Horsethief Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. Open May 1 through November 30. Reservations available via Recreation.gov at least one day in advance.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Pile Burning Work Continues on the Bradshaw RD (Prescott Basin)
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest plan prescribed fire operations, primarily pile burning, in the Prescott Basin on the Bradshaw Ranger District. The hand piles are from recent hazardous fuels reduction and thinning projects.
Prescott National Forest Pile Burning Planned on the Bradshaw Ranger District
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire, primarily pile burning, on Big Bug Mesa – pending favorable conditions.
Prescott National Forest lifts Stage 1 fire restrictions and recreational shooting restrictions
The Prescott National Forest has lifted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and the Emergency Recreational Shooting order effective Sept. 5, 2025, at 8 a.m. This decision follows careful monitoring of fuel moisture, weather patterns, and fire activity.
Orchard Fire
Prescott National Forest resources are actively engaged with the Orchard Fire, a potential lightning caused fire near the Town of Clarkdale; the incident is currently listed at 65 acres with 50% containment.
Prescott National Forest announces Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
PRESCOTT, Arizona, May 29, 2025 - Due to rapidly drying wildland fuels and above normal predicted fire potential for the month of June, the Prescott National Forest plans to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, to include a recreational shooting prohibition, beginning Friday, May 30t
Towers Mountain Road (NFSR 52C) Temporary Closure
Temporary closure of NFS Road to protect the infrastructure, ensuring the continued operation of critical communication services and reduce vandalism of communication facilities, including towers and equipment shelters. This Order shall be in effect from April 25, 2025, at 07:00a.m.
Verde Ranger Station Closed to the Public
The Camp Verde Ranger Station will close to the public starting on Monday, April 28, 2025. The public can still access all products and services at the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center, located at 8375 State Route 179, Sedona,
NFS Road 354 Closure Order #03-07-25-00
This Order prohibits travel on the NFS Road 354 and other roads in the area on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab Naitonal Forest and the Chino Valley Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest.
Lynx Lake Boat Launch Temporarily Unavailable due to Low Water
Lynx Lake boat launch temporarily unavailable due to low water
Hwy 260 Corridor Camping Restrictions
Camping prohibition along the Highway 260 corridor to mitigate natural resource degradation, including negative impacts to soil, water quality and riparian corridors, stemming from overuse of the Described Areas by the public, as well as to protect public health and safety from forest
Target Type Shooting Restriction
Prohibition on shooting specific target types. The purpose of Order #03-09-05-24-08 is to protect natural and cultural resources from sanitation impacts and protection of public health and safety.
Verde Wild & Scenic River Fire, Occupancy and Use, and Waste Prohibitions
The purpose of Order #03-09-05-23-25 is to protect natural resources and meet management standards established in the Verde Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan as required by the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. This Order shall be in effect from December
Prescott Basin Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Order #09-233 restricts camping in the Prescott Basin to designated dispersed sites.
14-Day Camping Limit
Order #09-225 prohibits camping on the Prescott National Forest for more than 14 days within a 30-day period.
About
Horsethief Cabin is a historic Forest Service cabin built in 1939 as quarters and a staging area for wildfire crews protecting the southern Bradshaw Mountains. After falling into disuse by the 1980s, the cabin was restored and now serves as a unique rental opportunity in the Prescott National Forest at over 6,000 feet elevation. The cabin comfortably accommodates up to six people with four beds (two twins, one queen, and one double futon). Modern amenities include electricity, running water, a flush toilet, shower, and heating/cooling fans. The full kitchen features a propane stove/oven, refrigerator, sink, and dining table with six chairs. Outside, guests can use a grill and three picnic tables. Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, dishes, cookware, and utensils. The surrounding area offers diverse recreation opportunities. Horsethief Basin Lake is a short hike from the cabin and is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. Nearby trails lead to Horsethief Canyon, Twin Peaks, Castle Creek Wilderness, and Jim Creek. OHV enthusiasts can explore surrounding Forest Service roads and trails. The area is rich in history, from early Native American inhabitants to 1860s horse thieves and evidence of historical mining activity near Crown King. Note that access requires high-clearance vehicles and allows about 90 minutes travel time from I-17.
Directions
High-clearance vehicles recommended. Roads are narrow and winding with about 90 minutes travel time from I-17. From I-17 north, take Exit 259 west on County Road 73 for 3.4 miles to Cordes. Turn left on County Road 179 for 2.9 miles to a Y, stay right 0.9 mile to stop sign. Turn right on County Road 59 west through Cleator to Crown King (17.25 miles). At Crown King, continue on Forest Road 259 about 0.6 mile, stay left on Forest Road 52 for 6.2 miles to cabin.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (877) 444-6777 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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