Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground offers equestrian facilities with corrals and direct access to riding trails. The campground accommodates horse trailers with spacious pull-through sites and provides water access points throughout the grounds. Each horse site includes two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. The equestrian center offers guided horseback rides for campers without their own horses. Trails are well-maintained though occasionally rocky, making proper horseshoes advisable. The campground remains open year-round with full amenities including electric hookups, water, and a dump station.
Houston Mesa Campground features a dedicated horse camping area with multiple corrals designed for equestrian use. The spacious sites can accommodate large trailers, making it ideal for horse owners traveling with living quarters trailers. Each equestrian site includes two large corrals per campsite, providing secure containment for horses overnight. Water locations are strategically placed throughout the campground for horse watering. Located near Payson, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby trail systems. The trails connect to extensive riding networks, though some routes present rocky terrain that requires careful navigation. Riders particularly appreciate the campground's proximity to Water Wheel, approximately ten miles away, offering additional riding opportunities with extraordinary scenery and water features.
$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."
$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."
$20 - $46 / night
"Mormon Lake is an astonishing campground: all in alpine forests, at about 6500’. Mild summer, with cool nights, many escape the heat of PHX up here."
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
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!
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.
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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.
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.
TravelerThis campground is awesome. It was the perfect refuge for the rainy week. It’s super well maintained. Free drinking water stations and a picnic area for each spot. Quiet and even with a gas station and Home Depot within a 15 min walk it still feels like you’re in the woods especially when the coyotes start howling at night. I wish we would have gone to the horse camp FF spots instead: they are farther away from the road sounds, more spaced out, and we could’ve stayed another night for the same price on the other side. Only difference is pavement roads/sites.
Equestrian camping opportunities abound in the forest lands surrounding Happy Jack, Arizona. Located at an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet in the Coconino National Forest, the area features predominantly ponderosa pine forests with moderate summer temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Horse-friendly campgrounds typically remain open from May through October, though access may be limited during winter months.
Trail riding on the Rim: The Mogollon Rim area offers extensive equestrian trails with varying terrain. At Milk Ranch Point Road, riders can access rim views within a short distance from camp. "Beautiful views of the rim. Not a steep drop off so safe for having dogs around... Dirt road coming in but not bad at all. Easy to get our travel trailer in and out," notes Jazmyn R.
Exploring nearby swimming holes: Many trails lead to seasonal water features. Pivot Rock Canyon provides easy access to water recreation spots. "This place is beautiful except for it is always crowded! So make sure you go early to find a good spot!" advises Aaron O., making it ideal for cooling off horses after a ride during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Several equestrian camps are situated near fishing areas. Many riders bring fishing equipment for after-ride relaxation. As one camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground notes, "Access to lakes, good fishing trouts," providing options for combined riding and fishing trips.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Equestrian sites typically offer larger parking areas than standard campsites. At Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground, sites accommodate various trailer sizes. "There is sewer and water at each of the sites as well. There is a general store on property that has many things from groceries to camping supplies," reports Derek C.
Easy access to forest trails: Most horse camps connect directly to trail networks. Riders at Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area appreciate the accessible trail system. "There are some great running/walking trails and even a small playground for the kids! When there is enough snow, there is a tube run that is so much fun!" observes Jason H.
Year-round options: The elevation gradient around Happy Jack allows for seasonal choices. During summer months, higher elevation camps provide relief from heat, while winter riders can utilize lower elevation options. "Camped in november from the 13th to the 15th, not cold at all!!!" shares Levi V. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground.
Site reservations recommended: Popular horse camps fill quickly during peak seasons. "We were here when it was really slow, not sure what it will like when the campground is full," comments Ellen W. about Verde River RV Resort & Cottages.
Water availability varies: Some dispersed sites require haulers. Established campgrounds typically provide horse water access points. "Limit is 5 gallons per day for each site. A market about 10 minutes SE sells water to fill at a reasonable rate," notes Roger W. about Canyon Vista Campground.
Fire restrictions: Check current fire conditions before traveling. "Something to note is that Tonto National Forest is usually fire restricted this time of year but Coconino is not. This site is barely into Coconino. It is still very dry so be careful with it!" advises Jacob S. about Pivot Rock Canyon.
Rocky terrain considerations: Proper hoof protection is essential for most trails. The volcanic soil and rocky outcrops can be challenging without proper horseshoes or boots.
Select camps with kid-friendly amenities: Several equestrian facilities offer additional recreation. At Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, families enjoy multiple options: "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" according to Mstwister E.
Consider horse-free activities: Not all family members may ride. At Dead Horse Ranch State Park, alternatives abound: "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.
Plan shorter trail routes: For young riders, select shorter loop trails. Houston Mesa Campground connects to numerous options. "The campground's proximity to Water Wheel, approximately ten miles away, offering additional riding opportunities with extraordinary scenery and water features," provides varied terrain within reasonable distances.
Electric hookup availability: Not all horse camps offer full hookups. "Only 4/5 due to being a little overpriced," notes Joe C. about Rancho Sedona RV Park, where amenities command premium pricing but provide convenience for equestrian campers with living quarters trailers.
Maneuvering large rigs: Horse trailers with living quarters require specific considerations. "The sites were decent. I was lucky to have one with a view but overall the site was decent. There are quite a few campgrounds and a couple were up the mountain slightly," reports Gonzo A., highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites for larger equestrian setups.
Generator policies: For boondocking options, know generator restrictions. "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," explains Bryan S., showing how some areas prioritize quiet over generator access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Happy Jack, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Happy Jack, AZ is Rancho Sedona RV Park with a 4.7-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Happy Jack, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Happy Jack, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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