Best Tent Camping near Crown King, AZ

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Crown King? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Crown King, AZ (17)

    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
    Camper-submitted photo from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    1. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    7 Reviews
    63 Photos
    89 Saves
    Crown King, Arizona

    Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area

    2. Boulders OHV Area

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    29 Saves
    Wittmann, Arizona
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
      • No image available

        5. Thumb Butte Day Use Area

        1 Review
        8 Saves
        Prescott National Forest, Arizona

        Thumb Butte Group Picnic Area is a convenient place for groups of up to 100 people to enjoy a day outdoors. The site is located under the towering pines of Prescott National Forest about 4 miles west of Prescott, and provides easy access to a variety of trails and amenities. It offers a year-round pavilion and a quiet, shaded setting for luncheons, church gatherings, family picnics and other large functions. Natural Features: The facility is set in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 5,700 feet, at the base of the Thumb Butte rock formation and adjacent to Miller Creek. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Summer temperatures are pleasant, and winter is cool to cold with occasional snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. Recreation: The Thumb Butte area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Many trails can be found within a short walk or drive, including two that ascend Thumb Butte. Horseshoe pits are available at the picnic site; visitors interested in playing should bring their own horseshoes. Facilities: The picnic site is equipped with 12 picnic tables, 1 serving table, a covered picnic shelter, four charcoal grills and one campfire ring. There is designated parking (gated area) for 26 standard size vehicles. Guests have the convenience of restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. The area is lighted after dark, and electric outlet(s) (20 amp maximum) are provided. Trash collection is limited and guests are encouraged to pack out their own trash. Nearby Attractions: Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Prescott.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
        Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area

        6. Childs Camping Area

        4 Reviews
        8 Photos
        73 Saves
        Strawberry, Arizona

        In 1908 the Arizona Power Company began construction of the Childs Power Plant. For more than 90 years, the water of Fossil Creek had been diverted by a system of pipes and flumes from its natural course to power the turbines of the Childs and Irving hydroelectric plants. During this time, Fossil Creek had been reduced to a mere trickle, compared with the normal one million gallons per hour flow once witnessed by early inhabitants of the region.

        In 2004, APS, the current owner of the plants, agreed to decommission them and restore the creek to its natural flow. (From "Pine-Strawberry Archeological and Historical Society")

        The area is now a very popular dispersed camping area. It sits below the remnants of the old power plant buildings on the edge of the Verde River. A short hike upstream and some wading will get you to the ruins of the Verde Hot Springs, a once famous resort.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Toilets
        • Alcohol
        Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
        Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
        Camper-submitted photo from North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Groom Creek Schoolhouse
          Camper-submitted photo from Groom Creek Schoolhouse

          9. Groom Creek Schoolhouse

          Be the first to review!
          2 Photos
          1 Save
          Prescott, Arizona

          Overview

          Built in 1902, this historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area in Arizona's Prescott National Forest may be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people. The facility offers a picturesque, quiet setting with indoor and outdoor areas for weddings, reunions, luncheons and group meetings. The schoolhouse served about 10 to 15 children in the early 1900s. The building was an active school until 1952. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is used for administrative and training purposes.

          Recreation

          Groups enjoy gathering in the outdoor picnic area during nice weather or heading indoors into the the two-room schoolhouse if the weather turns. A leisurely walk through the forest on the accessible, paved Groom Creek Nature Trail provides a nice afternoon respite, and visitors can camp nearby if desired. Prescott National Forest has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails for visitors wishing to explore the area.

          Facilities

          The schoolhouse building has two rooms with new furniture(tables and chairs) for indoor use. The outdoor picnic area is accessible and equipped with 10 picnic tables, vault toilets, an amphitheater (limited access) and parking for 12 vehicles or two buses. No drinking water is available at this site; guests must bring their own.

          Natural Features

          The group area is set in a ponderosa pine ecosystem, an area dominated by pines and mixed with juniper trees, Gambel oaks and native grasses. A multitude of colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and during the summer monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds.

