Best Tent Camping near Prescott, AZ
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Prescott? Find the best tent camping sites near Prescott. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Arizona tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Prescott, AZ (20)
1. Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)
Crown King, Arizona7 Reviews•63 Photos•91 SavesHorsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Cabins
2. Manzanita Campground
Munds Park, Arizona25 Reviews•81 Photos•803 SavesOverview
Manzanita Campground is a small, year-round, tent-only facility with campsites that fill up very quickly. Visitors enjoy the campground for its fishing and swimming holes along Oak Creek, beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife watching. Oak Creek Canyon is very crowded, especially on weekends; to get a campsite, it is best to reserve a weekday.
Recreation
Recreation and relaxation abound in Oak Creek Canyon. Camping, fishing, swimming, wading and hiking are some of the activities awaiting visitors. Anglers have the convenience of creekside campsites, where they can cast a line for trout. Families love driving down the road to nearby Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona's most popular swimming spots, or trying out several nearby hiking trails.
Natural Features
The campground borders Oak Creek in a lush, forested riparian zone with Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. Colorful songbirds add flashes of brilliance to the trees. The creek's crystal clear waters are cool and refreshing on hot summer days.
Nearby Attractions
The well-known town of Sedona is popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. Slide Rock State Park is a great local spot for swimming and only a few minutes away. Campers can also explore the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 203-0624.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$26 / night
3. Thumb Butte Day Use Area
Prescott National Forest, Arizona1 Review•8 SavesThumb Butte Group Picnic Area is a convenient place for groups of up to 100 people to enjoy a day outdoors. The site is located under the towering pines of Prescott National Forest about 4 miles west of Prescott, and provides easy access to a variety of trails and amenities. It offers a year-round pavilion and a quiet, shaded setting for luncheons, church gatherings, family picnics and other large functions. Natural Features: The facility is set in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 5,700 feet, at the base of the Thumb Butte rock formation and adjacent to Miller Creek. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Summer temperatures are pleasant, and winter is cool to cold with occasional snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. Recreation: The Thumb Butte area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Many trails can be found within a short walk or drive, including two that ascend Thumb Butte. Horseshoe pits are available at the picnic site; visitors interested in playing should bring their own horseshoes. Facilities: The picnic site is equipped with 12 picnic tables, 1 serving table, a covered picnic shelter, four charcoal grills and one campfire ring. There is designated parking (gated area) for 26 standard size vehicles. Guests have the convenience of restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. The area is lighted after dark, and electric outlet(s) (20 amp maximum) are provided. Trash collection is limited and guests are encouraged to pack out their own trash. Nearby Attractions: Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Prescott.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
4. Copper Basin Campsites
Prescott National Forest, Arizona2 Reviews•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
5. Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
Prescott National Forest, Arizona2 Reviews•8 Photos•20 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Haak'u Cuervo Canyon Overlook
Paulden, Arizona2 Reviews•19 Photos•65 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$15 - $30 / night
8. Camp Wood Area
Paulden, Arizona1 Review•2 Photos•13 SavesHigh in the cool pines northwest of Chino Valley, the Camp Wood area has no developed recreational facilities, but has a variety of trail-use and dispersed camping opportunities. Trails in the area include: * 7 Up to Hyde Mountain Trail #5 * Adra Loop Trail #9044 * Bt Butte Trail #133 * Cold Water Trail #21 * Connel Mountain Trail #9921 * Cottonwood Mountain Trail #8 * Cutoff Trail #22 * Dead Steer Basin Trail #9908 * Grapevine Springs Trail #9825 * Hyde Mountain Trail #6 * Merritt Spring Trail #9 * Prospect Point Trail #9097 * Shivers Trail #9879 * Shivers Trap Trail #10 * Stinson Tank Trail #9836 * Stringtown Trail #9917
- Tents
9. Granite Basin Recreation Area
Be the first to review!Prescott, Arizona•10 SavesNestled among pines and boulders of Prescott's iconic Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including: hiking, backpacking, horse riding, non-motorized boating, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about the excellent recreational opportunities in Granite Basin. Granite Basin Recreation Area Brochure (1.54 MB) Note: Some sites in this recreation area may close to prevent resource damage following especially heavy snow and when the roads are too icy. If you plan to visit and want to make sure it is open, please contact the Bradshaw Ranger Station: 928-443-8000. Notice: Visitors are asked to be alert and stay on existing trails when recreating on Granite Mountain as the area recovers from the Doce Fire of 2013. Soil erosion has occurred on portions of the trails, thus exposing more rock, and cross-country travel increases the possibility of encountering rolling rocks, stump and root holes, falling trees, and loose soils from rains.
