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 29 at 1:25AM MST until October 30 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

1:25 AM — 12:15 PM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall over saturated soils and waterways that flooded as recently as last week. * WHERE...Yavapai County and northern Gila County. * WHEN...From 10 AM MST Friday morning through 10 PM MST Friday evening. * 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... - Another round of tropical moisture arrives in central Arizona Friday morning. Expect generalized accumulations of 0.50" to 1.00" of rainfall within the watch area, locally higher amounts of up to 2.00" possible in thunderstorms. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Prescott National Forest

"Clear Creek" Day Use Area Temporary Site Closure

The Clear Creek Day Use recreation site Verde River Access point will be closed to general public Monday, October 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM through Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 06:00 PM, unless rescinded.  The purpose Order 03-09-05-26-11 is to provide for public health and safety to prevent public…

Prescott National Forest

Target Type Shooting Restriction

Prohibition on shooting specific target types.  The purpose of Order #03-09-00-26-09 is to protect natural and cultural resources from sanitation impacts and protection of public health and safety. This Order shall be in effect from October 25, 2026, at 08:00 PM through October 24, 2028 at 08:00…

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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