Are you looking for a place to stay in Blue with your horse? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. With our help, you'll find the best Arizona equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
At 9,000 feet, this is one of the highest campgrounds in Arizona. With that in mind, you might suspect that it's cool up here. Well you would be right, deliciously cool--when it's hot everywhere else. 5 single unit sites Trailers and motorhomes up to 16 foot No hookups Pets must be restrained or on a leash Lodge and restaurant at nearby Hannagan Meadow Tables Fire rings with cooking grills The KP Trailhead, directly adjacent to the campground, provides hiking and backpacking opportunites into the Blue Range Primitive Area via the KP Trail (# 70) with connections to many other trails within the area.
Grayling Campground offers perhaps the most secluded sites in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. It sits on the shoreline of the lake in a mixed conifer and aspen forest and affords visitors many recreational opportunities in a quiet, scenic setting. Popular activities include trout fishing and hiking.
The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.
Grayling sits in the White Mountains at an elevation of 9,000 feet. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees, which provide ample shade. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer rain storms.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
$26 - $34 / night
Gabaldon Campground is situated amid spruce trees at the foot of the Mount Baldy Wilderness. The campground is named for Juan Gabaldon, who retired from the Forest Service after working on many of the trails in the area. The campground is a perfect spot to relax after a day's ride. This campground is limited to campers with horses or stock animals.
$20 / night
Snow Lake is a small reservoir located in the Reserve Ranger District approximatley 30 miles from the town of Reserve. Snow Lake is most easily accessed via FR 142.
Ranger
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!
Legend
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.
GuideGreat little campground! Only 5 sites, just one that you can get a small rv onto. Over looking a beautiful meadow. Couple miles in off 191, dirt road was in great shape. Very secluded and quiet.
ScoutEasy 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.
Guide
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.
ScoutWe pulled into this site after a long day on motorcycles. Sites were easily accessible and our site had some flat ground and a fire ring. There were quite a few people there and we did not feel at all secluded in nature but, honestly, we didn’t mind the company and everyone was far enough away that it wasn’t too much of a bother (we could hear load music but we didn’t care.) the bathroom facilities were really nice and well maintained. Not bad place to stop at all.
Traveler
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.
GuideNo 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!)
ScoutMany 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.
GuideLovely 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!
Guide
This is great camping area with multiple unmarked sites available, first come basis. You do need a San Carlos Apache use permit which cost $20 per day per person over 12. Pack it all in and pack it all out. The river is close but no drinkable water on site with out filtration. Our family had 14 people camping out of 5 vehicle at our site alone. Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see. We saw a bear 50 feet across the river on out first day. Its not high in the pines, but is a good mix of Juniper, pine, ash, and Scrub Oak.
TravelerGreat weather
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed sites, equestrians can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Blue, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Blue, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
