19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Groom Creek Horse Camp in Prescott National Forest offers specialized equestrian camping with pull-through sites designed for large horse trailers. Each campsite features high lines and a corral for securing horses, along with a fire pit and picnic bench. Water stations are distributed throughout the campground, though campers should bring containers to transport water to their sites. The campground maintains clean pit toilets and provides wheelbarrows and rakes at dumpsters for cleaning horse areas. This horse-only facility prohibits ATVs within the campground boundaries, creating a quieter environment for horses and riders. Dispersed camping is permitted just outside the campground for those seeking more primitive horse camping options.
The trail system accessible from Groom Creek Horse Camp provides extensive riding opportunities through shaded, hilly terrain in the Bradshaw Mountains. Located at 34.465, -112.4413889, the campground operates seasonally from May 1 to October 31, making it ideal for summer escapes from Arizona's lower-elevation heat. Riders should note that while ATVs are prohibited in the campground itself, they are allowed on some nearby trails, so horse owners should check trail designations if their animals are sensitive to motorized vehicles. The campground's proximity to other youth camps occasionally means campers might hear activities from neighboring facilities. Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers another horse-friendly option with an equestrian center providing guided trail rides and access to the Verde River corridor, approximately 30 miles northeast of Chino Valley.
"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."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Driving distance or short walk to lake. No Verizon cell service."
"Quiet with nearby hiking and biking even a little lake."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Lots of hiking trails."
"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."
from $42 - $84 / night
Check Availability"This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"
"Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys."
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This 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."
"We take portable panels also due to traveling with 2 horses. Take some way of hauling water to your camp site, there are several water Fawcett for filling but not close to all sites."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Blackberry bushes and the spring nearby are a nice seasonal bonus and add to the tucked-away forest vibe. Easy access, good tree cover, and a classic Prescott National Forest atmosphere."
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.
ScoutThis place is a scam! The spots are literally on top of each other. From the front door of your trailer you have 4 feet and then your stepping on someone's sewage line. Then they market all kinds of amenities but they are never even open. The golf carts are only from Thursday at 3 through Sunday. The Cafe is only open Friday through Sunday. The horses... they have a few and there is only 1 ride a day, if you can get a reservation. They have the INDOOR pool closed for the"weather"... it was sunny outside. Not that it is that great anyway. It is so small that you can barely walk around the pool much less sit down. The deck around it is also dirty disgusting. If your looking for somewhere quiet to relax and camp, DON'T go here. It's like grand central station and all you hear at night is the highway. If I was prepared to dry camp, I would have left the second I got there and camped in the woods. Don't let the website fool you like it did me. It was a waste of my vacation.
TravelerWe have stayed here 2 years in a row now. Very nice camp ground but it is dry camping. They have a high line and 1 pen at each site. We take portable panels also due to traveling with 2 horses. Take some way of hauling water to your camp site, there are several water Fawcett for filling but not close to all sites. Nice trail riding. Take note that if you don't have a horse with you, you will not be able to stay there.
Groom Creek Horse Camp provides specialized equestrian camping with pull-through sites accommodating large horse trailers in Prescott National Forest. Each site includes a corral and high line for securing horses. The campground allows horse campers to access an extensive trail network through the Bradshaw Mountains at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. Water stations are available throughout the campground, but visitors need containers to transport water to their sites. This seasonal facility operates from May through October and maintains clean pit toilets for campers.
Ride equestrian trails at Dead Horse Ranch State Park: Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Chino Valley, Arizona, this park offers extensive horse-friendly trails with Verde River access. "This park offers a much needed break from the Arizona heat in the spring and summer months. The 'lakes' are really more like ponds but plenty large enough to fish in as is the Verde River, running through the park," notes Audrey R.
Explore hiking paths near Yavapai Campground: This campground provides access to numerous trails through pine forests. "Small campground in natural setting. So many Forest service trails for hiking (and mountain biking). Campsites offer a lot of privacy due to their layout in the natural topography," reports Kim G.
Cool off in swimming spots: During summer months, seek relief from Arizona heat in natural water features. "The kids were able to splash and play there -- it was just perfect! We went there twice in the 24 hours we were at the park," shares Ashley C. about a lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Visit nearby historic towns: Several campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring the region's attractions. "Nearby towns - Cottonwood, Jerome - have lots of shopping, dining options. Sedona is also not a far drive and beautiful," suggests Gonzo A.
Shaded campsites for summer comfort: Given Arizona's heat, sites with good tree cover are highly valued for equestrian camping near Chino Valley. "We stayed this time in quail loop in spot 33 which has good shade throughout the entire day. Mesquite trees so not full shade but better than most," mentions Melissa S. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Regular upkeep makes camping more enjoyable. "The facilities are always clean. My husband used the laundry facility and said it was nice," shares Melody M. about Verde River RV Resort. Another camper noted, "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever been to at a campsite."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out, particularly those with horses or large rigs. "The spaces are nice and big! We have stayed in so many RV Parks that make you feel like a can of soup on a grocery shelf, but not this one!" reports a camper at Verde River RV Resort.
Access to mountain views: The elevated terrain provides scenic vantage points. "Very nice and numerous spots. Pretty flat... Very quiet and the night sky is absolutely amazing," comments Michael F. about South Mingus Mountain Basecamp.
Summer heat considerations: Plan for high temperatures when horse camping near Chino Valley from June through August. "We tent camped here and it was still too hot in late summer months," cautions Kaela T. about Yavapai Campground.
Trail designations for horses: Some trails allow motorized vehicles while others are horse-only. "Lots of cows, bulls, deer, seen mountain lion, fox, coyote. There are at least 100 camping spots and of course some are meant for 4 wheel truck and others are meant for RV's," explains Chris P. about South Mingus Mountain Basecamp.
Highway noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to major highways. "Only downside is I-17 is way too close constant road noise when you're outside," notes Thomas S. about Verde River RV Resort.
Water availability varies: Horse owners should plan for water needs. "Take some way of hauling water to your camp site, there are several water Fawcett for filling but not close to all sites," advises Edward W.
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Some facilities offer special features for children. "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" shares Mstwister E. about Verde River RV Resort & Cottages.
Consider cabins for easier family trips: For those new to equestrian camping or traveling with young children, cabin options provide convenience. "Camped in november from the 13th to the 15th, not cold at all!!!" notes Levi V. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park cabins.
Check proximity to bathrooms: With children, bathroom location becomes important. "There is an awesome pool and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, playgrounds and trails to explore," says a reviewer about Verde River, mentioning the family-friendly facilities.
Electrical hookup considerations: Different campgrounds offer varying electrical services. "Electric is only 50 amp or 110. You will need an adapter if you have a 30 amp rig," advises Kathy B. about Verde Valley Fairgrounds.
Site selection for large rigs: Horse trailers with living quarters require adequate space. "Most sites are pull through to accommodate large trailers," notes Ted B. regarding Groom Creek Horse Camp.
Alternative parking for non-equestrian RVs: If you're traveling without horses but want to be near equestrian areas. "Dispersed camping is permitted just outside the campground for those seeking more primitive horse camping options," shares a reviewer about camping options near equestrian facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chino Valley, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chino Valley, AZ is Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 66 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chino Valley, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Chino Valley, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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