Camping In Prescott

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

The Bradshaw Mountains in the Prescott National Forest surrounds the city of Prescott, Arizona. At forested elevations between 5,500 to 6,000 feet, the weather during the spring, summer and early fall in the Prescott area is ideal for family or group camping. The following campgrounds are located within a 15 minute drive of downtown Prescott and most camping sites permit RV and camping trailer parking for recreational vehicles that do not exceed 40 feet long. Many of the campgrounds are located near lakes in the Prescott area including Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake and Granite Basin Lake. Following are overview summaries of the most popular Prescott Campgrounds with links to more information and directions. Each of the campgrounds in Prescott have nearby hiking trail heads into very scenic territory. See a list of some of the most popular Prescott hiking trails.

Granite Basin Group Campground At Granite Basin Lake

Granite Basin Campground sets at an elevation of about 5,600 feet in the Prescott National Forest and will accommodate up to 100 campers. There are 30 vehicle sites. RVs and camping trailers are permitted but parking is difficult. There are no utility hookups or drinking water. Granite Basin Lake is only about a 1/4 mile from the campground. Hiking trailheads to the Granite Mountain Wilderness are within 1 mile. The rugged, boulder strewn cliffs of the 9,000 acre Granite Mountain Wilderness provide a scenic setting for this group campground. There is a 14 day stay limit.

Granite Basin Lake is a man-made lake of about 5 surface acres. Although fishing is usually rated as only fair to poor, a patient angler can often catch bluegill, largemouth bass, or catfish. A State of Arizona fishing license is required for anglers over the age of 13 years. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. Boating is permitted, but boats are limited only electric motors.

Read more about Granite Basin Group Campground.

Hilltop Campground Near Lynx Lake

Elevation of Hilltop Campground is about 5,500 feet in the Prescott National Forest about 0.5 mile directly south of Lynx Lake. There are 38 campsites and can generally accommodate most recreational vehicles under 40 feet in length. There is a 7 day stay limit with a $18 nightly fee per site which is subject to change. There is a general store and boat rentals at the Lynx Lake's north shore. There are several hiking trails into the backcountry. A campground host is located at the campground for assistance and campsite selection.

Lynx Lake is approximately 55 surface acres and is periodically stocked with trout. A State of Arizona fishing license is required for all anglers over the age of 13. No swimming is permitted and the use of boat motors is limited to electrically powered motors, kayaks and canoes.

Read more about Hilltop Campground.

Lower Wolf Creek Campground

Elevation about 6,000 feet. Arizona walnut and live-oaks are interspersed among the ponderosa pines in this boulder-strewn campground located within a short drive of Prescott. Includes 20 campsites with a 14 day stay limit. RV Friendly not to exceed 40 feet. There are no hookups, dump station, shower facilities or drinking water available. There is a campground host available to provide information and to help visitors find a suitable camping site. No reservation, first-come basis. A $10 fee per campsite applies and is subject to change.

Read more about Lower Wolf Creek Campground.

Lynx Lake Campground At Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake Campground sets at an elevation of 5,500 feet in the pine forest along the western shore of Lynx Lake and includes 36 camp sites with a 7 day stay limit. A campground host is available to provide information and camper assistance. RV and camping trailers no longer than 40 feet are permitted. However, there are no hookups, dump stations or shower facilities. Hiking trailheads are nearby the campgrounds including to the archaeological site at the Lynx Creek Ruin Day Use Picnic Area. Fees are $18 a day for each camp site and are subject to change. There is a general store with a restaurant at the north shore of Lynx Lake. Campsites are available on a first come basis.

Read more about Lynx Lake Campground.

Upper Wolf Creek Group Campground

Upper Wolf Creek is primarily a group campground that can accommodate a maximum of 100 campers and 30 vehicles. The boulder-strewn, treed area sits an elevation of about 6,000 feet. There are several hiking trails from the campground. Facilities include a volleyball court and horseshoe pits with equipment available from the campground host. Campground fees apply. Lower Goldwater Lake, Upper Goldwater Lake and the Prescott Reservoir are within 2-3 miles of the campground. RV parking is available for recreational vehicles that do not exceed 40 feet in length. There are no utility hookups, drinking water, or trash collection.

Read more about Upper Wolf Creek Group Campground.

White Spar Campground

Elevation about 5,700 feet. There are 60 campsites of which 2 are handicap accessible. 11 of the campsites are open year-round. RVs are permitted with a 40 foot limitation. Fees of $10 per day apply to each camp site and there is a 14 day stay limit. The campsites are generally large enough to accommodate most recreational vehicles (not exceeding 40 feet in length), and the paved road system to and throughout the campground makes for easy access to each camping site. There are no utility hookups, dump stations or shower facilities. The campground is near Goldwater Lake. There is a $18 campsite fee and is subject to change. Stay limit is 14 days.

Read more about White Spar Campground.

Yavapai Campground Near Granite Lake

The rugged, boulder-strewn cliffs of Granite Mountain Wilderness provide a scenic setting at an elevation of 5,600 feet. It is a short walk from the campground to Granite Basin Lake. There are 25 campsites including 1 handicap accessible site. A $10 fee per camping site applies and is subject to change. There are no RV hookups, dump stations or shower facilities. There is a 14 day stay limit. Reservations are not accepted. Served on a first come basis.

Granite Basin Lake is man-made and about 5 surface acres. It is not stocked with fish. Although fishing is usually rated as only fair to poor, the patient angler can often catch bluegill, largemouth bass, or catfish. A State of Arizona fishing license is required for anglers over the age of 13 years. Boats with electric motors only are allowed on the lake and swimming is not permitted.

Read more about Yavapai Campground.

In The Pines Around Prescott