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Best Campgrounds near Mayer, AZ

1,405 Reviews

Camping opportunities around Mayer, Arizona span from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across the Prescott National Forest and surrounding public lands. White Spar Campground, located in the Bradshaw Ranger District, provides tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water and toilets, while dispersed options such as Bloody Basin Road in Agua Fria National Monument offer more primitive experiences. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with Point of Rocks RV Campground providing full hookups for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

The region experiences distinct seasonal patterns that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Many Prescott National Forest campgrounds, including Lynx Lake and Hilltop, operate seasonally from April to October due to winter conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings warmer temperatures, making water access at locations like Watson Lake particularly valuable. Road quality varies significantly, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Campers should prepare for potential monsoon storms in late summer and fire restrictions during dry periods. A visitor noted that "Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site is a nice little Arizona hidden gem. Considering how dry and desert landscapey Arizona is, this was an absolutely beautiful place to camp."

Proximity to water represents a significant draw for campers in this semi-arid region. Several visitors mentioned the value of camping near Oak Creek, Watson Lake, and other water features that provide relief from summer heat. Campgrounds with shade from mature ponderosa pines receive consistently positive reviews, offering natural cooling during warmer months. The area's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations offering cabin options. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the balance of natural surroundings and accessibility to nearby attractions in Prescott, Sedona, and Jerome. Developed campgrounds typically provide more amenities but fill quickly during peak seasons, while dispersed sites offer more solitude with fewer facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mayer, Arizona (237)

    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
    15 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. Lynx Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    10 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."

    4. Bloody Basin Rd / Agua Fria NM Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Cordes Junction, AZ
    14 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"

    "Approachable, very good spot near the highway, also with a camper van."

    5. Hilltop Campground

    10 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    9 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."

    6. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    26 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. "

    7. Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site

    10 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    11 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."

    8. Lower Wolf Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    12 miles
    Website

    "We stay at site 3 because it was right next to the creek. You could hear it flowing all night and it was amazing!"

    "Stayed a night at #9 and it was a great time, quite with the sound of the creek running behind camp. Clean area and one of the two bathrooms was smell free."

    9. Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    9 miles

    "We drove to the end and then came back and took a left up a hill next to another campsite! It was a great site and clean. We were presently surprised!"

    "Nice trees and trails. Verizon is doable even with the tall pines. Quiet considering the closeness of the campsites"

    10. FDR80 Sundance Road Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 443-8000

    "Okay so I prefer free camp spots and places that are quiet and tucked away. This place is great. It’s not too far off the paved road but the road does get a bit bumpy once you’re off the paved road."

    "The first few campsites on Sundance Road were hard to distinguish from the Senator Highway dispersed sites. We stayed in site 5 which was pretty small and nestled between two hills."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mayer, AZ

369 Photos of 237 Mayer Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mayer, AZ

1405 Reviews of 237 Mayer Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

    Dispersed Campsite 4

    We drove our Chevy 2500 and a 28’ camping trailer. On the way in we came from the north from Iron Springs Rd. That was very tight but if you come from town on Thumb Butte Rd it’s a much easier drive in. The forest road was a little bumpy but not a concern. We saw a number of cars and vans without all or 4wd.

    Great place. We drove up on Friday during the day, the first three campsites are nestled together and were taken.

    Site 4 was large and backed up to a nice hiking trail and vista. We did get a few hikers here and there, as well as some cars passing by but it was secluded and we were able to disconnect and enjoy.

    Passed site 4 there were numerous other sites include some on the peak with excellent views. However if you have an rv or camping trailer site 4 was ideal.

    I would highly recommend this site to anyone looking for dispersed camping near Prescott.

  • Amilyn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Willow Lake RV Park

    Not too far from Whiskey Row

    We chose this RV park because of it's proximity to Whiskey Row and the road to Jerome. We brought our motorcycle specifically for that ride. Showed up after office hours (closed at 6pm). The road off the hwy is narrow and pot holed. Checked in with the camp host who had us follow his golf cart to our spot, which was a pull through. Spot was on the edge of the campground, next to a fence separating it from a mobile home park. Lots of full timers in the campground, one of whom kept coming over trying to talk to us any time we were outside, which was annoying. Trees and bushes all around, but not a lot of shade. Advertised picnic tables and fire rings. Some spots had movable tables, but not all. Ours had a table on the back of our trailer, but it was not movable, and a bush was growing over it. No fire rings. Wood fires a no go, but propane fires are allowed. Someone was yelling all night long our second night and again in the early morning, waking us up. Supposedly there's a trail to hike to the lake, but we didn't go. Staff very friendly when we checked in. Office has small convenience store. Didn't use bathrooms or laundry. Check out must have been 11am (they didn't say at check in) because the power shut off at 11:15am. We basically just needed a place to sleep 2 nights and we were gone all day on our motorcycle, so this campground filled our needs. Can see staying here again for the same purpose.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Rio Verde RV Park

    Overall great place

    Loved this campground, nice walking path, beautiful river view and friendly staff. Would definitely stay again

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Windmill Camp

    Sunset!!

    Super easy access, shared big flat parking campsite, blue restrooms (cleaned). Excellent to crash at nights between Sedona hikes.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 689 - Dispersed Site

    Great and convenient

    It 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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Ewe Tank

    Schnelby Hill Rd off site camping

    Great spots all along Schnelby Hill rd. Some are 40 ft friendly and area. For group camping.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Cave Creek Regional Park

    Cactus place

    Nice campground, serene with a large cactus next to every spot. Power and water at the spot, toilets & bathrooms available.

  • T
    Sep. 18, 2025

    FS 609 - Dispersed Camping

    Remote and beautiful

    True dispersed camping- very quiet. Sites are spread out and have fire rings. As others said, road is very rough but I made it with a high clearance 2WD just fine. Worth the effort for one of the cliff side spots on the loop.

Guide to Mayer

Camping near Mayer, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lake Pleasant Regional Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are lots of great trails for hiking in the park. Love the saguaros and teddy bear chollas."
  • Fishing: The man-made lake at Lake Pleasant is great for fishing. A visitor noted, "Beautiful views of the lake, plenty to do."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wild burros at Lake Pleasant. One camper shared, "No frills but where else can you camp with burros?"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Houston Mesa Campground mentioned, "The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Houston Mesa love the ample space. "We love the ample space at each campsite," said one happy camper.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Forest Road 525, lack basic facilities. A visitor remarked, "This is literally just a parking lot for huge RVs."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy weekends at popular spots like Cave Springs. One camper noted, "Packed in like sardines. Spaces are pretty small."
  • No Showers at Some Locations: Campers at Lake Pleasant mentioned the lack of showers, with one saying, "No hot water in bathrooms. No showers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground, which has playgrounds and clean facilities. A reviewer said, "The hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Houston Mesa Campground enjoyed the "ample space for kids to play."
  • Pack for Weather Changes: Nights can get chilly, so be prepared. A camper at Pumphouse Wash advised, "Temperature drops at night are huge so definitely prepare for that."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: If you need electric hookups, make sure to choose campgrounds like Rancho Sedona RV Park, which offers them. One RV traveler mentioned, "Good late check-in setup."
  • Be Aware of Space: Some RV spots can be tight. A visitor at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort noted, "Sites a little close to each other."
  • Look for Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a must. A camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park said, "The bathrooms were very clean."

Camping near Mayer, Arizona, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mayer, Arizona located?

Mayer, Arizona is a small community situated in Yavapai County in the central part of the state. It's nestled between Prescott and Camp Verde in Arizona's high desert region, offering access to beautiful natural surroundings. The area is within driving distance of White Horse Lake Campground and Mingus Mountain Campground, which provides panoramic views of the region. Mayer sits at an elevation of approximately 4,400 feet, giving it a slightly cooler climate than lower desert areas.

How far is Mayer, Arizona from Phoenix?

Mayer, Arizona is approximately 75 miles north of Phoenix, typically a 1.5-hour drive via Interstate 17. This proximity makes it a feasible weekend getaway for Phoenix residents seeking cooler temperatures and outdoor recreation. Along this route, you'll find Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, about halfway between Phoenix and Mayer, offering resort-style amenities. For those looking to explore the area around Mayer, Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground is also within reasonable driving distance from both Phoenix and Mayer.

What camping is available near Mayer, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mayer, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 237 campgrounds and RV parks near Mayer, AZ and 117 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mayer, AZ?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 117 free dispersed camping spots near Mayer, AZ.

What parks are near Mayer, AZ?

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

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