Photo: is it too late to put on the helmet?
General Location: near Prescott
Rating: 5/10
What I liked the most: good climbing rocks, private campsites, dramatic landscape—very beautiful.
Shortcomings: scary climbing rocks. The landscape is huge boulders and uneven/hilly terrain. Because of the boulders and the little hills it feels rather closed-in (I say closed in, others might say private). You lose sight of exploring kids almost immediately. When they pop up it’s on the top of a huge boulder with an eight foot drop. Now, my 4 y.o. son loved this. I was a wreck for the first few hours, until I convinced myself that falling off an eight foot rock would not result in serious injury.
Also, finding a flat spot big enough for our family tent was not easy. The campsites are a bit tight.
Finally, the most serious offense was the lack of water access. Yes, beautiful Granite Basin Lake is about a mile and an half away (haad to get in the car–another ding) and there is a sandy beach area. However, you cannot swim in the lake (that’s the law). That, for me, is like putting an ice cream sundae in front of me and saying I can’t eat it.
Amenities: drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, toilets
Note: Granite Basin Lake is nice for a picnic. The kids can play with the water (just not in it), but there’s no shade on most of the beach.
Getting There: About 2 hours from Tempe. From the Phoenix area, take I-17 north to Hwy 69, to Prescott. Once in Prescott, consult a map (I was following a friend who is from Prescott). You take Iron Springs Road northwest out of Prescott, to Granite Basin Road (FR 374), which heads off to the right (north). Follow FR 374 for four miles to the campground.
Good website for more info: http://www.camparizona.com/Campsites/FlagstaffCampsites/yavapai.htm
Photo: fun at Granite Basin Lake. Sand toys, yes. Swim suits, no.
Yavapai Campground photos were taken September 2006
