Is Turney Gulch Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Turney Gulch Group 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 Turney Gulch Group before I book?

Yes! Turney Gulch Group has 10 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 Turney Gulch Group?

Turney Gulch Group is open May 01 to October 31. 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 Turney Gulch Group?

Turney Gulch Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Turney Gulch Group?

Fire policies at Turney Gulch Group: 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 Turney Gulch Group have?

Turney Gulch Group 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 Turney Gulch Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at Turney Gulch Group. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Turney Gulch Group?

Turney Gulch Group offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Turney Gulch Group?

Popular activities at Turney Gulch Group include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Turney Gulch Group

3.38

10 reviews

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, USA, 86301

Featured in:Group Camping Arizona

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 1, 2025 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bradshaw Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 1, 2025 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bradshaw Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Turney Gulch Group

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$75.00

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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, BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, USA, 86301

Turney Gulch Group

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, USA, 86301

Nearby places

Crown King (7 miles southeast)

Prescott (31 miles south)

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 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is approximately one mile past Horse Thief Lake. 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 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is about one mile past Horse Thief Lake. From Prescott, Arizona: From Downtown Prescott travel South on State Route 69 for 31 miles until you arive 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 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is about one mile past Horse Thief Lake.

Weather at Turney Gulch Group

Current alerts(13)

A four-digit combination lock code included in the confirmation letter will gain access to the entrance gate
Bears are present; do not leave food unprotected; dispose garbage in plastic bags in bear-proof trash bin on-site
Bring your own water.
Cell phone coverage is poor to limited

Best Time to Camp at Turney Gulch Group

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and dramatic mountain color at 6,000 ft — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Trails are excellent for hiking and mountain photography as ponderosa and mixed-aspen pockets take on autumn tones, fishing at Horsethief Lake stays productive, and wildlife activity increases as animals prepare for winter. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get quieter group camp evenings while still享有开 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall described as best: cool days, dry trails, aspens mixed with ponderosas show color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 for reservations.

About Turney Gulch Group

Turney Gulch Group sits in mid-elevation Prescott National Forest near Crown King, operated by the Bradshaw Ranger District. This small group campground offers access to hiking trails and fishing at nearby Horsethief Lake, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings among ponderosa pines. Gates close overnight, and the campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Turney Gulch Group Campground is exclusively for group use, with a focus on rustic camping experiences in a scenic pine forest setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp, clear weather and dramatic mountain color at 6,000 ft — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Trails are excellent for hiking and mountain photography as ponderosa and mixed-aspen pockets take on autumn tones, fishing at Horsethief Lake stays productive, and wildlife activity increases as animals prepare for winter. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you get quieter group camp evenings while still享有开 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive ponderosa pines dominate the landscape at this 6,000-foot elevation spot in the Bradshaw Mountains, a billion-year-old range shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Rocky outcroppings break through the pine needle-carpeted forest floor. Nearby Horsethief Lake provides fishing and boating access. Reviews mention stargazing opportunities and wildlife sightings, though the dense forest canopy limits panoramic views to occasional clearings and ridge tops.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is provided; this is a group campground with a rustic atmosphere.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group capacity is 100 people.

Groups

The site accommodates up to 100 people and 30 vehicles, with group facilities including a picnic shelter, 15 picnic tables, and fire grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or app.

AccessibilityA vault toilet is accessible, and the site includes a picnic shelter and tables suitable for groups.

Site SizeThe campground is designed for groups, accommodating up to 100 people and 30 vehicles. Specific site sizes are not delineated.

PrivacyThe site has a group camping layout, so privacy between individuals or subgroups may be limited.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUse high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Look for Turney Gulch sign for easier navigation.

Need help booking Turney Gulch Group?

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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

Turney Gulch Group Campground provides a rustic mountain camping experience with essential amenities. The site accommodates up to 100 people and 30 vehicles. Facilities include a picnic shelter, 15 picnic tables, fire grills, and an accessible vault toilet. Drinking water is available approximately one mile away via a standpipe at the Horsethief Cabin. Trash collection is provided. The campground is accessible via an unimproved dirt road, necessitating the use of high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Turney Gulch can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Horsethief Lake is ideal for fishing and boating, while hiking trails in the surrounding Castle Creek Wilderness offer scenic exploration. Hunting and wildlife viewing are also popular pastimes.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. An accessible vault toilet is provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Turney Gulch Group has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and remote setting, its suitability for group camping, and the challenges of reaching the site due to its dirt road access. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural surroundings but mention the need for high-clearance vehicles.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the "quiet" and "beautiful" setting, the opportunity for stargazing, fishing, and enjoying nature. One reviewer noted, "We had a great night and saw the lunar eclipse."

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Difficulty finding the site was mentioned in some reviews, with one camper stating, "I couldn’t find it, so we camped in a free site at a different campsite." Additionally, the access road was noted...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific mentions of Campsite 1 in the Turn loop noted its quality but the difficulty of locating it.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend using high-clearance vehicles for access and paying attention to signs to avoid getting lost. A visitor advised, "Don’t forget to visit the Saloon in Crown King and have the best...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer was appreciated for its pleasant temperatures, while spring and fall are likely ideal for avoiding the heat of nearby deserts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from late June to...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Don’t forget to visit the Saloon in Crown King and have the best wings around!" "We had a great night and saw the lunar eclipse. We had a little trouble finding the turnoff, but we missed the Turney...

Based on 10 reviews