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Map showing campground location near Prescott National Forest, Arizona
Camper submitted image from Prescott Basin Dispersed CampingView 2 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Prescott National Forest, Arizona

Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free to access and set within Prescott National Forest, Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping puts campers directly off a narrow dirt road with no reservation system and no fees. The road is one lane in places, which creates a practical concern for anyone towing a trailer: if another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction, one party has to back out. Come prepared for that reality.

Campsite conditions vary. Reviewers note that some sites have been left in rough shape by previous visitors, with litter and broken glass reported at certain spots, so walking a site before unloading gear is worth the extra few minutes. There is a stream audible from at least one area of the camp, though access to it requires navigating past debris in some spots. Sites sit close together in sections, and on busy weekends the area can feel crowded. Midweek visits, particularly in cooler months, tend to be considerably quieter. The surrounding forest surprises some visitors who don't expect this kind of tree cover in Arizona.

Campfires are permitted, and while firewood can be purchased nearby, brush and downed wood are available on-site. Pets are allowed. Evan K. describes the area as "mostly secluded which is my preference, shared by boon-dockers," which reflects the self-sufficient nature of camping here. Campers wanting a developed alternative nearby can check out Hilltop Campground about a mile and a half northwest, or Bannie Mine Road Campsites just half a mile to the southwest.

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Map & DirectionsPrescott Basin Dispersed Camping is located in Arizona near Prescott National Forest

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

34.49070993 N
112.3660244 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/7/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/7/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping

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3.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Free dispersed camping in a forested Arizona setting that many found unexpectedly beautiful. Several campers noted concerns about site cleanliness and litter issues, while road access remains narrow for larger rigs.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2022

Great Spot

Mostly secluded which is my preference

Shared by boon-dockers

Site11
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping by Evan K., January 29, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2021

It’s not so bad

Sure, some people don’t know how to pick up after themselves, but I wouldn’t rate it poorly for that reason alone. I always bring a large heavy duty trash bag to pick up whatever I can reasonably fit into my forester. There’s no amazing view but I had no idea there were such forested places in a state like Arizona. I picked up wood at a gas station but there was plenty of brush lying around to burn. The spots are right off the dirt road so I imagine on a busy night it can get noisy and crowded. I camped out on a wednesday night in February and it was very quiet.

  • Review photo of Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping by Justin L., February 12, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020

Not Travel Trailer Friendly

It looks like a great spot to tent camp, but the spots are close together in some areas. The road here is one narrow lane only. If you have a trailer and someone comes the other way you or them have to back out.

Reviewed May. 16, 2020

You Get What You Pay For

Well, it's free and its a beautiful part of the Prescott Basin, but our campsite #6, was really dirty. We should have jumped out and looked around before setting up camp. We were just so excited to start our trip. Needless to say, after arriving at 6:00pm we left the next morning.

There was a beautiful stream we could hear from our site, but you had pass over wads of used toilet paper, broken beer bottles and empty propane tanks to name a few. 

Im hoping it's not always like this, and its quite possible that the people staying there before were just careless. Maybe it's to be a little more expected when dispersed camping, but we couldn't enjoy our time there.

Site6
Month of VisitMay
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Prescott Basin?

Prescott Basin offers several dispersed camping spots, though quality varies. Campsite #6 is available but may require cleaning before setup. There are more secluded spots preferred by some boondockers that offer better privacy. The area features surprisingly forested terrain, though most sites don't offer spectacular views. Some camping areas have sites positioned close together, which may affect your experience if privacy is important. When selecting a spot, arrive early and scout the area first, as site conditions can vary significantly.

What amenities are available at Prescott Basin dispersed campsites?

Prescott Basin dispersed camping offers very minimal amenities, staying true to the primitive camping experience. There are no developed facilities such as water sources, restrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings. Campers should pack in all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal bags. Some sites like campsite #6 and #10 are designated but unimproved. Be prepared to clean up your site upon arrival as previous visitors may leave trash behind. Pack out all garbage and follow Leave No Trace principles.

How far is Prescott Basin dispersed camping from Phoenix?

Prescott Basin dispersed camping is approximately 100-120 miles from Phoenix, making it about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic and your starting location in the Phoenix metro area. The drive takes you through changing desert landscapes into the higher-elevation forests around Prescott. This relatively short distance makes it a viable weekend getaway destination for Phoenix residents seeking cooler temperatures and forested camping without a long journey. Consider road conditions, as access involves narrow, single-lane roads in some sections that may be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest?

No permit is required for dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest. Camping is free, making it an economical option for outdoor enthusiasts. However, standard dispersed camping regulations apply - stay in established sites, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and follow fire restrictions when in effect. Maximum stay limits typically apply (usually 14 days within a 30-day period). Always check with the Prescott National Forest office for current regulations before your trip.

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