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Best Equestrian Camping near Cibola, AZ

18 Reviews

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offers dispersed camping opportunities across its vast desert landscape, with multiple access points suitable for equestrians. The refuge permits primitive camping throughout the area with no designated sites or facilities. Horse owners can find suitable locations along Palm Canyon Road and King Road, both accessible with regular vehicles, though high-clearance 4WD vehicles provide better access to more remote camping areas. The refuge terrain consists of rugged desert landscape with no water sources, toilets, or hookups. Camping is free and pets are allowed on leash at all times, including horses with appropriate restraint systems.

Located approximately 23 miles south of Quartzsite and 60 miles north of Yuma, Kofa provides access to numerous trails and old mining roads ideal for horseback exploration. Signal Peak and Kofa Queen Canyon offer scenic riding routes, though some trails require experienced riders comfortable with challenging terrain. The refuge features diverse desert wildlife including the protected desert bighorn sheep. Visitors should bring ample water supplies, especially during warmer months when temperatures can exceed 115°F. October through March provides the most comfortable camping conditions. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout most of the refuge, requiring self-sufficiency and proper preparation for equestrian camping adventures.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Cibola, Arizona (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cibola, AZ

18 Reviews of 5 Cibola Campgrounds

  • Kaysha R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Endless possibiliities

    There are endless camping possibilities in Kofa. Primitive, dispersed real wilderness camping. No water. No toilets, no hookups, generators... and you have to have a 4x4 to get there! Just my kind of spot. I've explored all over this area by jeep, and by foot and never get bored going off on some new abandoned mine trail. There are hidden caves all around and great hikes to get there!

    I'll just share my two favorite hidden gems in the area: Signal Peak is a must, and if you do, I recommend camping around Skull Rock. For a scenic offroad trail + neat cabin stay head to Kofa Mine Cabin!

    For Signal Peak and the Skull Rock stay, you can park regular cars along Palm Canyon Road where the Kofa Natl Wildlife Refuge Brochures and info are and hop into a 4x4 for the rest of the drive. You'll need it. Don't attempt get to skull rock in any regular, vehicle, or anything without high clearance.

    **NOTE: I have left a car in this lot with no issues while camping up in the canyon over night, but of course, do so at your own risk.

    From that parking lot you head up to Kofa Queen Canyon and pick your spots for camping. There are plenty of good spots for tent on ledges, or on cots down near skull rock. Here you can grill and have general campfire fun.

    The road to Skull Rock is undeveloped, needs high clearance and is a tight squeeze for wider vehicles. It will not accommodate campers or trailers. Tent camping only (aside from maybe your serious bug out vehicle!)

    Skull rock camp spot is about a one hour and 45 minute drive from Yuma. From HWY 95 turn (east) onto Palm Canyon Road (not too far past the Border Patrol Checkpoint. Drive east 3.2 miles to Kofa Queen Canyon (KQC) Road on the left (north now). Follow KQC Road northeast about 7.5 miles into the Canyon to where a subsidiary Canyon opens up to your right (south). Passenger cars won't manage this last road. You'll need high clearance and preferably 4wd. The road inside the canyon is alternately rocky and sandy, and braids in and out with the wash. Just follow the 'better-looking' route if unsure at a junction. Enough people come up here you should be able to see lots of tire tracks.

    *NOTE: There is no cell service at the campsite.

    From here we drive down the trail bit further to get to Signal Peak (roughly 4,800ft), it's Kofa's highest peak. This is a strenuous hike with steep slopes and some scrambling, and should only be done by experienced hikers in good physical conditions with proper hiking boots. The beautiful view from from the top is absolutely worth the hike.

    Dogs: Although I know of people who have brought dogs up here, it is a very rocky hike and could be very hot or treacherous for your pup. You may consider bringing a dog only if he is an avid hiker and has very strong paw pads (or hiking boots), and can physically handle the demands of this hike. Also, dogs as per Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rules - are required to be on a leash at all times.

    For the Kofa Mine Section, head on your way out to the Kofa Mine Museum and then just past it take the turn to Big Eye Mine - 15 mile offroad trail where a real, high clearance truck/jeep 4x4 is needed. There are at least 2 hairy sections that I even got a jeep stuck in for a minute. All of this area is full of mines and great open camping spaces.

    Kofa was established in 1939 to be managed: “…as a representative area of lower Sonoran Desert habitat with a maximum diversity and abundance of native plants and animals and to protect and preserve the desert bighorn sheep and its habitat…” Since 1955, over 560 desert bighorn sheep have been trapped on Kofa and transplanted to other areas in Arizona, as well as to the states of New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, to re-establish herds extirpated from habitat loss, development and over-hunting.

