OutReserve

Horsethief Cabin

HORSETHIEF CABIN exterior, one step up from the parking area to screen door on left side of the cabin.
HORSETHIEF reservoir nestled in the trees with small rocky beach
Exterior of Horsethief cabin sitting in the ponderosa with picnic table to the left
Horsethief Cabin bedroom with full bed, bookcases at the foot, two windows, ceiling fan and cabinets on back wall.
Kitchen with table, medium fridge and upper freeze next to electric stove, microwave and coffee maker on counter.

Featured amenities

Parking

About Horsethief Cabin

Horsethief Cabin is situated in a clearing of Ponderosa pines at an elevation of over 6,000 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains of the Prescott National Forest. The original cabin was built in 1939 as quarters and a staging area for Forest Service crews charged with protecting the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains against wildfires. The cabin was remodeled and modernized over the years, but eventually fell into disuse by the 1980s. The historic structure now enjoys a second life as a rental cabin, providing a unique recreation opportunity for visitors to the Prescott National Forest. To make reservations select the date range on this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general cabin question contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Nov 29

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
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Reviews (18)

What Guests Are Saying

The Horsethief Cabin is well-maintained and located in a beautiful area, offering excellent fishing opportunities, as evidenced by catching two largemouth bass quickly. While the kitchen was somewhat lacking in plates and silverware, and there were minor housekeeping issues, such as dirt on the bed, the overall experience was enjoyable and manageable. Guests reported no mouse sightings or other critters, adding to the positive stay.

Review Summary

3.6
18 reviews
5
22.2%
4
4
44.4%
8
3
11.1%
2
2
11.1%
2
1
11.1%
2

Fredy G

Verified

July 30, 2022 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

2

My daughter and I took my wife for her birthday on 7-22-24, We were looking forward for a nice relaxing weekend at the Horsethief cabin to celebrate my wife's birthday, but what a disappointment that was.

First time writing a review, but I feel it is necessary to tell the condition of the cabin and maybe create an awareness, so everyone can contribute to take care of it for future tenants.

USFS mentioned in their web site that they don't provide maid service and the tenants are to clean after themselves before to leave the property, but I think that doesn't mean the rangers should not stop by now and then to check on the condition of the property before someone else's arrival.

Horse cabin will take you out of your comfort zone as it is if we don't take care of it. The mouse infestation is not a joke, we arrived at the cabin and first thing we see are rodents climbing all over the countertop, silver ware let on the sink, appliances, etc. The smell of the house was hideous, food left in the garbage can from who knows how long ago, microwave popcorn inside it, cobwebs everywhere and a mop that had created mold, box spring eaten on the side and rats nesting inside. We cleaned the house with Clorox, bleach, Lysol, etc, some of the products where at the cabin.

Getting dark, so we turned on the lights on and left the door open to refresh the house and prepare something to eat, 100s of mosquitoes had gotten inside and was almost impossible to eat. We covered the mattress with 2 covers and a sleeping bag because of the smell and covered our heads because mosquitos were everywhere. Every time we returned to the cabin, we could see mice droppings all over, so we cleaned some more to be able to use the place.

Always complain about how many things my wife brings in for camping, this time, totally worth it. She was not happy and I sure I'll be hearing this for a long, long time.

Hopefully you'll have a better story to tell and a much happier wife.
PS: Gorgeous Scenery

Fredy G

Verified

July 30, 2022 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

2

My daughter and I took my wife for her birthday on 7-22-24, We were looking forward for a nice relaxing weekend at the Horsethief cabin to celebrate my wife's birthday, but what a disappointment that was.

First time writing a review, but I feel it is necessary to tell the condition of the cabin and maybe create an awareness, so everyone can contribute to take care of it for future tenants.

USFS mentioned in their web site that they don't provide maid service and the tenants are to clean after themselves before to leave the property, but I think that doesn't mean the rangers should not stop by now and then to check on the condition of the property before someone else's arrival.

Horse cabin will take you out of your comfort zone as it is if we don't take care of it. The mouse infestation is not a joke, we arrived at the cabin and first thing we see are rodents climbing all over the countertop, silver ware let on the sink, appliances, etc. The smell of the house was hideous, food left in the garbage can from who knows how long ago, microwave popcorn inside it, cobwebs everywhere and a mop that had created mold, box spring eaten on the side and rats nesting inside. We cleaned the house with Clorox, bleach, Lysol, etc, some of the products where at the cabin.

Getting dark, so we turned on the lights on and left the door open to refresh the house and prepare something to eat, 100s of mosquitoes had gotten inside and was almost impossible to eat. We covered the mattress with 2 covers and a sleeping bag because of the smell and covered our heads because mosquitos were everywhere. Every time we returned to the cabin, we could see mice droppings all over, so we cleaned some more to be able to use the place.

Always complain about how many things my wife brings in for camping, this time, totally worth it. She was not happy and I sure I'll be hearing this for a long, long time.

Hopefully you'll have a better story to tell and a much happier wife.
PS: Gorgeous Scenery

Denise N

Verified

June 21, 2022 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

3

It seemed this cabin had not been used in awhile. There were cob webs everywhere. There was no way to keep windows up we had to use serving utensils. There is a definite mouse problem. They came out at night. Keep all food and garbage secure. Scared the grandkids on the futon. They did not want to sleep there again. The main bedroom also showed signs of them eating away at box springs for nesting though we never saw them in the bedroom. Empty traps are left for you to set up which we did. Never caught one. Caught a very nice ranger who said they are aware and set trap under house as well. He said he would try to take care of webs etc. the kids overall had a great time exploring the lake and around camp

Denise N

Verified

June 21, 2022 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

3

It seemed this cabin had not been used in awhile. There were cob webs everywhere. There was no way to keep windows up we had to use serving utensils. There is a definite mouse problem. They came out at night. Keep all food and garbage secure. Scared the grandkids on the futon. They did not want to sleep there again. The main bedroom also showed signs of them eating away at box springs for nesting though we never saw them in the bedroom. Empty traps are left for you to set up which we did. Never caught one. Caught a very nice ranger who said they are aware and set trap under house as well. He said he would try to take care of webs etc. the kids overall had a great time exploring the lake and around camp

Anthony S

Verified

December 30, 2021 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

4

Great location. A bit hard to get to, yet worth it. Could do without all the ORV's driving by as well.
Accommodations were nice for our family of six. Cabin could use more utensils-make sure you bring some. Next time, we'll bring extras to leave for the next visitors.

Anthony S

Verified

December 30, 2021 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

4

Great location. A bit hard to get to, yet worth it. Could do without all the ORV's driving by as well.
Accommodations were nice for our family of six. Cabin could use more utensils-make sure you bring some. Next time, we'll bring extras to leave for the next visitors.

Melissa W

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

5

Another wonderful stay!! My fiancé and two daughters and I fit comfortably and the location is IDEAL. I can’t recommend it enough.

Melissa W

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: CABIN, Loop: HORSETHIEF

5

Another wonderful stay!! My fiancé and two daughters and I fit comfortably and the location is IDEAL. I can’t recommend it enough.

Location Horsethief Cabin

Address:
Prescott National Forest
Prescott, AZ, 86303
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 34.1614 / -112.293

Elevation: 1832 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

12PM

  • Use the four-digit code from your confirmation letter for access to the gate and cabin.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Vehicles & parking

  • Prepare for a rough road that may require 4-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles, taking over an hour from Highway 17.
  • Only use off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails.

Safety & rules

  • Always keep the gate closed.
  • There is no reliable cell phone coverage at the cabin.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside the cabin, and outdoor smoking must adhere to seasonal fire restrictions.
  • Fireworks, including sparklers, are strictly prohibited on National Forest Lands.

Cancellation policy

  • Your reservation dates may change due to weather conditions.

Pets

  • No pets are allowed in the cabin.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Avoid attracting bears by not leaving food or garbage outside or in your vehicle; pack out all food and trash before leaving.

Site capacity

  • You may stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period in Prescott National Forest.

Fires & fuel

  • Only use charcoal for grilling on the fire pedestal grill to avoid damage.
  • To prevent pests, use locally sourced firewood and burn it on-site.

Amenities

  • For more information, visit the Prescott National Forest website.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service