Best Campgrounds near Dewey, AZ

Camping in the Prescott National Forest dominates the landscape around Dewey, Arizona, with developed campgrounds like Hilltop and Lynx Lake providing a range of mixed-use options within a short drive. The forest surrounds Dewey with pine-covered terrain and mountain access points, while offering both RV-friendly sites with hookups at locations like Point of Rocks RV Campground and tent camping at more primitive areas. Nearby state parks and dispersed camping options expand the possibilities, with Dead Horse Ranch State Park providing cabins approximately 30 miles away.

Weather and seasonal factors significantly influence campground availability in the Dewey area, with several sites operating only from April through October due to elevation and winter conditions. Water sources may be limited at some campgrounds, particularly during drought periods or construction work. Many of the developed campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, especially during peak summer weekends. Prescott Basin offers free dispersed camping options but visitors should be prepared for variable conditions and potentially crowded sites during holidays and weekends. A camper noted, "If you have a trailer and someone comes the other way, you or them have to back out," highlighting the narrow access roads at some dispersed sites.

Campers frequently mention the contrast between well-maintained developed sites and the condition of dispersed camping areas. The tall ponderosa pines provide welcome shade at higher elevation campgrounds like Hilltop, where visitors appreciate the peaceful forest setting and proximity to hiking trails. According to one visitor, "Beautiful pine area with a quick hike to the Lynx Lake. Concrete tables and fire pits with grills." Unfortunately, some dispersed camping areas suffer from trash problems, with multiple reviews mentioning litter and improper disposal of waste. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to Prescott and Prescott Valley. The mountain terrain creates reception dead zones in some valleys and remote camping areas, making advance planning essential.

Best Camping Sites Near Dewey, Arizona (257)

    1. White Spar Campground

    41 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    14 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."

    2. Point of Rocks RV Campground

    32 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    11 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."

    3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-5283

    $25 - $70 / night

    "Dead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park."

    "The forest was closed in Northern Arizona so I decided to camp out at Dead Horse Ranch SP.  I was pretty pleased overall with my trip. "

    4. Lynx Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    9 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."

    5. Potato Patch Campground

    20 Reviews
    Jerome, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-4121

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Water and bathroom was close by. Campground was well kept and very clean throughout. The lower loop had better shade and spots were still more spread out."

    "This campground is a nice place to get away from it all. The campground is clean, has water and compost toilets. The toilets have a unique ventilation system leaving no unpleasant odors."

    6. Hilltop Campground

    10 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Beautiful pine area with a quick hike to the Lynx Lake. Concrete tables and fire pits with grills. We stayed in #14 and it was several steps to the actual camp site."

    "Roadside parking for most spots make easy drive through access for RV's and TT."

    7. Mingus Mountain Campground

    13 Reviews
    Jerome, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    "In one word views, views for miles some of the best I’ve seen in Arizona."

    "There are awesome views from the rim if you are able to get a site on the edge."

    8. Watson Lake Park

    9 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 222-1767

    "This is probably the most unique lake in Arizona! Incredible views! Rock formations instead of shoreline make this a little less user friendly, but worth the effort."

    "This park is such a beautiful place and escape the Arizona heat. You can't go in the water but they rent kayaks at the park and there's plenty of places you can stand with your feet in the water."

    9. Thousand Trails Verde Valley

    24 Reviews
    Cornville, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape."

    "This is part of the Encore/Thousand Trails network (although anyone can use it).  They do offer a 20% military discount."

    10. Verde Ranch RV Resort

    28 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 567-7126

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:  Pros: 

    Resort-Style Amenities: This resort boasts impressive amenities, including a sparkling pool, a well-equipped rec room, close proximity to sightseeing"

    "But what made our stay here awesome was the proximity to everything. Hiking, backpacking, off roading, and of course access to all the cool places in Flagstaff and Sedona."

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Recent Reviews near Dewey, AZ

1597 Reviews of 257 Dewey Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    So Worth it!

    I rented a camper van for my desert road trip with my daughter, and read about this spot on Dyrt, the pictures look breathtaking and I really want to try and get here to see it for myself. I greatly underestimated how long it would take to get here as the road was terrible, mostly because it was severely washboard nearly all the way and there were several large “puddles” we needed to navigate around and some muddy spots that made me nervous because we didn’t have any service most of the way if we got stuck. I highly recommend taking a vehicle with good suspension and higher clearance just because it was very bumpy. We didn’t arrive until nearly 10pm, so what looked like an hour drive in my maps, took nearly 2.5hrs.

    Hoping and praying the whole time that I didn’t make a bad decision, and that it would be worth all the trouble, we found the dispersed camping sites and after winding down and enjoying the amazing stars because the light pollution was nearly nonexistent, we went to bed.

