Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground supports equestrian activities with dedicated horse stalls at their equestrian center where visitors can arrange trail rides. The campground offers water and electric hookups, a dump station, and accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabins. Located just outside Cottonwood, the park serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions including Tuzigoot National Monument, Sedona, and Montezuma Castle National Monument. Most RV sites include fresh water and power connections, though no sewer hookups are available at individual sites. The campground maintains clean bathrooms and hot showers, with dishwashing stations featuring hot water.
Horseback riding trails connect campers to the surrounding natural areas, with the equestrian center organizing daily guided rides. Houston Mesa Campground near Payson provides another option for horse camping with sites specifically designed for equestrians. Each horse site features two large corrals along with a fire pit and picnic table. Water access points are situated throughout the campground, and bathroom facilities are readily available. The trails surrounding Houston Mesa are somewhat rocky but offer good riding opportunities in a convenient location near Payson. Groom Creek Horse Camp, another regional option, requires visitors to bring horses to stay at the facility. The campground provides highlines and one pen at each site, with portable panels recommended for those traveling with multiple horses.
$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."
"Which is OK in the Arizona winter, but not when it is still hot. We were here when it as really slow, not sure what it will like when the campground is full."
"There are lots of trees and it’s a great park to walk around. At the back you have the River you can walk around and you are surrounded with mountain views."
$42 - $84 / night
"Compared to another campground close by that is a little less but we had double the space and trees and a creek behind us. They’re very busy and we were only able to get two nights."
"Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth."
$20 - $30 / night
"There is a water fill station in a dump station nearby. Electric is only 50 amp or 110. You will need an adapter if you have a 30 amp rig. Electric sites are $30 and dry camping is 20."
"Lots of hiking trails."
$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."
"Cool in the Arizona summer, and there are bonfire pits (did not use due to heat/fire warnings)"
"Less busy then FR 525 yet great views and easy drive in."
"Tall pines all around, lots of exploring room for kids. The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV."
$10 - $25 / night
"Aside from all the other reviews here detailing what a great affordable campground this is, I'll point out that it is literally right next door to the Pepsi Amphitheatre which means walking distance to"
"All amenities are shared so we had access to a large playground, basketball and volleyball courts, the store, and the bathhouse."
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.
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.
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.
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.
GuideThis campground has really nice sites, that can accommodate large trailers. Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms. Across the street is the main non horse campground, there is pay showers if needed and an amphitheater there. The trails weren't my favorite, a bit rocky, but were not bad either. The campground is a great location near Payson.
Camping options near Camp Verde, Arizona range from dispersed sites in the Coconino National Forest to full-service RV resorts along the Verde River. Located at approximately 3,100 feet elevation, the area experiences mild winters and hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F in July and August. Most campgrounds in this region remain open year-round due to the moderate climate, though summer reservations should be made well in advance.
Trail riding opportunities: Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground offers extensive horseback riding options beyond their equestrian center. "You are within 2 miles of Cottonwood if forgot something," notes camper Melissa S., making it convenient to grab supplies for longer rides.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities in the Verde Valley. "Access to lakes, good fishing trouts," reports daniel Q. about his stay at Dead Horse Ranch, where stocked ponds offer year-round fishing without requiring a boat.
Mountain biking: Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area features dedicated mountain biking trails for all skill levels. "Bike park is a blast. Also have an adventure course and zip line. Bike park is free ropes course has fee. Also has a easy mountain bike trail around the area," explains Bryan S.
Day trips: The central location makes Camp Verde ideal for regional exploration. "Sedona is also not a far drive and beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in this area if not at Dead Horse," suggests Gonzo A., highlighting the convenience of using Camp Verde as a base camp.
Year-round camping climate: Unlike higher elevation areas that close seasonally, most campgrounds near Camp Verde remain open through winter. "Camped in november from the 13th to the 15th, not cold at all!!!" reports Levi V. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Swimming options: The Verde River provides cooling relief during hot months. At Pivot Rock Canyon, "There is some great hiking especially through the canyon. If you follow the canyon about one mile from the road, then go down and right onto a cow trail, you can get to Pivot Rock Spring," according to Jacob S.
Shade availability: Most campgrounds feature mature trees for summer shade. At Houston Mesa Campground, "We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees," explains Brad & Britany B.
Community activities: Many campgrounds organize regular social events. At Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, "There was so much to do from mini golf, painting classes, live music, dinners, karaoke, and free breakfast 3 days a week, hot tub and heated pool," Christina R. explains.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Rancho Sedona RV Park, reservations are essential as "The management took excellent care of sites, cleaning and manicuring consistently," according to Amy & Stu B., making it a popular choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Camp Verde, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Camp Verde, AZ is Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 64 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Camp Verde, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Camp Verde, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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