Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Aguila? Finding a place to stay in Arizona while traveling with your horse is easy. With our help, you'll find the best Arizona equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
These are first come, first served sites for self-contained units only.
$10 / night
$15 - $45 / night
$55 - $66 / night
Skyline Regional Park located in Buckeye, Arizona is an 8,700 acre park in the southern White Tank Mountains. The park features 16 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Seven camping sites are also available to rent.
Legend
Pros:
Cons:
Legend
General: Very small (7-site) campground. One site is ADA-accessible and paved (the rest are gravel) but there are no hookups at any site.
Site Quality: Generous-sized gravel driveways; Site D sloped uphill slightly. A concrete picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire pit complete the site. I was a little surprised that the picnic tables did not have shelters as it gets quite hot in Arizona (the day-use pavilions were covered).
Restroom: Two-stall, one-sink restroom. No showers. This restroom is also used by the day-use area so by the end of the day, it looks like it has been well-used. It was cleaned at night. It looked like the sink was clogged, but it was just slow draining.
Activities: Hiking! There are several hiking trails directly accessible from the campground and all the trails are well-marked. There is a short (.6 mile) ADA-accessible trail. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also activities although we saw neither in our two days at this park. There was also a wildly popular star-gazing event while we were there.
Final thoughts: IMO, the best sites are B, C, and D. Site D especially has no visible neighbors on either side. Kudos to the city of Buckeye – they could have easily crammed a half-dozen more campsites in this area, but I am glad they did not! As I mentioned, this is a popular day-use area and by 7 am on a weekend in early April, the day-use parking lot was completely full. Despite this, we did not see too many people on the trails.
TravelerVery nice campground. Level site. Great view of mountains and cacti. Go slow, road have big dips to allow water runoff.
TravelerAll in all, I really enjoyed my stay there, but there are some things of which campers should be aware.
Pros: *Easy to get a reservation *Very nice desert landscape *This is a very very nice park with very very nice trail system. I think there’s something for all hiking, skill levels. *The sites are in expensive. *convenient to gas, rv dump, hardware, grocery, restaurants.
Cons: *There is no water. Neither potable or non-potable. *If you use off air antenna for TV, you won’t get any channels here *The campsites need to be better taken care of. For example, there were tall weeds growing up underneath the picnic table and its benches. *If you use Verizon, there is little or no signal most of the time. *From time to time there’s a bit of jet noise (not necessarily a negative) *This park is very very popular with local, hikers and they start before sunrise and finish after sunset. So it’s very busy right next to the campground.
ScoutGreat views, bring water and watch out for the heat🫠
TravelerLimited spots so try and reserve but very worth the short drive out of the city.
Legend
General: Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway. There are two campgrounds: The Family Campground (40 sites) with water and 30/50 amp electric hookups and the more“rustic” Willow Canyon Campground (19 sites) with no hookups. This campground is good for tents, campervans, or small (16 feet or less) trailers. There was a gate attendant when we checked in around 6 pm on a Monday and we were given an information packet with information on the campground, nearby facilities in the town of Surprise, and trails, which was very helpful considering we were not familiar with the area.
Site Quality: We stayed in the Family Campground so we could take advantage of the electric hookups. The sites are gravel, a good size, well-maintained, and spaced a decent amount of distance apart. Some are pull-through and some back-in. In addition to the aforementioned water and electric hookups, each site also has a picnic table, bbq grill, and fire pit. Some have covered picnic shelters but not all. Most of these also have space for tents.
Bathhouse: Is located in the center of the loop and was clean. Sites on the inside have paths leading to the bathhouse but if you are on the outside of the loop, access is via a path between sites 34 and 36 or sites 11 and 13. Three stalls, one sink, and one shower. One sink is not really adequate for 40 sites, but I did not encounter more than one other person at a time. Soap dispenser, rack, and air dryer. The way the water faucets are is wasteful: once you turn them on, they run for quite some time before turning off. Hot water was appreciated. Did not use the shower so cannot comment on that.
