Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Coconino National Forest is the way to go. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Coconino National Forest campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
The peaceful, tranquil setting at Rancho Sedona is unrivaled. Rancho Sedona is fully shaded by grand Sycamore and Cottonwood trees and is in the heart of town, next to beautiful Oak Creek. The park is within walking distance to galleries, shops and restaurants. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking and trout fishing all year long right from the park. In the summer enjoy swimming in the creek. Rancho Sedona is beautifully maintained and includes spacious sites, clean facilities, laundry, volleyball, fielded areas, and Free Wi-Fi and Digital Cable TV.
Sedona is a wondrous place and we look forward to hosting you for your stay.
$42 - $84 / night
There are more than 100 large RV sites available. For after-hours arrivals, vacant sites may be occupied on a night-by-night basis only. Most of the pull-through sites can accommodate 40-foot motor homes and truck and trailer rigs up to 65 feet and include potable water and 30/50-amp service. Generators are prohibited.
All campground loops include modern, ADA accessible restroom facilities providing hot water and showers and are free to registered campers. There is a stay limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period. The park is often sold out in the spring and fall. It's a good idea to reserve early or check availability online or by phone a few days in advance. To learn more about camping and recreation opportunities in your Arizona State Parks, see this comprehensive guide to camping in Arizona.
Camping Cabin Loop: 8 one-room log camping cabins are available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. The cabin circle is tucked away from the other campgrounds for an ideal getaway for a weekend — or a week.
The cabins are variably furnished with a full-size bed, a bunk bed, table and chairs, dresser-drawer, ceiling fan with overhead light, and electricity. Cabins now have heating and cooling!
Campers must supply their own linens. Each cabin also has a barbecue and picnic table outside, plus a small individual fire ring. Family-style shower facilities are only a short walk from all of the cabins. There is an electrified ramada with barbecues that can be shared by cabin guests. RVs are not permitted in cabin areas.
$20 - $60 / night
Situated in the Coconino National Forest, Fort Tuthill is the perfect place for your family or friend getaway. As soon as you pull into the park the feeling of adventure washes over you. From the beautiful Ponderosa Pine Forest to the exceptional mountain views there is no end to the wonderment that surrounds you as you stay with us here at Fort Tuthill. Our exceptional staff is here to help you with whatever you need, from restaurant recommendations to all the happenings nearby.
Want to bring your own tent or RV, that’s great too! We have plenty of sites for you to choose from, great rates, and water/electric hookups for the RVs. Each site has a picnic table and charcoal grill for your cooking needs. All sites are located in the back of the recreation area and are close to the hiking trails. The bathhouse and dump station on site included with rate to guest, but available to non guest for a fee. Be sure to give us a call us to ensure we have the right site for your RV! During winter, all sites are weather dependent. Please call before you reserve!
$10 - $25 / night
Canyon Vista Campground is located near Walnut Canyon and Lower Lake Mary. This area consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, aspen and oak, which offer good photo opportunities, interesting geology and views of the San Francisco Peaks. The trailhead for Sandys Canyon Trail and the Vista Loop Trail are at the north end of the campground. Sandys Canyon Trail provides access into Walnut Canyon and joins the Arizona Trail. This segment of the Vista Loop Trail provides access to “The Pit” climbing area. < Previous Next > Mouse-over to pause the slide show. Click an image to open full-size in a new window.
$22 / night
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
$20 - $22 / night
$20 - $46 / night
Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is a campground that was created for those who love horses and enjoy riding in a beautiful landscape. Located in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, the campground offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking and wildlife viewing. The facility is very accommodating to campers and their horses and including hitching posts, plenty of space for horse trailers and access to over 30 miles of trails.
Campers can access the Kachina Peaks Wilderness at the Weatherford Trail near Schultz Tank just up the road from the campground. The Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System is also accessible right from camp and is comprised of over 30 miles of trails for all levels of horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Some of the nearby trails offer amazing views of the peaks, especially during the changing of the leaves in the fall when the aspens turn from green to gold.
Campers can access the Kachina Peaks Wilderness at the Weatherford Trail near Schultz Tank just up the road from the campground. The Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System is also accessible right from camp and is comprised of over 30 miles of trails for all levels of horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. Some of the nearby trails offer amazing views of the peaks, especially during the changing of the leaves in the fall when the aspens turn from green to gold.
The campground lies near the base of Mount Elden in a lush ponderosa pine and gamble oak forest and has a view of the 12,000-ft. San Francisco Peaks. Fall foliage can be outstanding and very inviting for photography. There is a healthy population of mule deer and elk in the area that can be fun to watch and photograph when sighted. Summers are very pleasant with sunny skies, high temperatures in the 60s to 80s and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 774-9671.
The nearby town of Flagstaff, Arizona, has shopping, restaurants and other conveniences. Visitors can also make a quick trip down the road to the must-see Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument.
$30 / night
An exceptionally well run site, easy out of hours check in, very clean. We stayed in the adults only section near ish to the creek. Very shady, and really good sized spaces. The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down. It's walking distance from Sedona town, and also walking distance to some great trails. Would totally stay here again.
