Photo: Vineet Potdar / CC BY-SA 3.0

Fishing 7,004 ft Bortle 4 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

Campers looking for some peace and quiet will find this relaxing campground offers cool summertime temperatures and easy access from scenic Hwy 89A in central Arizona. The campground is located at 7,200 ft. in elevation between Mingus Mountain and Woodchute Wilderness in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Verde Ranger District at 1 (928) 567-4121. Recreation Wildlife viewing, hiking, scenic driving and off-highway scenic driving are popular in the area. The wanderer in you will appreciate your close proximity to Yeager Canyon Trail #28 and Woodchute Trail #102, a rewarding hike into the 5,923 acre Woodchute Wilderness and view from the top of Woodchute Mountain. Access to a segment of The Great Western Trail is located adjacent to the campground. Mingus Lake is just across the highway and stocked for fishing. The Verde River in the valley below offers rafting, kayaking and bird watching. Facilities Each site at Potato Patch Campground features a picnic table, paved parking, a level tent pad (non-electric sites only), and an elevated fire ring with grill. Accessible sites have an additional pedestal grill. Loop B: All twelve sites have electrical hookups (30 amp). Tents are not permitted. See site map under photos. Three composting toilets, garbage service, and potable water (not for filling RV tanks) are available to all campers. Natural Features This mountain top campground offers a cool respite from hot Arizona summers -- a classic forest setting for a memorable camping adventure. Connect with your inner naturalist and observe the wildlife and wildflowers found in abundance around the campground. Interesting geology can be found in any direction with many significant rock formations, canyons and mountains within easy driving distance from Potato Patch. Nearby Attractions The historic and eclectic mining town of Jerome is just down the steep, winding mountain road, with unique shopping and dining opportunities and Jerome State Historic Park. Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo, and the lively historic towns of Clarkdale and Cottonwood with museums and basic services are just over 9 miles away. Hayfield Draw OHV Area is located on Highway 260 between Cottonwood and Camp Verde for a unique OHV recreational experience. The towns of Prescott Valley and Prescott are 20 miles away and provide a wide array of services, shopping and dining.

Near Jerome, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

Preparation for Potato Patch Campground starts with your pack. These items address the real risks and conditions here.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

With 15 activities available, Potato Patch Campground works for both quick day trips and longer stays.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 4) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

atv — Protective gear and adherence to regulations are important.
backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
kayaking — Wear a personal flotation device and check water conditions before launching.
off_roading — Stay on designated routes to protect fragile terrain.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.

Wildlife Safety at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Safety at Potato Patch Campground involves knowing about 1 potential wildlife hazards in the area.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (87mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Southern latitude (35N), Elevated (7,004ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 4)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.

Western Diamondback

Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

This Desert habitat supports 8 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 5 reptile species.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.
Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
white fir — The species tolerates shade and often grows beneath taller conifers.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds.
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils.
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Best months to visit based on climate: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Avoid unless prepared for .

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 51.8°F

Annual precipitation: 21.9 in

With an average annual temperature of 51.8°F and 21.9 inches of precipitation, Potato Patch Campground has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 37°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 37°

2.1"

Spring 48°

0.8"

Summer 70°

3.6"

Fall 53°

1.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	37°F	2.1 in
Feb	38°F	2.5 in
Mar	42°F	2.1 in
Apr	48°F	0.8 in
May	56°F	0.6 in
Jun	66°F	0.5 in
Jul	70°F	3.6 in
Aug	68°F	3.6 in
Sep	63°F	2.2 in
Oct	53°F	1.2 in
Nov	44°F	1.0 in
Dec	37°F	1.7 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:14 AM – 7:42 PM

Winter: 7:28 AM – 5:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:28 AM, Sunset 5:19 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:14 AM, Sunset 7:42 PM Golden hour from 7:05 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:02 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:10 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Potato Patch Campground.

Phoenix is the nearest hub at 87 miles — here's the trip breakdown.

Nearest city: Phoenix (87 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $21.81 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 70.5 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Nearby options include trails and campgrounds within a short drive.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Campgrounds

Playground Group Campground, Yavapai 1.26 mi
Mingus Mountain Cabin Campground, Yavapai 1.82 mi
Mingus Group Campground, Yavapai 2.19 mi
Mingus Mountain Campground, Yavapai 2.22 mi

Nearby Attractions

Ok Ranch Historic District, Yavapai 21.51 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

The dark sky quality at Potato Patch Campground (Bortle 4) places it among the better stargazing spots in the area.

Bortle 4 Rural/suburban transition

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

The seasonal rhythm at Potato Patch Campground shapes what you'll see on the trail, in the sky, and across the landscape.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

Recognition of Indigenous stewardship matters. Potato Patch Campground lies within the ancestral lands of Jumanos, Hohokam, Yavapai Apache.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Yavapai.

Yavapai

Data from Native Land Digital

Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Potato Patch Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Limestone of Verde Formation
Formation: Verde Formation
Age: Neogene

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 142
Unique Species: 63
Oldest: 382.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 168
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Gold, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Silver, Limestone, General, Iron

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 118°F (2004-08-12)
Record Low: -1°F (1963-01-13)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 62
Largest Fire: Mingus (15,457.1 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: evaporite_basin
Karst Score: 30

Watershed

Watershed: Mescal Gulch-Verde River
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 11.078%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: Cottonwood (0.8 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 21 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Haunted Places: 5 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 81/100

Potato Patch Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Yavapai Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Official condition reports for Potato Patch Campground cover weather, wildfire activity, flood status, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: PRESCOTT VALLEY 7.9 ENE, AZ US (3.68 mi)