Is Playground Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Playground Group accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Playground Group before I book?

Yes! Playground Group has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Playground Group?

Playground Group is open May 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Playground Group?

Playground Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Playground Group?

Fire policies at Playground Group: Fire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions, at which time smoking, wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Playground Group have?

Playground Group has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Playground Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at Playground Group. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Playground Group?

Playground Group offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Playground Group

4.01

53 reviews

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

Top 10% in AZSummer

CReport Card

Featured in:Fishing Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Playground Group

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Provider

928-567-4121 DURING OFFICE HOURS 0800-0430 M-F

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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

Nearby places

Jerome (7 miles, ~15 minutes), Prescott Valley (13 miles, ~30 minutes), Sedona (approx. ~45 miles)

Weather at Playground Group

Current alerts(9)

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Drinking water is not available at this Site. Drinking water can be obtained at the Mingus Picnic Site.
Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited at all times on National Forest Lands.
Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days in Prescott National Forest including stays at dispersed sites.

Best Time to Camp at Playground Group

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Playground Group for a cool escape from the desert — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with crisp nights in the 40s to low 50s, making long days on the trail comfortable. This is peak season for group camping, hiking, fishing and boating on nearby reservoirs, and spectacular star- and thunderstorm-watching during Arizona’s monsoon (mid-June through mid-September). Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holidays, so book group site Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in AZ

Marked best season; cool highs (mid-60s to mid-80s) and many summer reviews praise the escape.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to October 31 (reservable).

About Playground Group

Playground Group is a high-elevation group campground in Prescott National Forest, operated by the Forest Service near Camp Verde. Despite its name, there's no playground equipment—just a quiet, secluded meadow setting where elk, deer, and wild turkeys roam. Groups come for cool summer escapes from the desert heat, with access to nearby reservoirs and trails.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Playground Group for a cool escape from the desert — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with crisp nights in the 40s to low 50s, making long days on the trail comfortable. This is peak season for group camping, hiking, fishing and boating on nearby reservoirs, and spectacular star- and thunderstorm-watching during Arizona’s monsoon (mid-June through mid-September). Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holidays, so book group site Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines surround the campground, creating a secluded forest setting typical of Arizona's sky island ecosystems. Elk, deer, and wild turkeys move through the area regularly. A grassy meadow sits near the site. The pine forest at this elevation contrasts sharply with the desert valleys below, though views depend on where you position yourself within the trees.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging-related details are provided, as this is exclusively a campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground itself does not offer cultural or educational programs, though nearby attractions like Tuzigoot National Monument may offer historical insights.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights within rolling 30 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 100 people per group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 100 people and includes picnic tables, grills, and a fire pit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeGroup site accommodating up to 100 people.

PrivacyThe campground is described as private and secluded, surrounded by tall ponderosa pine trees.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite Play1 is ideal for privacy and wildlife spotting, including elk and wild turkeys.

Best CampsitesThe site is labeled Play1 in Loop PLAY. Reviewers mention good privacy and frequent wildlife sightings here.

Need help booking Playground Group?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Playground Group Campground offers a large group gathering space equipped with picnic tables, grills, a large fire pit, and nearby vault toilets. It is adjacent to a family picnic area but lacks potable water on-site, requiring campers to bring their own or collect from the nearby Mingus Picnic Site. Convenience stores for essentials are available in Prescott Valley and Cottonwood. User reviews highlight spacious areas with clean bathrooms, numerous picnic tables, and grills, though some note the lack of water as a drawback. "Very nice group event area that needs to be reserved. Plenty of picnic tables, barbecues, and a large fire pit," states one reviewer. Another camper appreciated the clean bathrooms and "adequate parking," while others mentioned the "drama-free environment" and "lots of wildlife in the meadow across the road."

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Playground Group

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.

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking possible at nearby reservoirs/Dead Horse Ranch; campground itself lacks water access.

Winter Activities1.5/5

Road closures and winter accessibility issues noted; winter sports limited.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/57,500' elevation and secluded meadow imply good dark-sky stargazing (no direct mentions).

Photography4.0/5Ponderosa pines, meadow, elk and scenic viewpoints offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

53 reviews

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 -...

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

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

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...

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...

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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Playground Group

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$125.00