Turney Gulch Group
04 reviewsPRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, USA, 86301
Turney Gulch Group
$75.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site recreation fees range from $75 per night for groups of 1-50 people and increase up to $150 for groups of 51-100 people. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$75.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider1 (877) 444-6777
About this campground
Escape to Turney Gulch Group Campground, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 6,000 feet in the heart of Prescott National Forest. This secluded mountain retreat offers groups an authentic wilderness experience with rustic charm and modern conveniences. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: trek through pine-scented trails, cast a line at nearby Horsethief Lake, or simply gather around the fire as wildlife rustles in the surrounding forest. The campground features a spacious picnic shelter perfect for group gatherings, 15 well-placed picnic tables, fire grills for evening cookouts, and an accessible vault toilet. While the campground embraces its rustic character without on-site water, fresh drinking water awaits just one mile away at Horsethief Cabin, making it easy to stock up for your stay.
Turney Gulch Group Campground is exclusively for group use, with a focus on rustic camping experiences in a scenic pine forest setting.
Historical SignificanceYour adventure at Turney Gulch places you in the storied landscape of Arizona's mining heritage. Just down the mountain lies Crown King, once a bustling mining boomtown that echoes with tales of fortune seekers and frontier life. The nearby Horse Thief Basin whispers its own legends, named for the rustlers who once hid stolen horses in these remote mountain meadows. Today, these historic sites offer fascinating day trips where you can explore weathered buildings, abandoned mines, and imagine the Wild West days when prospectors, outlaws, and pioneers carved their stories into these rugged mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate at Turney Gulch, where summer brings blessed relief from the desert's scorching embrace below. As afternoon clouds build into dramatic thunderheads from late June through mid-September, the forest comes alive with the scent of rain on pine needles. Winter transforms the campground into a serene wonderland, with crisp mountain air and occasional dustings of snow that turn the ponderosa pines into frosted sentinels. These cooler months offer a completely different camping experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and the raw beauty of Arizona's high country.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet in the dramatic Bradshaw Mountains, Turney Gulch offers a refreshing high-country experience that feels worlds away from the desert floor below. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain breezes whisper through pine boughs, and the air carries that distinctive crispness that only comes with altitude. The campground's mountain setting provides not just cooler temperatures, but also spectacular views and that special quality of light that makes everything seem clearer and more vibrant in the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine ponderosa pine forest where massive trunks rise like pillars supporting a green canopy overhead. At 6,000 feet, this mountain sanctuary offers a dramatic contrast to Arizona's famous desert landscapes, providing cool shade in summer and a winter wonderland when snow dusts the forest floor. The campground serves as a wildlife corridor where observant visitors might spot mule deer browsing at dawn, catch a glimpse of elusive mountain lions or bobcats, or marvel at the majestic sight of bald eagles soaring overhead. The forest floor, carpeted with pine needles and dotted with wildflowers in season, creates a natural playground for exploration and discovery.
Geological RegionTurney Gulch sits within the ancient Bradshaw Mountains of north-central Arizona, a rugged range that tells a billion-year geological story through its weathered peaks and hidden valleys. At 6,000 feet elevation, the campground occupies a sweet spot where massive ponderosa pines have thrived for centuries, their roots reaching deep into soil enriched by volcanic activity and erosion. This unique geological setting creates dramatic terrain perfect for exploration, with rocky outcroppings, seasonal streams, and panoramic vistas that showcase why the Bradshaws have captivated adventurers for generations.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityA vault toilet is accessible, and the site includes a picnic shelter and tables suitable for groups.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed for groups, accommodating up to 100 people and 30 vehicles. Specific site sizes are not delineated.
Sites PrivacyThe site has a group camping layout, so privacy between individuals or subgroups may be limited.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Look for Turney Gulch sign for easier navigation.
Best CampsitesReviews do not specify best campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group capacity is 100 people.
