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Best Equestrian Camping near McNary, AZ

15 Reviews

Gabaldon Horse Campground provides eight horse-friendly sites with stalls in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The stalls are well-maintained, clean, and do not have unpleasant odors. Facilities include vault toilets, though these are somewhat rustic with spider presence. The campground has no drinking water, electric hookups, or showers. Gabaldon accommodates both tent and RV camping, though not suitable for big rigs. Pets are allowed at the campground. Visitors should practice proper food storage as bears frequent the area, with documented instances of bears investigating vehicles. The area requires all food to be stored in airtight containers and secured properly at night.

The campground connects directly to hiking trails that cross nearby creeks, offering peaceful riding opportunities. Located in bear country, equestrians must carry bear spray both at the campground and on surrounding trails as repeatedly advised by management. Desert Falcon Ranch provides an alternative horse-friendly option, accommodating both tent and RV camping with ten sites available. KP Cienega Campground offers another option with five small sites, only one suitable for a small RV, overlooking a meadow where visitors frequently observe wildlife including elk and deer. The campground's position next to large meadows creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for equestrians. All these campgrounds follow pack-in, pack-out principles, with no trash service available. The region experiences variable weather conditions, including occasional snow even in May.

Map showing campgrounds near McNary, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near McNary, Arizona (7)

    1. Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla

    1 Review
    Lakeside, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 882-2665

    $100 - $1000 / night

    2. Gabaldon

    2 Reviews
    Greer, AZ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 333-4301

    "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."

    3. Desert Falcon Ranch, LLC

    1 Review
    Vernon, AZ
    25 miles
    +1 (602) 692-0270

    $10 - $200 / night

    "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."

    4. Grayling

    2 Reviews
    Greer, AZ
    29 miles
    Website

    $26 / night

    "And within walking distance of Big Lake."

    5. KP Cienega Campground

    4 Reviews
    Blue, AZ
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 339-5000

    "This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer."

    "Lovely little campground at the bottom of the road with plenty of fields nearby. We saw deer bounding across the field, and felt it to be perfectly situated amongst the trees."

    6. White Crossing Camping along the Black River

    1 Review
    Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, AZ
    39 miles

    $20 / night

    7. Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Globe, AZ
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 402-6200

    $16 - $150 / night

    "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)."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near McNary, AZ

1 Photos of 7 McNary Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near McNary, AZ

15 Reviews of 7 McNary 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

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    KP Cienega Campground

    I love this little campground

    This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer. There is also a nice trail next to a creek but the path was over grown when we tried to hike down it. The road down to the campsite is in good shape, but the sites are small. Perfect for 1-2 tents.

    Vault toilet and no other amenities. Bring water.

    This is a popular site for hunters during elk/deer season. We often find carcasses and bones around the site.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Laura P.
    May. 24, 2020

    KP Cienega Campground

    Snow in May!

    Lovely little campground at the bottom of the road with plenty of fields nearby. We saw deer bounding across the field, and felt it to be perfectly situated amongst the trees. Vault toilet nearby, we enjoyed a campfire and went to bed. Woke up the next morning to SNOW!

  • 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.

Guide to McNary

Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped sites for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse camping, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring their horses are well accommodated.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Gabaldon campground features eight sites specifically set up for horses, complete with clean stalls and access to essential facilities.
  • At Grayling, equestrian campers can enjoy a well-maintained area with drinking water and ample space for both tents and horses.
  • The Desert Falcon Ranch, LLC offers a peaceful environment for horse camping, allowing for a serene experience amidst nature.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping near McNary, Arizona

  • Always bring bear spray when camping at Gabaldon, as it is located in bear country and precautions are necessary.
  • Ensure you pack enough water and supplies when visiting KP Cienega Campground, as amenities are limited and the area is popular during hunting season.
  • When camping at Grayling, take advantage of the clean facilities and well-kept grounds to enhance your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McNary, AZ is Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla with a 0-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near McNary, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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