Prescott National Forest includes Alto Pit OHV Campground, a US Forest Service facility that caters specifically to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The campground sits among pines and rocks at an elevation that provides a forested setting uncommon in much of Arizona. Sites accommodate RVs up to 38 feet, with both single ($14) and double ($28) options available on a first-come, first-served basis through self-service payment.
The campground's proximity to OHV trails means engine noise is a constant daytime companion. One camper noted hearing off-road vehicles "almost all day long" from their site, while another described it as "pretty loud throughout the day due to all the off road vehicles." Highway noise adds to the sound level around the clock. Despite the noise, reviewers appreciate the tree cover and spacing between sites. "There's a good amount of campsites but they're spread out enough to feel like you're more secluded than you are," one visitor observed.
Wildlife encounters are possible here, including bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. One camper reported a bear that "refused to leave for over an hour" and required relocating for the night. The campground provides toilets, picnic tables, and allows campfires and pets. Cell service is available, making it accessible for those needing connectivity.
For additional options, see campgrounds around Prescott. Bring exact cash for the self-service payment system.
Description
Overview
Alto Pit OHV Campground is located at the foot of Granite Mountain Wilderness Area, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. The off-highway trail system within the recreation area draws enthusiasts of all ages with degrees of skills that prove challenging and enjoyable for everyone alike. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.
Recreation
Once an active gravel pit, Alto Pit is now exclusively used for motorized off-road travel. Main Pit is the larger of two gravel pits within the recreation area. West Pit is located a short distance to the southwest of Main Pit. The 20-mile trail system offers challenging rides for advanced recreationists and thrilling rides for beginners.
Facilities
The campground has 10 single occupancy campsites and one double occupancy campsite. Each campsite has a picnic table, campfire ring, and space for a tent. Near the entrance to the facility is a large Ramada. This may be used for group gatherings of up to 50 people. Ten campsite driveways are pull-through, one campsite driveway is back-in, and all have gravel surfaces. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit (RV or tow vehicle and trailer) and an extra vehicle quite easily, while others may be snug. Services include three vault restrooms and two trash dumpsters. There are no RV hook-ups or dump station in the campground. There is a $5 day-use fee for visitors not camping although day-use is free on Wednesdays.
Natural Features
The rugged landscape that encompasses and surrounds Alto Pit OHV Campground is a nearly perfect setting for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Granite rock in various stages of degradation is evident and is more pronounced when viewing craggy and rugged Granite Mountain rising abruptly to the north. Predominate vegetation include ponderosa pine, limber pine, oak, manzanita, and a variety of shrubs and grasses.
Nearby Attractions
Granite Basin Recreation Area is located northeast of the Alto Pit OHV Area and just a 15 minute drive away. Granite Basin contains Yavapai Campground, Granite Basin Lake and several day use areas. Visitors enjoy fishing, bird-watching, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, camping, and just plain relaxing. Immediately rising north of Granite Basin Lake is rugged Granite Mountain with a highest point of 6,874 feet within Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. Thumb Butte, at 6,515 feet, rises prominently southeast of Alto Pit OHV Area and can be seen from most anywhere in the Prescott Basin. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Prescott National Forest.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAlto Pit OHV Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From the courthouse located in downtown City of Prescott, go northwest on Iron Spring Road. Continue 5 miles past the junction of Gale Gardner Way and Iron Springs Road. Alto Pit is on the right side of the road.
Address
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT
344 S. CORTEZ STREET
Prescott, AZ 86303
Coordinates
34.59 N
112.5591667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/20/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/20/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 23 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 28 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 36 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 11 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
