Playground Group

Star4.16
53 reviews
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 E HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$75 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Playground Group
$75.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group fees range from $75 for 1-25 people, $100 for 26-50 people, and $125 for 51-100 people during peak season. Rates do not include taxes or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
928-567-4121
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 53 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswell-maintained

"Users generally praise this campground for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and privacy. The vault toilets and wildlife viewing opportunities are commonly mentioned in positive reviews. However, some users noted the lack of potable water and the rough gravel road leading to the site as drawbacks."

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Campground Map

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 E HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA

Playground Group

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 E HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA

Driving directionsTake State Highway 89A (seven miles southwest of Jerome or 13 miles east of Prescott Valley) to Forest Road 104. Travel on Forest Road 104 for two miles to Playground Group Campground.
Gravel roads that can be quite bumpy, requiring slow driving. The winding drive offers spectacular views but may be challenging for some vehicles.
Nearby places
Jerome (7 miles, ~15 minutes), Prescott Valley (13 miles, ~30 minutes), Sedona (approx. ~45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearby towns Prescott Valley and Cottonwood provide grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Playground Group

Summer transforms this mountain retreat into a refreshing escape from desert heat, with gentle breezes whispering through the pines and afternoon thunderstorms painting dramatic skies from mid-June through mid-September. These mountain storms bring nature's own light show and the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. Winter wraps the forest in pristine snow, occasionally closing access roads and creating a wonderland for those lucky enough to visit before the gates close for the season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; described as cool respite from desert heat with wildlife and pleasant breezes.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall within open season; scenic vistas and forest setting make fall visits attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning May 1 (late spring); pleasant but partial spring season availability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed outside May 1–Oct 31; winter access impacted by snow/road closures.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 to October 31 (reservable).
  • Current Alerts: Road closures may occur in winter due to snow or other hazards.

About Playground Group

Escape to the cool mountain heights of Playground Group Campground, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 7,500 feet above the desert floor. This secluded haven in Prescott National Forest welcomes groups seeking adventure and connection, accommodating up to 100 people in a pristine wilderness setting. Gather around the expansive fire pit under star-filled skies, share meals at sturdy picnic tables equipped with grills, and explore winding forest trails that beckon just beyond your campsite. While you'll need to bring your own water, the campground provides vault toilets and the kind of authentic outdoor experience that creates lasting memories.
Playground Group Campground is a group camping site designed for up to 100 people. It offers amenities like picnic tables, a large fire pit, and grills. It is described as clean, well-maintained, and spacious.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights within rolling 30 days

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Playground Group Campground offers hiking opportunities with trails varying in intensity, from short walks to elevated climbs. Wildlife viewing across the meadow adds to the camping experience, with elk, deer, and wild turkeys commonly seen. Nearby attractions include Jerome town, Tuzigoot National Monument, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which provide diverse recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing.
HikingMultiple hiking trails are available in the surrounding Prescott National Forest, catering to various levels of intensity from easy short-distance walks to more challenging climbs.
FishingA nearby pond offers fishing opportunities, noted positively in reviews: "Small lake nearby and many enjoyed the fishing."
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a nearby attraction.
BoatingCanoeing opportunities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, as noted in nearby attractions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted by user reviews, with sightings of elk, deer, and wild turkeys in the meadow. "Lots of wildlife in the meadow across from us every evening," one review notes.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent thunderstorms in summer. Gravel roads may pose challenges. High elevation may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active AlertsRoad closures may occur in winter due to snow or other hazards.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Playground Group

Reviews

4.2
53 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Playground Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise this campground for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and privacy. The vault toilets and wildlife viewing opportunities are commonly mentioned in positive reviews. However, some users noted the lack of potable water and the rough gravel road leading to the site as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Spacious group site with ample picnic tables and grills - Wildlife sightings including elk, deer, and wild turkeys - Quiet and secluded atmosphere -...
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Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water on-site - Rough gravel road leading to the campground - No playground equipment for children despite the name
Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring potable water as none is available on-site - Use caution when driving on the rough gravel road - Consider bringing a power strip for charging devices - Plan ahead for firewood purchases due...
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Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the cool respite from desert heat and wildlife sightings. Winter reviews mention road closures, possibly due to snow, impacting accessibility.
Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean and well maintained." - Suzanne B "Small lake nearby and many enjoyed the fishing." - Kelly Minehan "Lots of wildlife in the meadow across from us every evening." - Liz G "The...
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Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site Play1, Loop PLAY: Reviews emphasize privacy, clean facilities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. "No generators to listen to," said Suzanne B.
Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not directly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed or caged at all times. "Pets are welcome but must be on a 6 foot leash or in a cage and never unattended," as per the authoritative source.
Based on 53 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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