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.

Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds. In contrast to camping in developed campsites, dispersed camping is more primitive, and generally has no amenities such as trash collection, water or toilets.


The Prescott Basin is an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres (about 4% of the Prescott National Forest).

Prescott Basin has a high percentage of wildland-urban interface, a mixture of undeveloped and developed land. The popularity of the Prescott Basin, has contributed to resource impacts such as accelerated soil erosion, damage or loss of vegetation, displaced wildlife, increased fire risk, and accumulation of trash and human waste.


To help prevent unacceptable resource damage from dispersed camping, Forest Service resource managers have designated sites, established stay limits, and limits on building and maintaining campfires.

Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

Prescott National Forest, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Prescott National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.

Prescott National Forest

The Best Camping Near Prescott National Forest, Arizona

Moderate privacy, amenities close in downtown Prescott, no water power or bathrooms so be prepared. 
Very relaxed and peaceful area.

Small community spacious campground

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 &amp; 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 

GOOD PRIVACY , GREAT SPACE 

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.

Ideal dispersed spot - peaceful but convenient

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.  

Easy to find

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.

It’s FREE but otherwise not the best

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.

This is a NO!

Rough road, wouldn't recommend for trailers!

okay

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

Great if you’re not Puss. 

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! 

Photos of Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers