Horse camping near Bullhead City, Arizona provides access to desert landscapes within the Mojave National Preserve at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F during daytime hours, with winter nights dropping to near freezing. The region's rocky terrain requires appropriate vehicles for towing horse trailers, with most suitable access routes found along designated BLM roads.
What to do
Scenic trail riding: The Potato Patch Loop trailhead at Hualapai Mountain Park offers higher elevation riding to escape summer heat. "I have been there many times over the years and have never been disappointed. I have been there in the snow and rain, and it is still a good time. I have never been so close to wild life before - the elk and deer roam the area, especially in the morning hours," notes one regular visitor.
Desert exploration: At Arrowhead Cove, horse owners can access shoreline trails with water access. "This is a remote Cove accessible on a rugged and steeply graded access road. There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended... Take this to heart," advises one camper about trail access.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning rides at equestrian camping areas increase chances for spotting desert wildlife. "This is a very private site. The water is the clearest I've ever seen and the water fowl dive freely along the banks. There is a treasure trove of wildlife here apparent just from the birds singing," reports a visitor who stayed at Arrowhead Cove.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Wild Horse Road Dispersed camping area provides primitive sites specifically suitable for horse trailers. "Great spot just before Hole in the Wall. About 1/4 mile down a road marked '4x4 high clearance only.' But if you're just hitting the campsite you can make it in a lot less. There's a turn around there for people towing trailers," explains a camper who visited the area.
Natural shade options: Higher elevation equestrian sites offer relief from desert heat. One camper noted about Hualapai Mountain Park: "$20 a night, dry camp will get you out of the blast furnace of the Kingman summer. 10 gorgeous miles of hiking trails."
Water access: Katherine Landing South Campground provides lake access for horses to cool off after rides. "Really a nice campground, nice big spots, tables and a fire pit as well as a laundry room and did I mention clean bathrooms!!! Oleander trees space out each camp spot which give you all the privacy anyone could need," reports one visitor about the general camping conditions.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many established equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "173 campsites available so even on a busy weekend there are places to stay. Large sites with trees in between. Clean bathrooms. Showers and laundry on site. Water available," mentions a Katherine Landing camper about availability.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse-friendly dispersed sites often require appropriate vehicles. "This Cove is sheltered from wind by trees and tall grass. A small peninsula also blocks direct site from the water so this is a very private site," notes an Arrowhead Cove visitor about the terrain.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer optimal temperatures for equestrian camping near Bullhead City. A camper at Searchlight BLM shared: "Perfect for cars, vans, and trucks if you just need a legal place to park. Need to drive some gravel roads to get there. We were all alone when we went to sleep and the only light or noise was from the nearby highway."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Katherine Landing offers shorter trail options suitable for younger riders. "Perfect place to ride bikes and it's a good walking distance to the pier with restaurant, grocery store, fishing and boat rentals. This is like a village in its own," notes a family who stayed there.
Educational opportunities: Mojave Desert ecology provides learning experiences for children about desert adaptation. A visitor to Wild Horse Road Dispersed camping mentioned: "No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning."
Safety precautions: Pack extra water supplies for both humans and horses when camping in this arid region. At Blake Ranch RV Park, one camper shared: "We spent a week at Blake Ranch RV Park and enjoyed it a lot. The RV spots were large, flat and easy to get into with enough room to park our truck after we unhooked."
Tips from RVers
Trailer positioning: Select campgrounds with adequate turn-around space for horse trailers. "We called Blake RV Park from the road and booked for same night after explaining our size and campground needs. Nice pull through site with easy access and very quiet grounds," reports an RVer with a large trailer.
Horse-specific amenities: Some RV parks cater specifically to equestrian needs with designated facilities. A visitor to Blake Ranch noted: "During our stay at Blake Ranch we took advantage of the little store, propane fill up and laundry facilities. The park was well kept, clean, and quiet."
Level sites: Look for graded campsites that allow for stable trailer parking. "From the moment we called, the lady was the sweetest and most helpful! Sites are gravel and pretty level!" shared a recent visitor to Blake Ranch RV Park.
