The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Black Canyon City. Finding a place to stay in Arizona while traveling with your horse is easy. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
There are more than 100 large RV sites available. For after-hours arrivals, vacant sites may be occupied on a night-by-night basis only. Most of the pull-through sites can accommodate 40-foot motor homes and truck and trailer rigs up to 65 feet and include potable water and 30/50-amp service. Generators are prohibited.
All campground loops include modern, ADA accessible restroom facilities providing hot water and showers and are free to registered campers. There is a stay limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period. The park is often sold out in the spring and fall. It's a good idea to reserve early or check availability online or by phone a few days in advance. To learn more about camping and recreation opportunities in your Arizona State Parks, see this comprehensive guide to camping in Arizona.
Camping Cabin Loop: 8 one-room log camping cabins are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The cabin circle is tucked away from the other campgrounds for an ideal getaway for a weekend — or a week.
The cabins are variably furnished with a full-size bed, a bunk bed, table and chairs, dresser-drawer, ceiling fan with overhead light, and electricity. Cabins now have heating and cooling!
Campers must supply their own linens. Each cabin also has a barbecue and picnic table outside, plus a small individual fire ring. Family-style shower facilities are only a short walk from all of the cabins. There is an electrified ramada with barbecues that can be shared by cabin guests. RVs are not permitted in cabin areas.
$20 - $60 / night
Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
Set in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
$32 / night
Bartlett Flat Bartlett Reservoir and the Arizona Upland phase of the Sonoran Desert. This site offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Bartlett Flat has primitive boat launch opportunities for small boats. River Access Point (RAP) for Verde River. There are no designated campsites at this shoreline area but camping along the shore is allowed. High water levels will limit the amount of available shoreline in this area.
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
Welcome to White Tank Mountain Campground, a fantastic spot for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix. This place is perfect for both tent and RV campers, offering a mix of amenities to make your stay comfortable. The Family Campground has 40 sites with water and 30/50 amp electric hookups, while the Willow Canyon Campground offers a more rustic experience with 19 sites that are ideal for tents, campervans, or small trailers.
The sites here are spacious and well-maintained, with gravel pads, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire pits. Some even have covered picnic shelters. The bathhouse is centrally located and kept clean, though it can get a bit busy. Hot water is available, which is always a plus.
For activities, you can't beat the hiking trails. The waterfall trail is a must-see, especially after a heavy rain when the waterfall is flowing. It's a bit of a trek to the trailhead, but the scenic views make it worth the effort. There are also trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, so there's something for everyone.
If you need supplies, the town of Surprise is just 8 miles away and has everything you might need. Just a heads-up, there's a nearby air force base, so you might hear jets flying overhead during the day.
Overall, White Tank Mountain Campground offers a great mix of convenience and natural beauty, making it a top choice for a quick getaway or a longer stay. Enjoy your time here!
Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, nestled near Camp Verde, AZ, is a gem for anyone looking to explore the Sedona area. This place has a lot going for it, from spacious sites to top-notch amenities. If you're into RVing, tent camping, or even glamping, this spot has you covered.
One of the standout features here is the pool and hot tub. Visitors rave about the heated pool—yes, actually heated—and the hot tub, which are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The clubhouse is another highlight, offering a clean and pleasant space for socializing or just relaxing.
Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained. There's a cute playground, a mini-golf course, and even pickleball courts. On weekends and holidays, the resort ramps up the fun with activities for kids, live music, and even movie nights. And let's not forget the dog park, making it a great spot for your furry friends too.
The resort is also conveniently located. It's just a short drive to Sedona, known for its stunning red rock formations and hiking trails. Plus, you're close to Cottonwood and Prescott, offering more options for day trips and adventures.
The staff here get high marks for being friendly and helpful, which always makes a stay more enjoyable. And if you're worried about amenities, don't be. The resort offers electric and sewer hookups, drinking water, and even a market for those last-minute necessities.
In short, Verde River RV Resort & Cottages is a fantastic base for exploring the beauty of Arizona. Whether you're here for the amenities, the activities, or just a peaceful spot to park your RV, you won't be disappointed.
$15 - $45 / night
These are first come, first served sites for self-contained units only.
$8 / night
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 Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Black Canyon City, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Black Canyon City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
