Best Tent Camping near Prescott Valley, AZ

Dispersed tent camping areas near Prescott Valley, Arizona offer primitive sites throughout Prescott National Forest, with options like Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites and FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road providing no-fee alternatives to established campgrounds. Copper Basin Campsites and Crown King Area provide additional tent camping locations within reasonable driving distance, allowing campers to escape summer heat at higher elevations. Most sites require self-sufficiency as they lack developed facilities, making them suited for experienced tent campers comfortable with primitive conditions.

Road conditions vary significantly, with many tent sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, as drinking water is unavailable at most dispersed sites. Fire rings exist at many locations but campers must check current fire restrictions before visiting. Surface conditions range from compacted dirt to uneven forest floor with rocks and tree roots. A review mentioned that "the road in wasn't too bad for us, but I could see it being challenging with a sedan or a camper," highlighting access challenges for some vehicles. Most tent sites have minimal amenities, though established campgrounds like Crown King may have more services nearby.

Walk-in tent sites provide greater seclusion for those willing to carry equipment a short distance from parking areas. Areas farther from main roads offer deeper forest cover and quieter surroundings. Tent campers frequent these areas as alternatives to more developed campgrounds, appreciating the natural setting despite occasional site quality issues. According to one visitor, "For free camping there aren't very high expectations but this would be really difficult to get back to if you are in a big rig or don't have a lot of clearance." Sites at higher elevations like Crown King Area and Horsethief Basin provide cooler temperatures during summer months, making them popular escapes from valley heat. Many tent sites feature existing fire rings and enough space for multiple tents, though proximity to other campers varies by location.

Best Tent Sites Near Prescott Valley, Arizona (28)

    1. 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"

    2. FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping

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

    "Lots of shade but area of sun to charge my batteries. Minimal cell service, but I'm from Colorado and I have Xfinity. I'm pretty sure they use Verizon towers."

    "It’s not super level but decent space to maneuver to find your favorite orientation. Our problem was that we operate with Verizon and TMobile."

    3. Copper Basin Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Prescott National Forest, AZ
    14 miles

    "Quiet, surrounded by trees, trail’s nearby. You need a little clearance to get into camp 7 but nice to be away from the road."

    "I'm still new to this and I only have Quartzsite and Yuma as reference points, but Prescott isn't nearly as user friendly. One of the places I went to didn't exist."

    4. Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    53 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 527-3600

    "I’d definitely recommend patience and a vehicle that you’re comfortable hitting ruts, rocks, etc with depending on which route you choose to take into this location."

    "The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible (a Ford Mustang in the site next to us clearly made it)."

    5. Cherry Area

    1 Review
    Camp Verde, AZ
    14 miles

    6. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

    7 Reviews
    Crown King, AZ
    27 miles

    "There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe."

    "The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended)."

    7. Manzanita Campground

    25 Reviews
    Munds Park, AZ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 204-2034

    $30 / night

    "We checked in with the camp host, who was very kind and helpful, and set up. The creek running by the campsites is amazing. The campground also sells firewood if you happen to forget it."

    "The campground has restrooms, a natural water pool (cold), and 5 mins away from the Sedona natural slides."

    8. Groom Creek Schoolhouse

    Be the first to review!
    Prescott, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $150 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Prescott Valley, AZ

957 Reviews of 28 Prescott Valley Campgrounds


  • Colette K.
    Sep. 18, 2018

    Lynx Lake Campground

    Lynx Campground, Prescott, AZ

    Very busy and popular US Forest Service campground, conveniently located near Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ. All sites are reserved, no first come first serve (only open if there's no reservation). A bit lower in elevation than nearby Hilltop Campground, with less tall pines. Clean sites, picnic tables, fire rings, water on taps, and cell service. Nearby Lynx Lake is a very popular day use recreation area. Shopping and restaurants are abundant and all within a few miles.