    I woke up just as the sun began to rise, and walked toward where I thought the cliff was, passed through some bushes and lo and behold.. a breathtaking view from atop a Canyon at “The Edge of the World” East Pocket, as the sun illuminated the Sedona valley below me… it was so worth “the trouble” 1000 times over! 🥹 The journey, the stars, the view, the canyon at nearly 8,000 ft.. this was my most memorable and favorite part of our road trip.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Windmill Camp

    Nice place for a night or two

    I got here around 9pm on a Tuesday evening and it was somewhat full. Pulled into a "spot" and everything was good. I was surprised at how quiet it was. Not a creature was stirring except some crickets. This is just a circle of dirt with a couple of porta-potties. It's not very level, so try and find a level spot if you can. Some beautiful views. Great hiking opportunities. There were some dump trucks that came through the main road around 7 am and I'm sure that is what woke everyone up. There are a couple of trees around the site, but none in the site.

    The only reason I gave 4 stars is because no campfires are allowed. Personally doesn't matter to me, but some people are big on campfires. The porta johns were clean. The entire campsite is trash free! No other services. Any car can access the site and there is space for large RVs.

    Very conveniently located between Cottonwood and Sedona. Visit Belfry Brewing in Cottonwood and get the Ruben it's amazing!

  • Greg H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Forest Road 104, near Mingus Mtn, AZ

    Several spots along this Forest Road

    Was going to head deeper along the road but came across this spot a little hidden back among the trees. All the spots are close to the road but this was set back about 50 yards. You can get something as big as a "skoolie" if you finesse a bit. there is a couple of fire rings. So you could easily get a couple of vans back there.

  • Greg H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Red Clay but wide open next to the canyon

    Drove up here from Jerome AZ, plenty of spaces and you are next to Beaver Creek Canyon.. If you are willing you can set up about 40 feet from the edge. If it has been raining the road can be a bit of a challenge but I made it in an SUV just fine. Not many there on a Sunday evening but you can easily get a trailer in, plenty of fire rings. Spotty cell coverage. Truly roughing it car camping.

  • H
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground

    Relaxing Getaway With A Wild Side!

    Peaceful drive in, friendly staff, and everything you need for a great stay! Whether you're camping, fishing, or just enjoying family time, this spot has it all—including wild burros that aren’t shy about trying to steal your snacks! Rangers patrol daily and are super helpful. Firewood and ice are available at the gate, or head to Scorpion Bay for any extras. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Brooke C.
    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

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

    Loved this place — The town is beautiful too

    This was a great stop on our trip. Great RV park in a cute little town. We loved staying here. Showers were great, laundry was cheap and you get access to the hotels pool and spa!

  • 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).


Guide to Dewey

Camping near Dewey, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the scenic views while hiking in the Prescott National Forest. One visitor noted, "The trails here are absolutely top notch. Amazing views on the Woodchute trail."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, head to nearby lakes like Mingus Mountain Lake. A camper mentioned, "It was absolutely beautiful and a great spot for a little day fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A reviewer shared, "The campground was beautiful and there were many deer around if you hiked up just a couple of mins from the campsite."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Potato Patch Campground remarked, "The host had the sites and bathrooms spotless."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning landscapes. A review for Point of Rocks RV Campground highlighted, "Nestled in the Dells we had a spot that backed up to the rocks that we were able to easily climb up each night and watch the sunset."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Areas: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping expressed disappointment, saying, "You can tell the impact of too many humans on the land."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A camper at Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site mentioned, "There was definitely some trash left behind so remember to pack out."
  • Noise Levels: Some locations may have highway noise. A reviewer at White Spar Campground noted, "Quite a bit of highway noise. Further in might have been better."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. A camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, "Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family shared, "There are a few activities for the kids. A nice river runs through the campground for swimming in the summer."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned, "We enjoyed the creek view and the springs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Verde Ranch RV Resort noted, "Sites tight, extremely close to one another."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need electricity and water, choose campgrounds that offer these amenities. A camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park said, "Campground is maintained, organized."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for amenities. A visitor at Thousand Trails Verde Valley mentioned, "They nickel-and-dime you, even for an optional picnic table!"

Camping near Dewey, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dewey, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dewey, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 257 campgrounds and RV parks near Dewey, AZ and 136 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dewey, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dewey, AZ is White Spar Campground with a 4-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dewey, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 136 free dispersed camping spots near Dewey, AZ.

What parks are near Dewey, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Dewey, AZ that allow camping, notably Prescott National Forest and Coconino National Forest Recreation.