Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Campgrounds in Arizona
Near Crown King, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.
The conditions at Turney Gulch Group call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Terrain Gear
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Wide-brim hat — Desert and alpine environments with little tree cover leave you fully exposed; a hat is your primary shade source.
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Sunscreen SPF50+ — Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours; sweating and pack straps rub sunscreen off faster than expected.
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Extra water (desert) — Even well-mapped springs can go dry after low-snowpack years; always carry surplus and check recent trip reports.
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SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The Desert landscape around Turney Gulch Group makes it well suited for backpacking, birdwatching, camping.
The scenery here earns a 45/100 photography rating — Decent dark sky (Bortle 5) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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backpacking — Lightweight equipment and route awareness are key for safe travel.
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birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
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camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
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glamping — It's ideal for those seeking scenery without roughing it.
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horseback_riding — Guided rides are available in many parks and recreation areas.
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ice_fishing — Portable shelters help protect against cold winds.
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ice_skating — Ensure ice thickness and safety before skating on natural surfaces.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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rv_camping — Hookups and designated sites make extended stays convenient.
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sightseeing — It's an accessible way to appreciate the character of a place.
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snowshoeing — It's accessible for beginners yet great exercise in cold weather.
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stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Terrain: Desert — Rocky outcrops, sand, and dry washes are common features.
Wildlife Safety at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.
Wildlife safety at Turney Gulch Group comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 25/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (52mi).
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Far from city (52mi)
- Decent dark sky (Bortle 5)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
Nature at Turney Gulch Group includes 1 tree species, 2 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Trees (1)
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Frémont Cottonwood — It grows along desert streams and floodplains.
Wildflowers (2)
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California poppy — Four-petaled blooms that close at night or in cool weather. -
Coulter's lupine — The plant grows in open disturbed soils.
Shrubs (4)
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Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. -
Creosote Bush — An evergreen desert shrub with small resinous leaves divided into paired leaflets. -
redberry juniper — An evergreen shrub or small tree with scale-like leaves and reddish berry-like cones.
Other Plants (5)
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saguaro
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Buckhorn Cholla
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California Barrel Cactus
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Teddybear Cholla
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stinknet
Mammals (4)
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Desert Cottontail — Long hind legs for rapid escape. -
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam. -
Collared Peccary — Small straight tusks visible in adults. -
Coyote — Lean, agile build.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn -
Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Hooded Merganser — Compact diving duck profile -
Brewer's Sparrow — Thin bill -
Black-throated Sparrow — White belly
Reptiles (5)
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Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Adults commonly 3–5 feet long. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long. -
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length. -
Western Whiptail — Typically 8–12 inches long including the tail.
Amphibians (1)
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Red-spotted Toad
Insects (6)
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Empress Leilia -
Western Honey Bee -
Queen -
American Snout -
Sleepy Orange
Other Wildlife (1)
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Desert Blonde Tarantula
Nature Bingo at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai Climate & Sun
Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.
Expect Temperate weather at Turney Gulch Group, with the most comfortable conditions from Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 56.2°F
Annual precipitation: 24.8 in
With an average annual temperature of 56.2°F and 24.8 inches of precipitation, Turney Gulch Group has mild, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 74°F, while winter lows drop to 41°F.
Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F | 3.5 in |
| Feb | 42°F | 3.5 in |
| Mar | 46°F | 3.0 in |
| Apr | 52°F | 0.9 in |
| May | 60°F | 0.5 in |
| Jun | 71°F | 0.2 in |
| Jul | 74°F | 2.9 in |
| Aug | 73°F | 3.1 in |
| Sep | 68°F | 2.2 in |
| Oct | 58°F | 1.1 in |
| Nov | 48°F | 1.3 in |
| Dec | 41°F | 2.6 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.
Summer: 5:16 AM – 7:41 PM
Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:21 PM
Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai Trip Planning & Access
Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Turney Gulch Group.
Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Turney Gulch Group.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Campground Details
- Reservable
Places Near Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.
Extend your visit with these nearby options — 13 destinations sit within range of Turney Gulch Group.
Nearby Trails
- Kentuck Trail, Yavapai 0.47 mi
- Horsethief Canyon Trail, Yavapai 0.59 mi
- Horsethief Lookout Trail, Yavapai 1.1 mi
- Tip Top Trail, Yavapai 1.29 mi
- Twin Peaks Start Trail, Yavapai 1.38 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
Stargazing & Night Sky at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.
Stargazing at Turney Gulch Group benefits from Suburban sky darkness — Bortle class 5 on the light pollution scale.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.
Each season reveals a different side of Turney Gulch Group, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: March - April
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: October 15 – November 5
Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen
Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: March - April
Fall peak: October - November
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai
The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.
The land around Turney Gulch Group has been home to Hohokam, Yavapai Apache for thousands of years.
Territories
Data from Native Land Digital
Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Turney Gulch Group sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Middle Miocene to Oligocene volcanic rocks
- Formation
- Peach Springs Tuff; Apache Leap Tuff
- Lithology
- Major:{basalt,andesite,dacite}, Minor:{rhyolite}
- Age
- Cenozoic
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 371
- Richness
- Exceptional
- Minerals Found
- Gold, Copper, Silver, Tungsten, Mica, Manganese, Feldspar, Lead
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 120°F (1995-07-28)
- Record Low
- 11°F (2011-02-02)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 54
- Largest Fire
- Castle (27,878.6 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2024
- Fire Risk
- Extreme
Watershed
- Watershed
- Upper Castle Creek
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 1
- Largest
- Trilby Wash (0.8 kg)
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 1 (NUFORC)
- Haunted Places
- 1 (Shadowlands)
- Eeriness Score
- 17/100
Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai Safety & Conditions
Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.
Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around Turney Gulch Group.
Coordinates: 34.173889, -112.285