27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Groom Creek Horse Camp near Prescott National Forest provides specialized equestrian accommodations with most sites designed as pull-through to fit large horse trailers. Each campsite features high lines and a corral for horses, along with a fire pit and picnic table. Water sources are distributed throughout the campground, though campers should bring containers to transport water to their sites. The campground maintains wheelbarrows and rakes near dumpsters for cleaning horse areas. Campers report the trails as beautiful and well-shaded, with some hilly sections that offer varied riding terrain. Dispersed camping is permitted just outside the campground boundary for those seeking more primitive options.
Crown King Area and Horsethief Basin Lake offer primitive equestrian camping opportunities approximately 26 miles from Bumble Bee along bumpy dirt roads with steep terrain and switchbacks. The trail requires high-clearance vehicles, with 4x4 strongly recommended, especially for reaching Horsethief Basin Lake situated about 7 miles beyond Crown King town. The area provides serene camping at elevations around 6,000-8,000 feet with expansive views of the Phoenix valley. The nearby town of Crown King has a general store with essential supplies and a single fuel pump, though prices run high—campers should stock up before ascending. Winter visitors experience breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, while summer travelers appreciate the cooler mountain temperatures. ATVs are allowed near some campgrounds and on certain trails, requiring horse owners to note which trails permit motorized vehicles.
"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"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)."
"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."
"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."
"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"This 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."
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"Blackberry bushes and the spring nearby are a nice seasonal bonus and add to the tucked-away forest vibe. Easy access, good tree cover, and a classic Prescott National Forest atmosphere."
"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
Check Availability"Lots of hiking trails."
"All 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."
"Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms."
from $22 - $170 / night
Check Availability"If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"
"Winter and spring, lake levels are low, which provides access to Camp near the water. I was able to find a relatively flat spot for my 38' fifth wheel."
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.
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.
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.
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.
.
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 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.
Cordes Junction serves as a strategic basecamp for equestrian enthusiasts seeking equine-friendly camping options in central Arizona. The region sits at the intersection of several ecosystems with elevations ranging from 3,000-8,000 feet across nearby camping areas. Summer temperatures range from 70-95°F during day and 50-65°F at night, while winter brings freezing nights and occasional snow at higher elevations.
Trail riding near Bartlett Lake: Bartlett Flat offers scenic shoreline riding within 45 miles of Cordes Junction. "Nice area kids loved the water and my buddy caught some fish, pretty quiet until pride rave kick off and then drunk pontoon guy kept the entertained with his remarks over his PA system," notes camper B O., who recommends bringing portable facilities since "the bushes are littered with sh!t tickets."
Mountain biking at McDowell Mountain: This park features extensive trail networks about 60 miles from Cordes Junction. "Miles of mountain biking trails which were spectacular. We've ridden lots of places and this is definitely one of my favorite. Trails are not technically difficult but a great workout and so pretty," says Mike M., who advises booking ahead as "sites fill up because it's so great."
Explore historic mountain towns: The Crown King area provides access to small mining communities. "Unimproved camping area, hard to get to and a cool old little mountain town. Don't forget to stop for a beer in Cleator," suggests Matt M. Crown King sits roughly 26 miles of bumpy dirt roads from Bumble Bee.
Riverside camping: Verde River RV Resort offers water access with maintained grounds. "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," reports Mike T.
Cooler elevations: Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides relief from summer heat at higher elevations. "This park offers a much needed break from the Arizona heat in the spring and summer months. The 'lakes' are really more like ponds but plenty large enough to fish in as is the Verde River, running through the park," explains Audrey R., who adds that "facilities are always clean."
Scenic water access: South Mingus Mountain basecamp on Forest Road 413 combines elevation with access to water sources. "Very nice and numerous spots. Pretty flat. Stay away if rain is in the forecast. This place gets muddy and you will get stuck in a larger RV. Very quiet and the night sky is absolutely amazing," advises Michael F., noting "Most spots have limited shade, so keep that in mind in the Summer."
Connectivity varies by location: Cell service ranges from excellent to non-existent within 30 miles of Cordes Junction. At Yavapai Campground, "No Verizon cell service," reports Melissa S., while at South Mingus Mountain basecamp, Michael F. notes "One of the few spots in NorthernAZ where T-Mobile is full 5G."
Wildlife encounters: Expect active wildlife throughout the region. At McDowell Mountain, Larry G. describes how "singing coyotes at night and early morning" are part of the experience, noting they'll "sing you to sleep and also wake you up in the morning."
Weather fluctuations: Temperature changes can be dramatic at higher elevations. At Crown King, B O. describes winter conditions as "breath taking" when "everything was covered in snow," while recommending visitors "fuel up before going up there" since town supplies are "over priced."
Playgrounds and activities: Houston Mesa Campground offers dedicated facilities for children. "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure," writes Brad and Britany B., adding "They've recently improved the playground for young ones."
Swimming options: Seek campgrounds with water access during summer months. At Bartlett Flat, one camper recommends camping "little further back from where the rv congregate, so it's quiet and peaceful, boat traffic isn't to bad and the shore line is great for kids to swim."
Cabin alternatives: For families new to horse campgrounds near Cordes Junction, Arizona, cabin options provide comfort with outdoor access. At Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Spencer A. reports an "Outstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough."
Hook-up availability: Rancho Sedona RV Park offers full services for larger rigs. "Great location as you can walk right into Sedona. Very well kept RV park with very clean bathrooms. Sites are spaced out a bit; not as tight as some other RV parks," notes Kim G., who appreciates the "huge shade trees."
Road conditions: Access to several equestrian camping areas requires high-clearance vehicles. For Crown King and Horsethief Basin, Caitlin S. warns there are "many areas that are only single vehicle width" and requires "experienced 4x4," though the "amazing weather all year round" makes it worthwhile for those properly equipped.
Site selection strategy: At Verde River RV Resort, Thomas S. explains they "price the space according to size, whether it has trees, and whether it is along the river. We took a cheap space with none of the above, but it was still great!" He notes the convenient location "only 10 minutes from Cottonwood, 30 minutes from Sedona, 30 minutes to Prescott."
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 66 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cordes Junction, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Cordes Junction, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
