Mingus Mountain Campground
00 reviewAtop Mingus Mountain, accessed via Forest Road 104 off Hwy 89A.
Mingus Mountain Campground
$5.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$14.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Tent sites cost $10/night, electrical hookup sites are $14/night. Additional vehicles cost $5/night. Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Escape to Mingus Mountain Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral 7,600 feet above the desert floor. This Prescott National Forest gem welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers with sites nestled among ancient volcanic rock formations. Wake up to breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Verde Valley to Sedona's iconic red rocks, where the morning light paints the landscape in brilliant hues.
Mingus Mountain Campground provides a variety of camping options, including RV and tent sites. Limited group camping and cabin/glamping accommodations are available.
Historical SignificanceJust down the winding mountain road lies the legendary mining town of Jerome, Arizona's most famous ghost town turned artist haven. Explore the fascinating Gold King Mine and Ghost Town, where rusted mining equipment and vintage vehicles tell the story of Arizona's copper boom days. These historic sites offer a captivating glimpse into the Wild West era that shaped this rugged landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Mingus Mountain, where winter blankets the campground in pristine snow and summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures. The sweet spot for camping stretches from late spring through early fall, when wildflowers dot the meadows and the mountain air carries the vanilla scent of pine bark warmed by the sun.
ElevationPerched at 7,600 feet above sea level, Mingus Mountain Campground provides a refreshing alpine retreat where temperatures run 20-30 degrees cooler than the valley below. This elevated paradise offers relief from desert heat and creates perfect conditions for stargazing under crisp, clear mountain skies.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine forest ecosystem where majestic Ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their cinnamon-colored bark glowing in the filtered sunlight. Ancient volcanic formations dot the landscape, revealing the mountain's fiery origins through scattered lava tuff rocks that tell a geological story millions of years in the making. The cool mountain air carries the whisper of wind through pine needles, creating nature's perfect soundtrack.
Geological RegionMingus Mountain rises from ancient volcanic forces, creating a cool pine forest oasis above the surrounding desert. This geological wonder showcases its dramatic origins through lava tuff rocks while serving as a natural viewing platform for some of Arizona's most spectacular landmarks. From your campsite, gaze across the expansive Verde Valley to witness Sedona's world-famous red rock formations, the distant escarpment of the Mogollon Rim, and on clear days, the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks standing sentinel on the horizon.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeThe RV sites offer parking aprons made of dirt and are suitable for standard-sized vehicles.
Sites PrivacyTent sites are tucked along the mountainside under towering Ponderosa pines for ample shade and privacy, while RV sites are situated in a loop with younger trees, offering less shade but more open views.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure sites with the best views.
Best CampsitesTent sites in loops stretching up the mountainside offer privacy, shade, and views. Electrical hookup sites in the main loop provide easy access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days within a 30-day period.
Groups
No details regarding group site capacity or amenities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two sections: one loop with electrical hookups and tent loops with several spurs extending up the mountainside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 31.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are not reservable. Visitors may occupy sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Mingus Mountain Campground offers a blend of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its scenic trails and nearby Mingus Lake provide opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Hiking
Three hiking trails are accessible: Mingus Interpretive Trail (0.3 miles, foot traffic only), Trail #106 (6-mile loop for foot traffic), and Gaddes Can Trail #110 (1.5 miles, suitable for mountain biking, OHVs, and walking).Fishing
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is available at Mingus Lake, located 0.25 miles from the campground. Bank fishing is the primary option here.Biking
The Gaddes Can Trail #110 accommodates mountain biking with 1.5 miles of trail.Wildlife viewing
The campground's location in Ponderosa pine forests and volcanic terrain attracts diverse wildlife. Bears are present, requiring safe food storage practices.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, although the area experiences snowy conditions during colder months.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; safe food storage is required.
Active alertsElectricity outage due to lightning damage; repair timeline unknown as of February 2024.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 99%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Verde Ranger Station (928) 567-4121 for emergencies.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is available at the campground; recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Mingus Lake (0.25 miles) offers stocked Rainbow trout fishing.
Common complaintsElectricity outage; rough and steep access road in parts.
Campground Map
Atop Mingus Mountain, accessed via Forest Road 104 off Hwy 89A.
Driving directionsOff Hwy 89A, turn onto Forest Road 104 at the Summit Picnic Site. Follow paved road for approximately two miles, then continue on gravel road for 0.5 miles to a 4-way stop where a right turn leads into the campground.
Access involves both paved and gravel roads. The route through Jerome on Hwy 89A includes steep gradients and numerous hairpin turns, which may be challenging for RVs. The alternate route from Prescott Valley is less steep and more RV-friendly.Nearby places
Clarkdale: Approximately 12.1 miles, Jerome: Approximately 13 miles.
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned in available data
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Mingus Mountain Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the campground's picturesque views, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. Complaints focus on the current lack of electricity and vault toilet conditions.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the stunning views of Mingus Mountain, Verde Valley, Sedona's red rocks, and Flagstaff's peaks. The towering Ponderosa pines and secluded tent sites were also highly praised.
Common Concerns
Electricity outage across the campground and the vault toilets' maintenance emerged as common concerns among visitors.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure sites with the best views. Keeping food securely stored is crucial due to bear activity.
Seasonal Insights
Visitors prefer camping during late spring or early autumn when temperatures are mild, avoiding mid-summer heat or winter snowfall.
Camper Quotes
"The views from Mingus Mountain are unbeatable! Verde Valley and Sedona's red rocks are breathtaking," one camper noted. Another shared, "The vault toilets could use better upkeep, but the serenity...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites in the tent section offer more shade compared to the RV sites, which are situated in a younger pine forest and have more open views. No site numbers were explicitly highlighted.
Accessibility Features
There are no reviews that specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be leashed with a 6-foot maximum leash. No specific reviews from pet owners were provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025