Horse camping near Cornville, AZ is limited in dedicated equestrian facilities, but several campgrounds accommodate travelers with horses who bring their own containment systems. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground provides basic camping amenities, but lacks dedicated horse corrals among its features. While not specifically equipped for equestrian camping, the park offers water and electric hookups at most sites, making it suitable for travelers with horses who bring their own containment systems. Campgrounds with proper equestrian facilities are limited in the immediate Cornville area. The campground hosts are friendly and helpful, maintaining extremely clean facilities with hot showers and proper dishwashing stations. The park includes three fishing lagoons and miles of trails suitable for hiking and biking, though trail access for horses may be restricted in certain areas.
Located approximately 20 minutes from Sedona and Jerome, Dead Horse Ranch serves as a convenient base for exploring the Verde Valley region. The park features multiple camping loops with varying amenities - Red Tail Hawk loop sits on higher ground providing better views, while Quail loop offers more shade and proximity to trailheads. Trail connectivity extends into Old Town Cottonwood for riders seeking supplies or meals. Site 25, a non-electric option, backs to a natural wash area providing more privacy and wildlife viewing opportunities. Verde Valley Fairgrounds offers a more basic alternative when Dead Horse Ranch is full, with electric-only hookups and a nearby water fill station, though it essentially functions as a parking lot with minimal equestrian accommodations. Visitors planning to bring horses should contact the parks directly regarding current policies and designated areas for horses, as equestrian campsite details are not prominently featured in standard amenities lists.
$25 - $70 / night
"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."
$42 - $84 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
"Lots of hiking trails."
$10 - $25 / night
"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."
"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."
$22 - $170 / night
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers diverse camping options in the Verde Valley near Cornville, Arizona. Located at 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road in Cottonwood, this established campground sits at an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet, providing moderate temperatures compared to Phoenix and higher elevations. The park features multiple camping loops with distinct advantages depending on season and camping preferences.
Fishing lagoons: Dead Horse Ranch provides dedicated fishing areas for visitors. "Peaceful lake with benches and fishing for the more seasoned. Highly recommend," notes Bre in their review of Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground.
River swimming: The Verde River runs through the park creating natural swimming spots. "We did three 'hikes'. One of the hikes, per suggestion of the ranger, leads down to a little lagoon of water stopped between two dams. The kids were able to splash and play there," shares Ashley C. from their stay at Dead Horse Ranch.
Adventure activities: About an hour from Cornville, Fort Tuthill offers family-friendly outdoor activities. "Review for the activities only. Tons of fun stuff for the kids and adults. Bike park is a blast. Also have an adventure course and zip line. Bike park is free ropes course has fee," explains Bryan S. from Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area.
Year-round accessibility: Temperatures in the Verde Valley area remain comfortable for camping even during colder months. "Camped in november from the 13th to the 15th, not cold at all!!!" shares Levi V. about their experience at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground.
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking alternative lodging near Cornville, cabins provide comfort while maintaining a camping experience. "Outstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough. Walked and fished the river, so peaceful," reports Spencer A. from Dead Horse Ranch.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds in this area serve as excellent base camps for exploring the region. "Nearby towns - Cottonwood, Jerome - have lots of shopping, dining options. Sedona is also not a far drive and beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in this area," explains Gonzo A. from Verde River RV Resort & Cottages.
Limited equestrian-specific campgrounds: While several campgrounds accommodate horses near Cornville, dedicated equestrian facilities are limited. Verde Valley Fairgrounds serves as an alternative option during busy periods. "Camping at this Fairgrounds was a great option when all other campgrounds in the area are full or cost a fortune. Electric only. There is a water fill station in a dump station nearby," explains Kathy B. from Verde Valley Fairgrounds.
Heat considerations: Some campsites lack adequate shade for summer camping. "The campground is nice and has well maintained bathhouse. When making a reservation make sure you find spots with shade," advises Rich M. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Alternative accommodations: During peak seasons when established campgrounds fill up, dispersed camping opportunities exist in the national forest. "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," cautions Michael F. about South Mingus Mountain.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families appreciate campgrounds with dedicated children's activities. "Playground for the minds... peaceful lake with benches and fishing for the more seasoned," notes Bre from their stay at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Cabin camping: For families new to outdoor experiences, cabins offer comfort while maintaining a camping atmosphere. "We had a great time at Dead Horse Ranch! We just moved to Arizona, so we went in with zero expectations and were very pleased with just about everything. Our cabin was small but just what we needed. It has an air conditioner/heater, so what more could you want!" shares Ashley C. from Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Multi-day itineraries: Plan for short activities suitable for younger children. "If you're tired of camping food, drive down the road to Cottonwood and be sure to visit Larry's Antiques (if you're into that of course)," suggests Audrey R. about camping at Dead Horse Ranch with children.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites strategically based on privacy needs and proximity to amenities. "I am in site 25 which is a non-electric site. In my opinion, it's the best site in the campground. Lots of trees and backs up to a wash. Spent the afternoon watching bluebirds in the trees outside my RV and woke up to cottontail rabbits hopping around," shares Kathy B. about Dead Horse Ranch.
Electric hookup options: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, but adapters may be required. "Electric only. You will need an adapter if you have a 30 amp rig," advises Kathy B. about Verde Valley Fairgrounds.
Driveway considerations: Some sites present leveling challenges. "Nice park clean friendly staff. Lots of activities for the kids. But here's a warning site #67 was so small I couldn't put my awning out. So unlevel that I ran out of leveling blocks trying to compensate," warns Chris N. from Williams-Circle Pines KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cornville, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cornville, 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 Cornville, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Cornville, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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