How much does camping cost at Horsethief Cabin?

Camping fees at Horsethief Cabin are $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horsethief Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Horsethief Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Horsethief Cabin before I book?

Yes! Horsethief Cabin has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Horsethief Cabin?

Horsethief Cabin is open May 01 to November 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Horsethief Cabin?

Yes, Horsethief Cabin has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Horsethief Cabin?

Fire policies at Horsethief Cabin: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Horsethief Cabin have?

Horsethief Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horsethief Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Horsethief Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Horsethief Cabin?

Horsethief Cabin offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Horsethief Cabin?

Popular activities at Horsethief Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Horsethief Cabin

4.32

12 reviews

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, 344 S. CORTEZ STREET, PRESCOTT, AZ, 86303, USA

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025, to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Prescott National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025, to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Prescott National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Horsethief Cabin

$100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1 (877) 444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, 344 S. CORTEZ STREET, PRESCOTT, AZ, 86303, USA

Horsethief Cabin

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, 344 S. CORTEZ STREET, PRESCOTT, AZ, 86303, USA

Nearby places

Phoenix: Approximately 72 miles. Prescott: Approximately 31 miles. Crown King: Approximately 28 miles.

Driving directionsFrom Phoenix, Arizona: When traveling Northbound on I-17 take the Bumble Bee Exit 248 and continue North on the dirt road, taking Forest Road (FR) 259 to Crown King. From Crown King, take (FR) 259A south for 0.5 mile to the junction of 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd. Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 263, turn right and proceed towards a roundabout and merge onto Hwy 69 North towards Prescott for 2.4 miles until turning left on to Spring Ln. in Spring Valley. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the intersection of Duffers Dr. and S. Antelope Creek Rd. and turn left and drive for 23 miles until arriving to Crown King, Arizona. From Crown King, take (Forest Rd) 259A south for 0.5 mile to a junction with 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd. From Prescott, Arizona: From Downtown Prescott travel South on State Route 69 for 31 miles until you arrive to Spring Valley, Arizona and turn right onto Spring Ln. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved at this point, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the intersection of Duffers Dr. and S. Antelope Creek Rd. and turn left and drive for 23 miles until arriving to Crown King, Arizona. From Crown King, take 259A south for 0.5 mile to a junction with 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to the Horse Thief Lake Rd.

Weather at Horsethief Cabin

Current alerts(15)

4-wheel drive and high clearance is suggested. Be prepared to negotiate moderate to steep, narrow, winding, user-impacted, and severely eroded portions of roadway. The rough road takes over an hour of travel from Highway 17.
A four-digit code included in the confirmation letter will gain access at the entrance gate, and the cabin.
Bears are present in the area; do not leave any garbage or food outside or food in your vehicle. Pack out food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave
Cell phone coverage is unreliable and there is no phone at the cabin

Best Time to Camp at Horsethief Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild weather, dramatic mountain colors, and quiet trails — ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and cozy evenings at the restored cabin. Expect crisp mornings around the low 40s °F with afternoons in the mid-60s °F (Sept–Nov), very low humidity, and clear skies that make for excellent stargazing. Crowds thin after Labor Day and before the cabin closes in late November, so you get peak scenery with fewer people; be aware that some hunting seasons occur in fall Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Overview: Fall offers mild temps, dramatic colors, low humidity and thinning crowds — best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025, to November 29, 2025. Reservations available starting June 22, 2025.

About Horsethief Cabin

Horsethief Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Prescott National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service near Prescott, Arizona. This restored cabin offers electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and showers in a secluded setting where guests hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife. Fall brings the best conditions with mild temperatures, low humidity, and thinning crowds after Labor Day.

