The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Cordes Junction. Finding a place to stay in Arizona while traveling with your horse has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Arizona horse camping excursion.
Quail Loop Campground
$20 - $60 / night
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
Horsethief Basin Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and OHV riding. Castle Creek Wilderness is located nearby, and Horsethief Cabin and Turney Gulch Group Campground are available by reservation. Day use sites and trails are open year-round; overnight accomodations are not available during the winter. Scroll down (below the recreation map) to learn more about these recreational opportunities. Note: Until further notice, use of a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those who plan to visit recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
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.
$20 - $22 / night
Yavapai Campground is within the Granite Basin Recreation Area, at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The campground is located seven miles northwest of downtown Prescott. Main attractions are mild weather, cool ponderosa pine forest, and Granite Basin Lake. Activities include fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Rising to the northwest is prominent Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. Several connector and loop trails reside in close proximity to the campground. Most trails allow for multiple modes of travel. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general campground questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.
Yavapai Campground is available year-round and is enjoyed by people of all age groups and diverse backgrounds. Campsites are designed for RV, trailer, or tent camping. Two sites allow for double occupancy. Most campsites are compact and each has a degree of privacy and solitude. Many popular outdoor activities abound in the Granite Basin Recreation Area.
Yavapai Campground was designed to be integrated within the natural setting of granite rock outcrops and a variety of ponderosa pine, limber pine, oak, manzanita, and a variety of shrubs and grasses. The facility is located within Granite Basin Recreation area. Access to Granite Mountain Wilderness and Granite Basin Lake can either be made by several interlocking hiking trails or by driving a short distance.
Within a short distance of Yavapai Campground, in the Granite Basin Recreation Area, there are several day use areas and Granite Basin Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, bird-watching, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, camping, and just plain relaxing. Immediately rising north of Granite Basin Lake is Granite Mountain at 6,874 feet. The rugged topography and mixed vegetation it comprises is enveloped by the Granite Mountain Wilderness Area. Alto Pit OHV Campground and Day-Use Area is just a 15 minute drive to the southwest of the Granite Basin Recreation Area. Rising prominently to the south of the Granite Basin Recreation Area is Thumb Butte. At an elevation of 6,515 feet, Thumb Butte is one of the most popular destinations in the Prescott National Forest.
$18 / night
Bartlett Flat Bartlett Reservoir and the Arizona Upland phase of the Sonoran Desert. This site offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Bartlett Flat has primitive boat launch opportunities for small boats. River Access Point (RAP) for Verde River. There are no designated campsites at this shoreline area but camping along the shore is allowed. High water levels will limit the amount of available shoreline in this area.
Equestrian campers will find Groom Creek Horse Camp seven miles south of Prescott, Arizona at an elevation of 6,398 feet. The ponderosa pine setting, nearby trails and limited equestrian camping opportunities make this a popular destination. Each campsite has a steel corral enclosure and an overhead tether line that accommodates two to four horses. Two group picnic sites are also available for reservation for group gatherings within this campground. To make reservations click on the availability button to the right to book this site or call 1 (877) 444-6777. For general horse camp questions contact the Bradshaw Ranger District at 1 (928) 443-8000.
Three trails are in close proximity to Groom Creek Horse Camp. Horse Camp Loop Trail 383 (2 miles) is accessed from Loop C, across from the group site or at the campground's entrance. Wolf Creek Loop Trail 384 (5 miles) is accessed from Horse Camp Loop Trail 383 and from Forest Service Road C101. Groom Creek Loop Trail 307 (9 miles) is accessed from the trailhead across from the entrance to Horse Camp. These trails are shared with other users including mountain bikers and hikers. Off-highway vehicle use occurs on designated roads and trails.
Horse Camp occupies an area dominated by ponderosa pine mixed with alligator juniper, oak species, and a variety of forbs and native grasses. Colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring, and during the summer monsoon seasons. Visitors may see a variety of wildlife including deer, mountain lion, bobcat, coyotes, fox, rabbits, lizards, snakes, and birds.
Prescott is a 15 minute drive from Horse Camp. Many activities including arts, crafts and music festivals are scheduled throughout the summer. Goldwater Lake, located within minutes of Horse Camp, is managed by the City of Prescott. The City of Prescott's recreation pass and day-use fee should not be confused with the Prescott National Forest Day-Use Passes or day-use fee.
$18 / night
Set in the northeast Valley of metro Phoenix, McDowell Mountain Regional Park covers 21,099 acres in the lower Verde River basin. Campers choose from 76 individual sites for tent or RV camping, which can accommodate up to a 45-foot RV. These developed sites have water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table, and barbecue fire ring, while all restrooms offer flush toilets and showers. Group camping is also available.
