Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping
- Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping
Campground Overview:
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping is located in the Prescott Basin, an area immediately south and west of Prescott, Arizona and encompasses approximately 59,000 acres on the Prescott National Forest. Camping and campfires are allowed only at designated campsites, and in developed campgrounds, within the Prescott Basin. During fire restrictions, campfires are not allowed in these designated dispersed camp sites.
Prescott Basin has a high percentage of wildland-urban interface, a mixture of undeveloped and developed land. The popularity of the Prescott Basin, has contributed to resource impacts such as accelerated soil erosion, damage or loss of vegetation, displaced wildlife, increased fire risk, and accumulation of trash and human waste.
Campsites:
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping is allowed in developed and designated dispersed campsites; however, residing on National Forest Lands is not allowed.
• Camping in designated dispersed campsites is allowed for 7 days in a 30 day period.
• Campfires in provided fire rings only in designated dispersed campsites.
• Do not put cans, bottles, or aluminum foil into fire rings.
• Use only dead and down wood for campfires.
• Be safe in the forest. Make sure your campfire is dead out!
Dispersed camping outside of the Prescott Basin has a 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Prescott |
Fishing: |
Various |
Campground Website: |
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Enchanted Forest TrailWolf CreekFDR 373 |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
A few miles Northeast of Prescott sits the Granite Basin Recreation Area, which is nestled among pines and boulders of Prescott’s iconic Granite Mountain. The Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including: hiking, backpacking, horse riding, non-motorized boating, rock climbing, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Within the region are several day-use areas, and Granite Basin Lake, which is known for channel catfish, large-mouth bass, and sunfish. Rising prominently north of Granite Basin Lake is Granite Mountain at 6,874 feet. The Granite Mountain Wilderness Area is comprised of the mountain’s rugged topography and mixed vegetation suite. (Click Here for Map of Area)
Southeast of downtown Prescott is Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Lynx Lake is an immensely popular area in the Prescott National Forest that offers a variety of recreation opportunities for all age groups. Activities include fishing, boating, and hiking among others. West of Prescott, is the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. Its 6,515-foot prominence is quite visible in the Prescott Basin. The Thumb Butte area is one of the most popular destinations on the Prescott National Forest. Mild weather, cool ponderosa pine forest, a comfortable picnic area, and a variety of trails that offer hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers many routes to explore. (Click Here for Map)
Lynx Lake Recreation Area- Lynx Creek Dam
The City of Prescott, nestled at an elevation of 5,200′ feet above sea level amongst the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S., Prescott’s perfect weather provides an average temperature of 70 degrees, with four beautiful and distinct seasons, and breathtaking landscapes complete with granite mountains, lakes, streams, and rolling meadows filled with wildlife.
Once the territorial capital of the state, Prescott is rich with history embodied in its world famous Whiskey Row and abundant historical landmarks. Whether you’re seeking to relax in a natural environment filled with beauty and wildlife, or the history of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and cowboy forays in the most famous saloons of the Old West, check out the True West and Real Adventure.
The city provides numerous recreational opportunities including three lakes: Watson, Willow, and Goldwater Lake. Each have unique qualities and recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, birdwatching and hiking. The city also manages numerous hiking trails around the city. The Granite Dells can be seen along the hiking trails around Watson Lake and are worth the trip. (Click here for more information about Prescott recreation)
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
