Equestrian camping options near New River, Arizona remain limited, with most established campgrounds in the region lacking dedicated horse facilities. Based on campground data, none of the reviewed sites explicitly feature horse corrals or specialized equestrian amenities. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers the most viable option for horse enthusiasts, with extensive trail systems suitable for riding and campgrounds that accommodate both RVs and tents. The park's spacious sites provide sufficient room for horse trailers, though riders should confirm specific equestrian policies before arrival as facilities are primarily designed for general camping.
The surrounding area offers several bridle trails within reasonable trailering distance from New River. White Tank Mountain Regional Park provides trail access for day riders, though overnight horse camping requires advance planning. Horsethief Basin near Crown King allows horses on several trails and primitive camping areas that can accommodate small horse trailers. Water access for horses remains limited throughout the region, requiring riders to bring sufficient supplies. Most campgrounds maintain a pack-in, pack-out policy for manure management. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with desert trails offering the most reliable year-round riding opportunities while higher elevation routes may be restricted during extreme weather periods.
$32 / night
"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
"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."
$50 - $150 / night
"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."
"Very pleasant .there is no sewerage hook ups you have to drive to dump ech time .the people were friendly there as well"
"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."
$35 - $99 / night
"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."
$57 / night
"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."
"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."
"This 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."
"This park is so close to town, but far enough that you feel like you are way out. There are standard campsites (water and electric) as well as tent camping area. The sites can fit good sized rigs. "
"The Hazlitt Hollow campground and Horse Thief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended)."
"There’s also a much more difficult trail from lake pleasant that requires very experienced off-roading 4x4). Great food and drinks(alcohol) at the crown king saloon and Mimi’s Cafe."
$15 - $45 / night
"We stayed two nights at the Willow walk-in sites (W10). Despite our campsite being close to the bathroom it exceeded our expectations. Campground is well organized with friendly staff."
"* Trails throughout the camp into the greater park but the campgrounds separated from the more public trailheads."
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!
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.
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!
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.
TravelerWe have stayed here 2 years in a row now. Very nice camp ground but it is dry camping. They have a high line and 1 pen at each site. We take portable panels also due to traveling with 2 horses. Take some way of hauling water to your camp site, there are several water Fawcett for filling but not close to all sites. Nice trail riding. Take note that if you don't have a horse with you, you will not be able to stay there.
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.
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!!
TravelerConstellation Park campground is a clean campground located in a Sandy area near the town of Wickenburg. Fee is $8 a night at a self pay station. There is trash service and there is water across the street at the horse trough by the rodeo grounds. You can fill jugs, but there is not room to fill a trailer. People with horses are given preference in the spaces with corrals. There is no host. Sites are large, widely spaces with plenty of desert shade trees. Cell service is good. Just a mile to McDonalds. Don't try to stay here when the rodeo is scheduled.
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.
Camping areas near New River, Arizona sit at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet in the northern foothills of Phoenix's urban boundary. The region's semi-arid climate delivers mild winters with occasional frost and summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. Trail conditions vary dramatically between lower desert trails and higher mountain routes, with many paths closing during extreme heat warnings from June through September.
Mountain biking at McDowell Mountain Regional Park: The extensive trail system offers varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. Trails remain open year-round but are best experienced during cooler months. "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 technically difficult but a great workout and so pretty," notes Mike M. at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Waterfall hiking at White Tank Mountain: The paved Waterfall Trail leads to seasonal water features after heavy rains. The 1.8-mile round trip passes Hohokam petroglyphs and includes accessible sections. "There is a nice trail to Waterfall Canyon which is heavily used but worth it. There are a number of petroglyphs from the Hohokam culture that you can see," reports Christine S. at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.
Fishing at Bartlett Lake: The shoreline camping areas provide direct lake access for anglers targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Arizona fishing license required. "Great Lake for fishing, but not a ton of hiking around," shares Alex H. about his experience at Bartlett Flat.
Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. "At night the coyotes sing you to sleep and also wake you up in the morning," describes Larry G. at Lost Dutchman State Park Campground where wildlife encounters remain common year-round.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Many campgrounds balance natural surroundings with access to nearby services. "Located less than an hour from Phoenix, this campground is an easy getaway," notes Lee D. about White Tank Mountain Regional Park, making it practical for weekend trips without extensive provisioning.
Temperature contrast: The dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts create unique camping conditions. "When we went it was incredibly hot and it's important to bring lots of water. I recommend being there for sunset as the colors on the sandy mountain is magnificent. Also be prepared for a HUGE drop in temperature at night because it can get very cold very quickly," advises Ethan K. at McDowell Mountain.
Horse facility limitations: Despite the name "horse campgrounds near New River," dedicated equestrian facilities remain scarce. Most campgrounds allow horseback riding on designated trails but lack horse-specific amenities like corrals or wash stations. Crown King Area offers more primitive options: "Horsethief Basin Lake are ~7 miles from the main city of Crown King and definitely require a high clearance vehicle (4x4 highly recommended)," explains Justin M. at Crown King Area (Horsethief Basin lake).
Human waste management: Many dispersed camping areas lack formal facilities. "That is my only concern is people do not pack out their toilet paper or their human feces. Please keep this area beautiful the way it naturally is and pack out your waste which is toxic to wildlife," cautions lindsey S. about Bartlett Flat camping.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Sites fill up because it's so great so you have to book ahead. We had to camp in overflow area one night which was still fine then was able to grab a canceled spot," advises Mike M. about McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Educational programming: Take advantage of ranger-led activities. "The park has an excellent nature center, great hiking, archaeology and good water/power hook-ups," reports Marc about White Tank Mountain Regional Park, where educational programs run throughout winter months.
Playground access: Several parks feature developed play areas. "There are a number of playgrounds in the park as well," notes Ellen W. about Usery Mountain Regional Park, making it suitable for families with younger children needing recreation options beyond hiking.
Water safety: Lakes require careful supervision. "We love camping here, its so close to home and it's dispersed! We usually camp right on the water. It can get really packed but we have never had bad neighbors," explains Alaina C. about Bartlett Flat, where shoreline camping allows direct water access.
Site spacing considerations: Most developed campgrounds provide adequate separation between sites. "Spaces are large and spread out making it a great fit for tent campers or RV campers," explains Crystal C. about White Tank Mountain, where site arrangements accommodate various camping styles.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by location. "The utilities are easy to find and use, but only have water and electric. Both 30 and 520 amp available!" explains Larry G. about Lost Dutchman State Park, though sewer connections remain limited at most area campgrounds.
Dump station logistics: Plan waste management in advance. "NO sewer, however electric and water are available and conveniently located," reports Larry G. about McDowell Mountain Regional Park, typical of regional campgrounds that offer dump stations but lack site-specific sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New River, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New River, AZ is McDowell Mountain Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New River, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near New River, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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