Playground Group
Close to historic western towns and centrally located in Arizona, Playground Group Campground is a great place for groups of up to 100 people to enjoy a secluded mountain getaway.
The 7,500 ft. elevation of the site, puts it near the summit of Mingus Mountain in Prescott National Forest. Spectacular views of the surrounding desert valleys as well as the nearby towns of Sedona, Jerome and Prescott Valley await campers on the winding drive to and from the site.
The site has a large group gathering place with picnic tables, grills, a large fire pit and vault toilet and is adjacent to a family picnic area. There is no drinking water available.
The nearby towns of Prescott Valley and Cottonwood have grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, shopping and other conveniences.
Need to Know
- Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days in Prescott National Forest including stays at dispersed sites.
- Drinking water is not available
- This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations
- This region has frequent thunderstorms from mid-June through mid-September, Be Prepared and know the weather.
- Pets are welcome but must be on a 6 foot leash or in a cage and never unattended.
- Quite hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- OHV/ATV use is prohibitied in the campground
- Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited at all times on National Forest Lands.
- Fire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions, at which time smoking, wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The campground is in a secluded site in the tall ponderosa pine trees. Pleasant daytime temperatures and cool mountain breezes make it a nice respite from the summer heat of nearby deserts.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive away is the colorful town of Jerome, an abandoned mining town that has been transformed into an artist and tourist community.
Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient ruin of the Sinaguan culture, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which has mountain biking, canoeing and fishing along the Verde River, are also close by.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Recreation
The surrounding forest offers many hiking trails of various levels of intensity, from easy short-distance walks to more challenging elevated climbs.
Campers who need a break from hiking can relax around the campground, take in the views and listen to the sound of the wind in the pines.
Contact Information
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PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST VERDE RANGER DISTRICT 300 E HIGHWAY 260 CAMP VERDE AZ 86322
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 928-567-4121 DURING OFFICE HOURS 0800-0430 M-F
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Take State Highway 89A (seven miles southwest of Jerome or 13 miles east of Prescott Valley) to Forest Road 104. Travel on Forest Road 104 for two miles to Playground Group Campground.