  • Colette K.
    Sep. 17, 2018

    Hilltop Campground

    Hilltop Campground, Prescott, AZ

    US Forest Service campground, conveniently located near Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ. Only Loop A is first come, first serve. Hosts are very busy in their golf carts, keeping their eye on everything and everyone. Restrooms are vault, but super smelly and disgusting (at least the one by our site #4). Sites are tidy, with picnic tables and fire rings. Campground has water on taps, and there is cell service. Nearby Lynx Lake is a very popular day use recreation area. Shopping and restaurants are abundant and all within a few miles.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

    Very nice wooded lake camp near I40

    We stopped here because it is conveniently located between Los Angeles and Colorado. At 7000 feet not too hot. Sites are well separated and level. Great place for an overnight stay. Or longer if you like to fish or just enjoy the quiet. No swimming in the lake. But boats and fishing are allowed. We saw several Osprey fishing in the lake successfully. Only vault toilets, but they are clean. Campground hosts are friendly. Some spigots for water. There is a tent only section with no generators. Also a group area. 5G T-Mobile. Quiet.

  • A
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Nice state park for camping

    We stayed at this campground for 3 nights in mid-October and recommend this state park for camping in the Sedona area.

    Pros:

    -all sites in the Blackhawk Loop where we stayed had a level pad for tents (either small gravel or a wood platform), picnic table, and fire pit (though they could not be used due to a fire ban

    -can easily fit 2 smaller tents on the tent pad or 1 jumbo family tent

    -good amount of shrubbery in between sites so it didn't feel like you were right on top of your neighbors

    -driveways have space for 2 cars if needed

    -shower house was fairly clean and had hot showers

    -dishwashing sink behind the shower house was a nice perk

    -usable cell phone service (T-mobile)

    -no tent sites with power if you need that.  We filled up an air mattress using the outlet in the bathroom which worked fine.

    Cons:

    -sites really vary in terms of how far back from the road they are.  Our site (122 in the Blackhawk loop) was a bit back from the road and had plenty of shrubbery, but some don't have as much privacy

    -not a ton of water fill up stations, but our loop was pretty small, so it was fine

    -you have to pay $15 per night for a 2nd car, which was a little steep, but given the campground is reasonably priced, this was fine

  • Jake-lela C.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Mingus Mountain Campground

    #mingusisamust

    In one word views, views for miles some of the best I’ve seen in Arizona. The campground itself is nice so spots not as amazing as others and be prepared to always watch your step because some spots literally are on the side of a cliff. Still plenty of room to set up camp and not worry but 100ft from the cliff side is pretty amazing. Clean restrooms hosts seem to keep campsites and fire pits clean and leave you to yourselves. Close by is a hang glide launch pad and amazing views. Only negative is the road up is unpaved and rough 5-10mph for about 7-10 miles but definitely worth the trip. Electric was struck by lightning a few years back so no hookup but water and toilet and only $10 a night. Stop reading and go👍

  • Leesa
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Pine Flat Campground West

    Pro tips...

    All the other reviews are spot on - Clean sites, fire rings and the hosts are spectacular. Wood/ice available. We stayed in mid October. We were pleasantly surprised that while we weren’t allowed to use the charcoal grill, we were allowed to have a small campfire. Tips for this popular campground:

    1. Since the first come sites are booked by midday...come early and talk to the hosts about who is scheduled to leave that day. You can then pre-pay for your chosen site and go to town until after checkout time (1:00pm).
    2. Best first come sites: Site # 4, no doubt. It’s farthest from the highway and farthest from other tent pads. The heavy tree canopy keeps you in the shade and is near the river. Site # 3 is also good, but gets full sun mid afternoon and is closer to the bathrooms.
    3. Bring your telescope or binoculars. Set up a star gazing perch at night.....it’s spectacular. The downside of the first come area....both tents and RVs (generator noise) will be side by side. It’s very popular for families: we had a home schooling family on one side and a generator(RV) on the other. Busy as to be expected in this area, especially in October.
  • Colette K.
    Sep. 19, 2018

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground, Prescott, AZ

    Eagle Ridge Group Campground is located within walking distance of Lynx Lake Recreation Area. At the lake, there is no swimming, but you may fish and use water craft. North Shore and South Shore areas each require a $5 per vehicle day use fee, but it is free to walk in.

    There are two group sites: Osprey can accommodate 25-75 people; Peregrine can accommodate 15-25. There are covered picnic table areas, fire rings, areas for tents, vault restrooms, water on taps. Be sure to make a reservation for one or both sites, depending on your group's size.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2019

    Pine Flat Campground West

    An unexpected gem!

    After four failed attempts to find a place to land for the night (two campgrounds not yet open for the season in mid-April and two dispersed sites that would not have been navigable in our low clearance van), we would have camped just about anywhere! Fortunately there were spots available here and we were greeted by a super friendly and welcoming camp host. Sites were all flat with tent pads; most had decent privacy between sites. All have fire rings, large picnic tables in good shape, grills, and lantern hooks. Vault toilets were clean. Artesian well that some reviews said the water quality was questionable; camp host says she drinks it but others do not. We filled up our water jugs and will give it a go. If it weren’t for the proximity to the road (89A) and the noise that goes with it (site 18 you might as well BE in the road!), I would have given this place 5 stars! For $11 (50% off with senior pass), this place was perfect for us!

  • Justin M.
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Maricopa County Park Lake Pleasant

    Enjoyable time

    Camped 5 nights at the desert tortoise campground in my NoBo travel trailer. Semi developed so no hook ups. Bathrooms were clean and the area was well kept. The spot includes a ramada with picnic table. There is also a fire ring pit w/ grill which you’ll need to bring firewood for. I fished off the shoreline which was only a few hundred feet from my spot. The spots are relatively close to each other and tent camping is also allowed. Water is clear and very nice. Wild donkeys from old miners back in the day still roam around. They are very accustomed to humans so won’t hesitate to steal food. Definitely something to watch pets around as well.


Guide to Prescott Valley

Dispersed camping near Prescott Valley, Arizona offers backcountry experiences between 5,000-7,000 feet elevation in the Prescott National Forest. The region's transition zone between desert and mountain ecosystems creates a diverse camping environment with pine forests at higher elevations and juniper-chaparral at lower sites. Seasonal temperature variations make spring and fall ideal for tent camping, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and winter occasionally delivers snow at higher elevations.

What to do

Mountain biking on forest trails: At Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites, trails provide excellent riding opportunities. One camper noted, "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."

Swimming in Oak Creek: Located about 40 miles from Prescott Valley, Manzanita Campground offers creek access for cooling off. A visitor mentioned, "The creek running by the campsites is amazing" and another camper shared their experience: "The Creek is gorgeous, clean water thats great for a morning plunge."

Stargazing at higher elevations: Clear nights provide spectacular night sky viewing, especially at more remote sites. One camper at Edge of the World (East Pocket) shared: "We got to drive straight up to the cliff-face and camp out for the night. We woke up to an amazing view and it was just a great view over Sedona and the beautiful landscape!"

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Many appreciate finding private spaces away from crowds. A camper at Copper Basin Campsites stated, "Quiet, surrounded by trees, trail's nearby. You need a little clearance to get into camp 7 but nice to be away from the road."

Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from desert heat. According to a visitor at Crown King Area: "Escape the desert heat" with "amazing weather all year round, but extremely limited travel available while snow is on the ground."

Natural water features: Streams and lakes add to the camping experience. A Manzanita camper shared: "One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience."

What you should know

Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At FDR79 Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed Camping, a camper warned: "This would be really difficult to get back too if you are in a big rig or don't have a lot of clearance. The road isn't well maintained."

Wildlife precautions: Animals may visit campsites, especially when food is present. One camper cautioned: "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."

Trash issues: Unfortunately, some sites suffer from litter problems. A visitor noted: "Unfortunately there's been a lot of homeless and left behind trash when we stay we always leave with bags and bags of trash. We can complain about the problem or be part of the solution."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with natural attractions: Water features keep children entertained. A camper at Edge of the World mentioned: "Incredible place to camp. The views are some of the best you'll get for sure."

Check site levelness: Many dispersed sites have uneven ground. One camper observed: "Trittle Mountain Road advertises 16 campsites BUT most of them are clustered in groups of 2 or 3 and we found that a lot of the people occupying them would intentionally take up all of the spots for 1 RV/group."

Consider campground noise levels: Road noise affects some sites. A Copper Basin camper reported: "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."

Tips from RVers

Cell service for remote work: Connectivity varies widely across sites. A camper at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) shared practical advice: "Gorgeous easy dirt road ~27 miles from i17/Bumble bee. (There's also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4)."

Site spacing considerations: Not all dispersed camping areas provide adequate space. At Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites, one RVer noted: "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."

Camp supply planning: Remote locations require self-sufficiency. A camper reported about Crown King Area: "The main city of Crown King has a general store with essentials and a 1 pump fuel station. Prices are steep so best advised to fill up on gas and supplies before heading up."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Prescott Valley, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Prescott Valley, AZ is Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Prescott Valley, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Prescott Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.