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WestWorld RV Park in Scottsdale accommodates horses on its extensive gravel lot with 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups. Located within the WestWorld event complex, the camping area provides convenient access to the equestrian facilities on the property where numerous horse shows and competitions take place throughout the year. The RV park features showers, restrooms, potable water stations, and a dump station. Campers bringing horses can participate in scheduled WestWorld events, though availability is limited during major equestrian competitions. The camping area itself is a wide open dirt and gravel lot positioned under high voltage power lines with basic amenities for RVs and limited tent camping options.
Trail access from the WestWorld property connects riders to the surrounding Scottsdale area trail systems. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, located nearby, offers additional horse camping options with multiple mountain biking and hiking trails suitable for equestrian use. Both locations provide easy access to Fountain Hills and North Scottsdale amenities, allowing horse owners to find necessary supplies within a short drive. Reservations for WestWorld RV camping must be made by calling the office during City of Scottsdale business hours, as no online reservation system exists. The proximity to shopping and restaurants makes these horse-friendly camping options practical for extended stays. Campers report that despite its urban location, the horse camping experience feels surprisingly remote while maintaining convenient access to necessities.
"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
"Lots of trails for all skill sets. Snake and gia display. A very large park. Close to everything."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"
"Winter and spring, lake levels are low, which provides access to Camp near the water. I was able to find a relatively flat spot for my 38' fifth wheel."
"It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."
"One of my favorite trails in Arizona."
from $35 - $99 / night
Check Availability"We enjoy it's proximity to town, but also to the trails, climbing, hiking and lakes nearby. It's clean and quiet and a great spot to boondock."
from $50 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Great location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay."
"This is a great place to camp if you are attending a WestWorld event since you will be right next to all of the facilities."
from $57 / night
Check Availability"Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "
"Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site, and as close to the entrance has you’re gonna get."
"Very pleasant .there is no sewerage hook ups you have to drive to dump ech time .the people were friendly there as well"
"Box Bar shoreline is located right on the verde fiver. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river. We didn’t camp, just came down for the day."
"At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on."
"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."
from $22 - $170 / night
Check Availability"This park is so close to town, but far enough to get some quiet night sky! There are standard campsites and a more primitive camping area."
"This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs. "
ScoutGreat location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay. Fabulous shopping restaurants all in close proximity in North Scottsdale. Also convenient to highway system!
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.
TravelerThis park is so close to town, but far enough to get some quiet night sky! There are standard campsites and a more primitive camping area. The Willow Canyon site is big enough for a full length Sprinter, though the office says 16’ is the length limit.
Lots of trails for hiking, biking and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms and a dishwashing area. Dogs allowed too!
I’m on Verizon and only got a single bar in the park. The library is near the entrance if you need to get your WiFi fix!
GuideThis campground is awesome. It was the perfect refuge for the rainy week. It’s super well maintained. Free drinking water stations and a picnic area for each spot. Quiet and even with a gas station and Home Depot within a 15 min walk it still feels like you’re in the woods especially when the coyotes start howling at night. I wish we would have gone to the horse camp FF spots instead: they are farther away from the road sounds, more spaced out, and we could’ve stayed another night for the same price on the other side. Only difference is pavement roads/sites.
LegendThis area is best for its hiking and photo ops, in my humble opinion. As with most desert campgrounds in Arizona, there is not much privacy between the sites but take advantage of the beauty. The waterfall trail is an easy hike and very doable with kids. You can only bring a stroller so far unless it's an off-roading stroller but the hike is worth it (especially if there's water flowing). There's a playground across from the trailhead in case all else fails and someone stays behind with he little ones. Restrooms are thoughtfully placed here. DO watch for rattle snakes on this trail and all for that matter. Also, bring a lot of water and then some. Stop at the Visitor Center and library on your way in. You're not far removed from civilization so anything you need is just a brief drive away.
GuideOur site was at the top of the loop closest to Mts but furthest from restrooms. It was a 1/3 mile hike to restrooms. Keep that in mind with kids! Our site itself (120) was perfect for one tent and our car. It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade. Actually close to park edge we could see peoples houses to the SE. would camp at this campground again, but for this site would do RV with own restroom. Even in late April early May need EZ up for shade or almost too hot. Fun family stuff at ghost town across the highway.
