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Dispersed Camping

Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping, near Prescott, Arizona, offers a rugged escape into nature for those looking to unwind. This area is perfect for campers who appreciate the simplicity of free camping without the frills—just you, your gear, and the great outdoors.

The location features several pull-offs for parking, but be prepared for limited space and a close proximity to the road. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with friendly fellow campers and a clean environment, making it a nice spot to kick back. As one camper mentioned, “The area was quiet though and clean,” which is always a plus when you’re trying to relax.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the natural beauty of the Prescott National Forest makes up for it. Campers have enjoyed the lovely scenery and the chance to connect with nature, with some even spotting deer wandering nearby. Just remember to bring your own firewood if you plan to enjoy a campfire, as there’s no firewood provided.

If you’re up for a little adventure, Prescott is just a short drive away, offering access to supplies and local attractions. Whether you’re looking to hike, explore, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the woods, this location provides a solid base for your outdoor activities. Just be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride on the way in, and you’ll be all set for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.48578864 N
112.4878694 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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General Info


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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed May. 17, 2024

Easy to access but limited

Lot of pull offs to pick from but it’s very limited spacing. You’re going to be mere feet from the road so it’s not a long or wide open pull off. The area was quiet though and clean. Fellow campers passing by were friendly and mindful of noise as they drove down the nearby road. I had Verizon signal, two bars. There were two fire pits ready for use, be sure to bring your own wood!

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2023

Great if you’re not Puss.

Perfect weather even in summer 63°tonight and 78° in the day time. Lots laying around to burn. Bring water and food but Prescott is like 3miles away

Site#3-6
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Colton C., June 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Colton C., June 4, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2023

This is a NO!

This area is inundated with squatters There was only one spot available and there is a LOT of trash. It’s too bad because otherwise this is a very nice place! Excellent trees, and excellent scenery. Make sure that when you choose a dispersed camping location that you choose one that is far from nearest town/city.

Sitenot numbered
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2022

It’s FREE but otherwise not the best

Dispersed camping close to Prescott. Coords bring you pretty close to camping. Camping is in marked established sites only - per sign at entrance, down a dirt road that gets pretty rough pretty quickly. Allowed to stay 7 days max. We stayed in one of the first sites as the road got too gnarly for our G20 van. The down side is the GARBAGE! 😡 There was trash and toilet paper and discarded clothes everywhere! So gross. Wish folks were respectful and cleaned up after themselves bc places like this could be super awesome and we all deserve to enjoy them - natural and safe and clean. There’s also some ATV noise and dust but wasn’t bothersome to us.

Site1?
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Aliza  N., November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Aliza  N., November 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Aliza  N., November 26, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2022

Easy to find

The coordinates worked well for finding the spot. We got here super later in the night so we didn't venture to far in looking for a spot. It did start to get pretty bumpy and muddy (recent rains). There are lots of deer out here so expect to be freaked out by noises and moving bushes like I was.

Site3
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Dana V., October 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Dana V., October 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Dana V., October 19, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2022

Ideal dispersed spot - peaceful but convenient

only 20 min from downtown Prescott, with several nicely cleared designated camping spots. Nice level spots for parking our RTT rig. lovely to wake to nature's alarm clock of yipping coyotes.

Site3
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Heather S., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Heather S., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping by Heather S., September 18, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

GOOD PRIVACY , GREAT SPACE

We stayed at site 2 for 7 days and besides the bees , mosquitos and GOLIATH FLYS it was a great stay. Good privacy , we were able to set up a solar shower on the tree and shower everyday we stayed . There was alot of trash when we got here but we cleaned it up and made it look alot better then it did . Site 1 & 2 were easily accessible to any car I would say, from lot 3 and on it does get kind of bumpy and rocky but nothing you can’t maneuver if you really wanted too , we were going to and the driver decided on site 2 ! Great weather as well , relatively quite and overall a great experience . I recommend it to those looking to get in tune with what nature has to give

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in the Prescott Basin?

Yes, free camping is available in the Prescott Basin at Ponderosa Park Road. This dispersed camping area offers multiple established sites at no cost. Campers can stay for a maximum of 7 days at a time. The area provides a budget-friendly option close to Prescott's amenities while still delivering a natural camping experience with beautiful trees and scenery. No reservations are required, but sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Prescott, Arizona?

Ponderosa Park Road offers designated dispersed camping approximately 20 minutes from downtown Prescott. The area has several clearly marked, established camping spots with coordinates that help guide you to the entrance. Once you arrive, you'll find multiple pull-offs to choose from. These sites are situated in a wooded area with beautiful trees and natural scenery. While close to town for convenience, the sites provide a nature experience with wildlife including deer and coyotes. The road is dirt and can get rough and muddy after rain, so vehicle capability should be considered when planning your visit.

What are the rules for dispersed camping near Prescott?

At Ponderosa Park Road, camping is permitted in marked established sites only, as indicated by signs at the entrance. The maximum stay allowed is 7 days. No amenities are provided - there's no water, power, or bathrooms, so campers must be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, as litter has been an issue in the area. Campfires may be permitted when fire restrictions aren't in place, with plenty of wood available onsite. The dirt access road can be challenging, limiting accessibility for certain vehicles, particularly trailers.

How is Ponderosa Park different from other camping areas in Prescott?

Ponderosa Park stands out for its proximity to downtown Prescott (only about 3 miles away) while still offering a natural forest setting. Unlike developed campgrounds, this area provides moderate privacy in a more primitive camping experience with no facilities or hookups. The established sites are level and suitable for various camping setups including rooftop tents. Weather is a major advantage - even during summer, temperatures remain comfortable (around 78°F daytime and 63°F at night). While the road can be rough, the reward is a peaceful setting where you can hear coyotes and see deer. Cell service is available for Verizon customers, which isn't always the case in dispersed areas.