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Toilets
10. Cherry Area
Camp Verde, Arizona1 Review•6 SavesRecreational opportunities in the Cherry area include: camping, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, scenic driving, and OHV riding. Trail markers will be added to the map as time allows. For now, please use the left-hand navigation bar to find more information about the trails in the area: Ash Creek #9705 General Crook #64 Medlar Springs #9706 Sheep #532 Grapevine Gulch Trail #9708 Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve this site.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Prescott
707 Reviews of 20 Prescott Campgrounds
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Jake S.
Guide
Rimrock Dispersed Site
Dispersed site 30 mins from Sedona
Decent dispersed spot, the road in is old asphalt with some big dips and holes but mostly avoidable. Bunch of rocks sticking up in the dirt as you drive around the loop of the campsite but my truck was fine. Stayed here a couple times, first time was almost a week and second time was a few days. Can hear a little bit of highway noise but mostly white noise which I did not mind.
William M.Guide
Old Airstrip Camping & Staging Area
Worth the trip
The road in is a little rough, but ok. Two week stay limit, but that's pretty standard for BLM properties. There's no facilities so be prepared. Good level land and plenty of room. Wild burros wander through occasionally, and coyotes make their presence known as well. Fantastic views and quiet atmosphere, so far. Been here two nights and plan to stay for at least another week.
- DDavid S.
Scout
Schnebly Hill Road
Don’t climb the road from town. Acess this camp from HWY 17
The climb from Sedona was a bit torturous for my poor 3” lifted Tacoma. The road has intentionally been unmaintained to make it spicy for the paid ORV tours. Around dusk, I saw a guy come in from 17 and start dropping down towards town. He had Honda Goldwing strapped in the bed of his pickup. He made it a few hundred yards down and decided to go back the way he came.
Paulina B.
Ranger
Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Our favorite Thousand Trails campground!
This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.
- JJason W.Guide
North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413
Hard to find, but very nice!
This was not an easy place to find. We came through Jerome and took 89A S all the way through. If you get to Potatoe Patch campground you are very close, but make a left off 89A South to get to these spots instead of a right (where the fee site Potatoe Patch campground was closed)
Sruly K.Scout
West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping
No spots available
Overcrowding has ruined this place. 95 percent of all spots were closed off for camping, and the few spots that were available had multiple ppl in them. Would not recommend
Julie M.Guide
Arizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed
Quiet spot
At the start of the road there are a couple of large areas where there were multiple vans parked but we kept going further down until we found a spot on our own. It was flat and we had a nice quiet night.
Steven R.Scout
Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites
Garbage Everywhere!!
My dog was laying in cigarette butts. At least it's free
- GGarrett B.Guide
Surprise Campsite
Dusty and busy, but it works
We recently spent 4 nights here, along with about 10-15 other camping vehicles, ranging from a Toyota Camry to 5th wheels and horse trailers. Easy access for our 39ft class A and toad, but it was busy around 2pm when we arrived and filled up even more afterward. Every day a few spots opened up by 10/11a but filled by 5p. There were a couple of port-a-potties, if needed. The camping site is actually bumpier than the gravel road coming in. Not much noise, considering proximity to highway and other campers, surprisingly.
Addison G.GuideWest Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping
Good location, but hard to find a good spot
Camping is only allowed in the big designated campsites, which is not what I thought driving in. It took a bit to find a spot because there are “no camping signs” all over. Once we found a good spot tho, it was awesome. There was a lovely backdrop of the mountains and portapotties.