          Nearby Attractions

          Upper Wolf Creek Campground is just around the corner if you want to camp overnight. Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Prescott.

          • Tents
          • Group
          • Picnic Table

          $150 / night

          • No image available
          Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Crown King

          605 Reviews of 17 Crown King Campgrounds


          • Julie M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed
            Nov. 14, 2024

            Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed

            Quiet spot

            At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Surprise Campsite
            Oct. 26, 2024

            Surprise Campsite

            Dusty and busy, but it works

            We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers.  Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward.  Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p.  There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed.  The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Childs Camping Area
            Oct. 20, 2024

            Childs Camping Area

            Be prepared

            I really like the place, however, and this is a big however. The road in is 20 miles or so, and it's all unprepared, so for a smaller vehicle like mine, I had to be very careful. That 20 miles takes about an hour and a half. Remember everything you need before coming into child's. It's a long day if you have to run to the store Trust me, I spent 5 hours there and back. Hot springs are a mile from my campsite. River seems pretty nice. Gonna wet a worm see if the sucker's. biting although there are a couple protected species of suckers.

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
            Oct. 17, 2024

            Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

            Close to Sedona

            Easy to find off Beaver Flats rd. The camp areas are pretty spread out which was nice. Decent shade from some Juniper trees and we could barely hear the road from our campsite. Some of the sites are pretty clase to the road though and are probably fairly noisy. I’m guessing there are about 7 sites total. It’s not the type of place for a big motor home or a big trailer.

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
            Oct. 15, 2024

            Hilltop Campground

            Love this close campground

            I am a frequent camper at Hilltop. I tent camp so I camp on 16 which isn't as big a the other sites but fine for me. I came spring and fall and never summer. I just went at the end of Sept 2024. Weather was gorgeous 80 hi/ 50 low. This is earlier than I normally camp. I have camped late October and have sleep in my tent in 19° weather. A Mr Buddy heater helps but have a carbon monoxide alarm just in case. Quieter than Lynx Lake campground but a bit further out. Still it's beautiful. I am local so of I forget something I can go home and come back out. Host normally has firewood for sale. They are still working on the water lines so as of the end of Sept there was only the water you bring in yourself. Costco is down the road a ways and they fill propane tanks pretty cheap. Lots to do in the area if you want to go to town and enjoy dinner. Prescott and Prescott Valley have great restaurants.

          • Kerri W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Senetor Highway Dispersed spot 5
            Oct. 14, 2024

            Senetor Highway Dispersed spot 5

            Do Better

            We left late from Phoenix on the Senator Highway from Meyer and we should’ve stopped while we were ahead. We ended up at the North end just outside of Prescott in the dispersed sites. Disgusting. Every single site looked like this one. We’ve got a RTT so thankfully it was a quick set up for the night and we’re outa here. If we’d have had adequate trash bags (a dumpster would’ve been ideal) we’d have spent the next few days cleaning up. If you pack it in pack it out. It’s real easy. That all being said- if you’ve got a large group with sxs and you enjoy the Senator, this is definitely the perfect spot.

          • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
            Sep. 30, 2024

            Loy Butte Road

            Close to Sedona but busy!

            We stayed here for a night and it was great. It was busy but the main reason we picked it was because it was close to Sedona so it was nice and easy for us to go in for a sunrise hike. We stayed in the first pull off lot on the left hand side that didn't have no camping signs (past Surprise), it had a porta potty which was definitely nice to have. Seems like they must block off sites every now and then because some of the ones marked on dyrt were blocked with rocks but still lots of space!

          • sThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
            Sep. 7, 2024

            Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping

            got the whole desert to myself!!

            beautiful views! super duper underrated and conveniently close to sedona access: 3stars (for my car, yours will do way better lmao) easy to find on the map! not a difficult road (at first), but gravelly for sure. i drive a 1995 ford f150 2 wheel drive and found that after 2-3 miles in, the road up to the overlook becomes too steep and rocky for my truck to climb, but a 4x4 definitely can do it! if u have a car like mine take it nice and slow and you will do just fine :3 business/safety/people: 5stars! not a SINGLE other camper here and i arrived on a friday night! its like i have the whole desert to myself. all you hear are crickets and very very distant highway sounds. maybe its because i came in early september but this is by far the most quiet of blms ive ever been to sites: sites are easy to back in and most come with rock firepits! in the site im at, people left piles of firewood close to the pit which was an amazing help bc i arrived so late

            the only con that i can think of is that there r a lot of bugs (ants and moths especially), which doesnt bother me at all but for some it could be a little annoying. if you have full cover (tent, rv, camper, van, etc) then do not worry at all, but i camp in the bed of my truck so its a lil different for me.

            if u want solitude come check this place out !

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Boulders OHV Area
            Aug. 24, 2024

            Boulders OHV Area

            Nice and levelled

            We liked it there. Nobody else on Friday night, plenty of space

            The typical rumble strip dirt road to this point but easily doable.

            Service: 1 bar Verizon

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Loy Butte Road
            Aug. 23, 2024

            Loy Butte Road

            Good :)

            Plenty of space. Drive deeper in (after the forbidden signs) you will see a big tent sign with an arrow pointing left (see pics)

            It's called "Surprise"

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Surprise Campsite
            Aug. 3, 2024

            Surprise Campsite

            Different name now: Surprise

            Great views, 1/2 a mile west on dirt road. Very clean. Forest Service checks all sites in this area to keep it clean and safe.

          • k
            Camper-submitted photo from Desert Sands RV Park
            Jul. 18, 2024

            Desert Sands RV Park

            חשפניות בבאר שבע

            https://erotic-show.com/

            רקדניותחשפנותבתלאביב:ביןבידורלביקורתחברתיתתלאביב,המוכרתבכינוי"העירשלאנרדמת",מציעהמגווןרחבשלבידורלילי,אשרביניהםנמנותגםמועדוניחשפנות.התעשייההזו,אףעלפישנתפסתלעיתיםקרובותכחלקבלתינפרדמהבידורהמבוגרים,מעוררתגםויכוחיםעזיםוביקורתחברתית.מועדוניהחשפנותבתלאביבמציעיםשללהופעותומופעיםאשרמגווניםבהתאםלדרישותהקהל.המבקריםבמועדוניםאלומחפשיםבידורוהתרגשות,אךמאחוריהקלעיםעומדותסיפוריםשלרקדניותאשרלאתמידמרוצותמהמצבהנוכחי.המרחבהחברתיוהתרבותיבופועלתתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבמורכב.מחד,ישנםקולותהטועניםכיהתעשייהמאפשרתביטויעצמיואוטונומיהלנשיםהמופיעותבה.מאידך,קולותביקורתייםמדגישיםאתהצדדיםהפחותמועדפיםשלהעניין,כגוןהתייחסותמזלזלתואובייקטיביזציהשלהאישה.המאבקיםהמשפטייםוהחברתייםסביבנושאזהרביםומגוונים.בשניםהאחרונות,נערכוקרבותבבתיהמשפטעלשאלותשלזכויותוחופשעבודהמולהצורךלהגןעלכבודהאדםולמנועהפליהושימושלרעה.עדיין,קהלהמבקריםוהתומכיםבמועדוניםאלוממשיךלהיותרחבומגוון.עלרקעזה,עולההשאלהעלהתפקידשלהמדינהוהחברהבפיקוחובקביעתמדיניותבתחוםזה.האםישלחזקאתהפיקוחעלמועדוניהחשפנותלשםשמירהעלכבודהרקדניותוהקהלהרחב,אושמאישלאפשרחופשפעולהרחביותרתוךכדישמירהעלהזכויותהפרטיותוהעסקיותשלבעליהמועדונים?הוויכוחסביבתעשייתהחשפנותבתלאביבממחישאתהמתחביןחירותלביןזכויותאדם,ומדגיםאתהאתגריםהעכשווייםשלהחברההישראליתבטיפולבשאלותשלמוסר,תרבותוכלכלה.זהודיוןשמשקףגםאתהצורךלהתמודדעםתופעותחברתיותנוספות,כגוןשוויוןמגדריוהתמודדותעםדימוייגוףומיניות.בסופושלדבר,הדיוןעלרקדניותחשפנותבתלאביבמציעהזדמנותלחשובמחדשעלהדרכיםבהןחברהיכולהלקדםתרבותרחבהיותרשלכבוד,הוגנותושוויון,תוךכדישמירהעלעקרונותשלחופשפרטיוביטויעצמי.

