27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Rimrock, Arizona remain limited with no dedicated horse corrals identified at local campgrounds. Verde River RV Resort & Cottages accommodates tent and RV campers with pets permitted on the property, though specific horse amenities are not featured in the facilities. The campground maintains spacious, level sites with full hookups that could potentially accommodate horse trailers, though availability for equestrian use should be confirmed in advance. Sites include picnic tables, electric and water hookups, with some spots positioned along the Verde River where horses might access water.
Trail access for horseback riding exists on nearby forest service roads and public lands surrounding Rimrock. Horse owners traveling through the area may find dispersed camping options more suitable for equestrian needs, particularly at locations like South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413, where fires are permitted and the terrain accommodates larger vehicles. When planning primitive horse camping trips in this region, riders should bring their own portable corrals or highline equipment as permanent horse facilities are scarce. The spacious pull-through sites at Verde River Resort provide adequate parking for vehicles with horse trailers, though the proximity to I-17 creates consistent road noise that might affect some horses. Water access points along the Verde River offer natural watering opportunities during dry seasons.
"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."
"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"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."
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.
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.
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.
The Verde Valley surrounds Rimrock, Arizona, at an elevation of 3,600 feet, creating a transition zone between desert and mountain landscapes. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s while winter nights often drop below freezing. Camping options range from dispersed sites on public lands to established campgrounds with amenities, with the area seeing highest visitation during spring and fall months.
Explore the Verde River: The river corridor provides hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. At Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy three fishing lagoons and easy river access. "There are about eight small cabins as well. 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," notes Audrey R.
Mountain biking: The area features numerous trails for riders of all skill levels. Fort Tuthill Recreation Area includes a bike park with technical features. "Tons of fun stuff for the kids and adults. Bike park is a blast. Also have an adventure course and zip line. Bike park is free ropes course has fee. Also has a easy mountain bike trail around the area," reports Bryan S.
Hiking day trips: Proximity to Sedona trails makes Rimrock an excellent base camp. Rancho Sedona RV Park offers direct trail access. "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," states Daniel Z.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds offer access to creeks and rivers. "Make sure to go down and take a dip during the warm seasons. They've recently improved the playground for young ones and offer horseback riding as well," writes Audrey R. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Clean facilities: Verde River RV Resort & Cottages maintains high standards for bathrooms and amenities. "The bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean too! They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids," states Mstwister E.
Proximity to attractions: Camping near Rimrock provides access to popular destinations. "You are within 2 miles of Cottonwood if forgot something," mentions Melissa S. about Dead Horse Ranch, while another camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park appreciates being "walking distance to trails and restaurants. Can't beat the location."
Limited equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near Rimrock, Arizona remain scarce. South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413 offers large dispersed sites suitable for horse trailers. "Very nice and numerous spots. Pretty flat. Stay away if rain is in the forecast. This place gets muddy and you will get stuck in a larger RV," warns Michael F.
Weather considerations: The area experiences dramatic seasonal changes. "Camped in november from the 13th to the 15th, not cold at all!!!" reports Levi V. about Dead Horse Ranch State Park, while another camper notes summer heat relief: "This park offers a much needed break from the Arizona heat in the spring and summer months."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. Verde River RV Resort has "constant road noise when you're outside" according to Thomas S., though the noise doesn't bother most campers who appreciate the other amenities.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Houston Mesa Campground provides natural play spaces. "Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees. The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure," shares Brad | Britany B.
Choose campgrounds with activities: Some parks offer organized events. "They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" notes Mstwister E. about Verde River RV Resort.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or during unpredictable weather, cabins provide comfort. "Outstanding one night stay at the DHR Cabins. The family had an awesome stay. Cabins right on the river, quiet and spread out enough. Walked and fished the river, so peaceful," writes Spencer A.
Check hookup compatibility: Canyon Vista Campground has no hookups but accommodates self-contained units. "No hookups. Nice for tents or self-contained RVs," notes Owen M. Serious boondockers may prefer dispersed sites like South Mingus Mountain which has "very nice and numerous spots. Pretty flat."
Consider space requirements: Some campsites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "The spaces are spacious but not all are shaded," notes Lori W. about Verde River RV Resort, while another RVer mentions, "Our site was huge, but others can be a bit tight."
Cell coverage varies: For those needing connectivity, reception can be inconsistent. "Most spots have limited shade, so keep that in mind in the Summer. One of the few spots in NorthernAZ where T-Mobile is full 5G," reports Michael F. about South Mingus Mountain Basecamp, while "No cell reception. No WI-FI," is noted by Chris P. at the same location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rimrock, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rimrock, 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 Rimrock, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Rimrock, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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