Prescott National Forest, National forest in Arizona, United States

Prescott National Forest is a United States National Forest in north central Arizona, covering about 1.25 million acres (510,000 ha) across Yavapai and Coconino counties. It lies in the mountains southwest of Flagstaff and north of Phoenix, and is divided into three ranger districts: Chino Valley, Bradshaw, and Verde.

Prescott Forest Reserve was created in 1898 and became a national forest in 1907. It later absorbed Verde National Forest in 1908 and Tusayan National Forest in 1934.

The forest is a place where locals go to hike, camp, and escape the summer heat, and its name comes from the nearby city of Prescott. Campgrounds like those in the Bradshaw District fill up on weekends, and the forest hosts events such as star parties and guided walks.

The forest is easy to reach from Prescott, with ranger stations in Prescott, Chino Valley, and Camp Verde for maps and advice. Visitors should carry water and check local conditions, as services are limited and some roads are unpaved.

The forest contains eight designated wilderness areas, totaling more than 104,000 acres (421 km2), where motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed. These areas offer a chance to see wildlife and plants in a setting that feels far from the city.