Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

White Spar Campground Near Prescott Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on

White Spar Campground near Prescott, Arizona offers tent and RV camping in a ponderosa pine setting within Prescott National Forest. Located about 2.7 miles south of downtown Prescott and just east of Highway 89, the campground provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, Goldwater Lake and other Prescott-area recreation. At approximately 5,641 feet in elevation, White Spar combines a forest camping experience with the convenience of being only a short drive from downtown Prescott.

Campfire at a forest campground near Prescott Arizona

White Spar Campground Overview

White Spar Campground is part of Prescott National Forest and sits among ponderosa pines just south of Prescott. Its location makes it convenient for campers who want a forest setting without being far from restaurants, shopping and other services in town. Recreation.gov currently lists the campground at 5,641 feet in elevation and approximately 2.7 miles south of downtown Prescott.

  • Location: Prescott National Forest near Prescott, Arizona.
  • Elevation: Approximately 5,641 feet.
  • Camping: Tent, trailer and RV camping.
  • Setting: Ponderosa pine forest.
  • Roads: Paved campground access and internal roads.
  • Maximum Stay: 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest.

Campsites & RV Camping At White Spar

White Spar Campground currently has 52 single campsites and four double campsites. Campsites accommodate a mix of tents, trailers and RVs, but parking dimensions and maximum equipment lengths vary substantially by site. Some individual sites can accommodate larger rigs, while others are better suited to tents or smaller campers.

  • Single Sites: Designed for up to five people.
  • Double Sites: Designed for up to ten people.
  • RV Access: Available at many campsites, with maximum lengths varying by site.
  • Parking: Most campsites have paved driveways or parking areas.
  • Hookups: Campsites are generally non-electric and do not provide utility hookups.
  • Large RVs: Check the exact campsite dimensions before reserving because equipment limits vary considerably.

White Spar Campground Reservations & Availability

White Spar Campground includes both reservable camping opportunities and sites that may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability can vary by campsite and season, so visitors should check the current White Spar Campground listing on Recreation.gov before traveling rather than assuming a site will be available upon arrival.

Check-in is generally 2:00 PM and checkout is 12:00 PM for campsites listed through Recreation.gov. Campground availability and individual site status can change seasonally.

White Spar Campground Facilities & Amenities

White Spar is a developed forest campground but does not provide full-service RV resort amenities. Campers should arrive prepared for non-electric camping and confirm seasonal services before their trip.

  • Picnic Areas: Campsites typically include a picnic table.
  • Fire Rings or Grills: Developed fire rings or grills are provided at campsites.
  • Drinking Water: Water is available seasonally.
  • Restrooms: Campground toilet facilities are available.
  • RV Hookups: No utility hookups.
  • Dump Station: No RV sanitary dump station is available.
  • Shade: Many campsites are shaded by ponderosa pines.
  • Campground Roads: Internal roads and campsite parking areas are paved.

Things To Do Near White Spar Campground

White Spar Campground is particularly convenient for visitors who want to combine camping with Prescott-area outdoor recreation. Hiking, mountain biking and bird watching are available in the surrounding Prescott National Forest, while several lakes and recreation areas are within a short drive.

  • Goldwater Lake: Popular Prescott-area lake south of town for fishing, paddling, picnicking and outdoor recreation.
  • Prescott Hiking: Trails throughout the Prescott Basin provide hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
  • Watson Lake: Scenic recreation area known for granite formations, paddling, hiking and bird watching.
  • Willow Lake: Another Prescott-area lake offering trails, scenery and wildlife viewing.
  • Thumb Butte: Prominent Prescott landmark with hiking and scenic views in the Prescott Basin.
  • Downtown Prescott: Restaurants, shopping, historic Whiskey Row and other attractions are only a short drive from the campground.