Groups
The site accommodates up to 100 people and 30 vehicles, with group facilities including a picnic shelter, 15 picnic tables, and fire grills.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutRustic mountain feel with 15 picnic tables, fire grills, accessible vault toilets, and trash service. Drinking water located one mile away.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first serve availability starts June 20, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies alongside forfeiture of the recreation use fee for late cancellations. Late cancellations are defined as occurring within 14 days of the reservation for group facilities.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Turney Gulch can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Horsethief Lake is ideal for fishing and boating, while hiking trails in the surrounding Castle Creek Wilderness offer scenic exploration. Hunting and wildlife viewing are also popular pastimes.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the nearby Castle Creek Wilderness, offering trails for varied skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Horsethief Lake, with species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish available for anglers.Boating
Boating is allowed on Horsethief Lake, but only with electric motors or oars.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes, and birds such as bald eagles.Winter Activities
Cool to cold winters with occasional snow may allow for light winter activities, but none are specifically listed.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to fishing and non-motorized boating at Horsethief Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Know current fire restrictions; fireworks and sparklers prohibited. Dispose trash in bear-proof bins.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include challenging road conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles, presence of bears, and exposure to thunderstorms during summer months.
Active alertsCell phone coverage is poor to limited. Weather conditions may affect access.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Prescott or Crown King with ranger district contact at Bradshaw Ranger District, phone: 928-443-8000.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and visitors are advised to dispose of garbage in bear-proof trash bins on-site.
Proximity to water featuresApproximately one mile from Horse Thief Lake for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include difficulty finding the campground due to unclear signage and challenging road conditions.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST, BRADSHAW RANGER DISTRICT, 344 S CORTEZ ST, PRESCOTT, AZ, USA, 86301
Driving directionsFrom Phoenix, Arizona: When traveling Northbound on I-17 take the Bumble Bee Exit 248 and continue North on the dirt road, taking Forest Road (FR) 259 to Crown King. From Crown King, take (FR) 259A south for 0.5 mile to the junction of 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is approximately one mile past Horse Thief Lake. Alternate route from Flagstaff, Arizona: Traveling Southbound on I-17 take Exit 263, turn right and proceed towards a roundabout and merge onto Hwy 69 North towards Prescott for 2.4 miles until turning left on to Spring Ln. in Spring Valley. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the intersection of Duffers Dr. and S. Antelope Creek Rd. and turn left and drive for 23 miles until arriving to Crown King, Arizona. From Crown King, take (Forest Rd) 259A south for 0.5 mile to a junction with 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is about one mile past Horse Thief Lake. From Prescott, Arizona: From Downtown Prescott travel South on State Route 69 for 31 miles until you arive to Spring Valley, Arizona and turn right onto Spring Ln. Continue down Spring Ln. for 0.7 Miles until you get to Duffers Dr. turn right onto Duffers Dr. The road will become unpaved at this point, continue to travel for 1.4 miles until you get to the intersection of Duffers Dr. and S. Antelope Creek Rd. and turn left and drive for 23 miles until arriving to Crown King, Arizona From Crown King, take 259A south for 0.5 mile to a junction with 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 6 miles to the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area. Turney Gulch is about one mile past Horse Thief Lake.
Road is unimproved dirt and challenging; high clearance 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended. Roads are narrow and winding, and chainsaw use is prohibited between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM.Nearby places
Crown King (7 miles southeast)
Prescott (31 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Crown King general store.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Turney Gulch Group has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and remote setting, its suitability for group camping, and the challenges of reaching the site due to its dirt road access. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural surroundings but mention the need for high-clearance vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the "quiet" and "beautiful" setting, the opportunity for stargazing, fishing, and enjoying nature. One reviewer noted, "We had a great night and saw the lunar eclipse."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Difficulty finding the site was mentioned in some reviews, with one camper stating, "I couldn’t find it, so we camped in a free site at a different campsite." Additionally, the access road was noted...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend using high-clearance vehicles for access and paying attention to signs to avoid getting lost. A visitor advised, "Don’t forget to visit the Saloon in Crown King and have the best...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer was appreciated for its pleasant temperatures, while spring and fall are likely ideal for avoiding the heat of nearby deserts. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from late June to...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Don’t forget to visit the Saloon in Crown King and have the best wings around!"
"We had a great night and saw the lunar eclipse. We had a little trouble finding the turnoff, but we missed the Turney...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific mentions of Campsite 1 in the Turn loop noted its quality but the difficulty of locating it.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not specifically mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no user reviews explicitly address experiences with pets.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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