          • Jim W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lynx Lake Campground
            Jul. 18, 2024

            Lynx Lake Campground

            Lynx lake near Prescott

            House are really nice lots of big trees lotta pine trees. You’re kind of have privacy at your campsite which is nice.

          • Sarah C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Verde Goats, Cheese, and Arts
            Jul. 15, 2024

            Verde Goats, Cheese, and Arts

            Relaxing and Very kind!

            My friend and I stayed and the host was very respectful and sweet. Make sure you keep your shoes close because he has some cool pups but they love to take shoes haha

          • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Crown King
            Jun. 17, 2024

            Dispersed camping near Crown King

            Gorgeous secluded camping

            Secluded dispersed camping in the woods just outside of the town Crown King. 4x4 is recommended, campsites are not accessible when snowfall has occurred. Beautiful wildlife including deer always nearby.

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Soda Springs Road
            Jun. 6, 2024

            Soda Springs Road

            Good Stopover

            My son and I needed a place to camp after exploring the Sedona area. We arrived late in the day and so missed the heat. Set up with a tent, cooked dinner over a campfire. The stars were awesome!

            Next morning the heat came on quick. No shade, no water, etc. but we weren't here to stay. Packed and back on the road by 9am.

            Probably not a great spot for multiple days, at least when the creek is dry (it was when we were there)

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from North Ranch
            Jun. 1, 2024

            North Ranch

            Can’t beat the price, but—

            We stayed Mid May, ghost town, everyone who could had left. All felt kind of desolate.

            RV site had everything water, sewer and electric. Lots of weeds and nothing else.

            Showers adequate, Clubhouse house even sported its own large kitchen! People playing cards in an adjoining room were rude.

            Only necessity could make me return! Paid for 2 nights & LEFT after one.

          • J
            Camper-submitted photo from Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort
            Jun. 1, 2024

            Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort

            Stay Away

            We went to visit some friends who were camping at Lo Lo Mai. We thought we would have dinner with them, let our kids play together and then leave and put our kids to bed at our place. But while we were just finishing dinner, at our friend's camp site, a very rude employee walks up to us and tells us that we are trespassing and he will have to call the cops or we will need to pay the day use fee. But,"Day Use" hours were over at 6pm, so we might just have to pay for the overnight fee. And, even if we left right then we would still have to pay the"Day Use" fee. Come to find out that the"Day Use" fee was$15 per adult and$5 per child plus taxes and of course an additional charge if you use a credit card. Now, I’m not opposed to paying a day use fee, but we paid over$45 for us to have dinner with our friends, at their camp site, and be there for 2.5 hours and not use any of their facilities. This is an absolutely absurd way to run a campground! They have certainly lost any chance that we would ever camp there. In addition, that employees’ threats and the$45 for“Day Use” has earned them a terrible review on every site I can find and terrible reviews from our friends as well.*** Stay away from this poorly managed and staffed camp ground. Don't expect kindness, understanding or quality service.

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Copper Basin Campsites
            Jun. 1, 2024

            Copper Basin Campsites

            Loud & covered in glas

            This could have been the most beautiful site. The stars were amazing and the sites are generously large BUT the dirt road the site are off of is some kind of rodeo for fast four wheeling with loud music and louder engines. All night complete with a scream at 2am. The site we stayed at had about a box of rusty nails and enough glass someone must have been throwing bottles just to break them all. Not great for my tent bottom.



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crown King, AZ?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crown King, AZ is Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Crown King, AZ?

            TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Crown King, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.