Best Equestrian Camping near Thatcher, AZ

Clark Peak Corrals offers camping at 8800 feet elevation in the Pinaleño Mountains, with three campsites situated near vault toilets. The area provides spectacular views from the mountain edge and experiences cooler summer temperatures compared to the lower elevations around Thatcher. The primitive camping area includes wooden picnic tables at each site. No water is available on-site, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. The corrals accommodate horses for equestrians exploring the mountain terrain. Additional dispersed camping options exist further down the forest road for those seeking more solitude.

Forest Road access to Clark Peak Corrals is seasonally restricted, with gates closed during winter months making the area inaccessible during snowy conditions. Tent and RV camping are permitted, though the area is not considered big-rig friendly. The campground allows pets and alcohol, and fires are permitted in designated areas. For horse owners seeking lower elevation options, Playa Dispersed Campsite provides free camping with drive-in access suitable for horse trailers. The Willcox Playa Wildlife Area near this campsite attracts thousands of sandhill cranes during winter months, creating unique wildlife viewing opportunities for trail riders from mid-October through March.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Thatcher, Arizona (4)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Thatcher, AZ

14 Reviews of 4 Thatcher Campgrounds


  • ball M.
    May. 29, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    great

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscapes of Arizona. This campsite offers a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the beauty of nature while enjoying the serenity of a less crowded environment. The site is perfect for camping, hiking, and stargazing, with ample space for tents and RVs. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure. The accessibility to nearby trails and natural attractions enhances the camping experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings. Overall, Playa Dispersed Campsite is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with head basketball nature.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2023

    Clark Peak Corrals

    Beautiful Views and Vault Toliet

    Nothing beats the summer Arizona heat like escaping to the top of the Pinaleños.

    At 8800 ft elevation, this corral and campsite offers amazing weather in the summer and gorgeous views off the edge of the mountains.

    Be prepared to bring in anything you might need, including water. There are only about 3 campsites located near the vault toilets, but their are dispersed sites further down the forest road.

    This forest road is gated off during the winter months and this area is not accessible.

  • Owen M.
    Oct. 9, 2019

    Grande Vista RV Park

    Friendly Staff, Gravel spots, Clean and convenient to Willcox

    The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the Male showers/restroom was under construction and not usable.

    Gravel drive-through and back-in spots for RVs with 30 or 50 amp connections, water and sewer. Two tent spots. North of Willcox, but the city is small enough that the whole town is within walking distance (we walked to the center of town in about 15 minutes).

    This is basically an old trailer park that has been upgraded to accommodate RVs around the perimeter and a couple of tents near the park/restroom area.

    The shower/restroom area also has laundry facilities.

    We didn't go into the rec room, but were told it has a pool table and a book/video exchange-type library.

    The Rodeo grounds are a short drive across the freeway (don't follow your GPS if it tells you to use airport road - take the route that uses Rex Allen Drive) at Quail park (about 2 miles away - straight shot).  This is a very convenient park to the Rodeo Grounds.

    This park, as was all of Willcox (even though it was Rex Allen Days weekend) is VERY QUIET. Didn't see anyone other than a couple of dog walkers in the morning and the staff when we checked in.

  • C. W.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Grande Vista RV Park

    Who knew internet speeds would be the fastest I've ever seen

    I have Verizon and management stated Verizon is the best in this small town and look at my screen shot, it's no joke. He said all other carriers suck.

    This is on top of their 2 free wifi access they provide which are already fast! So if you need to get work done and reliant on good internet speeds, you've found the spot.

    Place is a mix of mobile homes and RV park. Each site has their own picnic table and FHU. Water spigot is on the ground, not elevated. Laundry, showers, rec room (pool table, full kitchen, DVDs, books) and BBQ grill are included. Cats roaming everywhere. Fairly flat gravel parking. Management had to put me in a 50 amp site (#9) because their 30 amp sites were full at no extra charge. He even let me borrow the 50/30 amp converter as I didn't have one. Management lives in a mobile home near office and it was nice as he is available after regular hours.

    Quiet place overall. If you come on trash day (Tuesday), you might get woken up by it if you're in our site as it's next to the alley.

    As stated, very small town. We had dinner at Isabella's South Of The Border. Food wasn't as great as the reviews but decent for the area. Fun tip: Isabella is the wife of the owner of The Big Tex BBQ.

  • Marks A.
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    good

    One of the standout features of Playa Dispersed Campsite is its proximity to the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, renowned for its wintering population of sandhill cranes. During wet winters, thousands of these majestic birds can be observed, especially from mid-October through March Survival Race. Bird enthusiasts will also appreciate the presence of over 15 species of birds of prey during this period.

  • A
    May. 21, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    great

    Absolutely loved this spot! Wide open skies, peaceful surroundings, and incredible sunrises made for a perfect desert camping experience. The solitude was just what we needed, and the stars at Baldi’s Basics Plus night were unbelievable. Easy access for our RV, and the ground was level and firm. Huge thanks to the BLM for keeping places like this free and accessible— we’ll definitely be back!🌄🌵

  • Rush C.
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Playa Dispersed Campsite

    a profound sense of peace and connection with nature.