Activities: Several hiking trails. The most popular one is the waterfall trail, but you need to drive to the trailhead for this. It is paved for the first half mile (shortly after the petroglypghs) and then it is a rocky, gravel path. The waterfall only runs after heavy rain (I would think this would make access very challenging). There was water in the “pool” and it is scenic so it was worthwhile to go despite no running falls. There are restrooms, a picnic area and a playground near this trailhead. Some of the other trails are used by mountain bikers or horseback riders. The information you receive at check-in details the usage for each trail.
This campground was mainly an overnight as we continued to head west but I am glad we took the time to hike the waterfall trail before leaving. If you need groceries or other supplies, the town of Surprise, about 8 miles to the east, would have everything you need. Note there is a nearby air force base and you will hear jets flying by, although this was during daylight hours.
Traveler
We have camped many times with my family. Many people have RVs in our group and some have tents and truck tents! All are welcome and easy to navigate. Great for individuals and groups. Cheap, just 8$! It is clean, quiet and beautiful views. Close to town and close to fun attractions such as the rodeo or box canyon wash!
GuideSuper regional campground in the west Phoenix area. Clean hot showers and bathrooms. Solid mtb and hiking trails in the park.
RangerWe picked this campground on a whim based on reviews as a halfway point to our next destination. We're so happy we did.
We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff. Clean bathrooms and showers. Hiking trails galore!
Cell phone connection was spotty (TMobile) at our campsite but connection was better in other areas of park.
Would stay again.
GuideWell separated level sites in a desert setting. Good views of the mountains and the Valley of the Sun. Most sites have electric and water. Good Hiking in the mountains during cooler weather.
GuideThe park has an excellent nature center, great hiking, archaeology and good water/power hook-ups.
A bit far from restaurants etc. but that’s good.
GuideThis park is quite large and has many camping options: day passes, tent camping, semi-developed sites, and fully-developed sites with awnings for big rigs.
There are many hiking trails too, for every level of difficulty.
The nature is splendid, with hummingbirds, chipmunks, and plenty of chollas and prickly pear cactai.
The ambience is quite festive, much more than what I am used to (although the noise may be due to the fact I went on NASCAR weekend).
GuideThis is my go-to local campground, a quick 20 minute drive, and I’ve been camping here for years! The facilities are always clean, and the other campers are generally quiet and respectful here. The sites are spaced out nicely, and it has never felt crowded to me even during the busy season.
GuideBeautiful area, but it seems that everyone else thinks so too. I waited 15 min in line to get up to the check in booth just to get in the park and when I left the next day the cars were backed up again. This park would be a 5 star plus if it wasn’t for the amount of people and the price for a rv site in a county park. The rv park within was nice, not too close together. The semi developed park is what I was looking for, no electricity or water at the sites, potable water in the area but only allowed 16’ trailer or less so that left me out. The developed sites all had electric and water at each site and one or two had sewer, but at a premium. It cost an additional $8 per night. Their was a dump station at the entrance of the rv park for everyone else.
GuideThis is a nice place to visit is the cooler months of the year due to no shade and low elevation. We visited in January which was perfect. There is a nice trail to Waterfall Canyon which is heavily used but worth it. There are a number of petroglyphs from the Hohokam culture that you can see.
GuideThis park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs. There is a ton of trails for hiking, biking, and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms, and a dishwashing area. Dogs are allowed, but please keep them on a leash and pick up after them so we don't lose the privilege!
Here is a link to the Maricopa parks with maps: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/maps/
TravelerIf there isn’t a rodeo across the street then this is an excellent place to stop for a night if you’re passing through to Tucson like we were. Each site has a nice fire pit and the ground is pretty level - lots of RV parking. Much more sites than I read about too. Around 30 sites. Not “8” like the website read. Definitely not a place you stay more than one night though.
ScoutLush desert campground. Quiet and well run. Very clean.
