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Arizona › Yavapai County › Prescott National Forest

Palace Station Cabin

Open

Palace Station is a day-use historic site only. The cabin interior is closed to the public; visitors may view the exterior, grounds, and cemetery. No overnight camping or cabin rental is available at this location.

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.

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shooting prohibition beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, and continuing through midnight Sept. 30, 2026, unless rescinded.The following are prohibited:Open fires outside Forest Service–provided…

Prescott National Forest

Mingus Mtn. Camping

Mingus Campgrounds: Mingus Group site, Tent Site and Campground are now available for reservation through recreation.gov.  Please be advised there are limited First Come-First Served sites.

About

Palace Station was built in 1874 by Alfred Spence in the Bradshaw Mountains as a vital stagecoach stop on the Senator Trail, located halfway between Prescott and the productive Peck Mine. The two-room structure with loft expanded in 1878 and served the Prescott & Phoenix Stage line, providing meals prepared by Mrs. Spence and watering for horses. The station operated until around 1910 when the Spence family abandoned it after failed attempts to sell the property. The U.S. Forest Service acquired Palace Station in 1963, and it remains a significant historic landmark. The cabin itself is closed to the public for interior access, but visitors can view the exterior and grounds. Adjacent to the cabin is a pioneer cemetery containing approximately fifteen graves, including that of Alfred Spence who died in 1908. During the 2022 Crooks Fire, which burned nearly 9,400 acres in the Prescott National Forest, firefighters wrapped the historic structure in heat-resistant foil and cleared surrounding vegetation to protect it. The cabin survived the fire. While there have been announcements about Palace Station potentially joining the Forest Service's "Rooms with a View" cabin rental program, it does not currently appear available for overnight reservations on Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Prescott, head south on Mount Vernon Avenue, which becomes Senator Highway (Forest Road 52). Continue approximately 17 miles south. The drive takes about one hour due to winding mountain road conditions. Two-wheel drive vehicles can manage in dry conditions, but four-wheel drive high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Roadside parking is available.

Nearby Campgrounds

Upper Wolf Creek Group 6.0mi Lower Wolf Creek Campground 6.1mi Groom Creek Horse Camp 6.4mi Groom Creek Schoolhouse 6.7mi Hilltop Campground 9.2mi Eagle Ridge Group Campground 9.3mi Indian Creek Campground 8.8mi Lynx Campground 9.8mi White Spar Campground 9.8mi

Amenities

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

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (928) 777-2200

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Useful Links

Prescott National Forest
USFS Rooms with a View Cabin Rentals
American Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project - Palace Station

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