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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.

Prescott National Forest

Food Storage Prohibitions

Food and other animal attractants must be stored in a "bear resistant manner" when an adult is not present. Use and firmly close trash receptacles when provided. Do not bury, discard, or burn food or other animal attractants. Pack it in, pack it out.

Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest Pile Burning Planned Through October

(Prescott, AZ, September 21, 2026) — Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to conduct prescribed pile burning in various locations in the Bradshaw Ranger District beginning September 22 – pending favorable conditions. These hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and…

Prescott National Forest

Prohibition on Non-Equestrian Camping, Groom Creek Horse Camp

Non-equestrian camping at Groom Creek Horse Camp is not permitted. The purpose of this order is for public health and safety.

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

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