Groom Creek Schoolhouse

Star4.00
32 reviews
Groom Creek Schoolhouse-64 Senator HWY, Prescott, AZ 86301

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Prescott National Forest site

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Groom Creek Schoolhouse
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 32 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanrestrooms

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Groom Creek Schoolhouse for its beautiful, quiet forest setting, historic stone schoolhouse, and easy loop trail. Many people specifically use and praise it as a wedding or special-event venue, while others enjoy it as a short day-use spot for walking, picnicking, or simply reflecting in a peaceful environment. A few reviewers also mention a spooky/haunted vibe that adds to the character of the place."

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Best Time to Camp at Groom Creek Schoolhouse

Spring transforms the forest floor into a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, with a second spectacular bloom arriving during the summer monsoon season. From late June through mid-September, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms roll through the mountains, bringing refreshing rains and electrifying skies that showcase nature's power in this high-country landscape.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Groom Creek Schoolhouse

    Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1902 two-room schoolhouse nestled in the heart of Prescott National Forest. This charming historic site welcomes day-use groups of up to 60 people, offering both intimate indoor spaces and shaded outdoor picnic areas surrounded by towering ponderosa pines—though visitors should bring their own water for their mountain retreat.
    Historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic/group-use area intended for day-use group reservations (up to 60 people). The site is not described as an overnight campground; nearby Upper Wolf Creek Campground provides overnight camping options.
    Historical SignificanceImagine the voices of 10 to 15 pioneer children echoing through these rooms, where lessons were taught from 1902 until 1952 in what was once the educational heart of the Groom Creek community. This treasured landmark earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve the community today, hosting administrative functions, training sessions, and memorable gatherings that honor its rich educational legacy while creating new stories for future generations.
    Weather and SeasonsSpring transforms the forest floor into a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, with a second spectacular bloom arriving during the summer monsoon season. From late June through mid-September, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms roll through the mountains, bringing refreshing rains and electrifying skies that showcase nature's power in this high-country landscape.
    Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines form a fragrant canopy over a diverse tapestry of juniper, graceful Gambel oaks, and native grasses that sway in the mountain breeze. Wildflowers paint the understory in brilliant colors twice each year—first in spring's gentle awakening, then again when summer monsoons breathe life into the forest. This is wild country where mule deer browse at dawn, mountain lions and bobcats prowl the shadows, coyotes sing at dusk, and foxes dart between the trees. Watch for rabbits bounding through the undergrowth, lizards sunning on warm rocks, snakes gliding through the grass, and an impressive variety of birds filling the air with song.
    Geological RegionThe schoolhouse sits within a classic ponderosa pine ecosystem of Prescott National Forest, where Arizona's iconic pine-dominated woodlands blend seamlessly with hardy juniper, deciduous Gambel oaks, and resilient native grasses that have adapted to the region's elevation and climate over millennia.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityOutdoor picnic area and the paved Groom Creek Nature Trail are accessible; parking is available for vehicles and buses.
    Sites SizeDay-use group facility: historic two-room schoolhouse and outdoor picnic area; picnic area with 10 picnic tables; amphitheater (limited access); vault toilets; parking for 12 vehicles or two buses
    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesBring your own drinking water. The site accommodates parking for 12 vehicles or two buses; the outdoor area has 10 picnic tables, vault toilets and an amphitheater (limited access). Indoor space includes two rooms with tables and chairs.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    Day use for group reservations (groups may reserve the facility for day use).
    Guests Allowed Per Site
    Up to 60 people for group reservations.
    Groups
    • May be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people
    • offers indoor two-room schoolhouse meeting space with tables and chairs and an outdoor picnic area with 10 picnic tables and an amphitheater (limited access).
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Site layoutTwo-room historic schoolhouse for indoor use and an adjacent accessible outdoor picnic area with 10 picnic tables, vault toilets, an amphitheater (limited access) and parking for 12 vehicles or two buses.
    Cancellation PolicyMay be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people.

    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

    Picnic tables
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Day-use site for group gatherings with nearby recreational opportunities including an accessible paved nature trail and extensive forest trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is a common activity in the ponderosa pine and mixed woodlands surrounding the site.
    Hiking
    Accessible, paved Groom Creek Nature Trail is adjacent to the site; Prescott National Forest offers miles of hiking trails in the area.
    Biking
    Prescott National Forest provides mountain biking trails in the surrounding area.
    Wildlife viewing
    The forest supports deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and many bird species, offering good wildlife viewing opportunities.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsAfternoon thunderstorms (late June through mid-September) and potential encounters with wildlife including mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and snakes. No drinking water is available on site—guests must bring their own.

    Weather at Groom Creek Schoolhouse

    51
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 31%
    Wind: 9.3 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresNo drinking water available on site.

    Campground Map

    Groom Creek Schoolhouse-64 Senator HWY, Prescott, AZ 86301
    Driving directionsFrom Phoenix, 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 and continue for 6.1 miles. The turnoff for the schoolhouse and parking is on the left.
    Accessible via I-17 north, State Route 69 west and Route 89 south (directions provided from Phoenix).
    Nearby places
    Phoenix: 61.8 miles (to I-17 exit 262) — additional travel on SR 69 and Route 89 as described
    Prescott: on-site / in the historic town of Prescott (address given).
    Nearby supplies
    Historic town of Prescott — restaurants, shopping and amenities nearby.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.0
    32 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Groom Creek Schoolhouse has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly love Groom Creek Schoolhouse for its beautiful, quiet forest setting, historic stone schoolhouse, and easy loop trail. Many people specifically use and praise it as a wedding or special-event venue, while others enjoy it as a short day-use spot for walking, picnicking, or simply reflecting in a peaceful environment. A few reviewers also mention a spooky/haunted vibe that adds to the character of the place.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 32 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Guests highlight the beautiful grounds, rock outcroppings, ponderosa pines, and nostalgic historic schoolhouse. The location is frequently praised as an “amazing” and “perfect” venue for weddings and...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Common Concerns

    There are very few complaints in the reviews. Some note limited parking, describing the area as having room for only a few vehicles. One reviewer found the access roads “scary,” and another mentioned...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Expect a short, easy visit if you’re just walking the trail—reviewers say it takes about 10–20 minutes at a leisurely pace, with benches along the way. If planning a wedding or event, be prepared for...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Just an amazing wedding venue. It's a nice old stone school house with an alter around the back. The restrooms were very clean for our event.” “Fascinating location and the trails are all paved and...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Recreation.gov reviewers specifically mention Site 1 in the Groom Creek loop as a “most beautiful place to have a special day,” used for both a memorial celebration of life and a wedding on different...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Multiple reviews emphasize accessibility: one calls it a “great trail for disabled,” another says the trails are “all paved and level and very handicap accessible.” Others mention a short, mellow...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer mentions walking the grounds and trail with their dogs and enjoying the quiet, indicating that leashed pets are welcome and can also enjoy the short, peaceful trail and surroundings.
    Based on 32 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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