TravelerGreat spots for your horse and trailer. Good size corral. More space on the pit side. Stay a week or month! Great trails out from camp. Water at corrals. Nice showers and restroom a short walk away. Plan to go back!!
RangerThe have a few electric and water sites, then more dry sites. Also horse corals, its neat being able to walk right into town, well worth a stop, sites are hard dirt, but adequate, spaced a little more apart on the dry sites, the electric/water sites back up to the town small railroad tracks and are much closer together. This is a great alternative when the lost Dutchman is full. 20 dollars to dry camp, but being able to walk into town was pretty cool. Seen roadrunner, quail, and doves, rabbits. A few coyotes howled at the moon at night, which was pretty cool to, off in the distance. I'd stay here again for the convenience.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers equestrian camping with nearby trail access and essential amenities for horse owners. The park sits at an elevation of 2,200 feet in the northern Sonoran Desert, providing moderate temperatures compared to lower Phoenix areas. Horse camping facilities include spacious sites with water and electrical hookups, though sewer connections aren't available at individual sites.
Mountain biking trails: McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers extensive mountain biking options with varying difficulty levels. "Miles of mountain biking trails which were spectacular. We've ridden lots of places and this is definitely one of my favorite. Trails are not difficult technically but a great workout and so pretty," notes Mike M.
Hiking with desert views: Take advantage of well-marked trails at White Tank Mountain regional park. "The park has beautiful hiking trails and a great nature center, which offers activities and the regional library. Some hiking trails are within walking distance of the campground, others you will need to drive to," explains Ellen W.
Water activities: Bartlett Flat provides shoreline access for boating and swimming about 30 minutes from Carefree. "Did a quick overnight trip. Easy to access in any vehicle. If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you'll need," advises Conor C.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the ample room at most horse campgrounds near Carefree. "Very nice clean campground and extremely private! Huge sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Restroom are big and well cleaned," reports Larry G. about McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Shoreline camping: Box Bar Shoreline Area offers free riverfront camping with basic amenities. "Box Bar shoreline is located right on the verde river. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river. This is free and not on Tonto National Forest, so you don't need a Tonto Pass," explains Nolan S.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are high at most established campgrounds. At Usery Mountain Regional Park, Janet H. found that "Restroom and shower facilities were clean. Nice metal firepit and water on site. Really quiet—just the nearby chatter of birds and coyotes serenading."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during busy winter months. "Campground spots are spacious, bathrooms nice and clean. Sites fill up because it's so great so you have to book ahead. We had to camp in overflow area one night," cautions Mike M. about McDowell Mountain.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can be surprisingly cold. "When we went it was incredibly hot and its important to bring lots of water. Also be prepared for a HUGE drop in temperature at night because it can get very cold very quickly," warns Ethan K. about desert camping.
Limited shade: Most horse campgrounds near Carefree have minimal natural coverage. At Lost Dutchman State Park, sites provide limited relief from sun exposure. "Beautiful sunset, amazing view of moon rising over mountains. Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," shares Rebecca G.
Kid-friendly water spots: Families with children often prefer campgrounds with water access. "We love camping here, its so close to home and it's dispersed! We usually camp right on the water. It can get really packed but we have never had bad neighbors. Seems to be kept pretty clean and there are restrooms," says Alaina C. about Bartlett Flat.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "The park rangers are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Breathtaking views at sunset and fun for just a night!" mentions Nichole C. about McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Playground access: Houston Mesa Campground offers family amenities beyond typical horse camping facilities. "Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees. The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure," explains Brad and Britany B.
Electric hookup availability: Most horse campgrounds offer electrical connections, but amperage varies. "The utilities are easy to find and use, but only have water and electric. Both 30 and 50 amp available! Town is close so groceries and other things are available there," notes Larry G. about McDowell Mountain.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management as many sites lack sewer hookups. "Nice campground with lots of space and trees between sites. Pull throughs and pull-in sites. Hosts are helpful. The dump station costs $10, regardless of camping here or not," advises Michael B. about Houston Mesa Campground.
Urban convenience: For RVers seeking proximity to amenities while horse camping, options exist close to metropolitan areas. "Located in the center of North Scottsdale conveniently near lots of great dining, shopping and entertainment, for a reasonable price," explains Al G. about WestWorld RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carefree, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carefree, AZ is McDowell Mountain Regional Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carefree, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Carefree, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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