- South shore of Lynx Lake September 2010
There are two campgrounds in the Prescott National Forest near Lynx Lake, which is on the east end of Prescott. To get there, just turn south at Walker Road (where you’ll see Costco on the south east corner, and Forest Villas Hotel at the north side of that intersection).
The lake attracts a lot of fishermen and women. There is a boat launch on the south end of the lake, and at the north is a store and restaurant.
The two campgrounds are Lynx Lake Campground (36 sites, 4 doubles) and Hilltop (38 sites, with a few doubles). Neither area has dump sites, showers or electricity, but there are toilets throughout and potable water is available, along with fire rings and picnic tables.
Hilltop Campground, Loop B Space 14, July 2011
Various sites seem best suited to tents or popups, but the official information says that for the larger sites, campers from 22 ft. – 40 can be accommodated.
We’ve visited both between July and their closing date (October 31), and have found them clean and well cared for. The rangers, hosts and custodians do a great job.
There are many trails connecting the campgrounds to the lake as well as into other areas. Some are limited to hiking, while others are open to cycling and horseback riding. Important note: this recreation area is within a national forest, so fire use restrictions may be in effect when you visit and there is a fee to use the trails or camp. Please check the website above for details.
"Are you knitting or are you camping???"
Because work keeps us at or near home most of the time, we’ve found that camping at the Lynx Lake area campgrounds gives us the sense of getting away, even if we have to run back to the office sometimes.
If you’re coming from somewhere else, you may appreciate the quiet, beautiful skies, and wildlife sightings (including bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, ducks, javelina, deer and, of course, skunks. The kiosk where you pay also reminds you that you are in bear country and that you should place all food securely in your vehicle at night. While we haven’t seen any bears, we know they occasionally are spotted in the area, so we obey that rule and try to maintain a clean campsite.
Camping at Hilltop Campground in PNF
I’ve camped with my hubby, my dog, and my granddaughter at both campgrounds. Our area knitting group has staged several “Knit ‘n Camps” at this site and we’ve found it ideal for those from the Prescott area (just a 15 minute drive from downtown) and easy to find for those coming from Phoenix or Flagstaff.