Pictures courtesy of the Prescott National Forest -Hazlett Hollow Campground.
Campground Overview:
Hazlett Hollow Campground is part of the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area, located at the southern extremity of the Bradshaw Mountains on the Prescott National Forest. This campground is a good representation of a USDA, Forest Service, CCC-built recreation area built during the New Deal Era.
Campsites:
Hazlett Hollow Campground is a relatively small, semi-primitive campground in the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains in the Horsethief Basin Area. there are 15 campsites with tables, grills and unique three-sided shelters. The shelters and most of the walls throughout the campground were built during the 1930s by the Civil Conservation Corp (CCC). The campground also includes 2 vault toilets and two water pumps. Ponderosa pine is the dominant vegetation type in the area. One of the most attractive and well-developed campgrounds in the southern Bradshaws. This site may close early or open late, depending on snowfall.
High clearance vehicles are highly recommended for those visiting the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area
The best route from Prescott is by way of Mayer, particularly in winter. Take Main St. through the town of Mayer continuing east to the junction with the Antelope Creek Road. Continue southeast on this road for approximately 9 miles to Cordes. At the road junction in Cordes take Forest Road 259 to Crown King. At Crown King take FR 259A south for 0.5 miles to the junction with FR 52. Take FR 52 southeast for approximately 6 miles to the campground just northeast of Horsethief Lake.
If approaching from Interstate I-17, take the Bumble Bee exit and continue north on this dirt road, taking FR 259 to Crown King. Then take FR 259A south from Crown King to where it joins FR 52. Take FR 52 southeast for about 6 miles to the Horsethief Basin recreation area and the Hazlett Hollow Campground.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed |
Season: |
May – October |
Nearby City: |
Prescott |
Fishing: |
Horsethief Lake |
Campground Website: |
Hazlett Hollow Campground |
Campground Map: |
N/A |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
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. Horsetheif Lake, a small nearby lake located nearby, is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and sunfish.
On the stark eastern slopes of the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Creek Wilderness stands between Phoenix and Flagstaff, easily accessible from both. Extremely rugged topography rises to granite peaks that top off at 7,000 feet on Juniper Ridge, offering views of the Agua Fria National Monument. In the southeastern corner of the wilderness the elevation drops to 2,800 feet. Saguaro cactus, paloverde, mesquite, jojoba, catclaw, and grasslands dominate the lower elevations. Up higher you’ll find chaparral communities of shrub live oak, mountain mahogany, and manzanita with pinion and juniper on southern slopes and small stands of ponderosa pine on northern slopes. Dense populations of mule deer and javelina inhabit this area, along with a few mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, coyotes, rabbits, foxes, skunks, and badgers. Snakes and lizards live here, and numerous birds soar overhead, including doves, quail, hawks, owls, ravens, jays, and many smaller species. You’ll find limited water, despite the name, and raging summer temperatures. Nine trails offer approx. 30 miles of hiking through the area.
Crown King, Arizona a hamlet at about 5900 feet elevation in the pine forest of the Bradshaw Mountains, attracts people from nearby Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert like a magnet during the summer. They come now to cool off, but once, they came to get rich. In the 1880s, after several mines had been opened, prospectors ran into trouble with transporting their loot over the rugged and steep mountain roads. Litigation and violence broke out between the prospectors until operations finally collapsed. In all, more than $2 million in gold was extracted from the mines before the town went bust.
Over time, the cool, shady Ponderosa Pines of Crown King attracted new residents from nearby areas and cabins were erected to provide respite from the warm summer sun. Many historic cabins still stand and new ones have also been built. While in town, visit the Crown King General Store which has been in operation since 1904. Also make a stop at the Oro Belle Saloon. It is well known for its delicious jalapeño burgers. Keep in mind that even today it is still strongly advised to take a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle to get into town.