    Unless you are a skilled Arizona adventurer, I'd advise against hiking or even offloading (in case something goes wrong) during the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to over 115 degrees F.

  • Randall M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2018

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Primitive, dispersed with few to no facilities

    A little introduction may be in order. My name is Randy Mahannah, aka Randoo, I am 67 years old, accompanied by my dog and I’ve been on the road since February 23, 2018, as of this writing just over 3 months. I have been in 5 states, 4 Motel 6’s and 10 different campgrounds over 6300 miles and stops at friends and family. I am on the road and I’m enjoying it. Let’s start with a bucket list item.

    There is a place in the far western and southern desert of Arizona called the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. At first glance, one might question the possibility of wildlife even remotely living in such a harsh desert environment but live there these creatures do, most amazingly, desert bighorn sheep. But it isn’t just the critters, it’s the desert, some of the most rugged, badass, beautiful desert in America, the border of the Sonora and the Mojave deserts and amazing country.

    Oh yeah, campground rating, uuhhh, no campground unless you consider the entire refuge as your campground because that’s what it is, primitive camping at its best. At Kofa there are no facilities, no restrooms, no designated campsites, no water, no nuttin’, just a bare spot in the dirt and a place to dig your privy. So in terms of a best-of-five something rating probably zip. In terms of desert lonesome awesomeness, 5 +.

    Take lots of water, you’ll need it, at least two five gallon containers and if you are so foolhardy as to visit Kofa between May and September, take a fiver for each day you will be there, just in case. I was there in March and was quite comfortable, day and night. Winters will be mild daytime, chilly to cold at night, summers, oppressively hot daytime and dance-naked-under –the-moon beautiful at night with more stars than you have ever seen unless you’ve been to Machu Pichu under a new moon. 

    As for things to do, desert hiking both flatland and in the mountains is what is offered. Take a camera and try to get a sheep shot. If that doesn’t work the native palms in Palm Canyon that stand still and won’t run away from you and the landscapes under a changing desert sun are wonderful.

    I spent three nights there and was enchanted by a desert landscape I’ve wanted to visit since I was draft eligible. It’s all about timing and tolerance but if you find yourself in the neighborhood of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, 23 miles south of Quartzite, 60+ miles north of Yuma, Arizona, allow yourself a night or two. Might pleasantly surprise you.

  • Alex S.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Bring a strong rig and enjoy the solitude

    My last stop before I continued my trip into California and what an awesome stop it was. I’ve spent a month in Arizona roaming around and each area has me fantastic!

    I’d immediately recommend having a truck or suv so you can really explore the entire area. I was camping in my overland Tahoe on this stretch and it handled the area well. My buddies has a Tacoma and Land Cruiser respectively so we were set.

    It’s all about exploration out here. Lots of RVs bringing their play toss out here so you’ll run into a lot of dirt bikes and utvs which is awesome. Numerous mining areas and ranch buildings still dot the area and are fun to respectfully explore. Sunsets are beautiful, shade is non existent, and rocks aplenty. Cell service was non existent for majority of my trip, and no water that we came across. Saguaros and ocotillos are everywhere which add to the AZ landscape

    Do your best to understand the local rules and regs here and abide by them. This is an area we need to respectfully use so we have it for decades to come

  • Jon F.
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Great secluded area with with starry nights

    Free camping and close enough to drive to amenities or stores for food and supplies. Nearby activities like looking for crystals or hiking to see rare ferns. Very peaceful.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Patton's Pad

    Good Overnight Spot

    Good flat spot to spend the night on the way to another destination. There’s some light noise from the highway but otherwise a decent spot.

  • Brittney C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Ameri-Can Trails RV Park

    Quite place

    Quiet RV site with tons of cute baby bunnies running all around when the sun starts to go down.

    Gravel roads and plenty of places to park your vehicles.

    This is a senior community

    Nice clean pool

    Slab of cement with tables on each of them at each site Really good tables not wooden broken ones but really nice tables. Pull through sites with full hook ups they have daily weekly and monthly rates

    Nice community center with lots of activities going on so check the calendar so you can enjoy the activities they have going on You’re nearby to a gas station and the store if you need anything other than that overall grade RV park with new management

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Beautiful Place but abused

    This is our fourth time camping here. The last three times we were so happy that respectful campers had stayed here. This year was different! The same spot was open. When we arrived, we discovered soiled wipes, used tampon holders and other miscellaneous garbage in the fire pit. Then to our horror there were 2 large green plastic bags full of poop lodged in a tree nearby!! Ugh!! Then someone had used the desert as a bathroom near the parking area and an animal had dug up the poopy wipe!! It was so disgusting! What is wrong with people that they disrespect such a beautiful place???? We cleaned it up, burned the refuse and buried the disgusting garbage so the next campers would have a clean campsite!! Please respect these amazing free campsites so that all can enjoy them!

  • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Patton's Pad

    Visit from Maverick

    Straight shot access gravel-sand road to the concrete pad. In good shape enough to feel my AWD cargo van could do it. Beware Giant Osprey's flying over at night and landing in the daytime. I was paid a visit and told to use the corners of the concrete pad only as they might land on me! Beautiful location for sky viewing and photography.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

    Quiet and basic.

    I stayed off of King Rd. which was accessible using a regular. I would take a truck if I did it again. Not a bad place to camp out at if you're heading to Yuma. It was free. No bathrooms and no water. Had a fire because it gets cold in February. There were many RV's in the area with plenty of room. Looks like people take their dirt bikes around those parts.

Guide to Cibola

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge provides multiple areas for equestrian camping near Cibola, Arizona, with terrain suitable for various riding skill levels. The refuge spans over 665,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape and contains the Castle Dome and Kofa Mountains, which rise dramatically from the desert floor to heights of 4,000 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 70°F during daytime to 40°F at night, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F.

What to do

Explore old mining roads: The Kofa area contains numerous abandoned mining sites accessible via rough terrain routes. Alex S. at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge notes, "Numerous mining areas and ranch buildings still dot the area and are fun to respectfully explore. Sunsets are beautiful, shade is non existent, and rocks aplenty."

Crystal hunting excursions: Several areas near Kofa offer opportunities to search for natural crystals. Jon F. at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge mentions, "Nearby activities like looking for crystals or hiking to see rare ferns. Very peaceful."

Historical sites exploration: Visit concrete remnants of military history at Patton's Pad. As M W. explains, "Gen. George Patton trained troops here for the African Campaign back in the 40's. It's a large flat concrete pad that was once part of an air base. No amenities, just a place to park. Interesting history if you research it."

What campers like

Diverse camping options: The refuge offers varying terrain suitable for different vehicle types and camping styles. Danny T. from Kofa National Wildlife Refuge shares, "We followed directions. The Queens road portion. We are in 23 ft rv and took main road in. There is a split off between queens and palm canyon. Palm canyon any vehicle can do. Queens you won't take an rv in. You'll need high clearance for sure."

Exceptional stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. Andrew L. at Patton's Pad reports, "I enjoyed it because it was just clean and the night sky was clear. Great for stargazing."

Wildlife observation: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife despite harsh conditions. Mike L. from Kofa National Wildlife Refuge states, "This is a very beautiful place, would highly recommend spending a night if you're in the area."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from passenger car accessible to technical 4WD only. Will B. from Kofa National Wildlife Refuge advises, "I stayed off of King Rd. which was accessible using a regular. I would take a truck if I did it again. Not a bad place to camp out at if you're heading to Yuma. It was free. No bathrooms and no water."

Pack out all waste: Previous campers sometimes leave trash behind. Jane H. warns, "When we arrived, we discovered soiled wipes, used tampon holders and other miscellaneous garbage in the fire pit. Then to our horror there were 2 large green plastic bags full of poop lodged in a tree nearby!"

Weather extremes: Desert conditions can shift rapidly from comfortable to dangerous. Travelers should monitor forecasts carefully and avoid summer camping if possible.

Tips for camping with families

Water planning essential: Calculate at least 1 gallon per person per day, plus additional for horses when equestrian camping near Cibola, Arizona. The nearest reliable water sources are in Quartzsite or Yuma.

Wildlife education opportunities: The refuge hosts desert bighorn sheep conservation programs that can provide learning experiences for children. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting from safe distances.

Choose camping locations strategically: Becbecandbunny O. at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge suggests, "We camped about midway down King Rd since road started to appear a bit rough for our car. High clearance vehicles would be able to pass through without trouble."

Tips from RVers

Scout before committing: RV-accessible areas exist but require advance planning. As Danny T. notes, "Just coming in main road there are lots of great spots. Clean, quiet and great views of mountains. Had three bars cell with ATT. Busy spot so come early."

Temporary campground alternatives: For those needing full hookups before or after wilderness camping, Ameri-Can Trails RV Park offers facilities. Wesley S. reports, "Full hookup. Gravel road and spaces. They are trying to spruce up the place. Planting shrubs. This was a stop over on our way to Deadhorse Ranch. Quiet park. Reasonable prices."

Positioning for comfort: Orient RVs to maximize shade during hot periods and minimize wind exposure during cooler months. Most areas lack natural shade, so bring portable shelters for horses and humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cibola, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cibola, AZ is Rancho Ventana RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cibola, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Cibola, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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