24 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Clarkdale ranges from full-hookup equestrian campgrounds along the Verde River to fairgrounds sites during seasonal events. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground offers multiple horseback riding opportunities, with direct access to several riding trails along the Verde River. The campground features spacious sites with water and electric hookups, clean facilities, and separate areas for tent camping, RV parking, and cabins. Located just outside Cottonwood, the park provides easy access to nearby attractions in Jerome, Sedona, and Clarkdale. Daily trail rides operate within the park, though these are not affiliated with the state park itself. The campground maintains impeccably clean restrooms and shower facilities according to multiple visitors, with camp hosts described as helpful and knowledgeable about local hiking and riding trails.
Trails throughout Dead Horse Ranch connect to the Verde River, offering pleasant riding terrain with scenic views and access to swimming holes. Riders can explore the park's lagoon areas and riverfront paths, with multiple loops available for different experience levels. The park remains accessible year-round with generally mild weather conditions, though summer months can be extremely hot and require morning-only riding activities. Cottonwood's downtown area, just 2 miles from the campground, provides additional services including restaurants, shopping, and antique stores. Camp Verde and Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, located approximately 15 miles south, offer additional horse-friendly camping options with full hookup sites and cabin accommodations. The fairgrounds in Cottonwood occasionally hosts equestrian events and provides temporary camping options during special events.
"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"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"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."
"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"Lots of hiking trails."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $10 - $25 / 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
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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.
GuideWe enjoyed our stay here. The campground is close to area attractions such as Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument which I both highly recommend. Campground is also close to the towns of Jerome and Clarkdale which are fun places to visit for the day.
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.
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering specifically to horse owners, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your horse has a comfortable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clarkdale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clarkdale, 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 Clarkdale, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Clarkdale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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