Camping at Lynx Lake Campground, Prescott AZ

Just 100 miles north of Phoenix, and just seven miles south of Prescott AZ, it’s no wonder Lynx Lake is one of the most popular campgrounds in the state; its the perfect place to beat the summer heat in Arizona.

Nestled within a cool Ponderosa Pine forest at 5,600 feet the Lynx Lake campground offers many opportunities for summer fun. From hiking, biking, boating and wildlife viewing, Lynx Lake is a great place to spend a few lazy summer days.

In this post, we’ll show you why Lynx Lake is so popular, and all the reasons why it’s an amazing weekend get-away.

Check out more great Arizona camping destinations in our 40 Best Places to Go Camping in Arizona.

What Makes Lynx Lake So Special?

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, the first thing that makes this place so special is the balmy summer weather. The summer temperatures in Prescott average almost 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. The fragrant pines and shimmering cool lake will always be a welcome relief from the oppressive heat of a Phoenix summer. 

Many have described Lynx Lake campground as a hidden gem and a place of respite. The natural beauty of the Prescott National Forest makes this campground very special; it’s an amazing place to view all types of animal and plant life. The cool 55-acre lake is an easy ¼ mile walking distance from the campground and the town of Prescott is just 7 miles up the road. 

Things to Do at Lynx Lake

Perhaps the best thing to do at Lynx Lake is simply relax, and enjoy the natural beauty and balmy summer air. There are hiking, biking and horse trails throughout the park for all levels of fitness.

However, fifty-five acre Lynx Lake is also a great place to do a little fishing; the lake is occasionally stocked with rainbow trout. It’s also a very pleasant and peaceful place to go kayaking and boating. 

If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can rent a canoe at the Lynx Lake Cafe Store & Marina. The store has fishing and camping supplies, as well as firewood.

The cafe is also a charming place to grab a bite to eat; it’s dog-friendly, with outdoor seating overlooking the pretty lake. They serve delicious German and American food as well as beer and wine.

Activities Include:

• Hiking
• Trout fishing
• Boating
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
• Gold Panning
• Bird watching
• Archaeological sites 

Wildlife at Lynx Lake Campground

You have the opportunity to see all types of animal and plant life at Lynx Lake. The native ecosystem is host to majestic ponderosa pines, as well as various types of oak, alligator juniper, and a variety of native grasses and wildflowers. 

The Prescott National Forest is also home to many different animals. You could see all types of lizards, snakes deer, coyotes, rabbits or even a skunk. You may even have the rare opportunity to spot a bobcat, fox, bear or even a mountain lion. The lake and surrounding forest is also a bird watchers paradise; among the birds, you might see are blue jays, hawks, or perhaps even a bald eagle, osprey or great blue heron. 

What Visitors Think of Lynx Lake Campground

The main thing visitors love about Lynx Lake is the cool summer weather. It’s less than a two-hour drive from the sweltering heat of Phoenix. 

Another thing you will hear visitors to the park say is they love the serene, relaxing atmosphere. It’s a conveniently close place, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. 

People love to unwind on the beautiful hiking and biking trails, and a lot of visitors also enjoy fishing and kayaking. Of course, there are also those who enjoy birds and nature watching.

The restaurant at the lake also gets a lot of rave reviews. The short drive to Prescott shopping and restaurants is also a plus to camping at Lynx Lake. 

Some of the minor complaints about the Lynx Lake campground include encounters with aggressive bees and rude employees at the marina and store. 

There are also only 35 campsites, so reservations are also highly suggested.

Some Special Camping Gear to Bring

• Binoculars for wildlife and bird watching
• Hiking boots
• Mountain bikes
• Tent and camping gear
• Kayak or canoe

Nearby Attractions in Prescott

The nearby town of Prescott has as a quaint old town district, with lots of antique shops, gift shops, pubs, and casual dining. The atmosphere is very casual, unhurried and relaxed.

If you plan on spending a fun weekend at Lynx Lake, you can plan a few more activities for the family. Here are a few nearby attractions to help fill your weekend with fun.

The World’s Oldest Rodeo and Prescott Frontier Days – Over the 4th of July weekend, Prescott hosts the world’s oldest rodeo. It’s been a tradition since 1888, and currently takes place in a rodeo stad1930silt in the 1930’s. The week-long Prescott Frontier Days celebration feature a rodeo as well as a parade and an arts and crafts fair. 

Sharlot Hall Museum – This is an educational and cultural center. Sharlot Hall features the history, both social and natural, of Arizona. It has 11 exhibit buildings and a research center for the various collections and the conservation of artifacts. It’s open year round.

The Heritage Park Zoo – This is an animal rescue sanctuary, with more than 200 resident animals. The animals include a Bengal tiger, black bears, two Clouded Leopards, bobcats, lynx, Mexican Gray Wolves, lemurs, numerous reptiles, and a large tarantula display. 

Whiskey Row – This is a whole block of historic bars saloons where America’s most famous outlaws and cowboys got drunk, womanized and gambled. 

Lynx Lake Campground Info

The campground has 35 sites, including four double sites. The sites are suitable for tents and RVs. The max vehicle lengths vary from 22′ to 35′. There are flush and vault toilets, drinking water, and garbage pickup. However, there are no hookups or a dump station for RVs. Each campsite features a fire-ring, grill, tent pad, and a lantern pole.

The campground is open from April through the end of October. Reservations are recommended. You can make reservations through Recreation.gov or call 1 (877) 444-6777.

If you want to buy an RV to go camping, check out the Complete Guide To Buying Your First RV.

If you would like to rent an RV, check our guide to Renting Your First RV. 

Directions to Lynx Lake:
From Highway 69, go south on Walker Road for approximately 3 miles. (Walker Road is by the Costco, 5 miles east of Prescott). The campground is on the left side of Walker Road.

GPS coordinates: 34.51664559 -112.3880009