Campgrounds 5,649 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Lynx Campground is located in the Lynx Lake Recreation Area at 5,600 feet in elevation. Within 1/4 mile of the popular Lynx Lake, the campground is situated along the lake's west shoreline. The facility is about seven miles southeast of the city of Prescott, Arizona. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book on this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000. Recreation Several trail systems trails are within the Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Most trails allow for multiple modes of travel. The exceptions are Lynx Creek Ruin Trail #301 and Loop Trail #311 that allows hiking only. Wildlife viewing is a grand event when a bald eagle, osprey, or great blue heron has been seen flying effortlessly above Lynx Lake or skimming the water surface. Recreational panning is allowed on the Prescott National Forest, as long as any natural feature is not harmed and no motorized or mechanical equipment or mining aids are used. Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in central Arizona and attracts more than 90,000 visitors each year. The lake offers a boat ramp and allows for boats with 10 HP motors or less. Oar, paddle, or sail-powered boats are also permitted. Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers can be found on most trails. Forest Service Day-Use Facilities in the Prescott Basin are accessible at no additional fee. See the Volunteer Host for a complimentary pass validated for your length of stay. Visiting a Day-Use facility requires a pass visibly displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side. Facilities Each of the 35 campsites in Lynx Campground has a picnic table, steel fire ring, and either an established tent pad or an area with room for one to two tents. Two campsites also have a lantern hanger. A steel ramada is present on select campsites. Campsite driveways are either parallel, pull-through, or back-in and all have asphalt surfacing. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit and an extra vehicle quite easily while others may be snug. A few campsites are a short walk-in. Four vault toilets, two flush toilets, six trash dumpsters, and eight water faucets service the campground. There are no RV hook-ups or dump station in the campground. Campsites 10-19, 22-23, and 28-34 have steps. Campsites 20, 21, and 35 are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Natural Features Lynx Campground offers visitors pleasant summer temperatures and cool breezes. The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine ecosystem mixed with alligator juniper, oak species, and a variety of forbs and native grasses. The 55-acre Lynx Lake skirts the campground's east boundary. Several species of colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and during the summer monsoon seasons. Day-time and overnight temperatures are pleasant and afternoon thunderstorms are likely from late June through mid-September. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may see deer, osprey, great blue heron, bald eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, skunk, rabbit, and several species of snakes, lizards, and birds. Nearby Attractions The Highlands Center for Natural History, in partnership with the Prescott National Forest, is only a few minutes from Lynx Campground. A learning center, trail system on 80 acres, and scheduled interpretive programs are but a few of the exciting activities the Center offers through the spring, summer, and fall. Lynx Lake Cafe near North Shore Day-Use Area offers a full service restaurant serving breakfast 8-11 and lunch 11-2 Thrusday through Sunday. Dinner is served Thursday thru Saturday 4-8 pm. The City of Prescott is a few minutes drive from Lynx Campground. Many activities including arts, crafts, and music festivals are scheduled throughout the summer. Watson Lake, islocated within a 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground, is managed by the City of Prescott. The City of Prescott recreation pass and day-use fee should not be confused with the Prescott National Forest Day-use Passes or Day-Use fee. Fain Lake, in Prescott Valley, is a private enterprise and a short 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground. Fishing and picnicking can be found there.

Near Prescott Valley, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

This packing list is tailored to the Desert environment and Unknown at Lynx Campground.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The terrain here lends itself to birdwatching, boating, camping — activities that match the Desert environment.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
cross_country_skiing — Glide across snowy fields and forest trails using narrow skis and poles.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
kayaking — Paddle through calm lakes, winding rivers, or coastal inlets in a small, maneuverable craft.
mountain_biking — Ride off-road trails that wind through forests, deserts, and mountain terrain.
paddleboarding — Stand or kneel on a board while paddling across calm water.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
skiing — Glide downhill on groomed slopes or natural snow-covered terrain.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
surfing — Ride ocean waves along sandy beaches and coastal breaks.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

The wildlife safety profile at Lynx Campground includes venomous snakes — here's what to know about each.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (76mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (35N), Elevated (5,649ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The natural world around Lynx Campground reflects its Desert setting — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak overhead, Arizona mariposa lily and Stansbury's Cliffrose at your feet, and wildlife throughout.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — The tree is highly fire-adapted and thrives with periodic low-intensity burns.
Gambel Oak — Leaves turn shades of yellow to reddish-brown in fall.
white fir — It occupies montane forests across the western United States.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The climate at Lynx Campground peaks for outdoor activity during Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when temperatures average °F.

Climate type: Unknown

Winter 0°

1.7"

Spring 0°

0.3"

Summer 0°

3.6"

Fall 0°

0.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	0°F	1.7 in
Feb	0°F	1.6 in
Mar	0°F	1.2 in
Apr	0°F	0.3 in
May	0°F	0.6 in
Jun	0°F	0.2 in
Jul	0°F	3.6 in
Aug	0°F	2.5 in
Sep	0°F	1.6 in
Oct	0°F	0.8 in
Nov	0°F	1.0 in
Dec	0°F	1.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:16 AM – 7:43 PM

Winter: 7:28 AM – 5:20 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:28 AM, Sunset 5:20 PM Golden hour from 4:41 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:16 AM, Sunset 7:43 PM Golden hour from 7:05 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:36 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:11 AM, Sunset 6:38 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Lynx Campground.

Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix, here's what visiting Lynx Campground involves.

Nearest city: Phoenix (76 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $19.02 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 61.5 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The area around Lynx Campground has plenty more to offer.

The proximity of 12 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Eagle Ridge Group Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai 0.53 mi
Hilltop Campground, Yavapai 0.72 mi
Hilltop Campground (az) (N, 0mi), Yavapai 0.79 mi
Fdr23-enchanted Forest Trail-designated Disp. Campground, Yavapai 1.66 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

Under the Bortle class 4 skies at Lynx Campground, you can expect to see 2 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

From Lynx Campground, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the best possible visit to Lynx Campground.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

For thousands of years, this land has been cared for by Hohokam, Yavapai Apache and their ancestors.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Yavapai.

Yavapai

Data from Native Land Digital

Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Lynx Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Crooks Canyon Granite
Formation: Crooks Canyon Granodiorite
Age: Paleoproterozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 75
Unique Species: 44
Oldest: 23 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 604
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Gold, Copper, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Iron

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 105°F (2021-06-16)
Record Low: -21°F (1937-01-22)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 83
Largest Fire: Battle (31,801.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Crooks Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 38 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Haunted Places: 7 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 86/100

Lynx Campground (N, 0mi), Yavapai Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Safety starts with current information. These resources cover real-time conditions near Lynx Campground.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PRESCOTT 2.6 E, AZ US (1.84 mi)