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Best Campgrounds near Crown King, AZ

1,099 Reviews

Camping options around Crown King, Arizona include both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Prescott National Forest. Dispersed camping near Crown King provides a secluded experience among ponderosa pines and boulder formations, with sites located approximately two miles from town on Senator Highway. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) offers more developed camping with amenities like picnic tables, trash service, and firewood availability. The surrounding mountains provide opportunities for both tent and RV camping, though larger motorhomes and trailers may find access challenging due to narrow forest roads.

Road conditions significantly impact camping access in this region, with most routes requiring high-clearance vehicles. The main access road runs approximately 27 miles of dirt and gravel from Bumble Bee to Crown King, with steep terrain and occasional one-vehicle bridges. "The trail up is bumpy and fun. In winter everything was covered in snow and just breath taking," noted one camper describing the area. Many visitors recommend 4x4 vehicles, particularly for accessing Horsethief Basin, which lies about 7 miles beyond Crown King. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with snow often limiting access during winter months, while summer brings cooler temperatures compared to lower desert elevations around Phoenix.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and scenery throughout the area. The higher elevation (around 6,000-7,000 feet) provides a welcome escape from desert heat, with many mentioning the abundance of wildlife including deer. Several visitors highlight the spectacular views, particularly the panoramic vistas of the Phoenix valley from higher elevations. While the town of Crown King offers limited services including a general store with essential supplies, visitors recommend bringing necessary provisions as prices tend to be higher. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some dispersed sites offering minimal coverage. The peaceful environment makes Crown King particularly appealing for those seeking solitude, with one visitor noting, "Peaceful, quiet, serene, and soothing all describe this area perfectly."

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Best Camping Sites Near Crown King, Arizona (219)

    1. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Cordes Junction, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "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"

    "Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky."

    2. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Peoria, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $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."

    3. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    7 Reviews
    Crown King, AZ
    0 miles

    "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.."

    4. White Spar Campground

    41 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    5. Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area

    19 Reviews
    Anthem, AZ
    18 miles

    "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!"

    6. Dispersed camping near Crown King

    3 Reviews
    Crown King, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "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."

    7. Lynx Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    8. Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site

    10 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Badger Springs

    6 Reviews
    Cordes Junction, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 580-5500

    "It is fun to hike and explore agua fria National Monument nearby."

    10. Point of Rocks RV Campground

    32 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 445-9018

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Crown King, AZ

229 Photos of 219 Crown King Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Crown King, AZ

1099 Reviews of 219 Crown King Campgrounds

  • Jaimy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Box Bar Road Dispersed

    Box bar rec area

    Three pretty small parking lots to choose from. Mostly just open space that you camp in. There are dumpsters for trash and a vault toilet. There was so much trash around the entire recreation area even next to the river! I’ll never understand the thought process of people littering especially in nature! There’re wild horses and a few people fishing but still very peaceful!

  • Brooke C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    Not good for tent camping

    Just looked like parking lots packed full with rvs and trucks. Not recommended if you are looking for somewhere scenic to relax with your family. We turned around and found some first come first served camping at Pine Flat

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    Easy off/on I-17 dispersed camping

    Easy on and off. Road is well packed and in good condition with a few smaller ruts, but not bad. Nice views. There is some road noise from the interstate on the closer areas. Nice night sky.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    169 BLM Camp

    Nice spot easy off 17!

    BLM site is only a mile off I-17. Great night sky! Typical dispersed type site. Road was actually pretty decent to drive on for my small SUV. A tiny bit of road noise, but not much (and I didn’t go far in).

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

    10/10 best site so far on our trip!

    Absolutely obsessed with this location. Yes, there is construction at the road but just keep following to the coordinates and you’ll find the most beautiful place. Wide open space, very little light pollution and level camping spots. The roads are a bit washed out but we managed just fine in our 4x4.

  • R
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

    Seems to be a heavy duty construction site. Pulled in and backed out.

    poor conditions as heavy equipment seems to have rutted the area pretty good. I was towing a 22 foot travel trailer with good clearance and did not attempt to explore.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Surprise, West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping

    Large parking lot

    There were a few trailers/campers setup during the day, but for the most part everyone comes in at night. Good sunrise with hot air balloons. This one is closest to the highway. The others are about 5-15 mins drive up the road with similar setups.

  • M
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Boondocking site east of I-17 & south off of Highway 179 in northern Arizona.

    Quiet, no neighbors, nice breeze, free.

Guide to Crown King

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "There are lots of great trails for hiking in the park. Love the saguaros and teddy bear chollas." This makes it perfect for those who enjoy nature walks and scenic views.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you're near the water, fishing is a popular activity. A visitor shared, "The views from my spot were pretty epic. Relaxed and fished off the shoreline." This highlights the great fishing spots available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "There are wild burros in the park," which adds a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review stated, "Bathrooms are dated but clean and in good working order," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to breathe. One person said, "Sites were spacious and not too close to each other," making it a comfortable experience.
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a major draw. A camper remarked, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do," emphasizing the picturesque surroundings.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor pointed out, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers," which might be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Noise Levels: Depending on where you camp, noise can be an issue. One camper mentioned, "Boat noise on the lake is sometimes a disturbance," so consider your site carefully.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, the Potato Patch Campground is open from May 1 to October 31, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots that offer amenities for kids. One reviewer said, "The campground was beautiful and there were many deer around if you hiked up just a couple of mins from the campsite," which can be exciting for children.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper noted, "There are several hiking trails to get lost on," which can keep the whole family entertained.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor mentioned, "The water had not been turned on yet either," so be cautious about where you let them play.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for RV-Specific Rules: Some campgrounds have strict rules about RVs. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "Only RVs are allowed and no conversions even if they fit within size regulations," so make sure to confirm before booking.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you want convenience, find campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer shared, "Paved full hookup sites, and easy access to the Verde River," which can make your stay much more comfortable.
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The elevation can lead to quick weather changes. One camper advised, "It gets chilly quick up there," so pack accordingly.

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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