Riordan Mansion State Historic Park RV & Campground Guide
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The Riordan Mansion is a feat of architecture that was built back in 1904 by the Riordan brothers, an ambitious pair of lumber barons who were instrumental in the early growth of Flagstaff, Sedona and the rest of northern Arizona. At 13,000 square feet, the duplex-style mansion was nothing less than spectacular for its day. It had indoor plumbing, which featured hot and cold water. The mansion also had central heating and electric lights, both of which were practically unheard of at that time.
The Riordan Mansion is located at 7,000 feet, so bring plenty of clothing layers to adjust to sudden changes in weather. Average seasonal high temperatures are as follows:
Spring 43-80 F
Summer 43-82 F
Fall 16-60 F
Winter 17-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
There's no camping at Riordan Mansion; however, you'll find plenty of RV parks and campgrounds nearby. Because of the altitude, the cold temperatures, and the precipitation, visiting the area in an RV is highly recommended over tent camping; with an RV, you'll have all the protection you need from the elements and a nice warm heater.
If you need to rent an RV, then check out the local RVshare rental page. Here, you'll find all of the major types of RVs, from fifth wheels and travel trailers to Class A motorhomes. For some great RV camping options, check out the selections below.
Black Bart's RV Park
Black Bart's is a pet-friendly spot with 178 spacious RV sites. There's plenty of walking room to stroll around and a dog-walking park. Rates start at $55 per night with discounts for seniors, AAA members, military, Good Sam, and long-term stays.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
• Water hookup: Yes (potable water is available)
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Restrooms, laundromat, general store, steakhouse
Kit Carson RV Park
Kit Carson RV Park is situated within a ponderosa pine forest, which provides beautifully scented air and plenty of shade. It's close to a lot of local destinations of interest, including national parks, pubs, and historic landmarks. Daily rates start at $42, and there are discounts for seniors and long-term stays.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, mailboxes, showers, picnic tables
Canyon Vista Campground
This is a campsite run by the National Forest Service. The area is peppered with gorgeous trees, including ponderosa pine, aspen, and oak. Sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks are a feature of this campground. Camping costs $22 per night per vehicle of eight or fewer people.
Location: 8 miles southeast of Flagstaff, AZ
• Water hookup: no
• Electrical hookup: no
• Sewer hookup: no
• WiFi: no
• Pet-friendly: yes
• Other amenities: fire rings, cooking grills, drinking water, picnic tables
What to Do at
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Inside Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion is a marvel of construction, and much of the elegant duplex is as it was when it was first built. While within the grounds, you can take one of the guided tours, which are given every hour and impart interesting information regarding the Riordan family and the history of the mansion and Flagstaff. You can also do a self-guided tour of the grounds or wander around the visitor center, which contains numerous exhibits that explain many facets of the house, the family, and their history. Additionally, you have the opportunity of viewing the abundant wildlife in the park, including juncos, ravens, hummingbirds, and lizards. If you get hungry, break out your picnic provisions and set up a nice lunch on one of the tables in the parking area.
Outside Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Outside of Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, you'll find plenty of other attractions. Many of them are close by and convenient. You'll also find lots of good eating thanks to the park's location in Flagstaff.
Restaurants
Lone Spur Cafe
The Lone Spur Cafe is a delicious cowboy-themed restaurant with decorations and food that you'd expect to find on a western ranch.
Type: Western Americana
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Sakura
If you love world-class teppanyaki-style Japanese, then check out Sakura. They also have a wide selection of sushi choices available.
Type: Japanese
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
My Pita Wrap
This locally-owned restaurant serves up fresh and tasty Mediterranean dishes, such as shawarmas, gyros, salads, and more.
Type: Mediterranean
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
NiMarco's Pizza
NiMarco's Pizza has been serving up pies to the Flagstaff community for over 40 years. The joint's got a healthy selection of pizzas, salads, appetizers, more.
Type: Americana, Southwestern
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Campus Coffee Bean
The campus Coffee Bean is a great choice if you're looking for a wide selection of both coffee beverages and dishes. They've got lots of breakfast choices, sandwiches, Mediterranean dishes, and salads.
Type: Coffee House, Breakfast, Mediterranean, Deli
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Shopping
Flagstaff Mall
The Flagstaff Mall is one of northern Arizona's largest and comprehensive shopping centers. This enclosed facility hosts over 60 retailers and restaurants.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Old Town Shops
This shopping center is a bit smaller and less cookie-cutter than the Flagstaff Mall. It consists of 10 locally-owned stores and eateries.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Aspen Place at the Sawmill
Aspen Place at the Sawmill is an outdoor shopping experience situated in a location that was once home to a sawmill. At Aspen Place, you'll find lots of retail stores, restaurants, and even a day spa.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff General Store
The Flagstaff General Store is a boutique-style business that sells new and refurbished products from local artists and craftsmen. You can also buy craft beer and wine.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Sightseeing
Pioneer Museum
For more history of the area, check out the Pioneer Museum. It features temporary and permanent exhibits that bring to life the rich history of this part of Arizona.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Lowell Observatory
Built in 1894, the Lowell Observatory is dedicated to researching the mysteries of the skies and educating the public at the same time. While there, you can tour the facility and use the telescopes.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum is dedicated to exhibiting and protecting flora native to the Colorado Plateau and northern Arizona. There are 750 different species of plants located on the Arboretum's 200 acres. Tours and lectures occur regularly. There are also summer concerts and summer camps.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
The San Francisco Peaks
The San Francisco Peaks are volcanic mountains that reach as high as 12,633 feet. The peaks include Agassiz Peak, Fremont Peak, Humphreys Peak (the highest), Doyle Peak, Schultz Peak, Abineau Peak, and Rees Peak. There are lots of hiking and biking trails as well as scenic drives that allow you to experience the majesty of the area.
Location: 24 miles north of Flagstaff, AZ
NAU Art Museum at Old Main
This art museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting diverse expressions of art from many different cultures. It's located on the Northern Arizona University campus.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
How to Get to
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Coming from the south, east, or west, you'll want to eventually get onto I-17 and head north toward Flagstaff. I-17 becomes South Milton Road and leads you directly to the park. If coming in from the north, head to downtown Flagstaff and eventually get onto S Milton Road, which will take you to the park.
By Car
Entering Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion has winter and summer hours of operation. For Nov. 1 - April 30, the mansion is open 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday - Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). For May 1 - Oct. 31, it's open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park Adults : $12.0
Ages: 14+
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park Youths : $6.0
Ages: 7-13
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park Kids : $0.0
Ages: 0-6
The Riordan Mansion is a great place to visit in your RV. It's an impressive site that preserves a unique piece of Arizona history. Make sure to give yourself enough time to explore the site and the nearby attractions, and please send some of the photos you take to [email protected] At RVshare, we've got a travel blog where we may feature some of your shots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is open all year. There are seasonal art and cultural events scheduled during the year that complement the standard house tour. Halloween and Christmas events are always enjoyable.
Located in the city of Flagstaff, Riordan Mansion Historic Park is at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The low humidity and high altitude contribute to mild weather in all seasons, but daily temperature swings can be 30 to 40 degrees.
Because the park is located in the city of Flagstaff, wildlife viewing is fairly limited. Crows, sparrows, finches, and juncos are birds that visitors see regularly. Albert squirrels, lizards, and chipmunks also call the Riordan Mansion grounds home.
Pets are welcome at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. They must be on a leash and stay on the grounds under constant supervision. All pets must be picked up after. Only service animals are permitted inside park buildings and the mansion.
Accessible parking is near the mansion with access to the visitor center. Inside, there is plenty of room to move a wheelchair around the exhibits. An accessible bathroom is also available. The tour of the mansion is only partially accessible.