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Horsethief cabin
Arizona › Yavapai County › Prescott National Forest

Horsethief Cabin

Open

Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through November 30. Reservations required via Recreation.gov at least one day in advance. The shower is currently out of order due to water issues. High-clearance vehicle recommended for the rough forest roads.

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Flood Watch issued October 9 at 12:59PM MST until October 12 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 9th, 12:59 PM — 12:00 PM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai, western Coconino, northern Gila, and far southern Navajo counties. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A upper-level trough will help pull moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel up into western Arizona to produce showers and thunderstorms Saturday, followed by extended periods of rainfall through at least Sunday. Thunderstorms will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding, while extended periods of rain can lead to elevated streams, rivers, and flow through washes. Greatest risk of heavy rainfall looks be along higher terrain due to upsloping. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 12:58PM MST until October 11 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

October 9th, 12:58 PM — 12:00 PM

* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...All of central and northern Arizona, including Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...From 8 AM MST /9 AM MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could snap resulting in a few power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong upper-level trough along with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will create a synoptic pattern supportive of strong gusts across northern Arizona, especially along the higher terrain.

From Recreation.gov

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are experiencing water issues at Horsethief Cabin, currently the shower is out of order, please plan accordingly. Updates can be had by calling our main line at (928) 443-8000.

About

Horsethief Cabin offers a unique recreation opportunity in the Prescott National Forest, combining rustic mountain ambiance with modern amenities. Originally built in 1939 as quarters for Forest Service fire crews protecting the southern Bradshaw Mountains, the cabin fell into disuse by the 1980s before being restored as a rental facility. The historic structure sits in a clearing surrounded by Ponderosa pines at an elevation exceeding 6,000 feet. The cabin accommodates up to six guests with four beds: two twins, one queen, and a double futon. Amenities include running potable water, electricity, propane heating, cooling fans, and a full kitchen equipped with a propane stove/oven, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, sink, and dining table with chairs. The bathroom has a flush toilet, sink, and shower. Outdoor features include a fire ring, charcoal pedestal grill, and picnic tables. Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, dishes, cookware, and food. Anglers will appreciate the short hike to Horsethief Basin Lake, stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. Non-motorized boating is permitted. Hikers can explore trails leading to Horsethief Canyon, Twin Peaks, Castle Creek, and Jim Creek. OHV enthusiasts have access to Kentuck, Lane Mountain, and Tip Top routes. The nearby Castle Creek Wilderness offers rugged terrain ranging from lower-elevation saguaro desert to higher pinon-juniper woodlands, with abundant wildlife including mule deer, javelina, and various birds of prey.

Directions

From Phoenix: Take I-17 north to Bumble Bee Exit 248, continue north on the dirt road via Forest Road 259 to Crown King. From Crown King, take FR 259A south for 0.5 mile to the junction with FR 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 5 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. The cabin sits adjacent to Horse Thief Lake Road. From Prescott: Travel south on State Route 69 for 31 miles to Spring Valley, turn right onto Spring Lane, continue 0.7 miles to Duffers Drive, turn right and continue 1.4 miles to the intersection with S. Antelope Creek Road, turn left and drive 23 miles to Crown King, then follow FR 259A and FR 52 as described above. The rough roads take over an hour from Highway 17.

Nearby Campgrounds

Hazlett Hollow Campground 0.7mi Turney Gulch Group 1.0mi Palace Station Cabin 16mi Upper Wolf Creek Group 22mi Lower Wolf Creek Campground 22mi Groom Creek Horse Camp 23mi Groom Creek Schoolhouse 23mi Hilltop Campground 24mi Eagle Ridge Group Campground 25mi

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store —
Price $100

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (928) 443-8000

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Useful Links

Arizona State Tourism
Arizona State Road Conditions
View on Recreation.gov
Horsethief Cabin - Prescott National Forest

Availability

Photos

Horsethief cabin
wood chopping area
Kitchen
Horsethief reservoir
bedroom
Horsethief Cabin

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