and hiking and ATV trails.
You could also camp at the Snowbird RV Park, which is family-owned and has full-hookup RV campsites available. The family-friendly park is known for its attentive staff and low prices. Additionally, guests at the campground can enjoy the pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, barbecue area, and various other amenities.
State Parks Near Kingman, Arizona
Nestled along the shores of its sizable namesake reservoir, Lake Havasu State Park is one of Arizona's most popular vacation destinations. Visitors from all over the region make their way to the lake to enjoy swimming, boating, waterskiing, and other watersports in the gorgeous sunshine. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are great options for visitors, and boat launches are available. Anyone who would prefer to stay on dry land can explore the area's hiking trails, which offer excellent opportunities to observe the local wildlife.
Another grand natural haven in western Arizona is Cattail Cove State Park. Located near the Arizona-California border, the park is a relaxing oasis offering breathtaking mountain views and unforgettable sunsets. Like Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park is situated near the shores of the beautiful Lake Havasu. So, water-based recreational activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming are all popular options for visitors. However, since the temperatures in the area can regularly reach 100 degrees during the summer, you may want to bring sunscreen and other sun protection.
Buckskin Mountain State Park is a picturesque area featuring a lovely shoreline, top-tier hiking trails, and calm, refreshing waters. Situated on the banks of the mighty Colorado River, the park is a fantastic destination for hiking, swimming, camping, and boating. While visiting, you can also use the volleyball court while the kids enjoy the on-site playground. If you're lucky, you may spot foxes, lizards, and exciting birds while exploring the park. And before you leave, you'll want to stop by the fascinating historic mines.
National Sites Near Kingman, Arizona
Castle Mountains National Monument covers approximately 21,000 acres near the Mojave National Preserve in eastern California. First established as a national monument in 2016, the site is primarily known as the home of the breathtaking Castle Peaks themselves. Additionally, the area is home to junipers, Joshua trees, and various unique wildlife species. The most popular activities at the site include hiking, biking, OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument is a massive area with a large section of the iconic Grand Canyon and stretches of the Utah desert. The national monument covers a whopping 1,048,325 acres of remote land, including the entire north face of the Grand Canyon. The highest point in the area is Mount Trumbull, which stands at 8,029 feet. The tranquil national monument features a copper mine, a ranch, and a dairy. There are also many unique rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and cacti. Because there's so little light pollution in the area, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument provides exceptional opportunities for stargazing.
Another interesting national site worth checking out is the vast Mojave National Preserve, which comprises over 1.5 million acres of desert land. The preserve is mysterious, featuring abandoned mines, homesteads long deserted, and singing sand dunes. Most visitors make a point to check out landmarks like the fantastic Lava Tube, Mojave Road, and the towering Kelso Sand Dunes. The preserve is also home to unique flora and fauna and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, off-roading, and scenic photography.
National Forests Near Kingman, Arizona
Located near Prescott, Arizona, Prescott National Forest is a 1.25-million-acre area initially established as the Prescott Forest Reserve in 1898. The forest is diverse, featuring woodlands, mountains, and deserts, with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. Visitors to the vast forest can enjoy activities like fishing, geocaching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing—many beautiful hiking trails, including the Balancing Rock Trail and Ponderosa Trail #382.
Another Arizona national forest worth seeing in person is Kaibab National Forest. Located in northern Arizona, the forest is known for its diverse landscapes and ecosystems. For example, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, fish in a peaceful mountain lake, and hike through picturesque meadows. Other popular activities include camping, various winter sports, and exploring the different trails.
Tonto National Forest is the largest forest in all of Arizona, situated northeast of Phoenix and comprising over 2.8 million acres. The forest is home to six reservoirs, including two sizable lakes created by the Salt River, and fishing is a popular activity for visitors. During your visit, you can enjoy activities like stargazing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing or check out great trails like the Black Canyon Trail and the Horton Creek Trail.
