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McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides equestrian access with multiple trails suitable for horseback riding near Fountain Hills. The campground features spacious sites with water and electric hookups that can accommodate horse trailers. While no dedicated horse corrals are available on-site, the park connects to extensive desert riding trails with stunning mountain views. The sites remain clean and well-maintained with enough room between each for privacy when camping with horses. Located approximately 15 minutes from Fountain Hills, the park offers convenient access for day rides or overnight equestrian camping.
The extensive trail network at McDowell Mountain includes over 40 miles of multi-use paths where horses are permitted. Riders can access varied terrain from beginner-friendly flat sections to more challenging climbs with views of the Superstition Mountains. Water for horses must be brought in as natural water sources are limited in this desert environment. The restrooms and shower facilities remain exceptionally clean throughout the campground. During winter months, equestrian campers experience comfortable riding temperatures while summer requires early morning or evening rides due to extreme heat. Coyotes are frequently heard at night throughout the park, adding to the authentic desert camping experience.
"It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade."
"One of my favorite trails in Arizona."
from $35 - $99 / night
Check Availability"Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. "
"Campsite 6 is the first one on the right, across from the Camp Host site, and as close to the entrance has you’re gonna get."
"Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."
"Plenty of trials for mountain biking, and rentals and restaurants in Fountain Hills, about 15 minutes from the campground."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"Great location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay."
"This is a great place to camp if you are attending a WestWorld event since you will be right next to all of the facilities."
from $57 / 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."
"Box Bar shoreline is located right on the verde fiver. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river. We didn’t camp, just came down for the day."
"At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear. There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on."
"Great spots for your horse and trailer. Good size corral. More space on the pit side. Stay a week or month! Great trails out from camp. Water at corrals."
"It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We enjoy it's proximity to town, but also to the trails, climbing, hiking and lakes nearby. It's clean and quiet and a great spot to boondock."
from $50 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Very pleasant .there is no sewerage hook ups you have to drive to dump ech time .the people were friendly there as well"
GuideVery quiet! Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town. Close to town but very much felt like you where away on vacation no hustle bustle in the desert! The views where fantastic. Sites where clean and spacious a lot of space between each site for privacy! Will definitely be back!
TravelerA little too far out of town if you’re working in the city, otherwise it was quiet with beautiful views. Plenty of trials for mountain biking, and rentals and restaurants in Fountain Hills, about 15 minutes from the campground.
ScoutGreat location! Nice views of the compound which normally hosts car and horse shows. Electric and water available as hookup. Common dump site available upon entry as well as during your stay. Fabulous shopping restaurants all in close proximity in North Scottsdale. Also convenient to highway system!
TravelerThis park is so close to town, but far enough to get some quiet night sky! There are standard campsites and a more primitive camping area. The Willow Canyon site is big enough for a full length Sprinter, though the office says 16’ is the length limit.
Lots of trails for hiking, biking and horses. Brand new showers, restrooms and a dishwashing area. Dogs allowed too!
I’m on Verizon and only got a single bar in the park. The library is near the entrance if you need to get your WiFi fix!
GuideOur site was at the top of the loop closest to Mts but furthest from restrooms. It was a 1/3 mile hike to restrooms. Keep that in mind with kids! Our site itself (120) was perfect for one tent and our car. It kind of poked off the main loop away from other neighbors which is why we picked it, very close to the mtb trail and easy access to the trail leading to siphon draw. Very little shade. Actually close to park edge we could see peoples houses to the SE. would camp at this campground again, but for this site would do RV with own restroom. Even in late April early May need EZ up for shade or almost too hot. Fun family stuff at ghost town across the highway.
LegendThis area is best for its hiking and photo ops, in my humble opinion. As with most desert campgrounds in Arizona, there is not much privacy between the sites but take advantage of the beauty. The waterfall trail is an easy hike and very doable with kids. You can only bring a stroller so far unless it's an off-roading stroller but the hike is worth it (especially if there's water flowing). There's a playground across from the trailhead in case all else fails and someone stays behind with he little ones. Restrooms are thoughtfully placed here. DO watch for rattle snakes on this trail and all for that matter. Also, bring a lot of water and then some. Stop at the Visitor Center and library on your way in. You're not far removed from civilization so anything you need is just a brief drive away.
