The Prescott National Forest is full of adventures waiting to happen. All it takes is for you to take some precautions to keep yourself safe. Every day someone is injured or worse because they do not come prepared for their experience. With just a little time to prepare, you can make your trip enjoyable and safe at the same time.

There are different kinds of camping that you need to know about:

The most familiar is an established campground. These campgrounds at the least offer a dry and flat camping spot with basic toilet facilities and drinking water. To spend time in these places you will be required to pay a fee ($6 - $15) and in popular campgrounds you will have to register (up to a few years) in advance. An advantage to staying in these campgrounds is the convenience of the facilities. As long as you stay within the confines of the established campground, you can expect to be relatively safe and within earshot of others staying there. Virtually every National Forest campground offers a multitude of hiking trails and other activities that will keep you busy during your stay. This is where you will need to take precautions to ensure yours and your companion’s safety. Read below for tips.

For the more adventurous, there is what is referred to as “Primitive Camping”. This is where the camper will strike out into the forest and make camp at an appropriate location. While camping in this manner, you will have none of the conveniences that you may expect, such as a toilet, drinking water or a snack shack. Everything that you will need will have to be brought along. I can not stress enough the need for adequate drinking water. Not only is this necessary for basic life functions, but will be your lifeline in any sort of emergency. Do not head out thinking you will find sources of water and food. Changes in season effect where and when you will find something to drink, and may leave you up the creek…

Knowing where you are is of utmost importance. If you are reading this, you have access to maps and satellite photos via http://www.maps.google.com among others.  Research your trip before you go. As you proceed into the forest, keep track of road and trail numbers. This will be of all importance if your car breaks down, or you are in need of rescue. Yavapai County has a valuable resource known as the “Sheriff’s Jeep Posse” that with the right information can very quickly bring you all sorts of assistance. They can be contacted at 928-771-3281 or 911 and they will be on their way! Having a tri-mode phone that can connect to the old analog cell phone system is very helpful in contacting them. Analog signals are more available in the forest, and can (if available) be reached by mountaintop. Check your mobile phone’s signal frequently to see if you are in range. Otherwise you are on your own. Make sure you have the right vehicle that is in good working order.

Wide temperature swings can be expected here in the high desert. As soon as October night time temperatures will drop to below freezing, with snow expected around Halloween. Come prepared with warm clothing and sleeping bags. I guarantee you will appreciate some preparation when it hits 3 degrees in Dec – Mar.

BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER READ THIS:

Due to a bark beetle infestation and recent drought there is a very high chance of wildfire. Please, please keep an eye on your campfire, and make sure it is “Dead Out”. This can be accomplished by dousing the coals with large amounts of water and/or completely burying it with dirt.

On the note of bark beetles. In some areas there is more than an 85% death rate of our native pine forest. These trees are primed and ready to fall on your head! The dead trees have been removed along popular roadways and forest establishments, but pose a possible threat elsewhere. During the year, afternoon thunder/wind storms are continually toppling these trees. Look out for trees that may fall within your campsite.

I have spent most of my time primitive camping, but here are some links to where you can stay in an established campground:

Family Camping:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/family_cg/index.shtml

Group Camping:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/group_cg/index.shtml

Primitive camping within the Prescott Basin including the Thumb Butte loop is now restricted to specific areas. The Prescott National Forest website can give you particular information regarding camping there.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/dispersedcmp.shtml

I urge you to explore the National Forest web pages above and check out links from that site to plan your trip successfully.

Enjoy your stay, and always remember if you pack it in, pack it out.

Andrew Long is the Web Administrator of USMainStreets.com and an avid outdoorsman. If you would like to comment on this article please use the “Contact Us” link to the left or visit http://www.prescottcity.com and tell us your thoughts.