Arizona / Yavapai County / Prescott National Forest

Groom Creek Schoolhouse

Closed — Open year-round for day-use group reservations only. No overnight camping permitted. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. When not reserved, outdoor areas may be available first-come, first-served.

About

Built in 1902, the Groom Creek Schoolhouse served 10 to 15 children in the early 1900s and remained an active school until 1952. Today, this historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operates as a day-use group reservation facility within Prescott National Forest. The two-room schoolhouse features new furniture including tables and chairs, making it ideal for weddings, reunions, luncheons, and group meetings of up to 60 people. The outdoor facilities include an accessible picnic area with 10 concrete tables, vault toilets, an amphitheater with limited accessibility, and parking for 12 vehicles or two buses. Access is through a locked gate, and reservation holders receive the gate combination. When not reserved, the outdoor area may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The adjacent Lions Club Accessible Nature Trail offers a short, paved loop through the ponderosa pine ecosystem. Set among ponderosa pines mixed with juniper trees, Gambel oaks, and native grasses, the area displays colorful wildflowers in spring and during summer monsoon season. Wildlife including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and various birds inhabit the forest. No drinking water is available on-site, so visitors must bring their own. Pets are not permitted in the building but are allowed outside on a 6-foot leash. This is strictly a day-use facility; overnight camping is not permitted, though Upper Wolf Creek Campground is nearby for those wishing to camp.

Directions

From Phoenix, take I-17 north for 61.8 miles. Take exit 262 toward Cordes Junction/Prescott. Merge onto State Route 69 west for 33.8 miles. At the split, take the ramp for Route 89 south. Turn slight left onto East Gurley Street/Route 89 and follow for 0.8 miles. Turn left at Mt. Vernon Street and continue for 6.1 miles. The turnoff for the schoolhouse and parking is on the left at 64 Senator Highway, Prescott, AZ 86301.

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