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

Prescott National Forest to Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 21

The Prescott National Forest will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions along with a recreational shooting prohibition beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, and continuing through midnight Sept. 30, 2026, unless rescinded.The following are prohibited:Open fires outside Forest Service–provided…

Prescott National Forest

Mingus Mtn. Camping

Mingus Campgrounds: Mingus Group site, Tent Site and Campground are now available for reservation through recreation.gov.  Please be advised there are limited First Come-First Served sites.

Prescott National Forest

Groom Creek Horse Camp Now Has Water!

The water system is back up and running at Groom Creek Horse Camp.  Campers no longer need to worry about bringing their own drinking water!

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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