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Equestrian Camping near Lakeside, AZ

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    Gabaldon Horse Campground features eight campsites specifically designed for equestrians with adjacent stalls for horses. Located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Lakeside, Arizona, the campground accommodates tent and RV camping. The horse stalls are maintained in clean condition with minimal odor. Toilets are available, though the facility has some spiders and limited maintenance. Campfires are permitted and trash collection services are provided. The camping area sits near a creek with connecting trails, offering peaceful surroundings when no other campers are present. The area has documented bear activity, requiring proper food storage in air-tight containers and away from sleeping areas.

    Direct access to hiking and riding trails begins at the campground with a trail crossing the nearby creek. Visitors should carry bear spray both at camp and on trails as bear encounters have been reported. White Crossing Camping along the Black River provides additional equestrian-friendly primitive camping options in the region. This area requires a San Carlos Apache use permit costing $20 per day per person over 12 years old. The camping style is pack-in, pack-out with no drinking water on site without filtration. The natural setting includes juniper, pine, ash, and scrub oak vegetation rather than high-elevation pine forest. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant with bear sightings reported approximately 50 feet from camp areas. Multiple unmarked sites accommodate large groups with sufficient space for horse trailers and vehicles.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Lakeside (8)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla

      Be the first to review1mi from LakesideRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $100 - $1000 / night

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      2. Desert Falcon Ranch, LLC

      5.0(1)24mi from Lakeside10 sitesRVs, Tents

      "A peaceful place to think your thoughts, go on walks, listen to wildlife, look at wildflowers and read a book. Very serene. Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night."

      from $10 - $200 / night

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      3. Dispersed camping near FR117 near Greer

      5.0(1)25mi from LakesideRVs, Tents

      4. Gabaldon

      4.5(2)32mi from LakesideRVs, Tents

      "Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful"

      "There are only a total of eight sites all of which are set up for horses. All the stalls pretty clean and didn’t smell and the outhouse was kinda run down a little. Loads of spiders."

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      5. Grayling

      4.5(2)38mi from Lakeside24 sitesRVs, Tents

      "And within walking distance of Big Lake."

      from $34 / night

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      6. Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

      3.8(5)47mi from Lakeside15 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."

      "Biggest downside it is RIGHT off the highway so expect road noise. About the loop (single spaces called Brundrett 1): There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only)."

      from $16 - $150 / night

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      7. Lancelot desert camping

      4.7(3)45mi from Lakeside4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $15 / night

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      8. White Crossing Camping along the Black River

      5.0(1)45mi from LakesideTents

      from $20 / night

    View all 8 campgrounds

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Lakeside, AZ

    1 Photos of 8 Lakeside Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lakeside, AZ

    15 Reviews of 8 Lakeside Campgrounds

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 11, 2025

      Gabaldon

      A nice quiet place

      No one else was there when I went. Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful

    • Matthew K.
      Mar. 29, 2021

      Gabaldon

      Beautiful site BUT be aware of bear

      Had a great time last August. We started at this campsite as we found it online. When we arrive there was only one other person there but very limited camping. There are only a total of eight sites all of which are set up for horses. All the stalls pretty clean and didn’t smell and the outhouse was kinda run down a little. Loads of spiders. We were aware that this was bear country but didn’t think to much of it being from Colorado. We had everything in air tight containers in the back of the truck locked up a night. After the first night we woke up to bite and claw marks on the tailgate of my truck. Wow. Our tent was 20 yards from the truck so the bear left us alone because we didn’t have any food in the tent. So plan smart and bring BEAR SPRAY. Even the hiking trails say to. Still great experience and we will be back. Please remember if you pack it in to please pack it out. We all can do better.

    • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 23, 2021

      Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

      Decent campground, few amenities, in the middle of nowhere

      Enjoyed three nights and generally had the place to ourselves excluding the host. The host was very nice. The fee station was out of order during our stay, so we paid via daily tickets at a place in Globe on our way out. The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable. Little to do in the way of hikes within walking distance, but we enjoyed walking around the campground and into the woods to the north and east. Verizon service was great the entire time. Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table. There a a few group areas with full grills and communal tables. The campground appears fairly new.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 19, 2023

      Lancelot desert camping

      Great and helpful host

      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. Was very helpful and provided good directions. Hoping I can stay sometime soon.

    • Krista Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 27, 2017

      Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

      Beautiful for groups (or single sites)

      The name is a bit deceiving. The campground is designed for groups (there is a wide open group space and a loop with 12 spots that can be reserved for groups) BUT when the loop isn't reserved for a group you can stay in a single spot. Plus a day use area. Biggest downside it is RIGHT off the highway so expect road noise.

      About the loop (single spaces called Brundrett 1): There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only). There are 2 large BBQs at the end of the loop, covered ramadas with picnic tables, and an oversized metal fire pit. Plenty of people were there in 5th wheels. Downside... The spaces are pretty close together.

