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Potato Patch Campground

Shaded site at Potato Patch under tall pines
Camp loop Loop A site Pines and shade Road and signage
DevelopedPonderosaCool Temps Views NearbyPrescott NF
Overview

A tidy two-loop high-country campground off 89A, with ponderosa shade, Mingus Mountain access, and cooler nights above the Verde Valley.

Potato Patch feels like a classic Forest Service campground: clean pads, good shade, and quick access to Mingus Mountain overlooks. Loop A is dry camping; Loop B has RV pedestals but power can be unreliable - plan to be self-sufficient. Water is available on site for containers, not for filling RV tanks.

It's quiet on weekdays and a cool escape when the desert bakes. Expect afternoon breezes and a short drive to big views over the Verde Valley - and down to Jerome if you want a burger run.

Best for
Cooler temps, pine shade, and easy access to Mingus Mountain trails and overlooks.
Watch out for
Unreliable electricity in B-loop, summer storms, and limited cell service.

Best version of the trip: camp in the pines, then drive to the overlook for sunset across the Verde Valley.

At a Glance
Region
Mingus Mountain — between Prescott & Jerome
Elevation
~7,200 ft
Access Road
Paved FR 104 from Hwy 89A, then short graded spur
Best Season
Late spring through fall (weather dependent)
Campsites
~40 total across two loops; RV pedestals in B-loop
Services
Composting toilets, potable water (no RV tank fills), garbage service
Fires
In rings only; check restrictions
Cell
Spotty; sometimes better near the vista
Coordinates (area)
34.70939° N, 112.15372° W
Getting There

From Highway 89A at the Mingus summit, turn onto FR 104 (signed). Follow pavement, then a short stretch of graded gravel to the campground entrance. Roads are fine for most vehicles in dry weather.

  1. Turn onto FR 104 from 89A at the summit area.
  2. Continue past the picnic site; stay on the main road to the loops.
  3. Loop A for dry sites under heavy pine shade; Loop B for RV pedestals (don't rely on power).
Camping Info
  • Sites & loops: A-loop dry sites; B-loop with electrical pedestals (power not guaranteed).
  • Accessibility: Accessible sites and toilets in both loops.
  • Facilities: Picnic tables, grills, fire rings, composting toilets, water on site, garbage service.
  • Elevation & temps: ~7,200 ft - pack layers even in summer.
My Notes

I aim for sites with afternoon shade and a short walk to the overlook pullouts. Treat hookups as a bonus at best - I run a battery and keep the fridge on a power bank or cooler. Jerome is 15–20 min down the hill if you want a quick diner run.

  • Power plan: assume no electricity; bring a power bank or 12V setup.
  • Cooking: windscreens help when storms build; butane single-burner is perfect.
  • Photos: golden hour at the vista; blue hour in the trees for that deep-green look.
Choose It / Skip It
Good fit
Cooler temps, pine shade, and easy access to Mingus Mountain trails and overlooks.
Bad fit
Unreliable electricity in B-loop, summer storms, and limited cell service.
Gear I Used

Gear that actually helped on this trip.

Map
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