Discover The Best Free Camping Across The Usa
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America .
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands.
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Why Youll Love Pine Lawn Ranch Mh & Rv Park
Why Youll Love Pine Lawn Ranch MH & RV Park When camping at this park, RVers can feel like they are in the country while having the conveniences of town within walking distance. Beautiful boulder formations are between the park and the city. Historic buildings and lovely landscaping welcome residents and visitors alike. At this park, you can enjoy some of the best RV camping in Prescott, Arizona.
Pine Lawn Ranch Mh & Rv Park
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Pine Lawn Ranch is mostly a mobile home park for those over 55 however, they have spots for RVers to camp out daily as well. Downtown is within walking distance, and you can easily enjoy the amenities of town. Enjoy a relaxing vacation near all the natural parks nearby.
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Enchanted Forest Trail Dispersed
Number of sites: 11 sitesWater: NoMap
The final two dispersed camping areas in the Prescott Basin are both located off of Walker Road, and the first one youll reach when coming from Prescott will be the Enchanted Forest Trail.
There are 11 campsites here that can accommodate most camping setups. Note that the road is a bit rough the further back you go, so only those with high-clearance vehicles should attempt to reach a few of the sites.
This is the perfect place to camp if youre looking to enjoy Lynx Lake, which is just a few short miles down the road.
A special note for dispersed camping in the Enchanted Forest area is to please be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. Many campers report a lot of trash in the area which degrades the experience for everyone. Please do your part and always leave your campsite in better condition than you found it!
River Island State Park
Why you should camp here: Family-friendly camping and easy beach access on the Colorado River.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes
The best of River Islands campsites are #30 through #37, eight spots on a grassy area overlooking the Colorado River. The remaining sites are still nice and cater to larger RVs but the waterfront sites are where its at.
Just beyond those spots is a small sandy beach and three-lane boat ramp, making River Island State Park a popular swimming and boating destination throughout the year. Theres a short trail up to Wedge Hill for stellar views of the river, and nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park offers more hiking.
The campgrounds cove is perfect for kayaking, or you can venture out in the river for more open views. It gets scorching hot during the summer, but that also makes it a great time to hit the water.
Alternates: Buckskin Mountain, Cattail Cove State Park, and Lake Havasu State Park all offer camping on the river, but few of their sites beat the waterfront views at River Island.
Find Your Next Arizona Adventure
These are just some of the many camping spots in Arizona. For more ideas, check out Recreation.gov, Arizona State Parks & Trails, or Hipcamp, which lists public and private campgrounds around the state.
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Fdr 373/thumb Butte Loop Dispersed
Number of sites:22 sitesWater:NoMap
The Thumb Butte Loop dispersed camping area is located on a long forest service road that connects Thumb Butte Road and Copper Basin Road in Prescott National Forest. There are 22 campsites scattered along the length of the road, most of which are simple pull outs off the dirt road.
The majority of the campsites here can accommodate larger setups such as trailers and RVs, with 17 sites listed as being able to. However, many campers report that the road to get here is quite rough so youll want to take it slow and steady regardless of your camping setup.
As with all sites in the Prescott Basin there is no water, trash service, or restroom facilities along the Thumb Butte Loop.
Fdr 64/marapai Road Dispersed
Number of sites:7 sitesWater: NoMap
Heading west in Prescott National Forest youll find the Marapai Road dispersed camping area, which is located just off Ponderosa Park Road, and easy to access from Highway 89/White Spur Road. There are seven campsites here and all can accommodate RVs and trailers. This is one of the easiest dispersed camping areas to access in the National Forest since most of the drive is on a paved highway.
The majority of the campsites are clustered on the south side of Marapai Road, and there is no water or other facilities here. Given that, please come prepared to be self-sufficient!
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Top Prescott Camping Cabins And Luxury Camping Sites
Prescott is a city that lies in a unique landscape, which is famed for its abundance of educational museums. Not only this, but it lies within close proximity to some amazing natural attractions. It can be indulged in all year round, thanks to the shining sun that sits in the sky from winter through to fall. Hike around Prescott National Forest, where you can find lots of hiking trails that run deep into the trees, and go kayaking on the picturesque waters of Watson Lake. Here, you can also take in the lakeside views as you stop for a picnic. Lighter hikes punctuated with even more scenery can be found at Lynx Lake, where fishing is another popular pastime of local and seasonal campers. Book your Prescott camping cabins and other rentals here! There are some truly amazing spots for you to consider when you want to go and get the best camping Prescott, AZ can bring!
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Arizona Rv Camping Prescott
These Arizona RV camping maps are provided to assist you in finding RV camping locations near Prescott. Locations displayed are approximate, and are offered only as a guide and should not be used for navigation. Public lands are administered by USA and state government departments, and you should consult with the local public land management office for specific RV camping and access information if you are unsure of local policies.
To find free RV camping sites around Prescott, you need a good map. We recommend Arizona Road and Recreation Atlas as a great paper recreation atlas. Topographic and recreation map sections, back country roads, state and federal parks, campgrounds, points of interest, and much more.
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Prescott Arizona Is A Must
The area offers the wild natural beauty you would expect in central Arizona, and theres the added benefit that many of the campgrounds are just minutes away from Prescott, which has small-town charm and a unique history.
Mountains and beautiful lakes offer plenty of options for outdoor activities like rock climbing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, just to name a few.
Yep, theres a lot to love about this former mining town.
In the downtown area, Whiskey Row is a good place to grab a bite or a sip and enjoy some live music. You can learn about the pioneer era at the Sharlot Hall Museum or check out indigenous Southwestern artifacts at the Smoki Museum.
Enjoy an abundance of wildlife among the rock formations known as the Granite Dells, which form the boundaries of Watson Lake and Willow Lake
Lets dive in!
Free Arizona Rv Camping Locations
The first map shows general locations of RV camping locations in the Prescott, AZ. This area has restrictions as to where dispersed camping is allowed, as well as maximum length of stay regulations.
This map is the official US Forest Service dispersed camping map for the Prescott area. You can The official US Forest Service Dispersed Camping website describes the camping area and facilities in detail.
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Potts Creek Road Dispersed
Number of sites: 8 sitesWater: NoMap
An offshoot of Thumb Butte Loop, Potts Creek Road has eight dispersed campsites that offer a quiter, albeit harder to get to, camping option in this part of the Prescott Basin. The Forest Service lists 6 sites as being able to host RVs and trailers, although we feel this is a better site for tent campers or those with a smaller rig.
These sites are definitely quieter in terms of passing traffic as they are tucked down a forest service road and off of the main loop road where most of the campsites are located. The further back you continue of FDR 51, the more secluded the campsites get!
Apache Creek Trail #9905
Why You Should Camp Here: For the full experience of frugal, primitive camping next to calm, running water in the Apache Creek Wilderness Area.
- Reservations Accepted: First come, first serve
- Best Season: Spring
- Campsite Type: Tents
- RV Hookups: No
All along the Apache Creek Trail are a series of primitive camping sites. These sites are for the folks that like packing their supplies on their backs and setting up camp deep in the forest. This area does not come with the bells and whistles like picnic tables and grills, but rather rugged terrain, alligator junipers, and gray foxes.
This 5,000-acre wilderness area keeps riparian areas, an abundant amount of wildlife, and an array of desert plants and trees undisturbed from commercial development. The area and this trail are accessible and easy, but know that when you enter this zone, no one is going to pick up after you or provide luxuries.
Keep no trace policies at the forefront of your mind, as well your eyes wide open for any sort of wildlife encounter. It wouldnt be a surprise if a bobcat, mountain lion, or black bear made an appearance.
There are a series of trails in this wilderness area, including a loop trail. You can design your trip as you see fit, and hopefully, find peace in the fact that you may not be sharing the trail or your campsite with anyone. This area doesnt get much foot traffic, and for some, thats music to their ears.
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Best Places To Camp In Arizona
Camping in Arizona is a year-round affair: summer and fall are perfect times to hit high-country lakes and creeks, and winter camping in the desert cant be beat.
No matter where youre at in the Grand Canyon state, youre only a road trip away from a change of scenery, making Arizonas camping spots some of the most diverse in the country.
Thanks to our six National Forests, 22 National Parks and more than 30 State Parks, Arizonas home to endless camping opportunities, whether youre tent-bound beneath the stars or glamping it in an RV.
Heres a look at 16 of the best campgrounds in Arizona, from remote desert campsites to comfortable, family-friendly places to sleep among the pines.
Note: Some of the campgrounds mentioned may be closed or partially closed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Please check each campgrounds updates and policies before making travel plans.
Best Camping Spots In The Prescott National Forest
In central Arizona, the ecosystem of Prescott National Forest is influenced by the Sonoran Desert to the south and the oak and pine woodlands of the north.
As you climb into the mountains, the landscape goes from creosote and scrub oak to piñon and ponderosa pine trees. Massive, granite boulders complement the vegetation. And the Verde River weaves through the region keeping the desert highlands quenched.