Horsethief Cabin provides a unique camping experience by offering a rustic cabin for rent. While traditional tent, RV, or group camping is not available, the cabin offers modern amenities and a secluded environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild weather, dramatic mountain colors, and quiet trails — ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and cozy evenings at the restored cabin. Expect crisp mornings around the low 40s °F with afternoons in the mid-60s °F (Sept–Nov), very low humidity, and clear skies that make for excellent stargazing. Crowds thin after Labor Day and before the cabin closes in late November, so you get peak scenery with fewer people; be aware that some hunting seasons occur in fall Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a clearing surrounded by ponderosa pines in Prescott National Forest. The landscape here shifts with elevation: desert gardens of agave and prickly pear at lower reaches, then piñon and juniper woodlands as you climb higher into the Bradshaws. Castle Creek Wilderness begins just beyond the cabin's doorstep. Mule deer appear regularly at dawn. Black bears, mountain lions, and javelinas also inhabit the area, though sightings are less common.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin accommodates up to six people, with furniture including two twin beds, one queen bed, and one double futon. It offers indoor amenities such as heating and cooling, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with running water.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no specific cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days is allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests allowed per cabin reservation.

Groups

Group campsites are not available at Horsethief Cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the contact center by calling 1 (877) 444-6777.

AccessibilityThe cabin does not explicitly mention accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin is structured to accommodate up to six individuals comfortably.

PrivacyThe site is isolated, offering privacy and seclusion amidst Ponderosa pines in the Bradshaw Mountains.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should bring additional cleaning supplies, utensils, and emergency kits due to reported maintenance issues.

Need help booking Horsethief Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Horsethief Cabin offers several amenities that enhance the camping experience. The cabin is equipped with running water, electricity, propane heater, and fans for cooling. It features a kitchen with a sink, propane stove/oven, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and a table with five chairs. The bathroom includes a flush toilet, sink, and shower, while outdoor facilities include a fire pedestal grill, fire ring, and picnic table. However, guests need to bring their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, garbage bags, and emergency kits.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Horsethief Cabin

Horsethief Cabin offers diverse activities for nature enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy fishing at Horsethief Basin Lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. Non-motorized boating is permitted. The area also features hiking trails to Horsethief Canyon, Twin Peaks, Castle Creek, and Jim Creek. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with species including mule deer, javelina, mountain lions, and black bears. Off-highway vehicle roads and trails are available. Nearby attractions include a fire lookout tower.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails to Horsethief Canyon, Twin Peaks, Castle Creek and Jim Creek offer varied terrain and views.

Fishing4.0/5

Horsethief Basin Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish; fishing explicitly noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area offers excellent wildlife viewing amid ponderosa pines and mixed woodlands.

Boating3.5/5

Non-motorized boating permitted on Horsethief Basin Lake for peaceful exploration.

Water Sports3.0/5

Non-motorized boating is allowed on the stocked lake, suitable for kayaking.

Biking2.0/5

Biking not specifically mentioned; area may allow casual riding but not a stated draw.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic views, fall colors, wildlife and dark skies offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

12 reviews

Recommended

Horsethief Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reveal a mix of positive and negative sentiments about Horsethief Cabin. While some guests appreciated the cabin's isolation, scenic surroundings, and unique accommodations, others raised significant concerns about cleanliness and rodent infestations.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praised the cabin's peaceful location and stunning scenery. One review noted, 'We loved the isolation of this cabin.' Another guest mentioned, 'Another wonderful stay! My fiancé and two...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviews highlighted severe rodent issues, cobwebs, and lack of maintenance. A guest described, 'Mouse infestation is not a joke, we arrived at the cabin and first thing we see are rodents...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific complaints about the cabin included rodent sightings and cobwebs. Positive reviews emphasized its scenic location and isolation.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests advised bringing extra cleaning supplies and personal items due to the cabin's maintenance challenges. One user suggested, 'Make sure you bring some extra utensils.'

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin sees varying experiences across seasons. Winter guests appreciated the cozy accommodations, while summer visitors struggled with mosquitoes and maintenance issues.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Gorgeous scenery.' 2. 'The cabin was perfect.' 3. 'Could do without all the ORVs driving by.' 4. 'My fiancé and two daughters and I fit comfortably and the location is IDEAL.'

Based on 12 reviews