      About the group site (Brundrett 2): It's a large open space (there are some tree around the outer edges and on one side). There is a private bathroom and it's close to one of the loop bathrooms and it's close to the day use bathroom. Covered ramadas, picnic tables, BBQs, and an oversized metal fire pit. There is also a few scattered picnic tables, standing BBQs, and fire pits.

    • Allan R.
      Dec. 4, 2020

      Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

      Great Spot to duck into.

      Great spot to relax after driving thru Salt Canyon. Very convenient, close to highway, with very little noise. ATT was full scale. We will return.

    • L
      Jul. 12, 2021

      Grayling

      Recreation central

      This campground is in the middle of a recreational enthusiasts dream. Many different opportunities to play and explore. The campgrounds are all clean and well kept. And within walking distance of Big Lake.

    • Judy L.
      Aug. 15, 2022

      Desert Falcon Ranch, LLC

      Peaceful and serene

      A peaceful place to think your thoughts, go on walks, listen to wildlife, look at wildflowers and read a book. Very serene. Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night. It can be very windy and fierce storms at times, especially in monsoon season.. Go prepared for any weather.

    • Travis D.
      May. 11, 2017

      Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

      Perfect Ponderosa Pocket

      We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly. The spot is in a great patch on Ponderosa Pines in the primarily pinyon juniper surroundings. It is a very large space and each family can spread out as much as they want - and still have space for wiffle ball! Hiking from camp was nice along a dry creek bed (in June). Overall great spot for big gatherings.

    Guide to Lakeside

    Camping options near Lakeside, Arizona include equestrian sites in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The area sits at approximately 6,800 feet elevation, offering cooler summer temperatures than lower desert regions. Many sites provide creek access with juniper, pine, and oak vegetation creating diverse wildlife habitats throughout the region.

    What to do

    Trail exploration on horseback: Timber Camp Recreation Area provides extensive trail access for equestrians. "We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly. The spot is in a great patch on Ponderosa Pines in the primarily pinyon juniper surroundings. Hiking from camp was nice along a dry creek bed," notes Travis D.

    Wildlife viewing: Desert Falcon Ranch offers prime opportunities for wildlife observation. According to Judy L., "A peaceful place to think your thoughts, go on walks, listen to wildlife, look at wildflowers and read a book. Magnificent sunsets and stars are bright at night."

    Fishing access: The Black River area provides good fishing opportunities with proper permits. Jason T. reports, "Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see. We saw a bear 50 feet across the river on our first day."

    What campers like

    Quiet atmosphere: Gabaldon Horse Campground offers solitude when not at capacity. Calvin G. notes, "No one else was there when I went. Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful."

    Recreation diversity: Grayling Campground provides multiple outdoor activity options. "This campground is in the middle of a recreational enthusiasts dream. Many different opportunities to play and explore. The campgrounds are all clean and well kept. And within walking distance of Big Lake," shares Layne L.

    Level camping areas: Lancelot desert camping features well-designed spaces. Ashley F. mentions, "I love that this space can fit those extra large RV's or tents. With your own platform to picnic on or pitch your tent, and yard games to play, this is a cozy and cute spot to visit on your next adventure."

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Access to some horse campgrounds near Lakeside, Arizona can be challenging. Kevin H. notes about Lancelot desert camping, "The only issue is the road to get to the campground is almost 10 miles of a non maintained road, very bumpy."

    Permit requirements: Some areas require additional permits beyond standard campground fees. At White Crossing Camping along the Black River, "You do need a San Carlos Apache use permit which cost $20 per day per person over 12."

    Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location. At Timber Camp Recreation Site, Connor N. reports, "Verizon service was great the entire time. Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean."

    Tips for camping with families

    Group accommodations: Sites with designated group areas provide extra space. At Timber Camp, "There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only). There are 2 large BBQs at the end of the loop, covered ramadas with picnic tables, and an oversized metal fire pit," according to Krista Z.

    Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Desert Falcon Ranch, Judy advises, "It can be very windy and fierce storms at times, especially in monsoon season. Go prepared for any weather."

    Site spacing: Campground layouts vary in privacy levels. As Krista Z. notes about Timber Camp, "The spaces are pretty close together," while other group areas offer "a large open space with trees around the outer edges."

    Tips from RVers

    Site accessibility: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Allan R. found Timber Camp Recreation Site "Great spot to relax after driving thru Salt Canyon. Very convenient, close to highway, with very little noise."

    Facility maintenance: Check current operating status of amenities. Connor reports, "The fee station was out of order during our stay, so we paid via daily tickets at a place in Globe on our way out."

    Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. At Timber Camp, "The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lakeside, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lakeside, AZ is Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Lakeside, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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