Map showing campground location near Crown King, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching Horsethief Basin Lake requires roughly 26 miles of unpaved, switchback-heavy road from the I-17 Bumble Bee exit, and the final 7 miles past Crown King demand a high-clearance vehicle, with 4x4 strongly recommended. Single-vehicle-width bridges and steep grades are part of the route. Fuel and supplies are available in Crown King, but prices run high, so most campers stock up before making the drive. Snow can limit or close access entirely in winter months.

Sites sit at around 6,000 feet elevation, which keeps temperatures notably cooler than the Phoenix valley below. The area is open terrain near a lake, and several campers note sightlines that extend across the entire Phoenix metro area. The lake holds bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and muskie, making it a workable destination for anglers. OHV and ATV use is permitted in the area. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, firewood, and trash service, and cell service is available at the site.

Matt M. sums up the experience as "unimproved camping area, hard to get to and a cool old little mountain town." Crown King itself has a general store, a saloon, and a breakfast spot. Nearby lodging alternatives include Crown King Bunkhouse Hostel LLC and Crown King Cabins for those who want a roof. This campground is a good match for self-sufficient campers and OHV riders who are comfortable navigating rough backcountry roads to reach a high-elevation lake setting.

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Map & DirectionsCrown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) is located in Arizona near Crown King

Public Campground

Coordinates

34.21060021 N
112.33610075 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

1 hr 21 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
1 hr 40 min from Phoenix, AZ
2 hrs 8 min from Flagstaff, AZ
4 hrs 29 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Caitlin S.

Guide

Reviewed May. 15, 2024

Gorgeous secluded town for off-roading & camping

Gorgeous easy dirt road ~27 miles from i17/Bumble bee. (There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe. There are amazing camping areas just past the main town, and even all the way up near Horsetheif Basin which is about 7 miles past crown king(requires 4x4). There is also an amazing ~30 mile trail from crown king that leads all the way to Prescott called Senator Highway. This also requires experienced 4x4 and like the trail to Horsetheif basin, there are many areas that are only single vehicle width. Amazing weather all year round, but extremely limited travel available while snow is on the ground.

Month of VisitMarch

(10) View All

Justin M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 16, 2023

On Top of the World

This majestic spot is roughly ~26 miles (from Bumble Bee) of bumpy dirt roads, steep terrain, switchbacks, and the occasional one vehicle bridge. The main city of Crown King has a general store with essentials and a 1 pump fuel station. Prices are steep so best advised to fill up on gas and supplies before heading up. The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended). Horse Thief Lake is truly a magical place and beyond serene. The lake fish species present include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Muskie. The weather is very similar to Prescott with an elevation of 6,000 ft. Peaceful, quiet, serene, and soothing all describe this area perfectly.

Month of VisitMay

(10) View All

Stephanie & Ryan J.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 13, 2023

Love Crown King! 🌲⛰️🏕️🚙

We love heading up to Crown King! For dispersed camping, this place is top notch. When you head to town there are services, the saloon, breakfast joint, and pizza place coming soon. It’s not fancy but it’s fabulous! I can’t wait to go hideaway again soon.

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

B O.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Winter in heaven

Been to this area a few time the sites are amazing quiet and beautiful, the trail up is bumpy and fun. The site had a fire pit and in winter everything was covered in snow and just breath taking. The town has supplies but is over priced so fuel up before going up there.

Month of VisitDecember

(23) View All

Jaret E.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Nature and tree getaway

Crown king has been an amazing destination for my family for years....

Love this place..

Jacob T.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Beautiful views!

Just some amazing views!! You can see the entire Phoenix valley! Perfect elevation, 7-8k . About a 3 hr drive from Phoenix

Matt M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2018

Escape the desert heat

Unimproved camping area, hard to get to and a cool old little mountain town. Don’t forget to stop for a beer in Cleator.

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Horsethief Basin Recreation Area in Arizona?

Horsethief Basin Recreation Area is accessible via a scenic but challenging dirt road that runs approximately 26-27 miles from Bumble Bee off I-17. The route includes bumpy sections, steep terrain, switchbacks, and occasional single-vehicle bridges. While the main route is described as an easy dirt road suitable for most vehicles, there's also a much more difficult trail from Lake Pleasant that requires experienced off-roading skills and a proper 4x4 vehicle. Plan for about a 3-hour drive from Phoenix, and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey.

What camping options are available at Horsethief Basin?

Horsethief Basin offers primarily dispersed camping opportunities with unimproved sites. Campsites typically feature fire pits and are known for being quiet and scenic. The area is particularly beautiful in winter when occasionally covered in snow. Both the basin area and the broader Crown King region provide excellent dispersed camping options with breathtaking views of the Phoenix valley. While facilities are minimal, the natural beauty and tranquility make it a favorite for those seeking a more primitive camping experience.

Can you fish at Horsethief Basin Lake?

Yes, fishing is available at Horsethief Basin Lake. The lake provides a peaceful fishing environment at an elevation of around 7,000-8,000 feet. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the high mountain setting creates an ideal fishing location with beautiful scenery. The area's cooler temperatures at this elevation make it a refreshing escape from Phoenix's heat. Consider bringing all necessary fishing gear as supplies in nearby Crown King can be limited and pricey.

Is Horsethief Basin near Crown King, Arizona?

Yes, Horsethief Basin is located near Crown King, Arizona. The Crown King area encompasses Horsethief Basin, and both share the same access routes. Crown King itself is a small, charming mountain town with limited but useful amenities including a general store, a one-pump fuel station, the Crown King Saloon, Mimi's Cafe, and a breakfast joint. While prices in town tend to be higher than in larger communities, these services provide essential supplies for campers. The entire area sits at an elevation of 7,000-8,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures and spectacular views.

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Description

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Map & DirectionsCrown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) is located in Arizona near Crown King

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

For Vehicles

Drive Time

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How do I get to Horsethief Basin Recreation Area in Arizona?

What camping options are available at Horsethief Basin?

Can you fish at Horsethief Basin Lake?

Is Horsethief Basin near Crown King, Arizona?