Hilltop Campground Near Prescott Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 16, 2026

Hilltop Campground is a developed Forest Service campground in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area southeast of Prescott, Arizona. Set among ponderosa pines at roughly 5,700 feet in elevation, the campground provides tent and RV camping within walking distance of Lynx Lake, with easy access to fishing, boating, hiking and mountain biking. Hilltop offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served campsites, making it a convenient base for exploring Prescott National Forest.

• Campground Overview
• Campsites & Facilities
• Reservations & Fees
• Lynx Lake Recreation
• Camping Season
• Things To Do
• Camping Tips
• Directions
• Hilltop Campground FAQ

Hilltop Campground Overview

Hilltop Campground is located about one-half mile south of Lynx Lake in the Prescott National Forest. Campsites are surrounded by ponderosa pine, oak, manzanita and other high-country vegetation, providing a wooded setting only a short drive from Prescott.

• Elevation: About 5,700 feet
• Campground type: Tent, trailer and RV camping
• Maximum vehicle length: Generally up to 40 feet
• RV hookups: None
• Restrooms: Vault toilets
• Drinking water: Available
• Garbage service: Available
• Nearby recreation: Lynx Lake, hiking, boating, fishing and mountain biking

Hilltop Campground Campsites & Facilities

Hilltop contains a combination of single and double campsites. Recreation.gov currently lists 34 single sites and three double-occupancy sites, with many available for advance reservation and others available first-come, first-served. Individual campsites include a picnic table, steel fire ring and established tent pad.

The campground provides five vault restrooms, trash dumpsters and drinking-water faucets. There are no RV hookups or sanitary dump station, and filling RV water tanks from campground faucets is not permitted.

Hilltop Campground Reservations & Fees

Many Hilltop Campground sites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, while some campsites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservable sites are especially useful for summer weekends and other popular travel periods.

• Single campsite: $18 per night
• Double campsite: $36 per night
• Additional vehicle: $5 per vehicle per night
• Maximum stay: 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest

Fees and reservation policies can change, so confirm current pricing and campsite availability before traveling.

Lynx Lake Near Hilltop Campground

Lynx Lake is a major attraction for Hilltop campers and lies within walking distance of the campground. The approximately 55-acre lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating and lakeside recreation and is periodically stocked with trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older. Current Forest Service rules allow electric motors and gas-powered motors of 10 horsepower or less on Lynx Lake.

The Lynx Lake Marina and Store at the north end of the lake currently offers fishing and camping supplies, bait, boat rentals, firewood and restaurant service, although operating hours can vary seasonally.

Hilltop Campground Season

Hilltop Campground is primarily a spring-through-fall campground. The Forest Service currently lists the season of use from the last weekend in April through October 31, with operational dates generally running April 1 through October 31. Opening dates can vary with weather, maintenance and seasonal conditions.

Prescott's elevation provides cooler nighttime temperatures than Arizona's lower deserts, but summer thunderstorms, wildfire restrictions and occasional cold weather can affect camping conditions. Check current Forest Service alerts before traveling.

Things To Do Near Hilltop Campground

• Fish for trout and other species at Lynx Lake
• Boat or paddle on Lynx Lake
• Hike trails throughout the Lynx Lake Recreation Area
• Mountain bike on connecting Prescott Basin trails
• Watch birds and other wildlife in the surrounding forest
• Visit Thumb Butte and other Prescott-area recreation sites
• Explore Downtown Prescott and Courthouse Plaza

Hilltop's location makes it possible to combine a forest camping trip with both Lynx Lake recreation and the restaurants, historic attractions and events of Prescott.

Hilltop Campground Camping Tips

• Reserve ahead for popular weekends if you want a specific campsite
• Compare your RV or trailer length with the individual campsite driveway before booking
• Do not assume every site will accommodate RV slide-outs
• Bring an appropriate water container because campground faucets cannot be used to fill RV tanks
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet
• Store food and trash securely because bears are active in the Prescott area
• Check current fire restrictions before building a campfire or using charcoal
• Use only established fire rings when fires are permitted
• Check current Lynx Lake and Forest Service alerts before traveling

Directions To Hilltop Campground From Prescott

From Downtown Prescott, travel east on Gurley Street and continue onto Arizona Highway 69. Turn south onto Walker Road near the commercial area east of Prescott and continue approximately 3 to 4 miles. Follow the signs for Hilltop Campground and turn east onto the campground access road. The campground roads and parking spurs are paved.

Official Hilltop Campground Information

Campground fees, reservations, fire restrictions and operating dates can change. Check current federal information before traveling.

Hilltop Campground - Prescott National Forest
Bradshaw Ranger District
Prescott National Forest
Phone: (928) 443-8000

Hilltop Campground Reservations - Recreation.gov

Hilltop Campground FAQ

Where is Hilltop Campground in Arizona?

Hilltop Campground is located in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area of Prescott National Forest southeast of Prescott, Arizona, about one-half mile south of Lynx Lake.

How many campsites are at Hilltop Campground?

Recreation.gov currently lists 34 single campsites and three double sites. The Forest Service summarizes the campground as having 38 campsites.

Can you reserve campsites at Hilltop Campground?

Yes. Many Hilltop campsites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, while some sites remain available first-come, first-served.

How much does Hilltop Campground cost?

The current Forest Service fee is $18 per night for a single campsite and $36 for a double campsite, with an additional vehicle fee of $5 per night. Fees are subject to change.

Can RVs camp at Hilltop Campground?

Yes. Hilltop accommodates tents, trailers and RVs, and campsites are generally suitable for recreational vehicles under 40 feet. Individual campsite driveway dimensions vary.

Does Hilltop Campground have RV hookups?

No. Hilltop Campground does not provide electric, water or sewer hookups, and there is no RV dump station.

Is drinking water available at Hilltop Campground?

Yes. The Forest Service currently lists potable drinking water at Hilltop Campground, although campground faucets may not be used to fill RV water tanks.

How close is Hilltop Campground to Lynx Lake?

Hilltop Campground is approximately one-half mile south of Lynx Lake, close enough for campers to reach the lake and surrounding recreation trails on foot.

Do you need a fishing license at Lynx Lake?

Yes. Arizona residents and nonresidents age 10 and older generally need a valid Arizona fishing or combination license to fish publicly accessible waters such as Lynx Lake.

How long can you stay at Hilltop Campground?

The current Prescott National Forest stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period, including stays at developed and dispersed recreation sites.

In The Pines Around Prescott