Potato Patch Campground

Star4.47
564 reviews
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 EAST HIGHWAY 260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA

Quick Facts

7,200 ft

Price

$14 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Verde Ranger District, Prescott National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Potato Patch Campground
$14.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on site type and season. Electric sites cost $24 during peak season, non-electric sites range from $14 to $36.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(928) 567-4121tpalmer01@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 564 reviews

171 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Overall, the campground receives high praise for cleanliness, friendly hosts, and its forested setting. Many visitors highlighted the well-maintained facilities and the serene atmosphere."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 EAST HIGHWAY 260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA

Potato Patch Campground

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 EAST HIGHWAY 260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA

Driving directionsFrom Prescott, take U.S. Highway 89 north past Granite Dells, turn right on Hwy 89A and travel approximately 20 miles to the top of Mingus Mountain on steep, mountainous grade. Potato Patch Campground entrance will be to your left (across from the Summit Picnic Area) on Forest Road 106. From the Verde Ranger Station in Camp Verde, travel approximately 20 miles northwest on Hwy 260 (toward Cottonwood). Turn left on Hwy 89A. Stay on Hwy 89A (watch for a second left turn), then follow the paved and winding mountain road through the town of Jerome and up to the summit on Mingus Mountain. The turn-off to Potato Patch is on the right, across from the Summit Picnic Area.
Road access to Potato Patch Campground is paved but challenging due to steep grades and tight hairpin turns, especially on Hwy 89A through Jerome. Vehicles with trailers or RVs are advised to approach from Prescott or Prescott Valley to avoid difficulties.
Nearby places
Jerome (5 miles, 10 min), Clarkdale (9 miles, 15 min), Cottonwood (9.5 miles, 15 min), Prescott Valley (20 miles, 30 min), Prescott (25 miles, 40 min)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Jerome (5 miles, 10 min) and Cottonwood (9.5 miles, 15 min).

Best Time to Camp at Potato Patch Campground

Summer transforms this high-elevation retreat into a cool mountain oasis, where daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 82°F before dropping to crisp, sleeping-bag-friendly 58°F nights. The elevation brings dramatic seasonal changes, with winter occasionally dusting the pines with snow, creating a completely different camping experience for those brave enough to venture up the mountain during colder months.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; summers are cool (~82°F) and popular as a mountain oasis.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; trails, cooler temps and scenic vistas make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring (open May 1) offers wildflowers and good hiking; early spring is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr; minimal winter recreational availability.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 through October 31 (peak season).

About Potato Patch Campground

Perched high in the Prescott National Forest at 7,200 feet, Potato Patch Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge beneath towering ponderosa pines. This mountain sanctuary seamlessly blends the serenity of old-growth forest camping with convenient access to premier hiking trails and fascinating historical sites, creating an ideal basecamp for your Arizona highland adventures.
Potato Patch Campground offers a mix of camping options, catering to both tent campers and RV users. Loop A is tailored for tents and smaller setups, while Loop B provides sites with 30-amp electrical hookups for RVs.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Stay maximum is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of recreational activities is available at Potato Patch Campground. Popular activities include hiking on nearby trails, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, and fishing at Mingus Lake. The campground's proximity to trails like Yeager Canyon Trail #28 and Woodchute Trail #102 provides access to the Woodchute Wilderness area, offering rewarding hikes and stunning views. The Great Western Trail segment runs adjacent to the campground, and the Verde River below offers opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching. Some visitors also enjoyed stargazing due to the area's elevation and minimal light pollution.
HikingNumerous hiking opportunities are available, including the nearby Yeager Canyon Trail #28 and Woodchute Trail #102. These trails lead through the Woodchute Wilderness, providing breathtaking views from Woodchute Mountain. 'There's a nice hike "Woodchute" Trail that takes you to the top of the mountain and offers a 360 view,' noted a visitor.
FishingFishing is available at Mingus Lake, located just across the highway. 'Mingus Lake is stocked for fishing,' according to the official description.
BoatingOpportunities for kayaking and rafting are available at the Verde River in the valley below.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with visitors frequently spotting deer and hearing coyotes howling in the distance. 'So many deer just walking by and tons of coyotes in the distance howling give that western feel for sure,' noted a camper.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bears and tarantulas), steep access roads, and occasional heavy rainfall.

Weather at Potato Patch Campground

Reviews

4.5
564 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Potato Patch Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the campground receives high praise for cleanliness, friendly hosts, and its forested setting. Many visitors highlighted the well-maintained facilities and the serene atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 564 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the clean composting toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and the peaceful environment. The proximity to hiking trails and the scenic forest setting were also...
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Based on 564 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the close proximity of campsites, generator noise from RVs, and occasional issues with pests such as moths. Some reviewers also mentioned traffic noise from the nearby highway.
Based on 564 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as it is not sold on-site. Consider choosing a site in Loop A for more privacy and shade. Be cautious of the steep and winding access road, especially with larger vehicles.
Based on 564 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are particularly popular due to the campground's cool, elevated location. The campground can be crowded during weekends and holidays. Winter activity is minimal due to seasonal closures.
Based on 564 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are top-notch, no flies or bugs and very clean." "The composting toilets were nice and didn’t stink at all." "So many deer just walking by and tons of coyotes in the distance howling...
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Based on 564 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 22 is described as perfect for a large tent and is highly recommended. Sites in Loop A are noted for being more spacious and private compared to Loop B.
Based on 564 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites with pedestal grills are noted. Paved parking areas and nearby restrooms enhance accessibility.
Based on 564 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Some visitors appreciated the pet-friendly environment.
Based on 564 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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