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Best Equestrian Camping near Forest Lakes, AZ

89 Reviews

Larson Ridge Camping Area and Colcord Ridge Campground provide options for horse camping near Forest Lakes, Arizona. Both feature dispersed camping areas with adequate space for horse trailers and tents. Some sites at Colcord Ridge offer phenomenal views overlooking canyons while providing enough room for equestrian setups. Sites are spread out along Young Road, creating privacy for campers with horses. The roads to both campgrounds are well-maintained, making them accessible for vehicles towing horse trailers. Larson Ridge has designated camping spots with a simple bathroom facility maintained by volunteers, while Colcord Ridge offers picnic tables and fire rings at established sites.

Trail access from these campgrounds connects riders to the surrounding Tonto National Forest, with proximity to the Mogollon Rim providing extensive riding opportunities. The area features active wildlife including deer, coyotes, and wild horses, making it ideal for equestrians seeking natural encounters. Both campgrounds operate seasonally, with Colcord Ridge typically open from May 15 to October 15. Riders should note that fire restrictions are usually in place during summer months due to wildfire concerns. The nearby lakes and forest roads offer additional riding options. Pack in/pack out principles apply at these horse-friendly locations, with no special horse facilities beyond the spacious camping areas suitable for trailers and portable corrals. Vehicle accessibility is excellent, with Colcord Ridge accessible via a well-maintained dirt road just three miles off Highway 260.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Forest Lakes, Arizona (14)

    1. Mogollon Campground

    11 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $18 / night

    "For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"

    "Just a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel."

    2. Colcord Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3200

    "Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air."

    "Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance."

    3. Larson Ridge Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    1 mile
    Website

    "Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike."

    "The sites are within a 1/4 mile of the highway (close enough to see the vehicle lights at night) but there is no highway noise."

    4. Houston Mesa Campground

    37 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 468-7135

    $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."

    5. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "The woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road. Thr road was a very easy drive. Only downside is the campsite was very close to the road."

    "This is just a dirt road off of the highway."

    6. Lancelot desert camping

    3 Reviews
    Heber-Overgaard, AZ
    26 miles
    +1 (928) 240-8656

    $15 / night

    "Unfortunately I was unable to stay at Lancelot campground due to a highway closure the night of my stay. The host stayed in contact as I figured out my next steps."

    7. Milk Ranch Point Road

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "There are many spots off FR218 where you can pull off and back up basically to the edge of the rim with your car, or at most a 100 foot walk to the rim."

    "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."

    8. Round Valley Remuda

    1 Review
    Payson, AZ
    30 miles
    +1 (928) 595-1182

    $45 / night

    "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. "

    9. Pivot Rock Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    36 miles

    "Tall pines all around, lots of exploring room for kids. The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV."

    10. Windy Hill Campground

    9 Reviews
    Roosevelt, AZ
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5395

    $25 - $50 / night

    "We wanted to get close to the water but that was not what we ended up doing. We had to drive to take our kayaks to the water. There was an old cost ramp there but is was completely unusable."

    "A water spigot was nearby with great water. We were fortunate to have inherited a host named Larry who was there for a few months because Covid prevented him from traveling to Europe. "

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Forest Lakes, AZ

1 Photos of 14 Forest Lakes Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Forest Lakes, AZ

89 Reviews of 14 Forest Lakes Campgrounds

  • Jacob S.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Colcord Ridge Campground

    Amazing Camping off Yound Highway

    Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air. It is part of Tonto National forest so fire restrictions and usually in place through the summer. Tall pines are everywhere with junipers here and there. You can get some amazing views of the Mogollon Rim depending where you stop.
    Forest Lakes and the rim lakes are close by. They are great for kayaking, fishing and camping. The fish hatchery is a fun stop for kids but the hours are pretty specific.

  • N
    Apr. 20, 2019

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Nice NFS well kept

    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.

  • Ted B.
    May. 22, 2019

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Really nice horse campground

    This 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.

  • Caitlin S.
    May. 14, 2024

    Colcord Ridge Campground

    Spread out campground with amazing views and wildlife

    AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Round Valley Remuda

    Camp with your horses

    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!

  • Rose C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2023

    Larson Ridge Camping Area

    Overall Good

    PROS: Spacious campsites; some have phenomenal views overlooking a canyon. Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike. CONS: some of the campsites are close to the road and passing trucks can be loud. It was kind of crowded and noisy until late this Memorial Day weekend.

  • K
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Houston Mesa Campground

    A favorite

    This site is well kept and spacious. And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret. I usually set up camp the afternoon before and get up early to make the drive to Water Wheel and get in a day hike. This place has extraordinary water falls and swimming holes. I have probably camped at Mesa Houston more than any other place in Arizona just so I can hike Water Wheel and have never had a negative experience. Payson is beautiful and this camp site is near amenities and great hiking spots.

  • EV P.
    Sep. 12, 2021

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Very clean

    This 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.

  • Brad | Britany B.
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Close to town, SxS trails, and swimming holes.

    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!

Guide to Forest Lakes

Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample space for your horses

  • At Colcord Ridge Campground, you'll find spacious areas that are perfect for setting up your horse accommodations while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
  • Houston Mesa Campground provides a welcoming environment for horse campers, with easy access to nearby trails and plenty of room to roam.
  • Round Valley Remuda features horse stalls for rent, making it an ideal choice for those looking to bring their horses along for the adventure.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Mogollon Campground allows pets, including horses, ensuring that your entire crew can enjoy the great outdoors together.
  • At Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed, you can find a variety of spots that accommodate horse camping, with the added benefit of being free and without permit requirements.
  • Pivot Rock Canyon offers a natural setting where you can camp with your horse while enjoying the beauty of the Coconino National Forest.

Tips for equestrian camping near Forest Lakes, Arizona

  • When visiting Larson Ridge Camping Area, be prepared for some noise from nearby roads, but enjoy the spacious sites and beautiful canyon views.
  • For a quieter experience, consider Milk Ranch Point Road, where you can find secluded spots with easy access to trails for riding.
  • Always check for fire restrictions and ensure you pack out what you pack in, especially at sites like Lancelot Desert Camping, which offers a peaceful environment for horse camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Forest Lakes, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Forest Lakes, AZ is Mogollon Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Forest Lakes, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Forest Lakes, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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