White Spar Campground Rules

  • Campfires: Fires are permitted only in designated concrete grills or steel fire rings and may be prohibited during periods of fire restrictions.
  • Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet or otherwise properly confined.
  • Fireworks: Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on National Forest lands.
  • Stay Limit: Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest.
  • Vehicles: Vehicles must remain on established campsite driveways and parking areas.
  • Firewood: Campers are encouraged to obtain firewood near their destination to reduce the spread of tree-killing pests.

Fire restrictions and campground regulations can change with weather, wildfire danger and forest conditions, so verify current Prescott National Forest rules before building a campfire.

Directions To White Spar Campground

White Spar Campground is located approximately 2.7 miles south of downtown Prescott, east of Highway 89. From central Prescott, travel south on Montezuma Street as it continues toward Highway 89, then follow signs for White Spar Campground. Because road work and local traffic patterns can change, confirm current directions before departure.

Tips For Camping At White Spar Campground

  • Check your site dimensions: RV and trailer length limits differ substantially between campsites.
  • Confirm water availability: Drinking water is seasonal, so carry adequate water when services may be unavailable.
  • Check fire restrictions: Wood and charcoal fires can be prohibited during periods of elevated wildfire danger.
  • Plan for cool nights: The campground sits above 5,600 feet and temperatures can drop considerably after sunset.
  • Check availability first: Some campsites may be reservable while others operate first-come, first-served.
  • Bring a leash: Pets must be restrained in accordance with campground regulations.
  • Plan RV waste service: There is no sanitary dump station at White Spar Campground.

White Spar Campground FAQ

Where is White Spar Campground?

White Spar Campground is in Prescott National Forest approximately 2.7 miles south of downtown Prescott, Arizona, just east of Highway 89.

What is the elevation of White Spar Campground?

Recreation.gov lists White Spar Campground at approximately 5,641 feet in elevation.

How many campsites are at White Spar Campground?

The current federal listing identifies 52 single campsites and four double campsites.

Can you reserve campsites at White Spar Campground?

Yes, reservable camping opportunities are available through Recreation.gov, while some individual campsites may be designated first-come, first-served. Check current availability for the specific dates and site you want.

Can RVs camp at White Spar Campground?

Yes. Many campsites accommodate RVs and trailers, but maximum equipment lengths vary substantially by campsite. Review individual site dimensions before reserving.

Does White Spar Campground have RV hookups?

No. White Spar is generally a non-electric campground without utility hookups.

Is there a dump station at White Spar Campground?

No. Recreation.gov states that an RV sanitary dump station is not available at the campground.

Is drinking water available?

Water is available seasonally. Campers should verify current water availability and bring sufficient water when seasonal service is unavailable.

Are dogs allowed at White Spar Campground?

Yes. Pets are allowed but must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet or otherwise properly confined according to campground regulations.

What can you do near White Spar Campground?

Nearby recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, paddling and sightseeing around Goldwater Lake, Thumb Butte, Watson Lake, Willow Lake and the greater Prescott area.

Current Campground Information

Campsite availability, fees, water service, fire restrictions and campground regulations can change. Check the current White Spar Campground information through Prescott National Forest and Recreation.gov before traveling.


 

 

Top Arizona Destination Areas

Pleasant, Rainbow, Willow Springs, Big Lake, More...

Greer, Strawberry, Cabins, Heber-Overgaard, More...

Peaks Drive, Map, Williams, San Francisco Peaks, More...

Javelinas, Bats, Bobcats, Tarantulas, Bear, More...

Oak Creek Canyon, Palatki Ruins, Map, Weather, More...

Map, Jerome, Weather, Camping, Cabins, More...

Apache Junction, Mesa, Chandler, Parks, More...

Parks, Map, Route 66, Cabins, Distance Guide, More...

Sledding, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, More...

Wahweap, Map, Facts, Houseboats, Distances, More...

Tucson, Nogales, Tombstone, Rocky Point, More...

Phoenix To South Rim, Wildlife, Weather, Falls, More...

Hoover Dam, Parker, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, More...

Most Popular Arizona Attractions