Best Equestrian Camping near Sedona, AZ

Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground offers primitive equestrian facilities near Sedona, allowing horse owners to camp with their animals in a rustic setting. Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Sedona in Mormon Lake, the campground provides basic accommodations for equestrians including designated areas for horse trailers and primitive tie-out options. The campground features RV sites with electric hookups, water access points, and shower facilities that serve both riders and non-equestrian campers. Tent camping areas are available alongside cabin and glamping options for visitors seeking more comfortable accommodations after trail riding. The fairgrounds occasionally host equestrian events during summer months. The RV sites maintain clean conditions with trash service and restroom access for overnight guests. The campground tends to be well-maintained but lacks specialized horse corrals.

Trail access from Mormon Lake provides riders with connections to forest service routes and seasonal riding paths through the Coconino National Forest. South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413 offers another primitive option for horse camping with more rugged conditions suitable for experienced riders and self-sufficient equestrians. Located west of Sedona, this dispersed camping area provides access to Mingus Mountain trails with varying terrain and elevation changes. The primitive nature means riders must bring their own water for horses and manage waste appropriately. The natural setting appeals to equestrians seeking solitude and direct trail access rather than developed facilities. Most trail networks in the region remain accessible throughout spring and fall, with summer presenting heat challenges for both horses and riders. Winter conditions at higher elevations can limit trail access, particularly after snowfall or during freezing conditions.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Sedona, Arizona (22)

    1. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-7255

    $42 - $84 / night

    "Nice RV Park close to Cottonwood and Jerome and only 30 minutes away from Sedona. Quiet area and well kept that also has Park Model cabins available."

    "We stayed in the adults only section near ish to the creek. Very shady, and really good sized spaces. The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down."

    2. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cottonwood, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-5283

    $25 - $70 / night

    "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."

    "We pulled into our spot at Dead Horse Ranch as the temps crept below freezing."

    3. Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (623) 856-3401

    $10 - $25 / night

    "The military campground is great as a base for exploring the Grand Canyon as well as Sedona and the surrounding area."

    "All amenities are shared so we had access to a large playground, basketball and volleyball courts, the store, and the bathhouse."

    4. Verde River RV Resort & Cottages

    12 Reviews
    Camp Verde, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 202-3409

    "There is an awesome pool and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, playgrounds and trails to explore."

    "Within a 30 minute of Sedona which had some of the most awesome hikes ever!"

    5. Canyon Vista Campground

    18 Reviews
    Flagstaff, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 526-0866

    $30 - $22 / night

    "It's remarkably close to the city, Flagstaff, but tucked away in the forest, it feels remote. We went in June 2019, and it wasn't crowded at all. The hosts were absolutely wonderful."

    "Good forest service camp close to Flagstaff. Sites are spread out and there were a variety of camper types there. Can hike or rock climb nearby. Price is now $26."

    6. Verde Valley Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Cottonwood, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 634-3290

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    7. Williams-Circle Pines KOA

    29 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-2626

    "We stayed so busy exploring Grand Canyon and Sedona areas can't really comment on the amenities much. Reservation agent actually returned my call and got us in during a busy time."

    "This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"

    8. Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mormon Lake, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 354-2227

    $20 - $46 / night

    "Mormon Lake is an astonishing campground: all in alpine forests, at about 6500’. Mild summer, with cool nights, many escape the heat of PHX up here."

    10. South Mingus Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 413

    2 Reviews
    Jerome, AZ
    24 miles

    "Lots of hiking trails."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Sedona, AZ

3 Photos of 22 Sedona Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Sedona, AZ

248 Reviews of 22 Sedona Campgrounds


  • Candy P.
    May. 2, 2021

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Northern Arizona Treasure

    Wow, 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!

  • Vic R.
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Rancho Sedona RV Park

    Close to Old Town Cottonwood and Jerome

    Nice RV Park close to Cottonwood and Jerome and only 30 minutes away from Sedona. Quiet area and well kept that also has Park Model cabins available. Scenic River views and walks as well as views from the ECO lookouts on top of the hill above the RV park.

