Groom Creek Horse Camp
4.5097 reviewsPrescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, 344 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ, USA, 86303-4398
Groom Creek Horse Camp
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$18.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates for equestrian nonelectric and group picnic areas are $18 per night during the peak season from May 1 to October 30. Additional fees apply for second vehicles ($5).
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Groom Creek Horse Camp, where equestrian dreams come alive in the heart of ponderosa pine country. This thoughtfully designed campground welcomes riders and their horses with sturdy steel corrals and convenient high lines, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic trails that begin right at your campsite. Whether you're planning a solo journey or organizing a memorable group ride, the spacious picnic areas provide ideal gathering spots to share stories of the day's adventures under towering pines.
Groom Creek Horse Camp caters primarily to equestrian campers and offers sites with steel corrals and tether lines.
Historical SignificanceJust a short ride from camp, the historic town of Prescott pulses with Western heritage and modern mountain culture. Summer transforms the town into a vibrant celebration of arts, crafts, and music, with festivals that capture the spirit of the Old West while embracing contemporary creativity. The surrounding landscape tells its own story through diverse regional flora and fauna, offering riders a living museum of Arizona's natural heritage with every hoofbeat on the trail.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through fall, Groom Creek Horse Camp basks in Arizona's mountain perfection. June days warm to a comfortable 85°F, ideal for long trail rides, while evenings bring that crisp mountain air that makes campfire conversations and stargazing irresistible. The reliable dry conditions throughout the season mean more time in the saddle and less time worrying about weather, though you'll want to pack layers for those refreshingly cool mountain nights.
ElevationPerched at 6,398 feet in the majestic Prescott National Forest, this high-country haven offers a refreshing escape from desert heat. The elevation provides not just cooler temperatures but also breathtaking vistas and that thin, pine-scented air that makes every breath feel like pure mountain magic.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning tapestry of towering ponderosa pines interwoven with distinctive alligator junipers and stately oak groves. Native grasses carpet the forest floor, creating natural meadows that burst into spectacular wildflower displays during spring and after summer monsoons paint the landscape in vibrant purples, yellows, and reds. Keep your eyes peeled for the forest's wild residents – graceful deer often graze in early morning light, while the occasional glimpse of a mountain lion or bobcat reminds visitors of the untamed beauty that thrives in these protected lands.
Geological RegionRising from the heart of Prescott National Forest, this elevated wonderland showcases Arizona's diverse mountain ecosystem at its finest. The unique combination of ponderosa pines, distinctive alligator junipers with their puzzle-piece bark, and various oak species creates a rich woodland environment carpeted with native grasses. This geological sweet spot in the Prescott highlands offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness, where ancient forests meet modern adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFacilities are not accessible for persons with disabilities as explicitly stated in authoritative content.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious. "Spacious and clean," says Kathy B, with many pull-through spots suitable for large trailers like 30' horse trailers.
Sites PrivacySites offer good privacy and are often surrounded by ponderosa pines. "Tranquil campsites," stated Sharon M.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose pull-through spots for ease of parking larger trailers. Sites close to water faucets are better for campers needing frequent water access.
Best CampsitesSites in Loop C, such as 37, received positive feedback for being level and close to corrals. Site 31 is noted for water hose accessibility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights allowed within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site are not explicitly stated.
Groups
Two group sites exist: Loop B accommodates two vehicles and includes six picnic tables, five pedestal fire grills, and a group fire ring. Loop C offers a steel ramada, six picnic tables under it, cooking areas, and parking for two vehicles. No trailers allowed at these sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLoop A is first-come, first-served. Loops B and C are reservable, with 27 pull-through and 3 back-in sites. Each site includes corrals and tether lines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 30 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityLoop A operates on a first-come, first-served basis, while Loops B and C are reservable.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations may incur penalties including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations may also incur a $10 fee. No refunds for Scan & Pay payments.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Groom Creek Horse Camp offers a variety of activities, primarily focused on equestrian recreation. Hiking trails, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are notable features. Nearby attractions include Goldwater Lake and Prescott.