TravelerThis park is so close to town, but far enough to get some quiet night sky! There are standard campsites and a more primitive camping area. The Willow Canyon site is big enough for a full length Sprinter, though the office says 16’ is the length limit.
Lots of trails for hiking, biking and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms and a dishwashing area. Dogs allowed too!
I’m on Verizon and only got a single bar in the park. The library is near the entrance if you need to get your WiFi fix!
GuideAnother Maricopa County parks campground which is great for hiking and relaxing.
Very well taken care of. The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. There are a couple of playgrounds in the park as well.
Some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to. Maricopa trail runs through the park.
The campground itself is very clean, including the restrooms and showers. It is quiet and the campsites all have electric and water hookups, picnic table and fire pit. Sites are far enough from each other so it doesn't feel crowded. Not much vegetation on the campground itself, so sunshine in abundance.
LegendThey have stables available to stay and nightly, weekly, monthly and longer term rates. Lots of amenities. The park is down a hill so you don’t hear the road traffic from the 60.
ScoutFrom beginning to end always great views from the trials. I can go for a few hours hike or all day.
GuideMoved to Buckeye in Oct of 2018, when exiting off Watson road off I-10 always seen the signs of the Skyline Regional Park. Spent a few months pushing it off from visiting, until I decided to go take the drive up and realized how this hidden jewel was in Buckeye. Well maintained and marked trails with unbelievable views. Restrooms at the parking lot very clean. Overnight campsites which are primitive. However a wonderful and peaceful place to visit to clear your mind or soak up the views.
GuideSuper clean trails with amazing views and saguaro cacti for days.
GuideNice sites, small campground. Most sites are not level. There are a few that can accomodate a class A. You can get water and dump at Fast Mart 76 about 9 miles away. I would stay here again. It is very peaceful. Verizon cell service is good with a wifi booster, very little at&t coverage.
LegendIf you like rock scrambling there is plenty of that at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Staying here you will find that hiking is your major focus as typical desert style camping is made special by the excitement of the trails around you.
The family campground is not one of the largest campgrounds you will find in this region but it fair sized. Spaces are large and spread out making it a great fit for tent campers or RV campers.
When I visited I stayed in campsite 29, on the top of the far side of the loop on the one way drive in. I was a few hundred yards from the restroom facility on a back in space which outlooked toward the desert entirely. The outer ring of the loop, you can literally hike right out of your campsite and be in the middle of everything. I will say however that had I have known a bit more about the area before visiting I probably would have selected sites 19 or 20 which are literally on the hiking loop for Ironwood.
My campsite was pretty typical with a rocky flat area to set up my tent, a grill and picnic table. My site had no shade which was ok when I visited in early spring but would have been way to hot to have stayed here during late spring or summer. This was considered to be a developed site which was $32 a night but I managed to somehow get it for a semi-developed price of $22, still not sure how that happened. LUCKY ME!!
While out here it was truly all about the hiking!! There were over 10 trails which circled and wound around ranging in intensity and distance for any skill level. I tackled the moderate ironwood trail which runs into the Ford Trail, one of the longest trails at the park. I didn't do the entire Ford Trail and instead cut over to another trail at an intersection which looped back into camp. From there I ended up driving to another trailhead, Mule Deer, and moving on from there because it hiked by the nature center.
The nature center here was very cool and I always recommend stopping in if there is one available, if nothing else to get a better idea of what kind of wildlife to watch out for in the area you are visiting.
TIPS:
Bring lots of water. Though there are fresh water stations around, the water seemed to have an odd taste to me, I would recommend bringing water especially if you are sensitive to tastes.
Check out the Ford Canyon or Goat Camp trails if you are really into a challenge. These have a lot of rock scrambling and some of the highest heights in the park. If you want an easy hike with a great view check out the Waterfall Canyon Trail.
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for riders and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Aguila, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Aguila, AZ is Constellation Park with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Aguila, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Aguila, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
