Reservation versus First-Come-First-Served Sites FAQs

 
Rental cabins, group campgrounds and picnic areas, and sites at many Prescott National Forest campgrounds can be reserved on the day of arrival or upto six months in advance.  Campgrounds with sites available on a first-come-first-served basis only include Mingus Mountain, Powell Springs, Lower Wolf Creek, and Hazlett Hollow.  Campgrounds on the reservation system include Lynx Lake, Hilltop, White Spar, Yavapai, Potato Patch Campground, Groom Creek Horse Camp, and Alto Pit OHV Campground. 
 

Why are some campgrounds on the reservation system?
Reservations provide more reliability for campers needing certain dates to accommodate travel plans or who require specific types of services. Reservations also help the Forest Service better manage campgrounds by accurately planning for busy days, helping schedule maintenance when sites are unoccupied, and it also reduces money handling in the field making it safer for volunteer hosts and field personnel.

How do reservations work?  
The national reservation service Recreation.gov, provides online and telephone access to make a reservation.  Direct links to reserve a specific site are also privided on each site's webpage (above).
  • Online: Log on to www.recreation.gov, then search for the desired facility. A great deal of information is provided online including photos to aid in site selection. Once you make a choice, create your account if you do not already have one, and make your payment online.
  • Phone: Call toll free to 1-877-444-6777 and a customer service representative will walk you through the process and take your payment over the phone.
Is there a fee and does my Access Pass or Senior Pass work?
The over night camping fee and extra vehicle fee stay the same. The reservation service charges $10 per reservation, no matter how many nights you book at that campground. Senior and Access passes will still be honored for a 50% discount off the overnight camping fee.

Are there any first-come-first-served sites in reservation campgrounds?
Yes, some sites at most of our reservation campgrounds cannot be reserved and will be available to accommodate campers on a first-come-first-served basis.  Lynx Lake Campground is the only campground in which all sites may be reserved; however, sites that have not been reserved are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

 


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