Hiking
Three trails are accessible: Horse Camp Loop Trail 383 (2 miles), Wolf Creek Loop Trail 384 (5 miles), and Groom Creek Loop Trail 307 (9 miles). Multiple users praised the trails, such as Jean R, noting "Great trails just outside camp," while Suzanne K mentioned Trail 383 being poorly marked.Fishing
Goldwater Lake, located nearby, offers fishing opportunities. User mac nelson noted, "Tons of folks fishing if that is your thing and you want a break from the saddle."Biking
Trails are shared with mountain bikers, as noted in authoritative content. Specific details on trail difficulty for biking are not provided.Boating
Inflatable kayaks are suitable for nearby Goldwater Lake, as mentioned by mac nelson.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings frequently praised. "Lots of mule deer and brave coyotes," says Lynne O.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly described for Groom Creek Horse Camp.Water Sports
Inflatable kayaks and fishing at nearby Goldwater Lake are options for water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Smoking must occur in enclosed vehicles or designated cleared areas. Fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as mountain lions and snakes, rocky terrain, and exposed tree roots in horse stalls.
Active alertsAlerts regarding water shutoffs and horse stall flooding during rains have been noted in reviews.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Prescott, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 30
Trash and recyclingWheelbarrows and rakes are provided for waste management, and there are multiple trash dumpsters scattered across the campground for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresGoldwater Lake is in close proximity, offering activities such as kayaking and fishing.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include water availability issues, poor cell reception, unlevel campsites, and restrictive camp host behavior.
HostHosts Joe and Nancy are praised for being friendly and helpful. However, some reviews mention overly strict enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, 344 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ, USA, 86303-4398
Driving directionsFrom Phoenix, Arizona, take I-17 north for 61.8 miles. Take exit 262 toward Cordes Junction/Prescott. Merge onto State Route 69 west and follow for 33.8 miles. At the split, take the ramp for Route 89 south. Turn slight left onto East Gurley Street/89 and follow for about 0.8-mile. Turn left at Mt. Vernon Street (Senator Highway, County Road #56) and continue for 7.2 miles to Horse Camp on the right. Groom Creek Loop Trailhead #307 is east of the campground, across Forest Road #52. From downtown Prescott, take Gurley Street east to Mt. Vernon Avenue. Take Mt. Vernon (Senator Highway, County Road #56) south for about 7.2 miles to Horse Camp on the right. Groom Creek Loop Trailhead #307 is east of the campground, across Forest Road #52.
The road is paved and accessible for most vehicles. Users suggest that signage on the approach to Groom Creek Horse Camp could be improved. Some reviews warn that cell reception may be limited, which can impact navigation.Nearby places
Prescott (15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Prescott offers grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel stations, and other essentials within a 15-minute drive.
Camper Reviews
4.5
97 reviews
Groom Creek Horse Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Groom Creek Horse Camp is highly praised for its equestrian focus and clean, well-maintained facilities. Common complaints include poor cell service and occasional issues with camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 97 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include: "Beautiful trails," "trails leaving camp are endless," and "campsites are huge." Hosts Joe and Nancy are frequently complimented for their helpfulness.
Based on 97 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes complaints about vault toilet cleanliness, muddy corrals, and poor water availability. "Toilet facilities were terrible" noted by Mike M. and water issues like the need for...
Based on 97 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring long hoses for water, expect limited cell reception, and prepare for dry camping. "Be sure to bring a long hose and fillable water tank," suggests Lynne O.
Based on 97 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate pleasant weather in late June with highs around 85°F and cool nights requiring an extra blanket, as mentioned by mac nelson. Winter camping may be limited due to cold...
Based on 97 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The trails couldn't be better! We see deer almost every time we go," says Crissy Gilbert. "Wonderful trails and lots of wildlife to be seen," echoes Saara R.
Based on 97 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsite 37 in Loop C is heavily praised for being level and close to horse corrals, as noted by Mary W. Campsite 28 is frequently highlighted for its beauty and wildlife sightings.
Based on 97 reviewsAccessibility Features
Facilities are explicitly noted as being inaccessible for persons with disabilities, per authoritative sources.
Based on 97 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Mixed sentiment exists: "Dogs must be leashed," per Barbara C, but some camp hosts were seen as unfriendly toward dogs.
Based on 97 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025