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Arizona
66

State of Arizona Parks

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Arizona
North Central Region
Yavapai Campground
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Yavapai Campground © Prescott NF / Public Domain
Yavapai Campground © Prescott NF / Public Domain
Yavapai Campground © Prescott NF / Public Domain
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YAVAPAI CAMPGROUND
YAVAPAI CAMPGROUND
Prescott, Arizona   86305
(lat:34.6021 lon:-112.5394) map location

Phone: 928-443-8000
Yavapai Campground is within the Granite Basin Recreation Area, at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The campground is located seven miles northwest of downtown Prescott. Main attractions are mild weather, cool ponderosa pine forest, and Granite Basin Lake. Activities include fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Rising to the northwest is prominent Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. Several connector and loop trails reside in close proximity to the campground. Most trails allow for multiple modes of travel. 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 Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 928 443-8000.

Within a short distance of Yavapai Campground, in the Granite Basin Recreation Area, there are several day use areas and Granite Basin Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, bird-watching, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, camping, and just plain relaxing. Immediately rising north of Granite Basin Lake is Granite Mountain at 6,874 feet. The rugged topography and mixed vegetation it comprises is enveloped by the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. Alto Pit OHV Campground and Day-Use Area is just a 15 minute drive to the southwest of the Granite Basin Recreation Area. Rising prominently to the south of the Granite Basin Recreation Area is Thumb Butte. At an elevation of 6,515 feet, Thumb Butte is one of the most popular destinations in the Prescott National Forest.

Yavapai Campground is available year-round and is enjoyed by people of all age groups and diverse backgrounds. Campsites are designed for RV, trailer, or tent camping. Two sites allow for double occupancy. Most campsites are compact and each has a degree of privacy and solitude. Many popular outdoor activities abound in the Granite Basin Recreation Area.Yavapai Campground has 19 single occupancy campsites and two double occupancy campsites. Campsites number 4, 16, and 21 are walk-in only and cannot be reserved. Each campsite has a picnic table, steel fire ring, and established tent pads. Four accessible campsites have small pedestal fire grills. All campsite driveways are back-in and have asphalt surfaces. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit RV or tow vehicle and trailer and an extra vehicle quite easily, but others do not. Campsites number 3 and 4 are limited to a trailer length of 15 feet maximum or an RV length of 25 feet maximum. Campsite 9 has a 50 amp available. Campsite 10 can accommodate a trailer length of 10 feet maximum i.e., pop-up or a cab-over camper, or an RV that is a maximum length of 25 feet. Services include two composting restrooms, trash dumpsters, and water faucets. There is no dump station in the campground.

Yavapai Campground was designed to be integrated within the natural setting of granite rock outcrops and a variety of ponderosa pine, limber pine, oak, manzanita, and a variety of shrubs and grasses. The facility is located within Granite Basin Recreation area. Access to Granite Mountain Wilderness and Granite Basin Lake can either be made by several interlocking hiking trails or by driving a short distance.

Other Park Areas
Camping
Yavapai Campground in Arizona is located within the Prescott National Forest and offers a variety of camping options for visitors.

1. Tent Camping: There are several tent sites available that come with picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and access to vault toilets.

2. RV Camping: The campground also has spots suitable for smaller recreational vehicles (RVs). However, there aren't any hookups or dump stations on site so it's more suited to self-contained units.

3. Group Sites: For larger parties traveling together such as scout troops or family reunions etc., Yavapai Campground provides group campsites which can accommodate up to 50 people at once depending upon availability & prior booking status.

4. Hiking/Backpacking Site Options: If you're into hiking/backpacking then this place won't disappoint you either! You could set your camp anywhere along the trail but remember leave no trace principles should be followed strictly while doing so!

5. Trailer Spots: Some areas allow trailers too if they meet certain size restrictions.

Please note that amenities like running water may not always be available here; hence carrying enough supplies including drinking water.


Location
Yavapai Campground is located near Chino Valley, Prescott and Prescott Valley

Trails
1. Thumb Butte Trail: This 2-mile loop trail offers a moderate hike with panoramic views of Prescott and the surrounding area at its peak, including Granite Mountain and Watson Lake.

2. Groom Creek Loop Trail: A longer option for experienced hikers, this approximately 9-mile round trip takes you through dense pine forests to Spruce Mountain Lookout where stunning vistas await.

3. Lynx Creek Ruin Site Trails: These trails offer an easy walk along Lynx creek leading to ancient Native American ruins that are over a thousand years old; interpretive signs provide historical context throughout your journey.

4. Constellation Trails System: Comprising several interconnected loops around large granite boulders in Dells region near Willow lake, these trails range from easy walks suitable for families to challenging climbs offering rewarding scenic overlooks.

5. Highlands Center Riparian Overlook & James Family Discovery Gardens Paths: Located within Yavapai Campground itself,these short but beautiful paths take visitors on gentle strolls past native plants gardens or down into riparian areas overlooking seasonal creeks.

6. Granite Basin Recreation Area - Metate /Petroglyph/Playa/Balancing Rock Loops: Offering multiple options ranging between half mile up-to two miles long hikes circling around picturesque Granite basin lake amidst towering Ponderosa pines.

7. Watson Woods Preserve Pathways: Wandering alongside Peavine National Recreational trail system which skirts watson woods preserve's wetlands providing ample opportunities for bird watching as well as viewing other wildlife species like deer,rabbits etc.

8. Iron King RailTrail: Stretching nearly four miles one way,this flat gravel pathway is perfect choice if looking out for leisurely stroll/bike ride while enjoying serene landscapes featuring Glassford Hill volcanic cone,Panoramic point among others.

9. Centennial Trail: Short yet steep climb starting right off Sharlot Hall Museum leading up to a viewpoint overlooking downtown Prescott and Thumb Butte in the distance.

10. Goldwater Lake Trails: Located south of campground, these trails offer easy hikes around scenic lake with options for picnicking,fishing or simply enjoying tranquil surroundings.

11. Prescott Circle Trail: A challenging 54:mile loop trail encircling entire city offering diverse landscapes from dense forests,rocky terrains to serene lakeside paths . Can be accessed via multiple points including White Spar Campground,Watson Woods Preserve among others.

12. White Spar Loop: Approximately three miles long moderate hike starting off at white spar campground snaking through pine:oak woodlands providing glimpses of local wildlife along way.

13. Granite Mountain Wilderness Area: Overlook/Clark Springs /Little Granite mountain loops- Offering strenuous climbs amidst rugged beauty featuring unique granite formations,spring wildflowers & panoramic views atop overlooks.

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Area Campgrounds
Point of Rocks Campground
3025 North Highway 89
Prescott, AZ
928-445-9018
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1617 Heritage Park Road
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Directions
From downtown Prescott, take Montezuma Street north to Whipple Street, which becomes Iron Springs Road. Continue northwest on Iron Springs Road for 3.5 miles and then turn right onto Granite Basin Road FSR 374. Travel 2 miles to Yavapai Campground located on the left.

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Arizona
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