27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Verde Valley offers limited options for equestrian camping in the Lake Montezuma vicinity. Dispersed camping areas in Coconino National Forest provide the most accessible options for riders traveling with horses, though none of the established campgrounds in the immediate area feature dedicated horse corrals. South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413 accommodates tent and RV camping with sufficient space for horse trailers on level ground. The uneven terrain at Sawlog Tank South makes it generally unsuitable for horses according to visitor reports.
Trail riders can access multiple equestrian routes throughout the region, with the best riding opportunities found in the Coconino and Prescott National Forests surrounding Lake Montezuma. Verde River RV Resort & Cottages permits pets but does not offer specific equestrian facilities, though its proximity to trail access points makes it a practical base for day rides. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, despite its name, currently does not provide horse-specific camping facilities. Visiting equestrians typically arrange day-use trailer parking at designated trailheads rather than overnight accommodations with horses. Water access is limited throughout most dispersed camping areas, requiring riders to bring sufficient water for their animals.
"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"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"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."
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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."
"Lots of hiking trails."
"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."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability
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.
Equestrian camping near Lake Montezuma sits at approximately 3,500 feet elevation in Arizona's Verde Valley, where Ponderosa pines mix with desert vegetation. The area experiences wide temperature swings between seasons, with summers reaching 90-100°F and winters occasionally dropping below freezing. Several dispersed camping areas can accommodate horse trailers, though uneven terrain presents challenges at some sites.
Trail riding opportunities: Canyon Vista Campground provides access to multiple forest service trails through the ponderosa pines. "Beautiful campground with hiking trails, bathrooms and friendly hosts. Conveniently located near Flag and lots of shady sites," reports John R. Trail connections extend through Coconino National Forest.
Fishing excursions: Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground offers fishing in multiple ponds stocked with trout. "The 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," writes Audrey R. Visitors should bring their own fishing gear.
Water recreation: Verde River access points provide swimming and wading opportunities during warmer months. "We went down to a little lagoon of water stopped between two dams. The kids were able to splash and play there -- it was just perfect! We went there twice in the 24 hours we were at the park," shares Ashley C. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Shaded campsites: South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413 features tree cover for equestrian camping. "Lots of shade. Easy dirt road for RV's... There are at least 100 camping spots and of course some are meant for 4 wheel truck and others are meant for RV's," notes Chris P. The level ground makes it suitable for horse trailers.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities abound for seeing native animals throughout the area. "Lots of cows, bulls, deer, seen mountain lion, fox, coyote," reports Chris P. about South Mingus Mountain. Multiple trails provide access to wildlife habitat areas.
Proximity to towns: Rancho Sedona RV Park offers convenient access to services. "Walking distance to trails (Hangover trail was our favorite) and restaurants. Can't beat the location. City of Sedona shuttle connect can pick you up directly from campground," writes Daniel Z. This accessibility makes it easier to restock supplies during extended stays.
Water availability: Water access remains limited at most dispersed camping areas surrounding Lake Montezuma. "The camp host was super friendly and we stayed two nights," notes Kathy B. about Verde Valley Fairgrounds, adding that "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."
Terrain challenges: Some dispersed sites aren't suitable for larger rigs or horse trailers. "This place is really uneven, there's literally nothing around. Do not recommend unless it's an emergency stop," warns Black H. about Sawlog Tank South, confirming its unsuitability for equestrian camping.
Weather considerations: Pivot Rock Canyon can experience flooding during monsoon season. "The ground is nice even after raining all night, wasn't muddy," reports Shannon D., though conditions vary significantly by season. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Recreational activities: Verde River RV Resort & Cottages offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "I can't say enough about this place. It's a pretty property, lots of clean and updated amenities. The pool area and clubhouse are amazing. Lots of events during the week plus holiday events," shares Jordan H. Children's activities run regularly on weekends.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for younger campers. "They've recently improved the playground for young ones and offer horseback riding as well. Facilities are always clean," notes Audrey R. about facilities at Dead Horse Ranch.
Kid-friendly trails: Multiple short hiking routes accommodate families with children. "While there, we did three 'hikes'. They have real hikes there, but we have a 5, 3 and 1 year old so we had to keep it mellow. But the nature walks they had were great for that age group and was just enough to not burn out the kids," explains Ashley C.
Hookup availability: Houston Mesa Campground provides partial hookups. "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," reports Norman C. Dump station fees apply at some locations.
Site selection: Choosing the right campsite enhances the experience for RVers with horses. "Very clean and quiet lots of hiking areas. Short drive to water," notes Carlos Q. about Houston Mesa. Horse-friendly locations typically feature more level, open sites.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects camping comfort throughout the region. "We had a great time at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience," writes Brad | Britany B., adding that "The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Montezuma, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Montezuma, 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 Lake Montezuma, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Lake Montezuma, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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