Turney Gulch Group Campground

For Arizonans looking to organize a large-scale outdoor gathering, whether it’s a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or a group of friends seeking adventure, finding the right location can be a challenge. The ideal spot needs to be spacious, private, and offer a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Turney Gulch Group Campground, nestled in the rugged and scenic Bradshaw Mountains within the Prescott National Forest, is an exceptional destination that meets these criteria and more. This remote and beautiful site is specifically designed for groups, providing a secluded haven for up to 100 people to connect with nature and with each other.

The unique charm of Turney Gulch lies in its genuine, rustic feel. This is not a manicured resort, but a slice of raw Arizona wilderness that offers a genuine camping experience. It’s a place where the stars shine brighter, the air is cooler and cleaner, and the sounds of the city are replaced by the peaceful rustle of towering pines. The remoteness of the site, while requiring a bit of an adventurous spirit to reach, is precisely what makes it so appealing. It guarantees a level of privacy and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. Many visitors have shared that the journey is a part of the fun, a test of their off-road vehicle skills that adds to the sense of accomplishment upon arrival.

The campground’s location is a hub for a variety of outdoor activities. Situated near Horse Thief Lake and the historic town of Crown King, it provides easy access to a number of recreational opportunities. Hikers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the Bradshaw Mountains, offering a chance to see local wildlife and take in breathtaking vistas. Anglers can try their luck at fishing in the nearby lake, while off-road enthusiasts can enjoy the thrilling drives on the many forest service roads in the area. The site itself is well-equipped for group needs, with ample space for tents and vehicles, as well as amenities that make group camping more comfortable and organized.

While the campground’s a rugged getaway, it does provide essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables for shared meals, fire grills for cooking, and a large picnic shelter for group gatherings, providing a central point for socializing and dining. The presence of public restrooms and running water, though rustic, are crucial conveniences for any large group camping trip. These thoughtful features demonstrate that the campground is set up to handle the needs of a large party, making the logistics of your trip much simpler.

Ultimately, Turney Gulch Group Campground is a perfect choice for those in Arizona who crave a private, off-the-beaten-path group experience. It is a place that fosters community, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From the challenging drive in to the stunning starry nights, every aspect of a trip here contributes to an unforgettable memory for you and your group. It’s more than a campsite; it’s a destination for creating lasting connections in one of Arizona’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes.

Location and Accessibility

Turney Gulch Group Campground is located in the Prescott National Forest, seven miles southeast of the historic mining town of Crown King, Arizona. The physical address is Crown King, AZ 86343, USA. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, which provides a welcome relief from the summer heat of the lower desert elevations.

Accessing the campground is an adventure in itself and is a key factor to consider. The site is situated on an unimproved dirt road. Visitors are strongly advised to use a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to navigate the challenging and sometimes narrow and winding drive. From Phoenix, the most common route is to take the Bumble Bee Exit 248 from I-17 and follow the dirt road, which becomes Forest Road (FR) 259, all the way to Crown King. From Crown King, you will take FR 259A south and then FR 52 southeast to reach the campground. This journey is part of the experience, offering scenic views and a taste of the rugged terrain that defines this part of Arizona. The remoteness ensures a quiet and private camping experience, but it also means visitors need to be well-prepared for the journey.

Services Offered

• Tent Sites: The campground offers a large, dedicated site for tent camping, with ample space to accommodate a large group.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are available for group meals and gatherings, making it easy to set up a central dining area.
• Public Restroom: The site has a vault toilet, which is a key amenity for a group of this size, providing a basic but essential facility.
• Running Water: Running water is available via a standpipe located approximately one mile down the road at the Horsethief Cabin. This is an important detail as campers must be prepared to transport their water to the main campsite.
• RV Water Hookup: While the site is primitive, there is a water hookup available for RVs, although there are no other utility hookups.
• On-site Parking: The campground can accommodate up to 30 vehicles, ensuring there is plenty of space for a large group to park.
• Public Shower: While restrooms are available, there are no public showers on-site, a detail that reinforces the campground’s rustic nature.

Features / Highlights

• Group-Specific Site: This is a dedicated group campground, perfect for large parties of up to 100 people, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion that single campsites cannot match.
• Proximity to Horse Thief Lake: The campground's location near Horse Thief Lake provides opportunities for fishing, and other water activities (electric and oar boats only).
• Hiking and Off-Roading: The area is renowned for its hiking trails and off-road routes. The journey to the campground itself is considered a fun off-road activity by many visitors.
• Kid-Friendly: With its open spaces, natural environment, and kid-friendly hikes in the surrounding area, the campground is a great place for children to explore and play.
• Scenic Views and Wildlife: Situated in the Bradshaw Mountains, the campground is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the cooler mountain air.

Contact Information

As a part of the Prescott National Forest, the best way to get information and make reservations for Turney Gulch Group Campground is through the official channels.

Address: Crown King, AZ 86343, USA

Phone for Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

Phone for General Inquiries: 1-928-443-8000 (Bradshaw Ranger District)

What is worth choosing

For residents of Arizona, Turney Gulch Group Campground is a standout choice for several key reasons. Its primary value lies in its designation as a group campground. Unlike trying to coordinate multiple individual campsites, Turney Gulch provides a single, large space that simplifies the logistics for gatherings of up to 100 people. This makes it the perfect venue for family reunions, scout troop outings, club get-togethers, or any large party that wants to enjoy the outdoors together without being split up. The ability to reserve the entire site ensures privacy and the freedom to enjoy your group's time without disturbing others.

Another major factor is the genuine, rugged experience it offers. As several visitors have noted, the drive to the campground requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, which for many off-road enthusiasts is a significant part of the fun. This requirement also acts as a natural filter, ensuring that the campground remains less crowded and more remote than more easily accessible sites. This contributes to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that many campers crave. It's a place where you can truly feel like you've escaped the city and are immersed in the natural beauty of Arizona. The beautiful and quiet surroundings, as described by a customer, are a testament to this fact.

The amenities, while not luxurious, are perfectly tailored to the needs of a group camping trip. The provision of picnic tables and grills, a shelter, and restrooms on-site are essential for making group cooking and socializing convenient. Although potable water is not at the main site, its availability just a mile away is a helpful feature. The blend of these basic comforts with the primitive, natural setting strikes a perfect balance. It’s comfortable enough to be practical for a large party, but rustic enough to feel like a real wilderness adventure. This is a place for making memories around a campfire, away from the distractions of everyday life. For a group looking for a true outdoor experience with a dash of off-road adventure, Turney Gulch is a premier destination in Arizona.

Turney Gulch Group Campground

Crown King, AZ 86343, USA