Overview Built in 1902, this historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area in Arizona's Prescott National Forest may be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people. The facility offers a picturesque, quiet setting with indoor and outdoor areas for weddings, reunions, luncheons and group meetings. The schoolhouse…
Overview Built in 1902, this historic schoolhouse and adjacent picnic area in Arizona's Prescott National Forest may be reserved for day use for groups of up to 60 people. The facility offers a picturesque, quiet setting with indoor and outdoor areas for weddings, reunions, luncheons and group meetings. The schoolhouse served about 10 to 15 children in the early 1900s. The building was an active school until 1952. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is used for administrative and training purposes. Recreation Groups enjoy gathering in the outdoor picnic area during nice weather or heading indoors into the the two-room schoolhouse if the weather turns. A leisurely walk through the forest on the accessible, paved Groom Creek Nature Trail provides a nice afternoon respite, and visitors can camp nearby if desired. Prescott National Forest has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails for visitors wishing to explore the area.Facilities The schoolhouse building has two rooms with new furniture(tables and chairs) for indoor use. The outdoor picnic area is accessible and equipped with 10 picnic tables, vault toilets, an amphitheater (limited access) and parking for 12 vehicles or two buses. No drinking water is available at this site; guests must bring their own.Natural Features The group area is set in a ponderosa pine ecosystem, an area dominated by pines and mixed with juniper trees, Gambel oaks and native grasses. A multitude of colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and during the summer monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible from late June through mid-September. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, lizards, snakes and birds. Nearby Attractions Upper Wolf Creek Campground is just around the corner if you want to camp overnight. Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and many amenities are nearby in the historic town of Pr
Photos
Lion's accessible paved interpretive trail bench and directional sign post leading to wooden bridge with rustic railing. — Conservation LegacyGROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE interior fire place, wooden floors and mural on the right wall — US Forest ServiceAccessible two vault toilet building with concrete slab in front located behind main building. — Conservation LegacySign for Groom Creek Schoolhouse day use area — Conservation LegacyLeft side of exterior close, short side with two screened windows, long side with five screened windows and storage box. — US Forest Service
How to Get There
From Phoenix, Arizona, take I-17 north for 61.8 miles. Take exit 262 toward Cordes Junction/Prescott. Merge onto State Route 69 west and follow for 33.8 miles. At the split, take the ramp for Route 89 south. Turn slight left onto East Gurley Street/89 and follow for about 0.8-mile. Turn left at Mt. Vernon Street and continue for 6.1 miles. The turnoff for the schoolhouse and parking is on the left. Building address is Groom Creek Schoolhouse-64 Senator HWY, Prescott, AZ 86301
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE
Heading to GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE?
No central reservation system listed for GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234550) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE?
GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE?
From Phoenix, Arizona, take I-17 north for 61.8 miles. Take exit 262 toward Cordes Junction/Prescott. Merge onto State Route 69 west and follow for 33.8 miles. At the split, take the ramp for Route 89 south. Turn slight left onto East Gurley Street/89 and follow for about 0.8-mile. Turn left at Mt. Vernon Street and continue for 6.1 miles. The turnoff for the schoolhouse and parking is on the left…
How do I contact GROOM CREEK SCHOOLHOUSE?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (877) 444-6777.
