Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Coconino National Forest Recreation, AZ is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Coconino National Forest Recreation is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Coconino National Forest Recreation, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$20 - $60 / night
This park offers a much needed break from the Arizona heat in the spring and summer months.
$10 - $25 / night
Which is OK in the Arizona winter, but not when it is still hot.
$22 - $170 / night
Beautiful retreat in the Arizona forest. Saw many different birds while there, especially hawks.
$20 - $30 / night
The best thing about this site is it’s proximity to both Jerome and Sedona Arizona. Day trips to both locations are super easy from here.
$20 - $46 / night
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.
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.
TravelerThe Little Elden Springs Horse Campground is a reservation HORSE/MULE ONLY campground. There are 15 pull-through sites, many that can accommodate 4-horse live-n trailers. There is a new pit toilet building as of 2022 and 7 water points around the campus.
Here is a link to a video I made of the campground.
https://youtu.be/qtEmtsXoUi0
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.
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.
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.
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.
TravelerThis is a horse campground. Most sites have a small corral. Sites are decent size, easy access. Several sites are a pull through semi circle. Staff is very helpful and kind. Campground is very clean and cared for.
Horse camping near Coconino National Forest Recreation in Arizona offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coconino National Forest Recreation is Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 61 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Coconino National Forest Recreation, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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