Picnic area with a View on a Rainy Day
Open

This is a day-use group picnic area only; no overnight camping is available. Open year-round with seasonal hours: May through August 6am-8pm, March-April 7am-7pm, September-November 7am-6pm, December-February 7am-5pm. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect as of May 21, 2026. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.

Flood Watch issued October 31 at 11:14PM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 31st, 11:14 PM — 7:15 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall over saturated soils. * WHERE...All of northern and central Arizona. * WHEN...Through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected Saturday night through the early morning hours of Monday. An additional 1 to 4 inches of rain will be possible, on already saturated ground. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Flood Advisory issued October 31 at 10:51PM MST until November 1 at 10:45AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 31st, 10:51 PM — 10:45 AM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Yavapai County in west central Arizona... * WHEN...Until 1045 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in creeks and normally dry washes is imminent or occurring. Dangerous flooding over low-water crossings. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1048 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain. Overflowing poor drainage areas will cause minor flooding in the advisory area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers... Big Bug Creek, Agua Fria River, Black Canyon, Turkey Creek, Castle Creek, Humbug Creek. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Black Canyon City, Dewey-Humboldt, Cordes Lakes, Mayer, Spring Valley, Crown King, Agua Fria National Monument, Poland Junction, Lake Pleasant, Cordes Junction, Castle Hot Springs, Arcosanti, Horse Thief Basin, Bumble Bee, Rock Springs, Cleator, Humbug, Coles Bay and Humbug Bay. - This includes the following highways... State Route 69 between mile markers 263 and 283. Interstate 17 between mile markers 242 and 268. This includes the following recreation areas andcampgrounds... Turney Gulch Group Campground, Hazlett Hollow Campground and Black Canyon Campground. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Prescott National Forest

643 Closure Restoration Event

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety due to the use ofheavy equipment, planned sanitation removal, and construction activity scheduledduring the partnered cleanup event.  This forest order shall be in effective on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM through…

About

Thumb Butte Group Picnic Area sits at 5,700 feet elevation in a ponderosa pine forest at the base of the distinctive Thumb Butte rock formation in Prescott National Forest. The reservable site is designed for large gatherings such as family reunions, church events, and group functions, accommodating up to 100 people. The facility includes a covered picnic shelter with 12 picnic tables and a serving table, four charcoal grills, one campfire ring, and two horseshoe pits (bring your own horseshoes). Amenities include restrooms with flush toilets, drinking water, electric outlets (20 amp max), nighttime lighting, and designated parking for 26 vehicles. The Thumb Butte area is a hub for outdoor recreation with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including two routes ascending Thumb Butte itself. Rock climbing is permitted from July 16 through January 31 but closed during peregrine falcon nesting season. Downtown Prescott with restaurants, shopping, and historic sites is just minutes away.

Directions

From Prescott, head west on Highway 69 which becomes Gurley Street, then Thumb Butte Road. Continue 2.2 miles to the picnic area entrance. From Phoenix, take I-17 North to Exit 262, then Highway 69 North for 41 miles to Prescott.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $5

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly —
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (928) 443-8000

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Picnic area with a View on a Rainy Day
Thumb Butte Group Campground Mountain View
Group site with shaded benches.
Two horseshoe pits located in the group site area.
Thumb Butte Group Campground
Thumb Butte Group Site A Pavilion
Accessible vaulted toilets.
Large area for meal preparation with charcoal  grills.
Group site showing table and fire pit
Thumb Butte Information Board
Parking and entrance
Thumb Butte Restroom Building
Thumb Butte Trail Head
Thumb Butte Group Campsite Restrooms with a water spigot and trash can

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!