Skip to main content

From the Desert to the Pines


Central Arizona's mild climate makes the Prescott a year-round destination to camp, fish, picnic, hike, and ride!

Destinations

Welcome to Prescott National Forest

On April 22, 2025, we transitioned our public websites to a modern web platform to better serve the public. With thousands of pages to update, some content may take longer to appear. Some old content has been archived during this process, as well.

We appreciate your patience as we work to make it easier than ever to access information and explore your national forests—both online and on the ground. Please send us an email using our Contact Us form if there is something you can't find! 

Contact Us

Prescott National Forest is guardian of 950 miles of scenic trails and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness. Its mild climate allows for outdoor adventures year-round.  From picnicking, developed campsites and gentle trails to rock climbing, bouldering, dispersed camping and rafting on more than a million acres of incredible landscapes, there's something for everyone to see and do!

Plan Your Adventure

Places to Stay

Campsite shaded by tall pine trees.

From the desert to the pines, discover your next destination on the Prescott National Forest. Find recreation, camping and cabins.

Recreation Opportunities

Two people putting kayaks in the lake at a boat ramp.

With over 950 miles of trails, four lakes, a Wild & Scenic River, picnic sites and more—all surrounded by natural beauty—Prescott National Forest has something for everyone!

Recreation Passes

America the Beautiful passes and Prescott NF annual pass.

You may need to pay a fee depending on which sites you visit. Passes for a day, four months, a year or a lifetime.

Forest Product Permits

Large stack of firewood.

Permits are required for collecting fuelwood and cutting Christmas trees. Transplant permits allow for the removal of certain small trees.

Special Use Permits

Mountain bikers racing uphill on a dirt road.

Examples of activities that require special use permits includes recreation events, large group gatherings (outside of reserved group sites), communication towers, power lines, pipelines, roads, outfitter/guide businesses and commercial endeavors. 

Trails

Four hikers on a trail headed towards a rocky hill.

Follow this link for an overview of the Prescott National Forest trails system, a list of trails in different parts of the Forest, advice on best trails for different user types, volunteering, trail etiquette and more.