Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Roosevelt, AZ

Frazier Horse Campground stands as the primary equestrian facility near Roosevelt, Arizona, within Tonto National Forest. The campground caters specifically to horse owners with designated areas for trailer parking and space for horses adjacent to campsites. Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the extensive network of backcountry routes throughout the Tonto Basin area. The campground remains clean and well-maintained throughout the riding season, with most equestrians noting the ample space between sites accommodates larger rigs with living quarters trailers.

Located approximately 4 miles from Roosevelt Lake, the horse campground provides strategic access to several trail systems including sections of the Arizona Trail. Water must be packed in for both riders and horses as no drinking water is available on site. The campground's reservation system helps manage the limited number of equestrian sites, particularly important during peak riding seasons from fall through spring. Nearby Windy Hill Campground offers additional accommodations but without dedicated horse facilities. The surrounding terrain features varied elevation changes, rocky sections, and desert vegetation, creating challenging but rewarding riding conditions through scenic desert landscapes with views of Roosevelt Lake and the surrounding mountains. Riders planning horse camping near Roosevelt should book equestrian campsites well in advance, as availability is limited and demand peaks from October through April.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Roosevelt, Arizona (23)

    1. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground

    90 Reviews
    Superstition Mtn, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 982-4485

    $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."

    "Close to town and funky roadside attractions. No WiFi but decent cell. Very clean, well maintained and quiet. Lovely hiking in the park."

    2. Windy Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Roosevelt, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 225-5395

    $25 - $50 / night

    "We wanted to get close to the water but that was not what we ended up doing. We had to drive to take our kayaks to the water. There was an old cost ramp there but is was completely unusable."

    "A water spigot was nearby with great water. We were fortunate to have inherited a host named Larry who was there for a few months because Covid prevented him from traveling to Europe. "

    3. Usery Mountain Regional Park

    37 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 984-0032

    "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."

    4. Oak Flat Campground

    13 Reviews
    Superior, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 402-6200

    "This campground is found between the town's of Superior and Miami, Arizona, so if you are not am experienced camper, you could always drive to town in a pinch if you needed something or forgot something"

    "Was paved road to campground entrance. Road a little bumpy in park but very doable with any camper. We have 23ft trailer and had no problems. Really enjoyed it night there."

    6. Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Gold Canyon, AZ
    25 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "So close to Phoenix with conveniences nearby.  The views in all sites are amazing with sunsets that are breathtaking. There is a camp host (me : )  and we're going to tackle the roads soon.  "

    "Very close to popular hiking trails. We enjoyed the rustic campsite. The camp host was very friendly and helpful (Darell)."

    7. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $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."

    8. Houston Mesa Campground

    38 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 468-7135

    $22 - $170 / night

    "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."

    9. Bartlett Flat

    16 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    "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."

    10. Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping

    4 Reviews
    Apache Junction, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 983-0333

    $30 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "It was fun to walk right up to the town and walk around. Cowboy Dan who owns and runs the steakhouse is hilarious and his wait staff was helpful and accommodating."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Roosevelt, AZ

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Roosevelt, AZ

298 Reviews of 23 Roosevelt Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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.
    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.

  • Chanel T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2026

    Houston Mesa Campground

    Go to Horse Camp (south side) to save $5/night

    This campground is awesome. It was the perfect refuge for the rainy week. It’s super well maintained. Free drinking water stations and a picnic area for each spot. Quiet and even with a gas station and Home Depot within a 15 min walk it still feels like you’re in the woods especially when the coyotes start howling at night. I wish we would have gone to the horse camp FF spots instead: they are farther away from the road sounds, more spaced out, and we could’ve stayed another night for the same price on the other side. Only difference is pavement roads/sites.

  • Caitlin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2024

    Colcord Ridge Campground

    Spread out campground with amazing views and wildlife

    AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance.

  • Randall G.
    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.

  • L
    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!!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Bob L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2021

    Usery Mountain Regional Park

    Usery Mountain is an Awesome campground

    Outstanding layout, great hosts, spectacular location.  Good hiking and sites nearby whether you are looking for lakes, wild mustangs in the Salt River, a scenic drive to Tortilla Flats or just enjoying the Arizona weather.  

    Hiking in the park to accommodate all levels.

    Campsites are well maintained.  Quiet in the evenings.  Could not ask for more.


Guide to Roosevelt

Frazier Horse Campground serves as the primary equestrian camping facility near Roosevelt, Arizona, with access to the Arizona Trail and numerous backcountry routes throughout Tonto National Forest. The campground sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation in the Sonoran Desert, where temperatures range from 40-70°F during prime riding seasons from October through April. The terrain features saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, and desert scrub vegetation characteristic of lower Tonto Basin elevations.

What to do

Trail exploration from camp: Equestrians staying at Frazier Horse Campground can access several interconnected trail systems directly from their campsites. "Gorgeous sunset, amazing view of moon rising over mountains. Heard some coyotes in the night, which was exciting. Enjoyed hiking the trails and exploring the landscape," notes a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.

Wildlife watching: The Roosevelt area provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife in their natural habitat. "Seen roadrunner, quail, and doves, rabbits. A few coyotes howled at the moon at night, which was pretty cool to, off in the distance," shares a camper who stayed at Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping.

Water recreation: Roosevelt Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming options about 4 miles from the horse campground. A camper at Bartlett Flat mentions, "Little further back from where the rv congregat, so it's quiet and peaceful, boat traffic isn't too bad and the shore line is great for kids to swim."

What campers like

Strategic location: The Roosevelt area provides convenient access to various outdoor destinations. "Perfect for just getting away for the weekend. Only a 45 minute drive from the house, yet far enough that you still feel like you got away," explains a visitor to Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.

Night sky views: The relatively remote setting of campgrounds near Roosevelt offers excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Peralta Regional Park notes, "Clean dark sky for star watching. The park host was amazing. Restrooms were great. Each campsite has plenty of space in between."

Accessibility for various skill levels: The Tonto Basin trail system accommodates riders of different experience levels. A visitor at McDowell Mountain Regional Park shares, "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 difficult technically but a great workout and so pretty."

What you should know

Water availability: No potable water exists at Frazier Horse Campground or several surrounding facilities. A visitor to Windy Hill Campground advises, "A water spigot was nearby with great water," indicating the importance of knowing water sources when camping in the area.

Weather considerations: The name "Windy Hill" accurately describes conditions campers might encounter in the Roosevelt area. "It's named windy hill for a reason. Stake everything by down well and don't leave shade pop up tents up while you're out, they might be gone to the wind when you get back," warns a camper.

Reservation planning: Horse campgrounds near Roosevelt fill quickly during peak seasons. "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," notes a visitor from McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The Roosevelt area provides chances for children to learn about desert ecosystems. "The kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees," explains a visitor to Houston Mesa Campground who continues, "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."

Safety planning: Desert conditions require appropriate preparation with children. "My children had a blast. Close enough for just a quick weekend away," shares a camper at Bartlett Flat, though others note the importance of watching for wildlife, with one Peralta Regional Park visitor mentioning, "Came across a rattle snake when hiking."

Noise levels: Some campsites experience varied noise levels depending on location and season. "Camped here with my family. The scenery was beautiful, but didn't love the fact that people were blaring their music here until 2AM in the morning," cautions a Lost Dutchman visitor.

Tips from RVers

Generator considerations: For RVers seeking quiet camping near Roosevelt's horse facilities, generator usage varies by campground. A visitor to Windy Hill Campground notes, "This place takes the prize for the most generator impacted site that we've ever stayed in our lifetimes, which is saying something. If you like that sort of thing, or can't hear, this is your place."

Site selection: RVers should research individual campsite dimensions when booking near Roosevelt. "Carefully review the site you select to be sure it will accommodate your rig. Roads are narrow and there are unforgiving drop offs on the sides," advises a Lost Dutchman State Park visitor.

Dump station locations: RVers camping near Roosevelt's equestrian facilities should know where to find dump stations. A Windy Hill camper shares, "There seem to be one super secret place to dump your trailer water, grey & black. While you can dump there for free; you cannot find it without a treasure map, a devining rod, and a map of the stars."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Roosevelt, AZ is Lost Dutchman State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 90 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Roosevelt, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.