About Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site
Overview Looking for a perfect getaway to immerse yourself in nature? Look no further than the Mingus Mountain Campground! Situated conveniently between the charming towns of Prescott and Cottonwood in Arizona, this campground offers a central location for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking tranquility or thrilling activities, Mingus Mountain Campground is the ideal destination to unwind and reconnect with nature. Enjoy the best of both worlds all season long by beating the summer heat and then being captivated by the magnificent color spectacle that unfolds in the late fall! Recreation The forest all around provides numerous hiking trails suited for all levels of intensity, ranging from leisurely strolls to exhilarating uphill treks. For campers seeking a respite from hiking, they can unwind amidst the campground, soak in the scenic vistas, and delight in the serenade of the wind rustling through the pine trees. Mingus Lake is located a short .9 miles away where one can enjoy some peace near the water as well as catch trout (limit 4) and bullhead trout (unlimited) with a valid AZ fishing license. Facilities Mingus Mountain Campground has 27 campsites available and the campground is open from May 1st to October 31st. 4 vault toilets, garbage service, and potable water (not for filling RV tanks) are available to all campers. Cell Phone Coverage: The campground is conveniently located near cellular towers and as such the reception in the campground is usually decent. Verizon seems to work the best. A Forest Service host is on site. THERE IS NO ICE OR FIREWOOD FOR SALE IN THE CAMPGROUNDS: PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. The nearby towns of Prescott Valley (18 miles) and Cottonwood (19 miles) have grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, shopping, and other conveniences. 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
How to Get There
From Prescott, Arizona, take U.S. Highway 89 north to U.S. Highway 89A. Turn right onto Highway 89A and go about 19 miles to the junction with Forest Road 104 at the summit. Forest Road 104 is on your right as you approach the summit. Turn right onto Forest Road 104, which is dirt but suitable for all types of vehicles when dry, and travel about 4 miles. At this point, the road makes a “T” with a parking lot directly in front of you. You can park here and explore or take the right fork and proceed to the campground, which has toilets and campsites, but no water. From the Camp Verde, Arizona (junction of Interstate 17 and Arizona Highway 260), take Highway 260 north for about 20 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 89A. This route will take you through the communities of Bridgeport, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale. At Clarkdale, turn left staying on Highway 89A, and travel for about 14 miles through the historic mining town of Jerome to the junction with Forest Road 104 just before the highway descends towards Prescott Valley. Turn left onto Forest Road 104 and go about 4 miles to the campground/day-use area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site
Heading to Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site?
No central reservation system listed for Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10215909) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site?
From Prescott, Arizona, take U.S. Highway 89 north to U.S. Highway 89A. Turn right onto Highway 89A and go about 19 miles to the junction with Forest Road 104 at the summit. Forest Road 104 is on your right as you approach the summit. Turn right onto Forest Road 104, which is dirt but suitable for all types of vehicles when dry, and travel about 4 miles. At this point, the road makes a “T” with a …
How do I contact Mingus Mountain Campground and Group Site?
You can reach the park at phone: N/A or email: thomas.palmer@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources