C
Calvin G.
Traveler
TravelerGabaldon
A nice quiet place
No one else was there when I went. Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful
Equestrian Camping near Blue, AZ
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Gabaldon Horse Campground near Blue, Arizona provides dedicated equestrian facilities with horse stalls that campers report are well-maintained and odor-free. The campground features eight sites specifically designed for horse camping, each equipped with stalls for horses. Vault toilets are available, though reviews note they may be somewhat rundown with spiders present. Campfires are permitted at this first-come, first-served location, making it suitable for overnight stays while exploring the area on horseback. Located in bear country, visitors should take appropriate precautions with food storage. One camper discovered bite and claw marks on their truck tailgate despite securing food in airtight containers, demonstrating the importance of proper bear safety measures.
A trail crosses the creek adjacent to the campground, offering immediate riding access for equestrians. During certain periods, Gabaldon experiences minimal visitor traffic, creating a quiet, peaceful atmosphere for riders seeking solitude. The campground provides suitable accommodations for both tent campers and RVs, though sites are limited. Pets are allowed, complementing the horse-friendly environment. The proximity to water features enhances the camping experience, though visitors should prepare for potential wildlife encounters including bears. Bear spray is recommended for trails in the area, as advised on hiking trail signage. The remote location offers opportunities to enjoy nature with limited disruption from other campers, particularly during weekdays or off-peak seasons. No size restrictions exist for horse trailers based on available information.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Blue (7)
1. Head Of The Ditch Campground
"Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy."
"Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy."
2. KP Cienega Campground
"This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer."
"Lovely little campground at the bottom of the road with plenty of fields nearby. We saw deer bounding across the field, and felt it to be perfectly situated amongst the trees."
4. Gabaldon
"Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful"
"There are only a total of eight sites all of which are set up for horses. All the stalls pretty clean and didn’t smell and the outhouse was kinda run down a little. Loads of spiders."
5. White Crossing Camping along the Black River
from $20 / night
6. Snow Lake
"We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."
7. Dispersed camping near FR117 near Greer
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 44 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 54 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 15 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 4 hrs 17 min from Tucson, AZ
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Blue, AZ
19 Reviews of 7 Blue Campgrounds
Beth G.
LegendKP Cienega Campground
I love this little campground
This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer. There is also a nice trail next to a creek but the path was over grown when we tried to hike down it. The road down to the campsite is in good shape, but the sites are small. Perfect for 1-2 tents.
Vault toilet and no other amenities. Bring water.
This is a popular site for hunters during elk/deer season. We often find carcasses and bones around the site.
Matthew K.TravelerGabaldon
Beautiful site BUT be aware of bear
Had a great time last August. We started at this campsite as we found it online. When we arrive there was only one other person there but very limited camping. There are only a total of eight sites all of which are set up for horses. All the stalls pretty clean and didn’t smell and the outhouse was kinda run down a little. Loads of spiders. We were aware that this was bear country but didn’t think to much of it being from Colorado. We had everything in air tight containers in the back of the truck locked up a night. After the first night we woke up to bite and claw marks on the tailgate of my truck. Wow. Our tent was 20 yards from the truck so the bear left us alone because we didn’t have any food in the tent. So plan smart and bring BEAR SPRAY. Even the hiking trails say to. Still great experience and we will be back. Please remember if you pack it in to please pack it out. We all can do better.
- Kenny C.
ScoutHead Of The Ditch Campground
Right off the highway
Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy. Will use this place again.
Laura P.
GuideKP Cienega Campground
Snow in May!
Lovely little campground at the bottom of the road with plenty of fields nearby. We saw deer bounding across the field, and felt it to be perfectly situated amongst the trees. Vault toilet nearby, we enjoyed a campfire and went to bed. Woke up the next morning to SNOW!
- LLayne L.Guide
Grayling
Recreation central
This campground is in the middle of a recreational enthusiasts dream. Many different opportunities to play and explore. The campgrounds are all clean and well kept. And within walking distance of Big Lake.
Dennis P.GuideSnow Lake
Beautiful boondocking.
No facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.
The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.
There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)
- DDallas F.Scout
Head Of The Ditch Campground
Beautiful and clean sites
Many available campsites, some with tables, and this campground. First come first served. I was there in mid October and there were only a few other campsites taken. Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy.
- MMerrily J.Guide
Head Of The Ditch Campground
You would hardly know you were just off the highway
There are several great campsites at this free Forest Service park. Did not use the pit toilet. Most campsites had a fire pit or fire ring and several had picnic tables. Most are shaded at least part of the day. Crappy internet with TravlFi (Starlink might have better reception) and Verizon was 1-2 bars. The FS has been clearing underbrush and beetle killed pines leaving lots of firewood. The majority of campsites are on the other side of the San Francisco River (concreted ford) from the entrance. It was dry during our visit. There is one very large campsite , probably intended for group camping. Two extra long picnic tables there. We would have liked to camp in the area “across the ditch” but our 41’ 5th wheel would never have made it across. Also that area wasn’t as attractive as it might have been with one side of the canyon clear cut. We stayed a week. We found a deer or elk carcass about 200 yards from where we were, just on the left as you enter the park.
Guide to Blue
KP Cienega Campground sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Blue, Arizona. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with occasional snowfall even in late spring. Horseback riding opportunities in this region include dedicated facilities at established campgrounds and access to forest service trails that connect across meadows and creek crossings.
What to do
Trail riding access: Trails near Gabaldon Horse Campground cross creeks and provide immediate riding opportunities. Calvin G. notes, "Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful."
Wildlife viewing: The meadows surrounding KP Cienega Campground offer excellent wildlife spotting conditions. Beth G. reports, "Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer."
Fishing opportunities: The Black River area provides trout fishing with required permits. Jason T. explains at White Crossing Camping, "You do need a San Carlos Apache use permit which cost $20 per day per person over 12... Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Horse campers appreciate the limited number of sites at equestrian campgrounds. At KP Cienega, Optimus notes, "Only 5 sites, just one that you can get a small rv onto. Over looking a beautiful meadow."
Well-maintained stalls: Gabaldon Horse Campground offers clean facilities for equestrian camping. Calvin G. shares, "Nice stalls for horses, though I had none."
Seasonal weather patterns: The high elevation creates unique camping experiences. Laura P. describes camping at KP Cienega Campground: "We saw deer bounding across the field, and felt it to be perfectly situated amongst the trees... Woke up the next morning to SNOW!"
What you should know
Wildlife safety considerations: The Blue, Arizona region requires vigilance regarding bears. Matthew K. warns, "We were aware that this was bear country but didn't think to much of it being from Colorado. We had everything in air tight containers in the back of the truck locked up a night."
Facility limitations: Primitive toilet facilities are common at horse camps near Blue. Maria F. notes at KP Cienega, "The pit toilets were maintained. No trash cans, so take out what you bring in."
Seasonal access restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited seasons due to elevation and weather. Grayling Campground operates from "May 13 to Oct 31" according to forest service information.
Tips for camping with families
Pack appropriate gear: Mountain weather can change rapidly in this region. At Head of the Ditch Campground, Mark F. advises, "Easy parking for out 25' rv. Only one other family here, and we only saw them when hiking torwards them. Cool and in the trees!"
Consider off-peak timing: Weekday visits often provide more solitude. Dallas F. shares, "I was there in mid October and there were only a few other campsites taken. Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy."
Plan for limited amenities: Most equestrian sites near Blue require self-sufficiency. Christopher P. explains, "National Forest campground. Free. Sites spread out. Light usage. Recent tree maintenance has resulted in several large piles of cut down trees. Pit toilet."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Some horse camping areas accommodate smaller RVs only. Regarding KP Cienega, Optimus mentions, "Great little campground! Only 5 sites, just one that you can get a small rv onto."
Accessibility considerations: Road conditions to horse camps vary seasonally. Kenny C. reports about Head of the Ditch, "Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm."
Plan for self-containment: Limited hookups mean preparation is essential. Meghan B. notes, "No other amenities, including no trash, so pack out what you bring in. I was able to snag one bar of cell service if I held my phone just right."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Blue, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Blue, AZ is Head Of The Ditch Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Blue, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Blue, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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