    Playa Dispersed Campsite is a unique and serene camping area located on the expansive alkali flats of the Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada. Known for its otherworldly landscape, this remote site offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking solitude, vast horizons, and stunning sunsets. The flat, cracked playa surface stretches endlessly in all directions, creating a sense of open freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Camping here is truly off-grid— there are no amenities, no marked spots, and no shade— just you, the wind, and the desert sky. color rush

  • Elisabeth W.
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Grande Vista RV Park

    It’s an option

    Selected this RV park for the following reasons: Passport America discount, not along the railroad, I-10 or in the desert. It’s small and funky, weedy with, to our Bull terrier’s delight, many cats. They are dog-friendly and not too impressed with themselves like the more upscale and expensive RV parks are. $18 per night with full hookups. We’ve been boondocking out at Roosevelt lake for 2 weeks and this was convenient for laundry etc. Would stop here again for an overnighter with the 50% PA discount.

  • Candice E.
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Clark Peak Corrals

    Amazing views

    So I had lunch here and forgot to take a photo of the unbelieveable views. The two little sites are clean and each have an old wooden picnic table setup there are for sure toilets. Would be a prefect little spot to watch the stars.


Guide to Thatcher

The Pinaleño Mountains near Thatcher, Arizona offer primitive camping options ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures at higher elevations can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the Gila Valley floor, providing relief during hot months. Most camping areas require campers to pack in all supplies including water, as developed facilities are limited throughout the region.

What to do

Birdwatching at wildlife areas: The Playa Dispersed Campsite attracts significant wildlife, particularly during winter months. "Got here about 6 PM and the lagoon was filled with cranes. Got amazing pictures of them. In the morning the lagoon was empty. You must have to get here during certain migrations," notes Ken, who camped there in March 2024.

Fishing opportunities: Black River provides fishing access for campers willing to obtain proper permits. At White Crossing Camping along the Black River, one visitor reports: "Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see. We saw a bear 50 feet across the river on our first day." A San Carlos Apache use permit costs $20 per day per person over 12 years old.

Stargazing at higher elevations: The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create optimal conditions for night sky viewing. "So I had lunch here and forgot to take a photo of the unbelieveable views. The two little sites are clean and each have an old wooden picnic table setup there are for sure toilets. Would be a prefect little spot to watch the stars," writes Candice E. about the Clark Peak area.

What campers like

Solitude and spacious sites: Horse campgrounds near Thatcher, Arizona typically provide ample space between sites. One camper at Playa Dispersed Campsite appreciated the "wide open skies, peaceful surroundings, and incredible sunrises made for a perfect desert camping experience. The solitude was just what we needed."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. Jason T. reported at White Crossing Camping: "Our family had 14 people camping out of 5 vehicles at our site alone. Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see. We saw a bear 50 feet across the river on our first day."

Multi-generational camping potential: Many sites accommodate larger family gatherings. "This is great camping area with multiple unmarked sites available, first come basis," notes a visitor to White Crossing Camping, who successfully hosted a 14-person family camping trip.

What you should know

Permits required for some areas: Access to tribal lands requires specific permits. For White Crossing Camping, "You do need a San Carlos Apache use permit which cost $20 per day per person over 12."

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most horse-friendly camping areas around Thatcher have minimal infrastructure. "Pack it all in and pack it all out. The river is close but no drinkable water on site without filtration," advises a camper about the Black River area.

Seasonal access limitations: Many forest roads close during winter months. Beth G. notes about Clark Peak Corrals: "This forest road is gated off during the winter months and this area is not accessible."

Tips for camping with families

Bring water filtration equipment: Natural water sources may be available but require treatment. "The river is close but no drinkable water on site without filtration," advises a camper about White Crossing Camping.

Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. Clark Peak Corrals sits at 8800 feet, where Beth G. notes: "Nothing beats the summer Arizona heat like escaping to the top of the Pinaleños."

Check for equestrian facilities: For families bringing horses, verify corral availability. Grande Vista RV Park provides alternatives when mountain sites are unavailable, with one visitor noting it's "convenient to Willcox" and only "about 2 miles away - straight shot" from the Rodeo grounds.

Tips from RVers

Limited big rig accessibility: Most equestrian campgrounds near Thatcher have restrictions. At Grande Vista RV Park, one RVer shared: "Gravel drive-through and back-in spots for RVs with 30 or 50 amp connections, water and sewer."

Consider internet connectivity needs: Cell service varies significantly by location and provider. As C.W. found at Grande Vista RV Park: "I have Verizon and management stated Verizon is the best in this small town. He said all other carriers suck."

Level sites can be limited: Many horse-friendly campgrounds have uneven terrain. Aaron A. appreciated Playa Dispersed Campsite because "the ground was level and firm. Huge thanks to the BLM for keeping places like this free and accessible."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thatcher, AZ is Clark Peak Corrals with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Thatcher, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.