TravelerGreat spots for your horse and trailer. Good size corral. More space on the pit side. Stay a week or month! Great trails out from camp. Water at corrals. Nice showers and restroom a short walk away. Plan to go back!!
RangerThe have a few electric and water sites, then more dry sites. Also horse corals, its neat being able to walk right into town, well worth a stop, sites are hard dirt, but adequate, spaced a little more apart on the dry sites, the electric/water sites back up to the town small railroad tracks and are much closer together. This is a great alternative when the lost Dutchman is full. 20 dollars to dry camp, but being able to walk into town was pretty cool. Seen roadrunner, quail, and doves, rabbits. A few coyotes howled at the moon at night, which was pretty cool to, off in the distance. I'd stay here again for the convenience.
RangerOutstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location. Good hiking and sites nearby whether you are looking for lakes, wild mustangs in the Salt River, a scenic drive to Tortilla Flats or just enjoying the Arizona weather.
Hiking in the park to accommodate all levels.
Campsites are well maintained. Quiet in the evenings. Could not ask for more.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers equestrian campers convenient access to over 40 miles of desert trails within a 21,099-acre park. Located at an elevation of 2,000-3,000 feet in the northeast Valley, this horse-friendly destination maintains year-round accessibility with temperatures ranging from 50°F in winter to over 100°F during summer months. Water troughs for horses are not available at individual campsites, requiring equestrians to bring their own water supplies.
Mountain biking trails: Explore the extensive trail system at McDowell Mountain Regional Park where riders can access varied terrain for all skill levels. "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 difficult technically but a great workout and so pretty," notes Mike M.
Scenic drives: Take a day trip to the Superstition Mountains from your campsite. "Superstition Mountains are close and easy to see and drive too. Hiking available there also," shares Larry G., who camped at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Swim in Verde River: Visit Box Bar Shoreline Area for water recreation just 45 minutes from Mesa. "This is a fun spot to swim and picnic. This is free and not on Tonto National Forest, so you don't need a Tonto Pass," reports Nolan S.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, especially for horse camping near Fountain Hills. "Highly recommend this park with spacious sites and great views of the Superstition Mountains and night lights of Phoenix. Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig," advises Terri D.
Clean facilities: The maintained restrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. "Clean facilities, beautiful surroundings, full amenities. We loved staying with a big group of teardrop trailers and home built campers," mentions Loyal B. about Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The desert ecosystem offers natural animal encounters. "Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," shares Rebecca G. who rated her experience 4 stars.
Reservation timing: Popular equestrian campsites fill quickly, especially during winter months. "We love camping at Usery Park. It has some of the best hiking spots, campsites are well maintained and its close to home... Do consider reserving a spot with ample time, they tend to get booked really quick especially during the winter time," advises Jose G. about Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Temperature considerations: Plan rides during cooler hours in hot months. "Very nice clean campground and extremely private! No sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located. NO shade however and in the summer it is HOT!" warns Larry G.
Water access: Natural water sources are limited for both people and horses in this desert region. "Water for horses must be brought in as there are no water troughs at individual sites," explains a park ranger at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Shoreline camping: Bartlett Flat offers easy access waterfront sites great for kids. "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," recommends B O.
Ghost town exploration: Visit historic sites nearby for educational experiences. "The have a few electric and water sites, then more dry sites. Also horse corrals, its neat being able to walk right into town, well worth a stop," shares Beverly T. about Goldfield Ghost Town.
Evening activities: Park programs provide family entertainment. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," mentions Jose G. about Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites strategically based on your equestrian needs and rig size. "Our site #48 Buckhorn was really spacious and private. Great views all around. Table and fire pit. The park has tons of trails for hiking and MTN biking," notes Julie F. about Usery Mountain Regional Park.
Overnight alternatives: Consider event centers with RV facilities when horse campgrounds near Fountain Hills are full. "This is a great place to camp if you are attending a WestWorld event since you will be right next to all of the facilities. The camping area is a wide open dirt and gravel lot with 30&50amp power hookups," explains Al G. about WestWorld RV Park.
Weather preparation: Plan for significant temperature changes between day and night. "Night temp was cool and windows left open. Was 90 the day we left (~March 23rd)," shares Mark M., highlighting the desert's temperature fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fountain Hills, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fountain Hills, AZ is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 90 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fountain Hills, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Fountain Hills, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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