Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground accommodates horses with individual corrals at each equestrian site. Located in Cottonwood, approximately 45 minutes from Black Canyon City, the park features pull-through sites designed for large horse trailers with ample parking space. The equestrian camping area includes high lines and water access specifically for horses. Campers consistently note the clean, well-maintained horse facilities and easy access to riding trails. The park offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, though horses are only permitted in designated equestrian sites. Each horse site includes two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table, with water stations positioned throughout the campground.
Trails from Dead Horse Ranch connect directly to the Verde River riding paths, offering varied terrain for different riding experiences. Houston Mesa Campground near Payson provides another option with spacious pull-through sites that accommodate large trailers. Most sites include corrals or high lines for securing horses overnight. Water for horses is available at central locations throughout both campgrounds. The trails surrounding these areas range from well-shaded, relatively flat terrain to more challenging rocky sections. Wheelbarrows and rakes are provided at manure collection points to maintain cleanliness in the horse areas. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, as equestrian sites fill quickly. Campers must bring their own feed, as grazing is not permitted in the parks.
"The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended)."
"There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe."
$25 - $70 / night
"They have a lake to fish in and equestrian center to go on horse back rides."
"Dead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park."
"If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"
"Winter and spring, lake levels are low, which provides access to Camp near the water. I was able to find a relatively flat spot for my 38' fifth wheel."
$32 / night
"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
"Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."
$22 - $170 / night
"All paved driving and campsite parking except equestrian area no hookups they have places to fill water and to dump. Restrooms and showers nice a clean."
"Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms."
$50 - $150 / night
"We enjoy it's proximity to town, but also to the trails, climbing, hiking and lakes nearby. It's clean and quiet and a great spot to boondock."
"This 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."
"This 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. "
$10 / night
"** Constellation park campground hosts horse events and rodeos that draw crowds from everywhere and of all ages."
"just outside town. County campground and rodeo grounds complex."
$15 - $45 / night
"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."
"* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."
"Very pleasant .there is no sewerage hook ups you have to drive to dump ech time .the people were friendly there as well"
GuideWe stayed here for our first trip with a TT in December 2020. Water and electric hookups. They have a dump station. They have a lake to fish in and equestrian center to go on horse back rides.
LegendDead Horse Ranch is a beautiful Arizona state park. It is also a great home base because it is down the street from Tuzigoot National Monument and close to Sedona and Monetzuma Castle National Monument. It is just outside the charming city of Cottonwood.
GuideThe forest was closed in Northern Arizona so I decided to camp out at Dead Horse Ranch SP. I was pretty pleased overall with my trip. My campsite was comfortable and private enough, considering how close the sites are at this campground. I had some shade trees to help keep my travel trailer cool but definitely needed to run the AC all night in order to stay comfortable. The RV sites here have fresh water and power, but no sewer. There is a dump station at the park entrance that is easily accessible when both entering and exiting the park. I enjoyed fishing, hiking, and bike riding while I was here but had to limit my outdoor activities to the morning hours due to the heat.
One afternoon I went into old town Cottonwood, which is only a couple of miles from the park. It's a great place to visit if you're into antiques or wine tasting.
ScoutGreat location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay. Fabulous shopping restaurants all in close proximity in North Scottsdale. Also convenient to highway system!
LegendWow, what an awesome state park! Camping here with little ones was awesome, it had so much to do. The three small lakes are a great spot to fish and lots of shade. A horse stable and playground are nearby. There are 4 camping loops, 1 tent only. The cabins are on a separate road and have so much space and shade between. There is also river access. Close to national monuments and wineries. Not too far from Sedona and Jerome. Lots of day trips close by. We will be back!
GuideThis is a very beautiful campground for horse people only. Most sites are pull through to accommodate large trailers. The trails are very pretty. Parts are hilly, but well shaded. There are high lines and a corral at each site. As well as a firepit and picnic bench. Depending on site water can be close, the water is located throughout the campground. The pit toliets were clean, and wheelbarrows and rakes were provided at the dumpsters to clean horse areas. There is no atv or other type vehicles allowed in campground, but they are allowed near the campground and on some trails, so take note of which trails if that is a concern with your horse. There are some other youth campgrounds around so sometimes you can hear band practice lol. Dispersed camping is allowed just outside the campground boundary as well.
TravelerAll paved driving and campsite parking except equestrian area no hookups they have places to fill water and to dump. Restrooms and showers nice a clean.