  • Karen D.
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Rancho Sedona RV Park

    Excellent well run site, great location, lovely trees and creek

    An exceptionally well run site, easy out of hours check in, very clean. We stayed in the adults only section near ish to the creek. Very shady, and really good sized spaces. The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down. It's walking distance from Sedona town, and also walking distance to some great trails. Would totally stay here again.

  • Tara S.
    Feb. 22, 2023

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Great Amenities, Little Privacy

    We 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. 

    .

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Rancho Sedona RV Park

    Exceptional Campground

    This campground is professionally run, beautifully laid out sites, although close together, concrete pads, landscaping. Bathrooms/showers immaculate. 5 minutes from Sedona, beautiful Oak Creek on property. Shade in every site.

  • P
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Rancho Sedona RV Park

    Very nice

    As others have said, there are a lot of rules, but that just made it nice and quiet which was great. It was very clean, there are quite a few hiking and biking trails and only 1/4 mile from Sedona shopping and dining. There's also the creek nearby which was nice to just sit and watch.

  • Thomas S.
    May. 12, 2020

    Verde River RV Resort & Cottages

    Close to I-17 but very nice

    The boss lady and I are full time and have stayed here multiple times. The staff and park are always amazing. The sites are level and most have a nice layer of rock on them.  There is an awesome pool and clubhouse, pickle ball courts, playgrounds and trails to explore. You are only 10 minutes from Cottonwood 30 minutes from Sedona 30 minutes to Prescott and an hour and a half to Phoenix. Passport America gets you 6 days at about $20 a night. Verizon and AT&T work awesome here. The laundry works on an app on your phone so no quarters to carry. Only downside is I-17 is way to close constant road noise when you're outside.

  • M
    Jul. 5, 2016

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Homebase for great National Monuments

    Dead 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.

  • Jeffrey P.
    Nov. 25, 2021

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground

    Very nice campground

    We 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.


Guide to Sedona

Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include great activities

Tips for equestrian camping near Sedona, Arizona

  • When visiting the Rancho Sedona RV Park, be sure to check the park's rules regarding pets and horses to ensure a smooth stay.
  • The Playa Ponderosa is a great option for those looking for a private camping experience with horse-friendly amenities.
  • Always plan ahead for water and feed supplies, especially when staying at places like Verde Valley Fairgrounds, which may have limited resources on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does horseback riding in Sedona typically cost?

Horseback riding experiences in Sedona typically range from $75-$150 per person for a standard 1-2 hour guided tour. Prices vary based on duration, trail difficulty, and group size. Near Verde River RV Resort & Cottages, several outfitters offer rides starting around $85 for a one-hour experience. More specialized tours featuring sunset rides, wine tastings, or photography stops can cost $150-200 per person. Private rides generally command premium prices, often starting at $200. Most operators require reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, and typically have weight limits between 225-250 pounds for rider safety.

What is the best time of year for horseback riding in Sedona?

The ideal seasons for horseback riding in Sedona are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are moderate, typically ranging from 60-85°F. These seasons offer comfortable riding conditions with clear skies and blooming desert flora or autumn colors. Summer can be extremely hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 90-100°F, making morning rides essential. Near Rancho Sedona RV Park, many trails provide adequate shade from cottonwoods along Oak Creek, offering relief during warmer months. Winter (December-February) can be surprisingly cold with occasional snow at higher elevations, but Groom Creek Horse Camp remains accessible most of the season with proper preparation.

What are the best horseback riding trails in Sedona, Arizona?

Sedona offers spectacular red rock horseback riding trails that provide unique views of the iconic landscape. Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground features excellent riding trails with equestrian facilities and stable access, making it a favorite among riders. The park's well-maintained paths wind through stunning desert terrain and along the Verde River. For more challenging routes, Fort Tuthill Luke AFB Recreation Area provides access to scenic forested trails with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Most trails in the Sedona area accommodate various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with guided tours available at many locations.