White Spar Campground

The numbers that decide it

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

White Spar Campground

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 recreational activities in the area. Activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. Several connector and 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, all within a few minutes’ drive. 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, 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. Plenty of sunshine awaits you in the beautiful Southwest! 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, camping and just plain relaxing. N earby Attractions: Northwest of White Spar Campground, within ten miles, is the Granite Basin Recreation Area. Within this recreation area are 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, northwest of White Spar Campground 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 immensely popular attraction in the Prescott National Forest that offers a variety of recreation opportunities for all age groups. Activities include fishing, boating, and hiking among many. West of White Spar Campground, within four miles, is the Thumb Butte Recreation Area. Its 6,515-foot prominence is quite visible in the Prescott Basin. The Butte is very popular for its scenic vistas, jogging and hiking. Rock climbing is allowed, but only between July 16 and January 31. It is otherwise closed to climbing during the peregrine falcon nesting period. Birdwatching is popular, but only outside the closed area. The City of Prescott offers several day-use recreation facilities within ten miles of White Spar Campground. 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. View photos on Flickr

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Mingus Mountain Scenic Road20 mi
• Historic Route 6622 mi
• Dry Creek Scenic Road27 mi
• Jerome, Clarkdale, and Cottonwood Historic Road27 mi