Camping near Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Prescott National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Prescott National Forest (206)

    1. White Spar Campground

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

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Just a little south of Prescott, this campground is located in Prescott National Forest among the pines. Campsites are decent sizes and far apart from each other."

    "This was not necessarily true of the other loops that we heard in the distance."

    2. Point of Rocks RV Campground

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

    $51 - $66 / night

    "We stayed in spot 46A (it was right behind the main office so not a ton of privacy) their upper camping loop looks to have much better views and more private but it was the only spot they had that covered"

    "The short walk to the stunning lake Watson makes this park a must visit."

    3. Lynx Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    4 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. Hilltop Campground

    10 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    4 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."

    5. Senator Hwy Dispersed Camp Site

    10 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    5 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."

    6. Watson Lake Park

    9 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    5 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."

    7. FDR 373 Thumb Butte Loop

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

    "Its kind of the perfect dispersed situation. It’s easy to get to, there’s around 20 spots in the area. Road is bumpy but passable by basically any car. Sites were super clean and well spaced out."

    "It has some great views of Prescott and the surrounding area. I didn't get any pictures while on the hike itself, but I got some on Senator Highway."

    8. Prescott Basin - Ponderosa Park Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "Site 1 & 2 were easily accessible to any car I would say, from lot 3 and on it does get kind of bumpy and rocky but nothing you can’t maneuver if you really wanted too , we were going to and the driver"

    "Fellow campers passing by were friendly and mindful of noise as they drove down the nearby road. I had Verizon signal, two bars."

    9. Yavapai Campground

    9 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Driving distance or short walk to lake. No Verizon cell service."

    "Quiet with nearby hiking and biking even a little lake."

    10. Lower Wolf Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Prescott, AZ
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

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

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 206 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Prescott National Forest

1224 Reviews of 206 Prescott National Forest Campgrounds


  • Jared M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Mayer dispersed camping

    Little to no service but peaceful

    No service for boobdocking but nice veiw and quit

  • Corinne J.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites

    Enchanted forest trail campsites

    I would not bring a travel trailer or larger rv in but tent or van camping spots. Nice trees and trails. Verizon is doable even with the tall pines. Quiet considering the closeness of the campsites

  • Michael Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Point of Rocks RV Campground

    Great lil quiet place

    Great place, with laundry and clean restrooms. Would definitely stay again..

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413

    Mingus Mt. FR 413

    Pros: Beautiful spot. Easy access. Lots of camps. Rd in not bad( although a lot of spots need to be careful with a car) CONS: a lot of vehicle traffic all day and night. Tons of OHV running all Hrs. Most camp sites set 50-75 yards off of main rd so you will experience rd. Traffic.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Verde Ranch RV Resort

    Huge campground full of beautiful amenities!!!

    WOW!!! This campground has so many amenities and is very very well kept and beautiful. You can walk along the river, enjoy the pool, we had a blast in the arcade and playing shuffleboard. The laundry facilities take credit card, which is amazing and my husband loved that there is a very nice fitness center. Definitely would stay again!❤️❤️❤️

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Kaibab National Forest

    I40 stops

    I've found that any exits on I-40 in Arizona that have a no truck symbol are dispersed camping sites. I'm on Welsh rd exit 151. Really a nice spot.

  • Alston W. D.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Soda Springs Road

    Beautiful place to camp

    I felt lucky to be mostly alone, one other within sight, but no issues with atvs or bikes. Nice and peaceful. Still warm, I got burnt, of course. No fires allowed at this point. All in all, a good time to reconnect.

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Lynx Lake Campground

    Solid!

    Campsites were well separated, surrounded by pines with a beautiful night sky above the trees. They had the cleanest bathrooms I had ever seen in a campground. Keep In mind there are known bears in the area, and the camp host did warn us about a mountain lion as well. The host really loves his job and we had a lot of fun talking to him.

  • Bob & Ramona F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Jo Bangles Dispersed Campsite Kaibab NF

    Fantastic Dry Camping!!!

    There are lots of places along the road to Coleman Lake. You can be in the pines for shade or along a Meadow with full sun for Solar. Great ATV/SxS trails to explore as well as plenty of wildlife (Deer/Elk/etc.). Coleman Lake is known for Bass, Crappie, Catfish & Pike; only a mile down the road.


Guide to Prescott National Forest

Camping near Prescott National Forest, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the campgrounds. One visitor at Mingus Mountain Campground mentioned, "There are awesome views from the rim if you are able to get a site on the edge." Trails like the Woodchute Trail provide breathtaking views and great hiking experiences.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Potato Patch Campground, are close to lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, "The Mingus Mountain lake was absolutely beautiful and great spot for a little day fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at White Spar Campground enjoyed spotting deer nearby, with one saying, "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. A visitor at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One camper at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned, "The staff is outstanding," highlighting the positive interactions with campground personnel.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque surroundings. A reviewer at Point of Rocks RV Campground shared, "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:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A visitor at Rio Verde RV Park noted, "There is a bit of road noise but nothing some ear plugs can’t help with."
  • Site Privacy: Campers at Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort mentioned a lack of privacy between sites, with one saying, "The only downside was the lack of privacy between sites."
  • Connectivity Issues: If you need Wi-Fi, some campgrounds may not have reliable service. A camper at Verde Ranch RV Resort pointed out, "The lack of campsite wifi is too much to give this campground my approval."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground mentioned, "Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc."
  • Plan Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Thousand Trails Verde Valley enjoyed the "off-leash dog park, pickleball court, and hot tub/pool."
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Lynx Lake Campground suggested, "It’s a decent size campground and neighbors are close but most everyone respects the rules of noise down after 10."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Point of Rocks RV Campground said, "The spots are private with lots of green in between."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Verde Ranch RV Resort appreciated the "paved full hookup sites."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather can shift quickly in the mountains. A camper at Mingus Mountain Campground advised, "It gets chilly quick up there."

Camping near Prescott National Forest, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, this area has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permits for camping in Prescott National Forest?

For developed campgrounds in Prescott National Forest like Lynx Lake Campground and Yavapai Campground, you'll need to pay established camping fees, but no special permits are required beyond the standard payment. For dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest Dispersed areas, no permits are typically needed, though you must follow forest regulations: camp only in previously disturbed areas, stay at least 100 feet from water sources, and adhere to fire restrictions. During high fire danger periods, additional restrictions may apply. Always check with the Prescott National Forest ranger station for current regulations before your trip.

Where are the campgrounds located in Prescott National Forest?

Prescott National Forest offers diverse camping options spread throughout the forest. White Horse Lake Campground is located in a scenic area with excellent lake access. Mingus Mountain Campground sits at a higher elevation, offering spectacular views across Arizona. Other locations include Lynx Lake Campground near Prescott, Hilltop Campground in the forest's central region, and Lower Wolf Creek Campground. For those seeking a more rustic experience, numerous dispersed camping options are available throughout the forest, particularly along forest service roads like Thumb Butte Loop and Senator Highway.

What amenities are available at White Spar Campground in Prescott National Forest?

White Spar Campground offers several essential amenities for campers. The campground provides drinking water, well-maintained vault toilets that are cleaned three times weekly, and moderately sized campsites that offer good separation and privacy from neighboring sites. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. While the campground doesn't have showers or electrical hookups, it compensates with its beautiful setting among the pines. The campground can accommodate both tents and RVs, though some RV owners do run generators during morning and evening hours, which might impact the tent camping experience.