This region is also home to the worlds largest alligator juniper tree. The Granite Mountain Hotshots saved this 2,000-year-old tree from a wildfire in 2013 it now serves as a memorial and natural monument.
Just outside of the forests border, is you guessed it the city of Prescott. Its a town well-known for its historic downtown, Sharlot Hall Museum, and proximity to numerous campgrounds from plush to primitive.
Whether you need a quick getaway from Phoenix or another stop on your tour of the western states, the Prescott area has a campground for everyone. Also be sure to check out our guide to the best cabin rentals in Prescott as well.
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Prescott Basin Designated Dispersed Camping
Why you should camp here: Free camping in the depths of the Prescott National Forest at no extra cost to you.
- Reservations Accepted: First come, first serve
- Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Campsite Type: Tents, car camping, RVs
- RV Hookups: No
If you are more into dispersed camping, the Prescott Basin will be your safe haven. The Prescott Basin takes up nearly 4 percent of the Prescott National Forest, and its filled dispersed camping sites.
This area is unique because the sites are also designated. For the folks who prefer this kind of camping, the National Forest did you a favor by designating an area and giving you the pleasure of some more rural camping without having to do all the work of finding it.
These sites dont come at a cost, and for that reason, they also wont come with those luxurious amenities like garbage service and drinking water.
Also, you cannot have a campfire unless the site has a fire ring provided. If you do make a fire, make sure you are following protocol . Make sure it is dead out, too. Forests around the world have suffered enough from man-made fires gone wrong.
Additional Information: Prescott National Forest
Fdr 79/trittle Mountain Road Dispersed
Number of sites: 16 sitesWater: NoMap
Heading further east in Prescott National Forest youll find several dispersed camping areas around the Senator Highway. The first of these is the Trittle Mountain Road Dispersed area, which includes 16 campsites scattered along this forest service road.
The sites begin almost immediately once you get on FDR 79 from the Senator Highway and continue all the way back past the Hassayampa River. Dont be fooled into thinking there is water here, as the creek is empty unless it has recently rained!
The Forest Service lists 11 of the 16 sites as being able to host larger rigs, and these tend to be concentrated at the base of the road.
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White Horse Lake Campground
Why you should camp here: Mellow lakeside camping in a serene Northern Arizona setting.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: No
White Horse Lake Campground is a personal favorite spot of ours its quiet, tucked away in the Kaibab National Forest and close to great hiking near Sycamore Canyon.
None of the campgrounds 90-plus sites have RV hookups, though there is a dump station on site. Campsites are spread nicely on the north and west sides of the lake and you can check the campgrounds map for sites nearest the water.
You can fish and boat on the lake, but swimmings not allowed. The campgrounds open from May 6 to September 30 and about half the sites are available to reserve ahead of time.
The only downside to setting up at White Horse Lake is getting there if you dont have a vehicle that can handle the washboard forest roads, it can be a long ride in and out .
Alternates: Dogtown Lake Campground and Kaibab Lake Campground are closer to Williams and easier to get to. Both have similar vibes but Dogtown Lakes sites arent as close to the water, and Kaibab Lakes located just a few miles north of downtown Williams, so it doesnt feel as removed as White Horse Lake.
What People Are Saying About Pine Lawn Ranch Mh & Rv Park
This is a little different but very nice. There are mobile homes full time and permanent and scattered around them RV sites. Full hook ups minus cable. You can pay daily, monthly etc Everyone here is very nice and friendly. Norma, Google Review
Location
Learn more on the locationswebsite!
Amenities
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: Call for rates Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Yes Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Call for info Pool/Hot tub: No Showers: Call for info Pets Allowed: Limited Cell Reception: Yes
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Where To Stay In Prescott If You Are Unable To Camp
If you aren’t camping, you might as well stay right in downtown Prescott. From here, you can walk to restaurants and entertainment, check out the historic Courthouse Plaza and other attractions, and you are still within just a short drive of the hiking trails and natural areas. Prescott is known for hosting all kinds of weekend events, so prices are generally substantially higher on weekends.
- Mid-Range Hotels: In a great location, directly across from the old Courthouse in downtown Prescott is the Grand Highland Hotel. Exposed brick walls and individually decorated rooms create a quaint atmosphere. A couple of blocks away in a little quieter location is the historic Vendome Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This boutique luxury hotel, dating from 1917, has taken steps to maintain its old-time charm, with fine attention to detail in the decor. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
- The Holiday Inn Express Prescott has a pool and is a good family option at this budget level. Another option is the Apache Lodge in an Adobe-style building. Rooms are clean and simple, and pets are welcome. Both of these properties are a short distance outside the city center but still within easy reach.