Playground Group
4.5512 reviewsPRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 E HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA
Playground Group
$75.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group fees range from $75 for 1-25 people, $100 for 26-50 people, and $125 for 51-100 people during peak season. Rates do not include taxes or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the cool mountain heights of Playground Group Campground, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 7,500 feet above the desert floor. This secluded haven in Prescott National Forest welcomes groups seeking adventure and connection, accommodating up to 100 people in a pristine wilderness setting. Gather around the expansive fire pit under star-filled skies, share meals at sturdy picnic tables equipped with grills, and explore winding forest trails that beckon just beyond your campsite. While you'll need to bring your own water, the campground provides vault toilets and the kind of authentic outdoor experience that creates lasting memories.
Playground Group Campground is a group camping site designed for up to 100 people. It offers amenities like picnic tables, a large fire pit, and grills. It is described as clean, well-maintained, and spacious.
Historical SignificanceYour mountain basecamp sits at the crossroads of Arizona's rich heritage. Just down the winding mountain road lies Jerome, once a booming copper mining town that refused to become a ghost town, now thriving as an eclectic artist colony perched precariously on Cleopatra Hill. Nearby, the ancient Sinaguan people left their mark at Tuzigoot National Monument, where a hilltop pueblo tells stories of civilizations that flourished here centuries before miners ever struck copper.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a refreshing escape from desert heat, with gentle breezes whispering through the pines and afternoon thunderstorms painting dramatic skies from mid-June through mid-September. These mountain storms bring nature's own light show and the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. Winter wraps the forest in pristine snow, occasionally closing access roads and creating a wonderland for those lucky enough to visit before the gates close for the season.
ElevationPerched near the crown of mighty Mingus Mountain at 7,500 feet, the campground offers a dramatic elevation gain that rewards visitors with cooler temperatures and expansive views. The journey upward is part of the adventure – winding roads climb steadily from the desert floor, so take your time adjusting to the altitude and savor the changing landscape as saguaros give way to pines.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an evergreen sanctuary where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted forest floor creating a sensory experience unique to Arizona's high country. By day, dappled sunlight filters through the canopy while mountain breezes carry the songs of native birds. The dramatic contrast between the pine-covered peaks and the sweeping desert valleys below creates breathtaking vistas that capture the diverse beauty of the Southwest.
Geological RegionMingus Mountain rises like an island above the surrounding desert, its 7,500-foot summit crowned with stands of ponderosa pine that seem impossible in this land of cactus and sand. This sky island ecosystem, part of the greater Prescott National Forest, showcases Arizona's remarkable geological diversity – where ancient volcanic activity created these mountain refuges that now harbor forests more reminiscent of Colorado than the Sonoran Desert sprawling below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeGroup site accommodating up to 100 people.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as private and secluded, surrounded by tall ponderosa pine trees.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite Play1 is ideal for privacy and wildlife spotting, including elk and wild turkeys.
Best CampsitesSite Play1 in Loop PLAY is highly praised for its privacy and wildlife sightings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights within rolling 30 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 100 people per group site.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 100 people and includes picnic tables, grills, and a fire pit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group site with ample space for large gatherings, including picnic tables, grills, and a fire pit.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 to October 31 (reservable).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up sites explicitly mentioned; reservations required for group sites.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fees. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee for date changes outside the original reservation period.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Playground Group Campground offers hiking opportunities with trails varying in intensity, from short walks to elevated climbs. Wildlife viewing across the meadow adds to the camping experience, with elk, deer, and wild turkeys commonly seen. Nearby attractions include Jerome town, Tuzigoot National Monument, and Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which provide diverse recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing.
Hiking
Multiple hiking trails are available in the surrounding Prescott National Forest, catering to various levels of intensity from easy short-distance walks to more challenging climbs.Fishing
A nearby pond offers fishing opportunities, noted positively in reviews: "Small lake nearby and many enjoyed the fishing."Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a nearby attraction.Boating
Canoeing opportunities are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, as noted in nearby attractions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted by user reviews, with sightings of elk, deer, and wild turkeys in the meadow. "Lots of wildlife in the meadow across from us every evening," one review notes.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but access to the campground may be impacted by seasonal closures, as noted in user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are available at nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are restricted to designated fire pits. Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent thunderstorms in summer. Gravel roads may pose challenges. High elevation may cause altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active alertsRoad closures may occur in winter due to snow or other hazards.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Prescott Valley, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingA large dumpster is available for trash disposal, but campers are advised to bring their own trash bags.
Proximity to water featuresSmall lake nearby, popular with campers for fishing. Meadow across the road has wildlife like elk and deer.
Common complaintsGravel road conditions are poor. Lack of playground equipment despite the name. Fire rules can be confusing to some visitors.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. Multiple reviews praise their presence and assistance.
Campground Map
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, 300 E HIGHWAY 260, CAMP VERDE, AZ 86322, USA
Driving directionsTake State Highway 89A (seven miles southwest of Jerome or 13 miles east of Prescott Valley) to Forest Road 104. Travel on Forest Road 104 for two miles to Playground Group Campground.
Gravel roads that can be quite bumpy, requiring slow driving. The winding drive offers spectacular views but may be challenging for some vehicles.Nearby places
Jerome (7 miles, ~15 minutes), Prescott Valley (13 miles, ~30 minutes), Sedona (approx. ~45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearby towns Prescott Valley and Cottonwood provide grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.6
12 reviews
Playground Group is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise this campground for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and privacy. The vault toilets and wildlife viewing opportunities are commonly mentioned in positive reviews. However, some users noted the lack of potable water and the rough gravel road leading to the site as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets
- Spacious group site with ample picnic tables and grills
- Wildlife sightings including elk, deer, and wild turkeys
- Quiet and secluded atmosphere
-...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of potable water on-site
- Rough gravel road leading to the campground
- No playground equipment for children despite the name
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring potable water as none is available on-site
- Use caution when driving on the rough gravel road
- Consider bringing a power strip for charging devices
- Plan ahead for firewood purchases due...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the cool respite from desert heat and wildlife sightings. Winter reviews mention road closures, possibly due to snow, impacting accessibility.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were clean and well maintained." - Suzanne B
"Small lake nearby and many enjoyed the fishing." - Kelly Minehan
"Lots of wildlife in the meadow across from us every evening." - Liz G
"The...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site Play1, Loop PLAY: Reviews emphasize privacy, clean facilities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. "No generators to listen to," said Suzanne B.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not directly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed or caged at all times. "Pets are welcome but must be on a 6 foot leash or in a cage and never unattended," as per the authoritative source.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025