Potato Patch Campground sits at 7,000 feet elevation on Mingus Mountain, accessible via a winding mountain road with steep grades and tight curves. The US Forest Service operates this 28-site facility from May through October, with rates ranging from $18-36 per night depending on hookup availability. Reservations are accepted, though some sites remain first-come, first-served with payment by cash or check at the honor box.
The campground splits into two distinct loops with different characters. Loop B provides electric hookups for RVs up to 40 feet but places sites close together on what Justin M. describes as "basically a parking lot on top of a mountain." Loop A offers more spacing between sites under Ponderosa pines but lacks electrical connections. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, with composting toilets featuring motion-sensor lighting and ventilation systems that eliminate odors.
Hiking trails access the surrounding forest directly from camp, including the popular Woodchute Trail that climbs to panoramic overlooks. Mingus Mountain Lake sits two miles away with a $5 day-use fee for fishing access. The historic mining town of Jerome lies downhill to the northeast, while Prescott sits on the opposite side of the mountain. Road noise from motorcycles and vehicles traveling the scenic route between these destinations continues throughout the day and evening hours.
Weather remains notably cooler than lower elevations, with May temperatures reaching 74°F during the day and dropping to 55°F at night. However, Mary P. notes that "in June, the weather got hot by 11 AM, so being able to run the AC was needed, even at almost 8000 elevation." The campground stays well-maintained with drinking water available and attracts a mix of retirees during weekdays and families on weekends. For additional options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Prescott National Forest.
Description
Overview
Campers looking for some peace and quiet will find this relaxing campground offers cool summertime temperatures and easy access from scenic Hwy 89A in central Arizona. The campground is located at 7,200 ft. in elevation between Mingus Mountain and Woodchute Wilderness in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Verde Ranger District at 1 (928) 567-4121.
Recreation
Wildlife viewing, hiking, scenic driving and off-highway scenic driving are popular in the area. The wanderer in you will appreciate your close proximity to Yeager Canyon Trail #28 and Woodchute Trail #102, a rewarding hike into the 5,923 acre Woodchute Wilderness and view from the top of Woodchute Mountain. Access to a segment of The Great Western Trail is located adjacent to the campground. Mingus Lake is just across the highway and stocked for fishing. The Verde River in the valley below offers rafting, kayaking and bird watching.
Facilities
Each site at Potato Patch Campground features a picnic table, paved parking, a level tent pad (non-electric sites only), and an elevated fire ring with grill. Accessible sites have an additional pedestal grill. Loop B: All twelve sites have electrical hookups (30 amp). Tents are not permitted. See site map under photos.Three composting toilets, garbage service, and potable water (not for filling RV tanks) are available to all campers.
Natural Features
This mountain top campground offers a cool respite from hot Arizona summers -- a classic forest setting for a memorable camping adventure. Connect with your inner naturalist and observe the wildlife and wildflowers found in abundance around the campground. Interesting geology can be found in any direction with many significant rock formations, canyons and mountains within easy driving distance from Potato Patch.
Nearby Attractions
The historic and eclectic mining town of Jerome is just down the steep, winding mountain road, with unique shopping and dining opportunities and Jerome State Historic Park. Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo, and the lively historic towns of Clarkdale and Cottonwood with museums and basic services are just over 9 miles away. Hayfield Draw OHV Area is located on Highway 260 between Cottonwood and Camp Verde for a unique OHV recreational experience. The towns of Prescott Valley and Prescott are 20 miles away and provide a wide array of services, shopping and dining.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPotato Patch Campground is located in Arizona
Directions
From Prescott, take U.S. Highway 89 north past Granite Dells, turn right on Hwy 89A and travel approximately 20 miles to the top of Mingus Mountain on steep, mountainous grade. Potato Patch Campground entrance will be to your left (across from the Summit Picnic Area) on Forest Road 106. From the Verde Ranger Station in Camp Verde, travel approximately 20 miles northwest on Hwy 260 (toward Cottonwood). Turn left on Hwy 89A. Stay on Hwy 89A (watch for a second left turn), then follow the paved and winding mountain road through the town of Jerome and up to the summit on Mingus Mountain. This road is steep with tight hairpin turns and few pull-offs in Jerome or on the roadway. The turn-off to Potato Patch is on the right, across from the Summit Picnic Area.
Address
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
VERDE RANGER DISTRICT
300 EAST HIGHWAY 260
Camp verde, AZ 86322
Coordinates
34.7093861 N
112.1537222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/29/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 3/29/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/29/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/29/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 3/29/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 19 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 23 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 30 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 20 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ

