McDowell Mountain activities range from biking, hiking, and horseback riding on over 50 miles of multi-use trails to picnicking, stargazing, and plenty of park-organized programs and events.
$32 / night
Traveler
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.
LegendNicely 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.
Traveler
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.
Scout
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.
Guide
Gorgeous easy dirt road ~27 miles from i17/Bumble bee. (There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe. There are amazing camping areas just past the main town, and even all the way up near Horsetheif Basin which is about 7 miles past crown king(requires 4x4). There is also an amazing ~30 mile trail from crown king that leads all the way to Prescott called Senator Highway. This also requires experienced 4x4 and like the trail to Horsetheif basin, there are many areas that are only single vehicle width. Amazing weather all year round, but extremely limited travel available while snow is on the ground.
Traveler
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).
Ranger
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. Clean compost toilets and drinking water. Not a lot of shade at some sites so may get warm in the summer.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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!
TravelerLovely 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.
ScoutCamp 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.
Traveler
My first time here was over Veteran’s Day weekend and we woke up to F15s flying low overhead for Veteran’s Day. Campsites are disbursed and pleasantly of area to set up your site. Ground is flat and somewhat sandy like a beach. Other campsites seemed quite respectful and aware we are all sharing the same experience. sides were relatively clean, however, people do venture off into the Forrest area to use the restroom. That is my only concern is people do not pack out their toilet paper or their human feces. Please keep this area beautiful the way it naturally is and pack out your waste which is toxic to wildlife.
ScoutMy 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.
TravelerGreat area with lots to do and see. We stayed in Red Tail Hawk campground. Host was helpful and friendly. Restroom was clean!
GuideI 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.
Scout
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.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Round Valley Remuda has Electric, water and a Dump Station so you can enjoy your time on this beautiful farm, they even have a horse stall for rent if you want to bring the horses. Check them out and make sure to share some pictures of your stay on the Dyrt!
GuideThis majestic spot is roughly ~26 miles (from Bumble Bee) of bumpy dirt roads, steep terrain, switchbacks, and the occasional one vehicle bridge. The main city of Crown King has a general store with essentials and a 1 pump fuel station. Prices are steep so best advised to fill up on gas and supplies before heading up. The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended). Horse Thief Lake is truly a magical place and beyond serene. The lake fish species present include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Muskie. The weather is very similar to Prescott with an elevation of 6,000 ft. Peaceful, quiet, serene, and soothing all describe this area perfectly.
TravelerWas disappointed with premium pull thru spot 325. No shade and no where to place your outdoor carpet. It must be placed inside the railroad ties which is impossible with a class A motor coach. To make this worse they placed plastic runners between the railroad ties which did nothing other than a trip hazard especially at night. The patio tables were worn and unsightly to look at let alone eat at. They don’t want you to put your mat outside of the railroad ties since they are trying to grow grass. Good luck. Nice club house and recreation room. Very clean and pleasant.
GuideWe stayed 2 nights in Red Tail Hawk loop and one night in Quail loop. We preferred being on the hill in Red Tail Hawk. Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc.
GuideThe quail campground is a nice spot for small to midsize campers and tents. Our spot number 19 is perfect. It was close to a trail going down to the river. We like it so much we will try to book that spot again next year. The hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean. What more could you ask for?
ScoutWith all this rain and snow melt Bartlett flats is under water
ScoutI'd say it's a nice stop over location but you're paying a premium for it. Sites are mostly level and large. So bigger rigs have no problem. But the rules are strict. So strict people just stay inside their rigs all day and night. You only get out to load up into your vehicle to go do something. But then you come back and realize you can't play music, have a camp fire and kids cannot play. So it's good to park for rhe night but it's 50 bucks a night. So weigh your priorities.
GuideWe love heading up to Crown King! For dispersed camping, this place is top notch. When you head to town there are services, the saloon, breakfast joint, and pizza place coming soon. It’s not fancy but it’s fabulous! I can’t wait to go hideaway again soon.
GuideNice park, located close to downtown Sedona near shops and restaurants. Long list of rules but makes for a quiet and relaxing experience. Convenient to near by attractions and hiking trails. Only real complaint was the restroom and showers close for 2-3 hrs daily in the afternoon and there is only one restroom.
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.
ScoutNice RV park in Sedona. Gravel spots for your rig with concrete pads for the picnic tables. Avoid sites 60 and 61. They are beautiful with shade from giant trees however the trees are full of Great Blue Herons and our rig was covered in poop the next morning.
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 lovers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your equine companions are well taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cordes Junction, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cordes Junction, AZ is Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cordes Junction, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Cordes Junction, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