- Cliff R.Scout
Forest Road 9549
Camping Nolonger Allowed at this site.
10-21-2024 Went to site. No camping signs now posted. Road is now a designated OHV trail known as "Outlaw OHV Trail".
- Cliff R.Scout
Greasy Spoon Dispersed Area
Great views !
We camped there for several days in Oct.2024. Road was rough but solid. Most any size rig could access this site. Good Verizon signal. Our biggest disappointment was the red dust. It got into all our rigs and is a mess to clean up. Overall it's a good site.
- GGregg T.Guide
Childs Camping Area
Be prepared
I really like the place, however, and this is a big however. The road in is 20 miles or so, and it's all unprepared, so for a smaller vehicle like mine, I had to be very careful. That 20 miles takes about an hour and a half. Remember everything you need before coming into child's. It's a long day if you have to run to the store Trust me, I spent 5 hours there and back. Hot springs are a mile from my campsite. River seems pretty nice. Gonna wet a worm see if the sucker's. biting although there are a couple protected species of suckers.
- SSherry M.
TravelerArizona State Trust Land FSR 761 Dispersed
Great spot near Sedona
Great spot 5G Verizon service quiet and alone can have fires.
Scotti M.Traveler
Manzanita Campground
Great host & nice spot to camp
Our experience at this campsite near Sedona was amazing! The host was great help making sure we were settled in for the night. The camping spots were clean, well-spaced, and surrounded by stunning scenery. One of the highlights was the nearby creek, which was perfect for unwinding and added a peaceful ambiance to the whole experience. A great place for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the area!
- RRobert B.Traveler
Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
Close to Sedona
Easy to find off Beaver Flats rd. The camp areas are pretty spread out which was nice. Decent shade from some Juniper trees and we could barely hear the road from our campsite. Some of the sites are pretty clase to the road though and are probably fairly noisy. I’m guessing there are about 7 sites total. It’s not the type of place for a big motor home or a big trailer.
- SShawnGuide
A Spark in the Dark
Excellent spot
The peace and quiet and beauty of this place far outweighs the drive in from the 40. I have a 29’ motorhome with low ground clearance and I made it just fine.
- DDiane C.Scout
Hilltop Campground
Love this close campground
I am a frequent camper at Hilltop. I tent camp so I camp on 16 which isn't as big a the other sites but fine for me. I came spring and fall and never summer. I just went at the end of Sept 2024. Weather was gorgeous 80 hi/ 50 low. This is earlier than I normally camp. I have camped late October and have sleep in my tent in 19° weather. A Mr Buddy heater helps but have a carbon monoxide alarm just in case. Quieter than Lynx Lake campground but a bit further out. Still it's beautiful. I am local so of I forget something I can go home and come back out. Host normally has firewood for sale. They are still working on the water lines so as of the end of Sept there was only the water you bring in yourself. Costco is down the road a ways and they fill propane tanks pretty cheap. Lots to do in the area if you want to go to town and enjoy dinner. Prescott and Prescott Valley have great restaurants.
Kerri W.Traveler
Senetor Highway Dispersed spot 5
Do Better
We left late from Phoenix on the Senator Highway from Meyer and we should’ve stopped while we were ahead. We ended up at the North end just outside of Prescott in the dispersed sites. Disgusting. Every single site looked like this one. We’ve got a RTT so thankfully it was a quick set up for the night and we’re outa here. If we’d have had adequate trash bags (a dumpster would’ve been ideal) we’d have spent the next few days cleaning up. If you pack it in pack it out. It’s real easy. That all being said- if you’ve got a large group with sxs and you enjoy the Senator, this is definitely the perfect spot.
stephanie S.Scout
Lo Lo Mai Springs Resort
Eventful
Office ladies were very rude and had no people skills!
Maddy T.Guide
Loy Butte Road
Close to Sedona but busy!
