Crown King, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Crown King, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$15 - $300 / night
"We stayed in late September and had no neighbors next to us so we felt like we were in the desert. There was no direction that had a bad view."
"It was an great way to be exposed to trails I may not have chosen on my own."
"as you travel down the road. cell Service can be excellent or poor depending on site you choose (avoid the ones in the dips/valleys if its a concern for you)
No facilities, just good ol’ convenient Arizona"
"Approachable, very good spot near the highway, also with a camper van."
"(There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe."
"Crown king has been an amazing destination for my family for years....
Love this place.."
$18 - $36 / night
"This was not necessarily true of the other loops that we heard in the distance."
"Prescott, Arizona. Nice sites, 3 of which are first come first serve. We got one of those. Wooded area with drinking water pumps scattered about, trash receptacles, and toilets."
"This is a staging area for off road vehicles, so there are a lot of quads, ATV, and OHV there. But no one seemed to be running around at all hours of the night like at other areas."
"Really cool cactus variations all around, you can hear coyotes. And there are wild burros in the area you can def hear them and during the week it's likely you will see them!"
"Nice open campsite approximately 2 miles from Crown King on Senators Hwy. Lovely forest with boulders and views. One of my very favorite camps."
"Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred."
$18 - $36 / night
"It was not to far from the lake, a short hike down the hill. The Hosts were great. They would check to see if we needed anything or just drive through & wave."
"Camp spots are good size, clean, and walking distance to both the lake and various hiking trails."
"The spots here are really nice but if you go camping in the winter season you definitely need four wheel drive."
"I lucked out and got the last spot, unfortunately it was relatively close to the road and there was some traffic during the day. There are several roads to drive down and find a spot."
"It is fun to hike and explore agua fria National Monument nearby."
$51 - $66 / night
"The short walk to the stunning lake Watson makes this park a must visit."
"A private trail from the campground leads directly to the stunning Watson Lake Park, which offers hiking, biking, kayaking, disc golf, and more, all just steps from your site."
GuideLoved this campground, nice walking path, beautiful river view and friendly staff. Would definitely stay again
TravelerIt was the sweet easy spot to spend the night after a long day of hiking Sedona, easy access even when raining, we made breakfast chilled for a little while and then vi tibie our journey more hikes, heading to west Sedona and find an other dispersed camping over there. You don’t need a high clearance car here. We did not hear the freeway at all, very dispersed sites
GuideNice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.
ScoutNo service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit
ScoutI would not bring a travel trailer or larger rv in but tent or van camping spots. Nice trees and trails. Verizon is doable even with the tall pines. Quiet considering the closeness of the campsites
ScoutGreat place, with laundry and clean restrooms. Would definitely stay again..
ScoutPros: Beautiful spot. Easy access. Lots of camps. Rd in not bad( although a lot of spots need to be careful with a car) CONS: a lot of vehicle traffic all day and night. Tons of OHV running all Hrs. Most camp sites set 50-75 yards off of main rd so you will experience rd. Traffic.
RangerWOW!!! This campground has so many amenities and is very very well kept and beautiful. You can walk along the river, enjoy the pool, we had a blast in the arcade and playing shuffleboard. The laundry facilities take credit card, which is amazing and my husband loved that there is a very nice fitness center. Definitely would stay again!❤️❤️❤️
ScoutI felt lucky to be mostly alone, one other within sight, but no issues with atvs or bikes. Nice and peaceful. Still warm, I got burnt, of course. No fires allowed at this point. All in all, a good time to reconnect.
Camping near Crown King, Arizona, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Crown King, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful views, plenty of activities, and a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for camping in Crown King?
No permit is typically required for dispersed camping in the Crown King area, as most sites fall within Prescott National Forest where dispersed camping is generally allowed without permits. However, camping at 1 Crown King AZ, a private site located at the town entrance, may have different requirements. Always follow forest regulations including the 14-day stay limit, and practice Leave No Trace principles. During fire restriction periods, additional permits for campfires may be required. It's advisable to check with the Bradshaw Ranger District of Prescott National Forest for any seasonal restrictions or fire bans before your trip.
Where are the best camping spots near Crown King, Arizona?
The best camping spots near Crown King include Dispersed camping near Crown King, offering secluded sites among ponderosa pines and boulders with abundant wildlife about 2 miles from town on Senators Hwy. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) is another excellent option with beautiful surroundings and lake access. For those seeking alternatives, Indian Creek campground is ideal for off-road enthusiasts, while the dispersed sites just past the main town provide privacy in wooded settings. Many campers consider these forest locations with boulder formations and mountain views among their favorites in Arizona.
What amenities are available at Crown King camping areas?
Most Crown King camping areas are primitive with few built-in amenities. In town, you'll find essential services including a general store, fuel station (though prices are steep), the Crown King Saloon, and eateries like Mimi's Cafe. Indian Creek offers basic facilities ideal for off-road enthusiasts. For more amenities, Verde Ranch RV Resort in nearby Camp Verde provides resort-style facilities including a swimming pool and recreation center. Dispersed sites around Crown King typically have no facilities—bring your own water, pack out trash, and prepare for self-sufficient camping. The town's proximity is the main advantage, allowing campers to access services while enjoying primitive camping experiences.
Is 4WD required to access camping areas in Crown King?
Yes, 4WD is highly recommended for accessing most camping areas around Crown King. The main access route from I-17/Bumble Bee is approximately 27 miles of bumpy dirt roads with steep terrain, switchbacks, and occasional one-vehicle bridges. Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site and other forest locations often require navigating challenging terrain. Reviews specifically note that 4x4 is recommended for Dispersed camping near Crown King, and campsites become completely inaccessible when snowfall occurs. Larger RVs and motorhomes should avoid these areas—one camper mentioned "pushing the envelope" with a 30-foot camper. The alternative route from Lake Pleasant requires very experienced off-roading with 4x4 vehicles.
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