Updated for 2024
This is a description of FREE dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest near Jerome in Arizona. There are free camping opportunities in other parts of the Forest – this guide focuses on the dispersed camping areas closest to Jerome.
In this guide, you will find maps with directions, updates on road conditions, locations of most campsites, and availability of amenities such as cell coverage, water, and toilets.
About Mingus Mountain and Prescott National Forest
Prescott National Forest surrounding the city of Prescott is huge and somewhat confusing in terms of the areas involved. There are three Ranger Districts as shown in the image below but some maps refer to only two – EAST and WEST (looking at the image it is easy to understand why – East of Prescott and west of Prescott).
In this article, I write about the Chino Valley Ranger District to the east of Prescott!
Mingus Mountain is located high above the historic mining town of Jerome. The area offers relatively cool summertime temperatures and scenic views of the Verde Valley, Sedona Red Rocks, Mogollon Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks. Elevations range from 7,000 feet at Potato Patch Campground to 7,500 feet at Mingus Campground.
For information, you can contact the Chino Valley Ranger District Office, 735 N. Hwy. 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323 – Tel (928) 777-2200.
Maps and Directions
I highly recommend the Avenza Maps App!
Download the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for Prescott National Forest.
Campground Camping near Jerome
Prescott National Forest has two fee-based campgrounds near Jerome.
Potato Patch Campground is easy to access from 89A.
Mingus Campground is at the end of a long and bumpy dirt road but very scenic.
These campgrounds are very popular on weekends. Visit the official site for more info.
Recommended FREE Camping Areas in Prescott National Forest nearest to Jerome
Mingus Mountain is wonderful in summer, especially at night when it is much cooler than the surrounding areas. It is one of my go-to spots for dispersed camping during the Arizona summer.
Dispersed camping is allowed on Mingus Mountain for a period not to exceed 14 nights within a 30-consecutive-day period. The 30-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location in the forest. The 14-day limit may be reached either through several separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 30 days.
After the 14th night of occupation, the camper must leave Prescott National Forest until the new cycle begins on day 31.
Do stop at the Ranger Station to ask about dispersed camping in the area.
As shown on the map below, here are my recommended FREE camping areas within an easy drive from Jerome:
- Forest Road (FR) 106 to the west of SR89A – easy access, great Verizon service, quiet, RVs of any size, the road gets bumpier further out
- Forest Road 413 off main Forest Road 104 to the east of SR89A – FR104 is tarmac until the 413 turn, easy access, good road, good Verizon service, much busier than FR106, RVs of all sizes
Free Camping along FR106
For a quick stay, I recommend FR106. It is a short easy drive to the first sites.
At the Summit Picnic Area, turn west onto FR106. Then turn left and uphill just before the signs for Potato Patch Campground. There is a toilet on the left but continue through the open gate and you will soon see campsites to the right and left.
Depending on the road condition, you can drive for a mile or so until you reach a red gate. You are welcome to open and close the gate and explore campsites further down the road but the going gets quite bad! I suggest you find a site BEFORE reaching the red gate.
There are at least 20 dispersed campsites along FR106. Most are large enough for any type of rig. Just take it slow as the road is a little rough in some areas but 4WD is not needed.
About potable water and toilets – there are toilets at the Summit Picnic Area where you turn onto FR106, and along FR106 just before the first campsites. For water, you can try the Potato Patch Campground to fill water bottles but no RV fills.
Verizon has good LTE service at these campsites.
Free Camping along FR413
This is my favorite area for longer stays! Follow the very scenic paved FR104 from the Summit Picnic Area to Mingus Mountain and turn right onto FR413 just where the paved road ends.
FR413 has about 16 dispersed campsites starting near the main road and ending just before the road turns sharply downhill. This is a very popular area in summer so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends.
FR413 is generally in good condition and the sites are large enough for any type of RV. Unfortunately, the sites are a bit rough and rocky so be careful when entering your site!
About potable water and toilets – there are toilets at the Summit Picnic Area where you turn onto FR104, and further along FR104 at Mingus Lake. For water, you can try the Potato Patch Campground to fill water bottles but no RV fills.
Verizon has good LTE service at these campsites.