We stayed here for a night and it was great. It was busy but the main reason we picked it was because it was close to Sedona so it was nice and easy for us to go in for a sunrise hike. We stayed in the first pull off lot on the left hand side that didn't have no camping signs (past Surprise), it had a porta potty which was definitely nice to have. Seems like they must block off sites every now and then because some of the ones marked on dyrt were blocked with rocks but still lots of space!
- KKevin H.Traveler
Clear Creek Campground
Basic Forest Service Campground
About like most Forest Service campgrounds. Quiet. Easy access. Some nice big sycamores for shade.
- NNikolaj A.Traveler
Welch Road
Great location easy access
Very easy to stop by when we where om the road and just needed a place to sleep. Open fields gave a nice view. Very close to the highway so easy to stop and continue our journey. Stayed in an rv, so the level surface was nice.
All in all good place to stay for the night.
Roxanne S.Traveler
Pine Flat Campground West
Easy creek side access in the cool pines
We made an impromptu trip to escape the heat and unwind. We were grateful the stars aligned and snagged a FF spot! The sites are spacious and very well kept. Yes, you are right next to 89 regardless, but it worked fine for us. The creek is easily accessible and walking distance to a trail head as well. Firewood and ice are available on-site and the camp hosts graciously drop it off at your site. It is a quiet campground and to note is that music is not allowed.
Afternoon rain in the canyon is such a treat and we couldn't have ordered it!
- ssoph M.Guide
Beaverhead Flats Road Dispersed Camping
got the whole desert to myself!!
beautiful views! super duper underrated and conveniently close to sedona access: 3stars (for my car, yours will do way better lmao) easy to find on the map! not a difficult road (at first), but gravelly for sure. i drive a 1995 ford f150 2 wheel drive and found that after 2-3 miles in, the road up to the overlook becomes too steep and rocky for my truck to climb, but a 4x4 definitely can do it! if u have a car like mine take it nice and slow and you will do just fine :3 business/safety/people: 5stars! not a SINGLE other camper here and i arrived on a friday night! its like i have the whole desert to myself. all you hear are crickets and very very distant highway sounds. maybe its because i came in early september but this is by far the most quiet of blms ive ever been to sites: sites are easy to back in and most come with rock firepits! in the site im at, people left piles of firewood close to the pit which was an amazing help bc i arrived so late
the only con that i can think of is that there r a lot of bugs (ants and moths especially), which doesnt bother me at all but for some it could be a little annoying. if you have full cover (tent, rv, camper, van, etc) then do not worry at all, but i camp in the bed of my truck so its a lil different for me.
if u want solitude come check this place out !
- jjulian T.Traveler
Williams-Circle Pines KOA
Great atmosphere Great vibes
Tried this place on a whim. Lots of people pass by here but it has such a cozy homey feel we ended up loving it and extended our stay from one night to two nights. Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys.
Gregg M.Scout
Doggs Town Dispersed
Private Property
Road was marked as private property, for invited guests only.
Guide to Prescott
Tent camping near Prescott, Arizona offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Many sites, like those at Copper Basin Campsites, allow campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings under the stars.
- North Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413 features spacious, well-separated camping spots, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility.
- At Thumb Butte Day Use Area, campers can enjoy well-maintained grounds with access to picnic tables and restrooms, enhancing the overall camping experience.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- The scenic trails near Enchanted Forest Trail Campsites offer excellent hiking opportunities, allowing campers to explore the stunning landscapes of Prescott National Forest.
- Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) is perfect for off-roading adventures, with easy access to dirt roads and breathtaking views.
- Fishing enthusiasts can find great spots at Kentuck Springs, where the serene environment is ideal for a relaxing day by the water.
Tips for tent camping near Prescott
- Be prepared for limited amenities at sites like Forest Service Road 640 & 680 Camp, where you'll need to bring your own water and supplies.
- When visiting Cherry Area, it's wise to arrive early, as the few available spots can fill up quickly due to the area's popularity.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially at sites like Granite Basin Recreation Area, to help preserve the natural beauty for future campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Prescott, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Prescott, AZ is Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Prescott, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Prescott, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.