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Mingus Lake Campground

Mingus Lake and ponderosa pines
Lake view Camp loop Verde Valley overlook area Pines and shade Road in via FR 104 Lake edge Camp table and ring Evening color Trail sign / rim Morning at the lake
DevelopedPonderosaSmall LakeFishingViewsPrescott NF
Overview

Cool pine camping on a high ridge between Prescott and Jerome, with a small lake, big views, and classic Mingus weather swings.

The Mingus area sits atop the Black Hills off Highway 89A. Campsites tuck into ponderosa with short walks to the day-use lake and to vista points that look all the way to Sedona and the Peaks. It feels quiet and high - 7,600 feet - with afternoon breezes and classic AZ sunsets.

It's a developed site with vault toilets, garbage service, and water available for on-site use. RV loops have pedestals but electricity has been intermittently out - don't plan on power. Pick shade, enjoy the cool, then wander to the lake when the light gets soft.

Best for
Cooler temps, pine shade, small-lake wandering, Jerome side trips, and Verde Valley overlooks.
Watch out for
Limited cell, summer storms, and no RV tank filling at hydrants.

Best version of the trip: camp for cool air, then hit the overlook at golden hour before the ridge wind gets annoying.

At a Glance
Region
Between Prescott & Jerome — Black Hills
Elevation
~7,600 ft
Access Road
FR 104 off Hwy 89A: paved then good gravel to the loops
Best Season
May - Oct (weather dependent)
Campsites
~30 total: 19 RV pedestals (power unreliable), 11 tent
Services
Vault toilets, garbage, potable water for on-site use
Fires
In rings only; check restrictions
Cell
Spotty; sometimes better near the vista
Coordinates (area)
34.69256° N, 112.12052° W
Getting There

From Highway 89A between Prescott Valley and Jerome, turn onto Forest Road 104 at the signed Summit Picnic Site. Follow pavement about 2 miles, then continue on graded gravel roughly 0.5 miles to a 4-way. Right for the campground; the lake and day-use are close by.

  1. Turn on FR 104 at the summit area from Hwy 89A.
  2. Stay on pavement, then graded gravel to the 4-way.
  3. Right into the campground loops; the overlook and lake are short drives away.

Roads are fine for most vehicles when dry. After heavy monsoon rain, expect washboards and a few puddles.

Camping Info
  • Developed: tables, rings, vault toilets; garbage service.
  • Water: potable water available for guests on site; do not fill RV tanks at hydrants.
  • Fees (typical): tent sites around $10; RV sites with electric posts listed around $14 - verify current rates.
  • Season: generally May 1 - Oct 31, weather permitting.
  • Fishing: Mingus Lake is periodically stocked with rainbow trout.
  • Pets: on leash.
  • Leave No Trace: stay on pads; pack out all trash from the lake edge.
My Notes

I like the sites that sit back from the road with a short walk to the rim overlook - quiet at night, sunrise color over the Verde. Lake is small but photogenic; bring a compact rod if you're into it.

  • Power: treat hookups as nonfunctional. Bring battery packs and a 12V plan.
  • Cooking: windscreen + butane single-burner works great here.
  • Photos: golden hour at the vista, blue hour reflections on the lake, and a quick shot of Jerome lights after dark.
Choose It / Skip It
Good fit
Cooler temps, pine shade, small-lake wandering, Jerome side trips, and Verde Valley overlooks.
Bad fit
Limited cell, summer storms, and no RV tank filling at hydrants.
Gear I Used

Gear that actually helped on this trip.

Map
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