Windy Point Campground

For Arizonans seeking a true escape into the rugged beauty of the desert, coupled with the tranquility of high-elevation solitude, Windy Point Campground near Chloride is a hidden gem. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed site offers a distinct camping experience, far removed from crowded RV parks, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountain ranges. For locals across Arizona, from Phoenix to Flagstaff, finding such an authentic and scenic spot to connect with nature is a prized opportunity.

Windy Point Campground is uniquely positioned in the Cerbat Mountains, offering not just a place to set up camp but an immersive experience in a pinyon pine and juniper woodland. Reviews from real customers consistently highlight its rustic charm, stunning vistas, and the quiet seclusion it provides. While it's certainly a destination for the prepared adventurer, its rewards – particularly the untouched natural beauty and unparalleled stargazing opportunities – are well worth the journey.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Windy Point Campground, detailing its location and crucial accessibility information, the services it offers (or doesn't, which is part of its charm), its standout features, and why it’s an ideal choice for Arizonans looking for an authentic and memorable high-desert camping adventure. We'll help you understand what to expect, ensuring you arrive prepared to make the most of this truly "cool (literally) place to visit or camp."

Windy Point Campground is nestled in the Cerbat Mountains, with its address listed simply as Chloride, AZ 86431, USA. This location places it approximately 11 miles off U.S. Route 93 via Big Wash Road, northeast of the town of Kingman and just past Packsaddle Campground. Situated at a moderately high elevation of around 6,000 feet, it offers a noticeable respite from the scorching desert heat, making it a desirable spot for summer camping.

Accessibility is a key consideration for Windy Point. While the initial 7 miles of Big Wash Road are generally "pretty easy graded dirt," the road "gets progressively rougher after that." Multiple reviews strongly advise against trying to access the campground with an RV or trailer unless you have a "good rock-climbing vehicle." High-clearance vehicles are highly recommended, and a 4x4 is often suggested, especially if conditions are wet or dark. Some vehicles like a Subaru Outback have been noted to manage the last mile, but sedans might struggle. Critically, visitors are advised to approach from the northern entrance on Big Wash Road from Highway 93 and to strongly consider returning the same way, as continuing "down to Chloride unless you have a high clearance truck" is not recommended due to a rougher, twisting descent. The entrance to Windy Point itself is described as narrowly passing "between two large boulders with only 10' clearance" and a "big rut in the road," which can pose a challenge for wider vehicles.

Given these conditions, planning your route and vehicle choice carefully is essential for a stress-free journey to this remote, yet incredibly rewarding, destination. Despite the challenging access, its relative proximity to Kingman and its stunning views make the effort worthwhile for prepared Arizonans.

• Dry Camping: Windy Point Campground is a dry camping facility, meaning there are no hookups for water or electricity at the campsites. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. This emphasizes a self-sufficient camping experience.

• Campsites: There are only 5 designated campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site offers enough room for a small motorhome (up to approximately 30 feet) or trailer, as well as space for a couple of tents. Sites 3 & 4 are particularly noted for "nice views across the valley" and are "perfect for tenters," while sites 1, 2, & 5 are described as "more vehicle/overlander sites."

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides a "restroom in a building," specifically a vault toilet, which is a key amenity for a rustic BLM site.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires. However, campers must always "check fire restrictions before use" and bring their own firewood, as none is available at the campground.

• Trash Receptacles: Trash cans are available, allowing campers to dispose of their waste responsibly and "leave your campsite cleaner than you found it."

• Camping Fee: There is a fee of $8 per site per night (at the time of writing), and it is crucial to "bring cash for the fee" as there is no credit card system.

• No Reservations: All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early arrival is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• Breathtaking Panoramic Views: Perched at 6,000 feet elevation, the campground offers "sweeping views of the valley" and "distant mountain ranges." Reviews consistently highlight the stunning vistas, particularly from sites 3 & 4, which are ideal for experiencing sunrises and sunsets over the vast Arizona landscape.

• True Dry Camping Experience: For those seeking a more authentic and minimalist camping adventure, Windy Point delivers. The "DRY CAMPING. Bring water!!" directive is a core part of its appeal, attracting campers who are prepared for self-sufficiency and appreciate being truly off-grid.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Often referred to as a "secret" and a "remote campground," Windy Point provides a peaceful retreat away from crowds. The challenging access road helps preserve its tranquility, ensuring "quite and solitude" for those who make the journey.

• Unique High-Desert Ecosystem: Camping among "Pinion & Juniper" trees offers a distinct experience compared to lower desert elevations. This woodland environment provides natural shade and a "cool (literally)" temperature, even when it's much hotter in the valleys below.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While only 5 sites are available, the first-come, first-served policy allows for spontaneous trips and adds to the adventurous spirit of the campground. Campers can secure a spot if they arrive at the right time.

• Proximity to Chloride: Despite its remote feel, the historic mining town of Chloride is a "short drive away," offering a chance to explore a unique Arizona ghost town with a living history. This provides an interesting side trip for campers.

• Outdoor Activities: The surrounding Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area offers opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, and exploring the unique desert flora and fauna, including various yucca, cactus, and wildlife like mule deer and desert tortoise. The "rough off-roading in the areas surrounding the campground leading to old mining areas" also appeals to adventurers.

Address: Chloride, AZ 86431, USA

Since Windy Point Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), direct phone contact for the campground itself is not typically available. For detailed information, current conditions, fire restrictions, or any updates regarding the site, it is highly recommended to contact the managing office:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kingman Field Office

Phone: (928) 718-3700

Website: www.blm.gov (search for Windy Point Recreation Site or Kingman Field Office)

Checking the BLM website or calling the field office before your trip is crucial for up-to-date information, especially regarding road conditions and fire restrictions.

Windy Point Campground is an exceptional destination for Arizonans who truly appreciate raw, untouched nature and are prepared for a rustic, off-grid camping experience. Its location in the Cerbat Mountains, offering a significant elevation gain, provides a welcome escape from the intense heat of the lower desert, making it a viable and refreshing option even during warmer months. For residents looking to cool down and experience a different side of Arizona's diverse landscapes, this high-desert retreat is perfectly suited.

The biggest draw for locals is the unparalleled panoramic views. Waking up to sweeping vistas across the valley, surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper, offers a profound connection to Arizona's natural beauty that is often hard to find in more developed campgrounds. This truly feels like a "secret" spot, as one reviewer aptly put it, allowing for genuine solitude and quiet reflection away from the everyday hustle. For those in search of stargazing opportunities, the remote, high-elevation setting provides incredibly dark skies, far from city light pollution.

While the access road demands a high-clearance vehicle, and the camping is dry with no hookups, these very characteristics define its appeal for the adventurous and self-sufficient Arizonan. It filters out casual campers, preserving the tranquility and rugged charm that makes it so special. The small number of first-come, first-served sites ensures a less crowded environment, fostering a sense of being truly immersed in the wilderness. The $8 nightly fee is a small price to pay for such a unique and pristine location.

Furthermore, the proximity to the historic town of Chloride adds a cultural dimension to the outdoor adventure, allowing campers to combine natural exploration with a dive into Arizona's rich mining history. Windy Point Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation for Arizonans to embrace their state's wild side, challenge their outdoor skills, and be rewarded with some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views the desert has to offer. It's a testament to the raw, untamed beauty that makes Arizona so unique.