Dispersed camping near Crown King, Arizona offers visitors a range of forest and high-desert experiences across varying elevations. Located within Prescott National Forest, these campsites typically sit between 5,000-7,500 feet in elevation, creating distinct temperature differences from the Phoenix valley. Weather conditions change dramatically between seasons, with summer thunderstorms common and winter bringing occasional snowfall that can temporarily limit access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake), anglers can target multiple fish species in the small mountain lake. "The lake fish species present include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Muskie," notes Justin M., making it a versatile fishing destination for casual anglers.
Mountain biking trails: The area surrounding Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites offers excellent riding options for mountain bikers. "Mountain biking trails are pretty sweet. Well-groomed and challenging. Better trails than Thumb Butte. Lots of variation with mountain lanes covered with shade and wide open," according to Michael F.
Off-road exploring: The network of forest roads provides extensive opportunities for off-road adventures. "There is also an amazing ~30 mile trail from crown king that leads all the way to Prescott called Senator Highway. This also requires experienced 4x4 and like the trail to Horsetheif basin, there are many areas that are only single vehicle width," shares Caitlin S.
What campers like
Weather patterns: The elevation creates more moderate conditions compared to lower desert areas. "The weather is very similar to Prescott with an elevation of 6,000 ft. Peaceful, quiet, serene, and soothing all describe this area perfectly," writes Justin M. about Horsethief Basin Lake area.
Winter camping: Snow transforms the landscape during winter months at FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping. "Been to this area a few time the sites are amazing quiet and beautiful, the trail up is bumpy and fun. The site had a fire pit and in winter everything was covered in snow and just breath taking," reports B O.
Town amenities: Despite the remote setting, Crown King offers some basic services. "When you head to town there are services, the saloon, breakfast joint, and pizza place coming soon. It's not fancy but it's fabulous," notes Stephanie & Ryan J.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access requires planning and appropriate vehicles. "This majestic spot is roughly ~26 miles (from Bumble Bee) of bumpy dirt roads, steep terrain, switchbacks, and the occasional one vehicle bridge," explains Justin M. about Crown King Area.
Site spacing: Camping at Copper Basin Campsites offers varying degrees of privacy. "You need a little clearance to get into camp 7 but nice to be away from the road," explains darleendamon S., highlighting how certain sites offer more seclusion.
Food storage: Wildlife encounters are common throughout the area. "Do be careful with your food and trash totes. Javelina got into mine on the second night, so for the rest of my stay, everything was in the van and it was a little unpleasant," warns Hoonay F.
Tips for camping with families
Supply planning: The remote location requires thorough preparation. "The town has supplies but is over priced so fuel up before going up there," advises B O., noting that while basic supplies are available, prices reflect the remote location.
Site selection for children: When seeking the best tent camping near Crown King, some areas offer more family-friendly environments. "Crown king has been an amazing destination for my family for years," shares Jaret E., though specific site selection is important.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience varied noise levels. At Boulders OHV Area, "Sound of ATV and dirt bikes is pretty constant, otherwise it is quiet, great star views, with a outhouse bathroom," explains Miriam D P., which might affect families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require effort to position RVs properly. "We stayed one nite at site 5 in our 24ft Mercedez Sprinter. It's not super level but decent space to maneuver to find your favorite orientation," shares Ryan at FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road.
Site size limitations: For larger rigs, options are limited in the immediate Crown King area. "For free camping there aren't very high expectations but this would be really difficult to get back too if you are in a big rig or don't have a lot of clearance," cautions Melissa S.
Connectivity concerns: Working remotely while camping presents challenges. "Our problem was that we operate with Verizon and TMobile. Unfortunately neither carrier had a good enough signal here for us to spend the week we planned," notes Ryan about connectivity at Trittle Mountain Road.
