Forest Road 373 winds through ponderosa pine and oak woodland, connecting approximately 20 numbered dispersed sites along a bumpy but passable dirt loop. The road requires some clearance due to washouts and rocky sections, though campers report success with standard SUVs and even careful navigation in regular cars.
Site spacing varies considerably throughout the loop. Cody P. notes that "the first three campsites are nestled together," while sites further along the loop offer more separation. Site 4 backs up to hiking trails with vista access, making it popular with RV campers who can handle the approach road. Sites 16 and 17 accommodate larger groups with multiple trailers, though one reviewer found significant broken glass in the shared fire ring area.
Most sites include metal or stone fire rings, though seasonal restrictions often apply during dry months. The loop connects to hiking and biking trails, with some sites providing direct trailhead access. Cell coverage varies by carrier, with Verizon performing better than T-Mobile according to recent visitors. Wind picks up notably during morning and afternoon hours, creating substantial noise that some describe as waterfall-like.
Road traffic continues through evening hours, with vehicles passing sites until around 10 PM. The area sees steady use, particularly on weekends, though November through early spring typically offers better availability. Sites closer to the entrance fill first, while those requiring higher clearance toward the back of the loop remain open longer. Some sites show signs of heavy use, requiring cleanup of scattered trash and glass.
Campers seeking additional primitive camping near Prescott National Forest can explore FDR51 Potts Creek Road Dispersed Camping, located about a mile south with different terrain characteristics.
Description
This spot is located in the Prescott Basin. 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). 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. A map of the area can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3797787.pdf
Fee Info
Free
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop is located in Arizona near Prescott National Forest
Coordinates
34.54219457 N
112.54788928 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 6/24/26
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 6/24/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 6/24/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 6/24/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- 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 FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 32 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 32 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 40 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 19 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
