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.

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 11:13AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

11:13 AM — July 2nd, 11:00 PM

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Prescott through Thursday. This means that forecast weather conditions combined with existing ozone levels are expected to result in local maximum 8-hour ozone concentrations that pose a health risk. Adverse health effects increase as air quality deteriorates. Ozone is an air contaminant which can cause breathing difficulties for children, older adults, as well as persons with respiratory problems. A decrease in physical activity is recommended. You are urged to car pool, telecommute, or use mass transit. The use of gasoline-powered equipment should be reduced or done late in the day. For details on this High Pollution Advisory, visit the ADEQ internet site at www.azdeq.gov/forecast/prescott or call 602-771-2300.

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.

Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest to Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 21

The Prescott National Forest will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions along with a recreational shooting prohibition beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, and continuing through midnight Sept. 30, 2026, unless rescinded.The following are prohibited:Open fires outside Forest Service–provided…

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.

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

Availability

Photos

Horsethief cabin
wood chopping area
Kitchen
Horsethief reservoir
bedroom
Horsethief Cabin

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