Prescott National Forest officials have announced a proposal to open the North Mingus Campground on Mingus Mountain (Arizona) to the general public and implement a new fee structure, shifting the area from private to public management.
The proposal would convert campsites currently managed under a special use permit for a private club to public access sites with nightly fees.
Under the proposal, visitors would pay $18 per night for a single campsite and $36 per night for a double site, aligning with rates at other Prescott National Forest (PNF) campgrounds.
Reservations would be available through Recreation.gov, with an additional $8 reservation fee. The plan aims to expand high-elevation camping opportunities during peak summer months.
“As more people seek cooler, high-elevation recreation opportunities during the hot summer months, the forest is seeking to maximize access to such opportunities by making these campsites available to the public,” Prescott Forest Supervisor Sarah Clawson said, as reported by The Prescott Times on July 3.
“The fees collected will help us maintain these sites into the future,” Clawson added.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to improve visitor experiences while ensuring the long-term sustainability of recreation sites. The majority of campgrounds on PNF would remain free of charge, with more than 57% of all recreation sites not requiring a fee.
Powell Springs Campground, which is open year-round, will continue to offer free access.
Additionally, America the Beautiful pass holders may receive a 50% discount on camping fees at applicable sites.
The changes are supported by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, passed by Congress in 2004, which permits the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of collected fees for use at the local level.
Funds are reinvested in operations, maintenance, and improvements to support safe and accessible public use.
Revenue from the proposed fees would help pay for routine upkeep, employee salaries, and larger infrastructure projects such as repaving access roads, enhancing parking areas, and restoring campsite features. Officials say these funds are critical to meeting visitor expectations and sustaining services in the long term.
Public input is being solicited on the proposed fee adjustments. Comments must be submitted by close of business on August 25.