Nicely laid out park. Lots of trees and shade. The site we had was nice but the utilities were in the very back of the site. I had one extension on the sewer hose and almost need another.The water hose was a stretch too. Lots of rules at this place, one of them, no fires, propane, wood or otherwise.
Tried this place on a whim. Lots of people pass by here but it has such a cozy homey feel we ended up loving it and extended our stay from one night to two nights. Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys.
Went down here mid August and it was a beautiful view. Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems. There are there are plenty of spot to pull off into on that forest road. If you don’t get this exact spot just keep driving the road and you’ll find something in no time. A lot of dead trees laying around for firewood, but did need axe and hacksaw to cut size them down. Area had a lot of pine needles on the ground.
Very well kept first come first served campground
Beautiful campsites among the trees with high meadows for star gazing. Enjoy the wildlife and free range cattle as they stroll through the area. Only an hour from the Grand Canyon.
Camp host was very helpful he keeps the sites looking great. The outhouse is the cleanest we have ever seen. Nice trails
Canyon Vista Campground. Flagstaff, AZ
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Price 2024: $ 13 w interagency pass
Security: host is at entrance and active
Usage during visit: Fills up as only first come first serve w facilities in area during spring
Site Privacy: No
Site Spacing: Good for some sites
Pad surface: Dirt
Reservations: First come first serve
Campground Noise: Quiet
Outside Road Noise: May be noticeable from first couple of sites.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: no
Potable Water Available: Limit is 5 gallons per day for each site. A market about 10 minutes SE sells water to fill at a reasonable rate . Can fill into containers or direct into the RV.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Pit toilets are kept VERY clean and well supplied.
Showers: no
Cell Service (AT&T): 3 bars
Setting: Ponderosa Forest
Recent Weather: Sunny and windy, 20mph ,some of the time
Solar: Good in most sites
Insects: None during our visit
Host: Yes.
Rig Size: Large rigs are no problem
Sites: a bit more secluded , less solar:8,10, 14
Better Solar and a bit more secluded : 7,9, 5,6
I only stayed one night but could have made an entire vacation in this one location. Close to Winslow and the Grand Canyon, beautiful park setting, excellent park store, and the staff were wonderful. They do have food service, however I did not eat there. Plenty of clean shower and bathroom facilities and options for family entertainment. Two large dog parks with towering pines all around.
This place is really uneven, there’s literally nothing around. Do not recommend unless it’s an emergency stop and you need to spend the night there.
This campground is very well kept up. Camp hosts are friendly and responsive. Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers. Dump station clean and in perfect working order.
Good cell service (Verizon and T-mobile).
We really enjoyed our stay. We had an end/corner spot, which felt very spacious. The landscaping was nice with grass between units and trees in some areas. Felt more like a park than packed in parking lot feel of others. We also really enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi.
Campers nearby but overall felt secluded
We've camped at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience. Here's why we give it 5 stars:
Amazing Staff: The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Spacious Sites: We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees.
Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Serene Setting: The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun.
Clean Facilities: The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Dry Camping Friendly: We appreciate the ability to dry camp at Houston Mesa, making it a budget-friendly option.
Heads Up: While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable. Additionally, campsites near the freeway can experience some road noise. However, the convenience of having Home Depot and Walmart nearby outweighs these minor drawbacks. Overall, Houston Mesa Campground is a fantastic choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and scenic camping experience. We highly recommend it and will definitely be back soon!
Lovely spot near the creek with plenty of trees but contrary to the listing here they don’t allow fires despite having a lovely fire pit area!!! Could do with another shower/ toilet block too. Good late check in setup though.
Camp ground is maintained, organized. Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth.
Big campground tucked in the forest with many activities for the kids. Place has an indoor pool for those cold nights. Polar express in Williams is a short 10min drive from here. Staff is super friendly!
My wife and I stayed here 2 nights for a quick trip through Sedona. It was overall a good experience. It’s a little tight but the grounds are pretty and peaceful. Everything was well organized. While not private showers the bathrooms were very clean. My only real complaint is that the Wi-Fi signal was not strong in our section. Would definitely stay again.
Everything you need for a good getaway. Definitely a good amount of people but lots of spots and not crowded feeling at all. Leave it nicer than you found it!
Been here twice in last three months. Well run campground for tents and rvs with space between sites. No electricity and limited water. Good trail access.
Great area with lots to do and see. We stayed in Red Tail Hawk campground. Host was helpful and friendly. Restroom was clean!
The 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.
I love Sedona! This palace is great, I stayed another day. Close access to creek, nice spaces, nice laundry room, and so quiet! Wish they allowed fires and only 2 showers for whole park, but wasn’t a huge issue.
Lots of shade. Easy dirt road for RV's. No cell reception. No WI-FI. 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. Lots of hiking trails.
This 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.
This campground has less trees than others in the area, but the roads are flat so good for RVs. Bathrooms are pit toilets.
Good forest service camp close to Flagstaff. Sites are spread out and there were a variety of camper types there. Can hike or rock climb nearby. Price is now $26.
Camping near Coconino National Forest, Arizona, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and diverse camping options. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Coconino National Forest, Arizona, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Coconino National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coconino National Forest is Rancho Sedona RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Coconino National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Coconino National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
