Yavapai Campground At Granite Basin Lake

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 15, 2026.

Yavapai Campground is located in the Granite Basin Recreation Area of Prescott National Forest, about seven miles northwest of downtown Prescott, Arizona. Set among granite boulders, pinyon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pines at an elevation of about 5,600 feet, the campground provides convenient access to Granite Basin Lake, hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, bird watching and the nearby Granite Mountain Wilderness. Campsites accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, although vehicle-length limitations vary by site.

• Yavapai Campground
• Campsites & Facilities
• Granite Basin Lake
• Things To Do
• Reservations & Planning
• Directions From Prescott
• Camping FAQ

Camping At Yavapai Campground

Yavapai Campground provides a scenic forest camping experience within the Granite Basin Recreation Area near Prescott. Recreation.gov lists 19 single-occupancy campsites and two double-occupancy campsites. Single sites are designed for up to five people, while double sites can accommodate up to ten people. Campsites include established tent areas, picnic tables and fire rings, and several sites have accessible features.

The campground accommodates tents, camping trailers and RVs, but individual parking areas vary considerably in size. Some campsites have specific trailer and RV length restrictions, so campers with larger equipment should review individual site specifications before reserving a campsite.

Yavapai Campground Facilities

• 19 single-occupancy campsites and two double-occupancy campsites
• Picnic table, steel fire ring and established tent area at each campsite
• Four accessible campsites with small pedestal fire grills
• Water faucets available within the campground
• Two composting restroom facilities
• Trash dumpsters available
• No RV sanitary dump station
• Back-in asphalt campsite driveways with varying vehicle-length limitations
• Maximum stay of 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest

Granite Basin Lake

Granite Basin Lake is a small, scenic lake of about five surface acres within the Granite Basin Recreation Area. The lake is not stocked, but anglers may catch bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older when fishing publicly accessible waters in Arizona.

The lake and surrounding recreation area provide opportunities for fishing, boating, picnicking and access to nearby trails. Because regulations, water conditions and recreation restrictions can change, visitors should check current Prescott National Forest information before their trip.

Things To Do Near Yavapai Campground

Hiking

Granite Basin has an extensive network of trails through forests, granite formations and the foothills surrounding Granite Mountain. Nearby trails provide opportunities for short outings as well as access toward Granite Mountain Wilderness.

Mountain Biking

Many trails throughout the Granite Basin Recreation Area are open to mountain biking, allowing riders to explore interconnected routes through the surrounding high-desert and forest landscape.

Fishing & Boating

Granite Basin Lake provides fishing and boating opportunities close to the campground. Anglers may encounter bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is popular throughout Granite Basin, and the recreation area includes trails designed to connect riders with the surrounding trail system.

Bird Watching & Wildlife

The combination of ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper woodland, granite formations and nearby water creates varied habitat for birds and other Arizona wildlife.

Reservations & Camping Information

Most Yavapai Campground campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Campsites 4, 16 and 21 are designated walk-in sites and cannot be reserved. Because campsite dimensions and RV or trailer restrictions vary, campers should review the specifications for an individual campsite before making reservations.

Yavapai Campground Reservations - Recreation.gov
Reservations: (877) 444-6777
Bradshaw Ranger District: (928) 443-8000

Before You Go Camping

• Check current campground availability, alerts and fire restrictions before leaving home
• Confirm the maximum RV or trailer length allowed at your selected campsite
• Bring appropriate food-storage containers and keep a clean campsite in wildlife country
• Expect cooler nighttime temperatures than in Arizona's lower desert areas
• Carry adequate drinking water when hiking or exploring trails away from the campground
• Follow posted fire regulations and use fires only where currently permitted
• Check current fishing regulations before fishing Granite Basin Lake

Directions To Yavapai Campground From Prescott

From downtown Prescott, take Montezuma Street north to Whipple Street, which becomes Iron Springs Road. Continue northwest on Iron Springs Road for approximately 3.5 miles, then turn right onto Granite Basin Road, Forest Road 374. Continue about 2 miles to Yavapai Campground, which will be on the left.

More Information

Granite Basin Recreation Area - Prescott National Forest
Bradshaw Ranger District
Prescott National Forest
Phone: (928) 443-8000

Yavapai Campground FAQ

Where is Yavapai Campground?

Yavapai Campground is located in the Granite Basin Recreation Area of Prescott National Forest, approximately seven miles northwest of downtown Prescott, Arizona.

Can you reserve campsites at Yavapai Campground?

Yes. Most campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Campsites 4, 16 and 21 are walk-in sites and are not reservable.

Are RVs allowed at Yavapai Campground?

Yes. RVs and camping trailers are permitted, but campsite dimensions vary and some sites have specific vehicle-length limitations. Campers should check individual campsite specifications before making a reservation.

Does Yavapai Campground have drinking water?

Water faucets are available within Yavapai Campground. Campers should always verify current facility conditions before arriving.

Does Yavapai Campground have RV hookups?

Most campsites are nonelectric and there is no RV sanitary dump station. Recreation.gov currently identifies campsite 9 as having 50-amp electrical service.

What can you do at Granite Basin Lake?

Granite Basin Lake and the surrounding recreation area offer fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, picnicking and access to nearby trails.

What fish are in Granite Basin Lake?

Granite Basin Lake is not stocked, but anglers may catch bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.

How long can you stay at Yavapai Campground?

The maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest, including developed and dispersed camping sites.

In The Pines Around Prescott