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Nature
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People
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Roads
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Activities

Established Camping

Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)

Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin Lake), near Prescott, Arizona, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility. This area is known for its stunning views and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for camping, off-roading, and fishing.

The campground offers a variety of sites for tent camping, RVs, and even cabins, though it’s important to note that amenities are limited. Visitors rave about the beautiful, secluded spots just past the main town, with many mentioning the peacefulness of the area. One camper described it as “majestic,” highlighting the serene experience at Horse Thief Lake, where you can fish for species like Bluegill and Largemouth Bass.

For those who enjoy a bit of a thrill, the drive to Crown King involves bumpy dirt roads and steep terrain, making it an exciting journey. Reviewers have pointed out that the local town has a general store and a saloon, perfect for grabbing supplies or enjoying a meal after a day of exploring. As one visitor put it, “It’s not fancy but it’s fabulous!”

With its breathtaking views and outdoor activities, Crown King Area is a great choice for anyone looking to escape the heat and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re hiking the trails or just soaking in the scenery, this spot has a lot to offer.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.

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Location

Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.21060021 N
112.33610075 W

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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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

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


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

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
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Caitlin S., May 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Caitlin S., May 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Caitlin S., May 15, 2024
  • (10) View All
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
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Justin M., May 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Justin M., May 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Justin M., May 16, 2023
  • (10) View All
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
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Stephanie & Ryan J., March 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Stephanie & Ryan J., March 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Stephanie & Ryan J., March 13, 2023
  • (9) View All
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
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by B O., September 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by B O., September 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by B O., September 19, 2021
  • (23) View All
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

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  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Jacob T., August 7, 2020
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.

  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Matt M., June 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Matt M., June 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) by Matt M., June 29, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake)?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.