Overview

Lynx Campground is located in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area at 5,600 feet in elevation. Within 1/4 mile of the popular Lynx Lake, the campground is situated along the lake's west shoreline. The facility is about seven miles southeast of the city of Prescott, Arizona. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book on this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.

Facilities

Natural Features

Recreation

Several trail systems trails are within the Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Most trails allow for multiple modes of travel. The exceptions are Lynx Creek Ruin Trail #301 and Loop Trail #311 that allows hiking only.

Wildlife viewing is a grand event when a bald eagle, osprey, or great blue heron has been seen flying effortlessly above Lynx Lake or skimming the water surface.

Recreational panning is allowed on the Prescott National Forest, as long as any natural feature is not harmed and no motorized or mechanical equipment or mining aids are used.

Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in central Arizona and attracts more than 90,000 visitors each year. The lake offers a boat ramp and allows for boats with 10 HP motors or less. Oar, paddle, or sail-powered boats are also permitted.

Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers can be found on most trails.

Forest Service Day-Use Facilities in the Prescott Basin are accessible at no additional fee. See the Volunteer Host for a complimentary pass validated for your length of stay. Visiting a Day-Use facility requires a pass visibly displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side.

Nearby Attractions

The Highlands Center for Natural History, in partnership with the Prescott National Forest, is only a few minutes from Lynx Campground. A learning center, trail system on 80 acres, and scheduled interpretive programs are but a few of the exciting activities the Center offers through the spring, summer, and fall.

Lynx Lake Cafe near North Shore Day-Use Area offers a full service restaurant serving breakfast 8-11 and lunch 11-2 Thrusday through Sunday. Dinner is served Thursday thru Saturday 4-8 pm.

The City of Prescott is a few minutes drive from Lynx Campground. Many activities including arts, crafts, and music festivals are scheduled throughout the summer.

Watson Lake, islocated within a 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground, is managed by the City of Prescott. The City of Prescott recreation pass and day-use fee should not be confused with the Prescott National Forest Day-use Passes or Day-Use fee.

Fain Lake, in Prescott Valley, is a private enterprise and a short 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground. Fishing and picnicking can be found there.

Important Notices

• Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days in Prescott National Forest including stays at dispersed sites.
• No RV hook-ups or dump stations are available.
• Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m
• Pets are welcome but must be on a 6 foot leash or in a cage and never unattended.
• Three designated handicap accessible campsites are found in the campground (campsites 20, 21, and 35).
• At least one person must occupy a campsite during the first night after camping equipment is set up. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
• All guests with an extra vehicle must pay with exact change using the self-pay kiosk upon arrival.
• Boats with motors are allowed on Lynx Lake and are restricted to 10 HP or less.
• Campfires in developed fire pits only
• Discharging any weapon is prohibited at all times in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area
• Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited at all times on National Forest Lands.
• Fire restrictions may be imposed due to dry conditions, at which time smoking, wood and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
• OHV/ATV use prohibited in the campground
• 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.

Notifications and Alerts

• AREA NOTICE: Please be advised the lake water level is currently very low to accommodate maintenance needs on the dam. The lake will refill naturally via snowmelt and rainfall. Thank you for your consideration. 

Available Activities

• HOTEL/LODGE/RESORT PRIVATELY OWNED - Motel
• WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
• VISITOR CENTER - Emergency Services
• HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
• HIKING - Hiking
• FISHING - Fishing
• INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
• CAMPING - Camping
• HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Cultural Activities
• BOATING - Paddle Boating
• BIKING - Biking

Directions

<p><strong>From Phoenix, Arizona:</strong> Traveling Northbound on I-17 take Exit 262 onto Hwy 69 North to Prescott and cointnue on Hwy 69 for 30 miles to S Walker Rd. Turn left and proceed South on S. Walker Rd. (by Costco, Petsmart, and AM/PM gas station). Drive about 3 miles and then turn East (left) into Lynx Campground.</p> <p><strong>Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: </strong>Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 278 onto Westbound Highway 169 and continue for 15 Miles until reaching the junction of Hwy 69, turn right onto Northbound Hwy 69 and continue for 12 miles to S. Walker Rd. Turn left and proceed South on S. Walker Road (by Costco, Petsmart, and AM/PM gas station). Drive about 3 miles and then turn East (left) into Lynx Campground.</p> <p> </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 1 (877) 444-6777

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip