Don R.
Legend
LegendLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Great hiking. Decent size campsites.
Equestrian Camping near Scottsdale, AZ
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Limited equestrian camping options exist near Scottsdale, with WestWorld RV Park serving as the primary facility for horse events. WestWorld functions primarily as an equestrian event center rather than a dedicated campground, offering basic RV camping on a dirt and gravel lot with 30 and 50 amp power hookups during scheduled equestrian competitions and shows. The camping area includes restrooms with showers and a dump station with potable water. Reservations are only available by phone during City of Scottsdale business hours, and camping is restricted to event participants during scheduled horse shows. Located conveniently in North Scottsdale, the grounds provide reasonable access to dining and shopping while being directly adjacent to equestrian event facilities.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers camping with nearby equestrian trails but lacks dedicated horse corrals or stabling facilities at campsites. The park features extensive multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding within its 23,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape. Horse owners must bring portable corrals or high-line equipment as no permanent equine facilities exist at individual campsites. The campground provides water and electric hookups at RV sites, along with clean restrooms and shower facilities. Trail riders benefit from numerous trail options and scenic desert riding with views of the Superstition Mountains. McDowell Mountain's spacious campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking, though advance reservations are essential for equestrian camping as the park frequently reaches capacity, especially during peak winter season.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Scottsdale (21)
1. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
"Nice park just outside of Scottsdale. Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December. Only 5 or 6 tent campers here. $22 night for tent site. We parked in our van."
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $32 / night
2. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
"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."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 - $99 / night
3. Usery Mountain Regional Park
"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. WestWorld RV Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $57 / night
5. Bartlett Flat
"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."
6. gOawayranchaz
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $150 / night
7. Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point
"There’s plenty of wildlife, from wild horses, roadrunners and even skunks and cows. The birds sing nicely if you don’t mind an early morning wake call."
"Box Bar shoreline is located right on the verde fiver. The parking/camping is about two minutes walking distance from the river. We didn’t camp, just came down for the day."
8. Deer Valley RV Park
"Very pleasant .there is no sewerage hook ups you have to drive to dump ech time .the people were friendly there as well"
9. Sun Life RV Resort
10. Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
Drive Time
- 20 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 17 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 1 hr 52 min from Tucson, AZ
- 2 hrs from Flagstaff, AZ
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Scottsdale, AZ
250 Reviews of 21 Scottsdale Campgrounds
Holly F.
TravelerLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Nice size camp sites. Beautiful scenery. Showers.
Taylor S.
GuideSkyline Regional Park
Close to town
This is a nice easy spot that is close to town. The camp sites have paved parking, fire ring, bbq pit and a picnic table. If you are looking to set up a ground tent, don’t plan on bringing anything too large. Sites do not offer a lot of privacy but they are decently spaced apart
- Don R.Legend
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Great CG
Close to Pheonix. Spacious sites. Good trails. Clean facilities. Some wildlife.
- Don R.Legend
White Tank Mountain
Great CG
Close to Pheonix. Spacious sites. Good trails. Clean facilities.
Rex W.GuideLost Dutchman State Park Campground
Beautiful
I stayed here while traveling from Yellowstone NP to my home in Florida. I love the desert as long as it isn’t summer. While it was still warm here it wasn’t wilting heat. And the view is Superstitious Mountains was fantastic.
Tyrene R.TravelerBox Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point
Oasis in the desert
This place is an absolute treasure!!!
There’s plenty of wildlife, from wild horses, roadrunners and even skunks and cows. The birds sing nicely if you don’t mind an early morning wake call.
The river runs well enough to float down stream on a tub. Some people bring paddle boards and cruise that way. Some people pull up a chair and sit by the banks. There’s a few places where you can swing from a rope and jump in the water. Warning though some areas are shallow so jump with caution.
The porta-potty’s are surprisingly well maintained. There’s a few large dumps so no reason to not pick up after ourselves.
It stays consistently busy with people coming and going throughout the day and a few camping the night.
Overall, it’s a great getaway for anyone in the valley.
- PPaul R.
ScoutWhite Tank Mountain Regional Park
Nice quiet retreat!
Very nice smaller campground that was clean and well kept. It was very hot so not much outside activity. Will definitely be back this fall!
- JJohn R.Legend
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Private
Large private sites. Lots of trails for all skill sets. Snake and gia display. A very large park. Close to everything.
Guide to Scottsdale
Equestrian camping near Scottsdale, Arizona offers direct access to over 50 miles of desert riding trails through the Sonoran ecosystem. The region maintains mild winter temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak camping season from November through April, making it ideal for extended trail riding sessions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 105°F, requiring early morning riding schedules and comprehensive heat management plans for both riders and horses.
What to do
Explore desert trails on horseback: McDowell Mountain Regional Park features extensive multi-use trails through 23,000 acres of pristine desert landscape. "Fun mountain bike trails. Clean bathrooms. Quiet in late December. Only 5 or 6 tent campers here. $22 night for tent site," notes Janet M. at McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Visit Goldfield Ghost Town: Located near Apache Junction, this restored mining town offers unique day trips for equestrians with trailer parking. "Great spots for your horse and trailer. Good size corral. More space on the pit side. Great trails out from camp. Water at corrals," reports Lindy B. from Goldfield Ghost Town Dry Camping.
Ride at Usery Mountain: The park maintains well-marked trails suitable for riders of various experience levels with mountain vistas. "This is a lovely regional park to stay in. The sites are well maintained and the visitor center is worth a look. Wonderful hiking trails around the park," shares Christine S. from Usery Mountain Regional Park.
What campers like
Easy access to night sky viewing: Despite proximity to urban areas, some camps offer decent stargazing opportunities. "You won't get a 'dark sky' night here, but the light noise from Phoenix makes for beautifully silhouetted saguaro cacti," notes Janet H. from Lost Dutchman State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The desert environment supports diverse wildlife visible from camps. "At night the coyotes sing you to sleep and also wake you up in the morning. You can also see the fountain from most of the campsites which goes off every hour," writes Larry G. about McDowell Mountain.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good standards despite dusty conditions. "Clean facilities, beautiful surroundings, full amenities. We loved staying with a big group of teardrop trailers and home built campers. The area is beautiful and user friendly facilities," mentions Loyal B. about Lost Dutchman.
What you should know
Reserve well in advance: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during prime season. "If we could actually get a spot to camp here again it would be nice. Do consider reserving a spot with ample time, they tend to get booked really quick especially during the winter time," advises Jose G. about Usery Mountain.
Water access varies: Not all sites offer water hookups, requiring careful planning. "This is a nice spot close to home and easy to get to. My site was a pull through...more a side of the road spot. The utilities are easy to find and use, but only have water and electric," explains Chris P. at Usery Mountain.
Temperature swings: Desert camping brings significant day-to-night temperature changes. "When we went it was incredibly hot and its 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," warns Ethan K. about McDowell Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Some areas provide water recreation for children. "Little further back from where the rv congregate, so it's quiet and peaceful, boat traffic isn't to bad and the shore line is great for kids to swim," recommends B O. about Bartlett Flat.
Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "They offer tons of programs for everyone like night hikes and scorpion hunts," mentions Jose G. about Usery Mountain Park.
Site selection for comfort: Choose sites based on specific family needs. "Site #48 Buckhorn was really spacious and private. Great views all around. Table and fire pit. The park has tons of trails for hiking and MTN biking," shares Julie F. about Usery Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Event-specific camping: WestWorld RV Park offers specialized facilities during equestrian events. "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," reports Pam D.
Level sites: Look for campgrounds with properly graded spots. "Checked in on a Sunday for a one night stay at Buckhorn CG. Parking area was large enough to accommodate a couple of vehicles, and the site was roomy, with a few tent location possibilities," writes Janet H. about Usery Mountain.
Power options: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds. "Its a bit difficult to find your space, only because there are so many parking lots. Nothing special here. They do have 30 and 50 amp hookups. Good price and nice people when booking," explains Brent C. about WestWorld RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Scottsdale, AZ?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Scottsdale, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Scottsdale, AZ is McDowell Mountain Regional Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Scottsdale, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Scottsdale, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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