Lynx Campground

Recreation

Several trail systems trails are within the Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Most trails allow for multiple modes of travel. The exceptions are Lynx Creek Ruin Trail #301 and Loop Trail #311 that allows hiking only.

Wildlife viewing is a grand event when a bald eagle, osprey, or great blue heron has been seen flying effortlessly above Lynx Lake or skimming the water surface.

Recreational panning is allowed on the Prescott National Forest, as long as any natural feature is not harmed and no motorized or mechanical equipment or mining aids are used.

Lynx Lake is one of the most popular recreation spots in central Arizona and attracts more than 90,000 visitors each year. The lake offers a boat ramp and allows for boats with 10 HP motors or less. Oar, paddle, or sail-powered boats are also permitted.

Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers can be found on most trails.

Forest Service Day-Use Facilities in the Prescott Basin are accessible at no additional fee. See the Volunteer Host for a complimentary pass validated for your length of stay. Visiting a Day-Use facility requires a pass visibly displayed on the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side.

Facilities

Each of the 35 campsites in Lynx Campground has a picnic table, steel fire ring, and either an established tent pad or an area with room for one to two tents. Two campsites also have a lantern hanger. A steel ramada is present on select campsites. Campsite driveways are either parallel, pull-through, or back-in and all have asphalt surfacing. Some campsite driveways allow a camp unit and an extra vehicle quite easily while others may be snug. A few campsites are a short walk-in. Four vault toilets, two flush toilets, six trash dumpsters, and eight water faucets service the campground. There are no RV hook-ups or dump station in the campground.

Campsites 10-19, 22-23, and 28-34 have steps.

Campsites 20, 21, and 35 are fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

Natural Features

Lynx Campground offers visitors pleasant summer temperatures and cool breezes. The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine ecosystem mixed with alligator juniper, oak species, and a variety of forbs and native grasses. The 55-acre Lynx Lake skirts the campground's east boundary. Several species of colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and during the summer monsoon seasons. Day-time and overnight temperatures are pleasant and afternoon thunderstorms are likely from late June through mid-September.

The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may see deer, osprey, great blue heron, bald eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, skunk, rabbit, and several species of snakes, lizards, and birds.

Nearby Attractions

The Highlands Center for Natural History, in partnership with the Prescott National Forest, is only a few minutes from Lynx Campground. A learning center, trail system on 80 acres, and scheduled interpretive programs are but a few of the exciting activities the Center offers through the spring, summer, and fall.

Lynx Lake Cafe near North Shore Day-Use Area offers a full service restaurant serving breakfast 8-11 and lunch 11-2 Thrusday through Sunday. Dinner is served Thursday thru Saturday 4-8 pm.

The City of Prescott is a few minutes drive from Lynx Campground. Many activities including arts, crafts, and music festivals are scheduled throughout the summer.

Watson Lake, islocated within a 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground, is managed by the City of Prescott. The City of Prescott recreation pass and day-use fee should not be confused with the Prescott National Forest Day-use Passes or Day-Use fee.

Fain Lake, in Prescott Valley, is a private enterprise and a short 20-minute drive from Lynx Campground. Fishing and picnicking can be found there.