Best Equestrian Camping near Rio Verde, AZ

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rio Verde, AZ

260 Reviews of 21 Rio Verde Campgrounds

• 

  Ashley C.

  Legend

  Aug. 3, 2018

  Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point

  Ranger Review: ICEMULE at Box Bar

  Campground Review

  What a great find!  We had no idea what to expect when we rolled down a long and lonely road from Phoenix out to Box Bar.  But other people sure knew about it! There were lots of party people there, playing music, floating in the river, and enjoying some BBQ.  

  Box Bar is not fancy, but it is FREE!  There are no reservations and no set camp areas, but there are plenty of flat and shaded spots perfect for a tent.  There is a large dirt parking area that includes 3 port-o-potties. If you were going to camp here, the potties are quite far from the camp spots, so keep that in mind.  

  The best part -- the gorgeous river!  The Rio Verde runs right through here and is the main attraction.  At Box Bar there is a small dam that holds the water in just enough for a calm small lake to appear.  There is also quicker waters that can be kayaked or floated on. Many kids were putting in and going around the bend, getting back out, and doing it over and over again!  The water is cool and refreshing in the Arizona sun.

  When we went, it was a Saturday.  So I’ll be anxious to go back on a weekday or Friday to see if it is as crowded other days.  It wasn’t OVER crowded, but the loud music can get old :)

  Overall, a truly great find.  Only 30 minutes from Phoenix too!

  Product Review

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time.  At Box Bar, I got to use the IceMule Pro Large Cooler.

  Before heading out, we packed up sodas, juice boxes, apples, and a tupperware of cookies into the IceMule and poured ice all over the top.  The temperature that day was over 100 degrees, but when we got to the campsite and opened the top, the ice was still there and the drinks and food were freezing cold.  Never had such a refreshing soda! I’m used to having to drink a warm soda or water while adventuing, so this was quite the treat.

  Besides keeping the refreshments ice cold, the backpack was also super comfortable to wear.  The straps are super padded, as well as the bag where is rests against the back. I am a super weak person and it was easy and fun to wear.  

  I totally recommend this cooler to anyone wanting to reward a long hike, boat, or camp with freezing cold treats.  

  For more info, visit: https://icemulecoolers.com/

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• P

  Pam D.

  Scout

  Dec. 26, 2020

  WestWorld RV Park

  Westworld surprise

  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. Fabulous shopping restaurants all in close proximity in North Scottsdale. Also convenient to highway system!

• N

  Norman C.

  Traveler

  Apr. 20, 2019

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Nice NFS well kept

  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.

• 

  Ted B.

  Guide

  May. 22, 2019

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Really nice horse campground

  This 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.

• 

  Sara R.

  Traveler

  Feb. 3, 2020

  White Tank Mountain

  Peaceful retreat

  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. 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!

• 

  Audrey R.

  Legend

  Oct. 30, 2018

  White Tank Mountain

  Bring water and take a hike

  This 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.

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• 

  Randall G.

  Guide

  Jul. 6, 2022

  Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

  Stunning View Superstion Mts

  Our 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.

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• L

  Lindy B.

  Traveler

  Feb. 9, 2021

  Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

  Goldfield Mine horse group camp

  Great 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!!

• B

  Beverly T.

  Ranger

  Dec. 23, 2020

  Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

  Stay right at Goldfield ghost town

  The 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.

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