TravelerFor 5 years we had coming to Dead Horse RV Park. And about 5 to 6 times every year. Easy access to nearby towns.
LegendWe pulled into our spot at Dead Horse Ranch as the temps crept below freezing. This was our first night ever in a campervan, and we were feeling very fortunate for scoring the last site with electricity.
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It snowed in the night (February) and we woke to discover that the bathhouse was heated with free hot showers. This, combined with dishwashing stations (again with hot water) and friendly campground hosts, made for a lovely stay at Dead Horse Ranch.
The only downside was the lack of privacy between sites - fine for van or RV camping, but not ideal for tenters.
There are a couple of nice trails in the park, one leading into Old Town Cottonwood - try Old Town Cafe for their flaky croissants! Dead Horse Ranch is about 30 minutes from Sedona and fantastic hiking, which we took advantage of all three nights we were there.
Bottom line, this was not a wilderness experience, but Dead Horse Ranch provides nice sites and great amenities, and you can't beat the convenience of the location.
We preferred the Red Tailed Hawk loop to all the others, and really liked sites 57 - 64 for the views and access to trails.
Crown King Area near Horsethief Basin offers dispersed camping at 6,000-7,000 feet elevation, providing a cooler alternative to lower desert campsites during hot months. Reaching this area requires navigating approximately 26 miles of dirt roads from Bumble Bee, with steep terrain and switchbacks that demand high-clearance vehicles. The rocky landscape features diverse desert vegetation including saguaro, palo verde, and mesquite trees.
Explore mountain lakes: Horse Thief Basin Lake, located about 7 miles past Crown King, offers fishing opportunities for multiple species. Justin M. reports that "Horse Thief Lake is truly a magical place and beyond serene. The lake fish species present include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Muskie."
Take scenic drives: The area provides access to challenging off-road routes with panoramic views. From Crown King Area, Caitlin S. notes "There is also an amazing ~30 mile trail from crown king that leads all the way to Prescott called Senator Highway. This also requires experienced 4x4 and like the trail to Horsetheif basin, there are many areas that are only single vehicle width."
Hike mountain trails: Several hiking paths with varying difficulty levels wind through the mountains surrounding White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Teresa A. mentions "We hiked the Waterfall and Black Loop Trail for a little exercise as well," and notes the trails offer good access but cautions about "cholla balls" that can be hazardous for pets.
Elevation and climate: The higher altitude locations provide relief from valley heat. At Crown King Area, Jacob T. mentions, "Beautiful views! You can see the entire Phoenix valley! Perfect elevation, 7-8k. About a 3 hr drive from Phoenix."
Fishing access: Multiple water access points provide fishing opportunities. At Bartlett Flat, Alaina C. shares, "We love camping here, its so close to home and it's dispersed! We usually camp right on the water."
Wildlife viewing: The desert and mountain environments support diverse wildlife. At White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Ryan W. notes the presence of "Wildlife: birds, coyotes, reptiles, etc" and mentions "strategically placed benches scattered along trails for coffee drinking."
Road conditions: Access to some horse campgrounds near Black Canyon City requires careful navigation. For Crown King Area, B O. warns, "The trail up is bumpy and fun... The town has supplies but is over priced so fuel up before going up there."
Facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds offer full hookups while others are primitive. At McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Larry G. reports, "Very nice clean campground and extremely private! No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located."
Weather considerations: Desert temperature fluctuations require preparation. B O. describes winter camping at Crown King: "The site had a fire pit and in winter everything was covered in snow and just breath taking."
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. At Verde River RV Resort, Mstwister E. shares, "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!"
Swimming options: Natural water features provide cooling recreational opportunities. Conor C. mentions at Bartlett Flat, "Easy to access in any vehicle. If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you'll need."
Pack extra supplies: Services can be limited or expensive at remote locations. When visiting Crown King, Justin M. advises, "Prices are steep so best advised to fill up on gas and supplies before heading up."
Site selection: Look for pull-through sites at equestrian campgrounds for larger horse trailers. At Houston Mesa Campground, Michael B. notes the campground has "Pull throughs and pull-in sites. Hosts are helpful."
Amenities for longer stays: Some parks offer extensive recreational facilities. At Verde River RV Resort, Jordan H. reports, "The pool area and clubhouse are amazing. Lots of events during the week plus holiday events."
Consider seasonal timing: Summer months can be extremely hot at lower elevations. George K. observes at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Black Canyon City, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Black Canyon City, AZ is Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake) with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Black Canyon City, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Black Canyon City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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