White Spar Campground

WHITE SPAR CAMPGROUND

Overview

White Spar Campground at 5,641 feet in elevation is a short drive of 2.7 miles south of downtown Prescott and east of Hwy 89. Campers will appreciate the mild weather and the cool ponderosa pine forest the campground is nestled in. The campground's convenient location allows for many opportunities for pursuing camping, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. Several loop trails in the area allow for multiple modes of travel. The Tri-City Community comprising Prescott, Chino Valley, and Prescott Valley has events, functions, benefits, and attractions throughout the year are all within a few minutes' drive. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.

Facilities

White Spar Campground has 52 single and four double occupancy campsites. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit (RV, or tow vehicle and trailer) and an extra vehicle, while many limit parking to only the camp unit. Each campsite has a picnic table, steel fire ring and/or concrete block grill, and either an established tent pad or an area for a tent. Accessible campsites are available. There are five pull-through, 34 back-in, and 17 parallel parking asphalt-surfaced driveways. Services include four vault restrooms, four trash dumpsters and nine water hydrants. There are no RV hook-ups or dump station in the campground. Water is not available in the non-peak season. The facility may be closed during snow events.

Natural Features

White Spar Campground is surrounded by a forest of ponderosa pine, oak, manzanita, and a variety of shrubs and grasses. In the Prescott Basin, the campground is near Granite Basin Recreation Area, Granite Mountain Wilderness Area, Granite Basin Lake, Lynx Lake Recreation Area, and Thumb Butte. Access to these areas can either be made by several interlocking hiking trails or by driving a short distance.

Recreation

White Spar Campground is available year-round, but campsites are limited during the winter season. Campsites are designed for RV, trailer or tent camping. Many popular outdoor activities abound in the area. Visitors may enjoy fishing, bird-watching, boating, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, picnicking and just plain relaxing.

Nearby Attractions

Northwest of White Spar Campground, within ten miles, is the Granite Basin Recreation Area. Granite Basin Recreation Area has several day-use areas, and Granite Basin Lake (five acres), which is known for channel catfish, large-mouth bass, and sunfish. Rising prominently north of Granite Basin Lake is Granite Mountain at 6,874 feet. The Granite Mountain Wilderness Area is comprised of the mountain's rugged topography and mixed vegetation suite. Also, within ten miles, is Alto Pit Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground and Day-Use Area. OHV riders of all skill levels can ride the several miles of trails that meander through the area's challenging terrain and vegetative cover. Southeast of downtown Prescott and within eight miles of White Spar Campground is Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Lynx Lake (55 acres) is an popular attraction in the Prescott National Forest that offers a variety of recreation opportunities for all age groups. Activities include fishing, boating, and hiking. West and within four miles, is the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. At 6,515-feet Thumb Butte is quite visible in the Prescott Basin. The Butte is popular for its scenic vistas, jogging and hiking. Rock climbing is allowed, but only between July 16 and January 31 as it is closed to climbing during the peregrine falcon nesting period. Birdwatching is popular outside the closed area. The City of Prescott offers several day-use recreation facilities within ten miles. To the north and northeast are Watson (70 acres) and Willow Lakes and to the south Goldwater Lake (15 acres). Each have unique qualities and recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

Important Notices

Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days in Prescott National Forest including stays at dispersed sites.
No RV sanitary dump station is available.
Water is available seasonally.
Fires are permitted only in concrete block grills or steel fire rings.
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
Single campsites are designed for up to 5 people and double campsites up to 10 people
The number of camp units allowed (one camp unit is either an RV towing a car, and/or vehicle towing a trailer) per single campsite and two per double campsite. One or two extra vehicles may be possible.
All guests without a reservation (first-come, first-served) or a second vehicle $5 at a single site, or $5 each for the 3rd and 4th vehicle for a doublce site must pay with exact change using the self-pay kiosk as soon as campsite is selected.There is a daily $5.00 fee for a 2nd vehicle at a single campsite and a daily $5.00 fee each for a 3rd and a 4th vehicle at a double campsite.
Pets are welcome but must be on a 6 foot leash or in a cage and never unattended.
Discharging any weapon is prohibited in the campground.
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.
Internal road system designed for vehicles 45 feet or less. Accommodations for equipment vary by campsite.
Vehicles must remain on an established campsite driveway to prevent damage to vegetation and features, and to allow for safe traffic flow.
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.

Available Activities

HIKING - Hiking
FISHING - Fishing
CAMPING - Camping
CLIMBING - Rock Climbing
BOATING - Canoeing
BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Phoenix, Arizona: Traveling Northbound on I-17 take Exit 262 onto Hwy 69 North to Prescott, cointnue on Hwy 69 for 41 miles until you arrive in downtown Prescott. Turn left on Montezuma Street (Highway 89) south for 2.7 miles. White Spar Campground is located on the left (east side of Hwy 89). Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: 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 15 miles until arriving in Prescott. Turn left on Montezuma Street (Highway 89) south for 2.7 miles. White Spar Campground is located on the left (east side of Hwy 89).

Contact Information

Phone: 1 (877) 444-6777

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT
344 S. CORTEZ STREET
Prescott, AZ 86303

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