Best Equestrian Camping near Winkelman, AZ

Clark Peak Corrals provides basic camping facilities for equestrians near Winkelman, Arizona. Located in a remote desert setting, this established campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for campers. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, though it lacks hookups or drinking water. While not specifically featuring dedicated horse corrals despite its name, the area allows horses and pets, making it accessible for trail riders. The sites are relatively flat with desert vegetation providing minimal shade. The basic amenities make this location better suited for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for desert trail riding with access to the expansive Tonto National Forest trail system. Riders should bring all necessary water for themselves and their horses as no water sources are available at the campground. Oak Flat Campground, located approximately 90 minutes from Phoenix, provides another horse-friendly option in the region. The scrub oak desert landscape offers multiple riding routes on dirt roads that extend beyond the campground, allowing equestrians to explore the desert terrain. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with cooler temperatures at Oak Flat's 4,000-foot elevation making spring and fall ideal for horse camping trips. Riders report good opportunities for exploring desert washes and granite formations throughout the area.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Winkelman, Arizona (6)

    1. Catalina State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Oro Valley, AZ
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 628-5798

    $50 / night

    "Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views."

    "Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience."

    2. Oak Flat Campground

    10 Reviews
    Superior, AZ
    28 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"

    "We went for the day to explore the area due to it possibly being lost to the nearby copper mine soon. Didn't really have a destination other than to just hike and look around."

    3. Reddington Pass Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Saguaro National Park, AZ
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (520) 749-8700

    "It’s a fun trail if you like a challenge of off roading. I wouldn’t recommend larger trailers or RVs to travel too far up the trail, we’ve seen them get stuck trying to turn around."

    "40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros."

    4. Peralta Regional Park Primitive Remote Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Gold Canyon, AZ
    44 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

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

    5. Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Globe, AZ
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 402-6200

    $16 - $150 / night

    "The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."

    "Biggest downside it is RIGHT off the highway so expect road noise.

    About the loop (single spaces called Brundrett 1): There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only)."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Winkelman, AZ

1 Photos of 6 Winkelman Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Winkelman, AZ

85 Reviews of 6 Winkelman Campgrounds


  • S
    Dec. 29, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Tucson Beauty

    Beautiful state park campground. Huge, level, paved sites. All the sites in the B loops have water and electric( 20A, 30A, and 50A). Picnic table and bbq. No fire pits. Dump station near exit of loops and another near state park entrance. Nice selection of pull through and back-in sites. We had a back-in on outer edge and had beautiful views. Plenty of space between sites and with clever positioning and trees, you have some privacy. Was very quiet (with the exception of the coyote's at sundown 👍) Nice clean bathrooms and showers. Many sites have some trees that may provide some needed shade in warmer months. Great hiking and biking in park. Bicycle paths in Oro Valley area are also awesome.

  • Berton M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Base of Catalina Foothills

    Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic campground that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. The campsite is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, with majestic saguaro cacti and rugged mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. 

    The well-maintained facilities and spacious campsites make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced campers. What sets Catalina State Park apart is its remarkable proximity to the town of Tucson. Just a short drive away, campers can easily access the vibrant city to explore its cultural attractions, dine at diverse restaurants, and shop for supplies. 

    This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors without sacrificing the convenience of urban amenities. Whether you're into hiking, stargazing, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Catalina State Park offers it all. The stunning natural beauty combined with its proximity to town makes it a top-notch choice for a camping adventure in Tucson, Arizona.

  • P Elise S.
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Large spacious sites

    Stayed for a full week in March 2022. Sites had water and electricity (30 amp). Spaces were large, open, had fire ring and picnic bench. Paved, level.  The views are spectacular!   The advantage of this campground is that it is close to urban amenities, there is a shopping center just across the road from the park entrance. Hiking, biking & horse trails abound.  On Saturdays there are nature camp events in the park.  Will stay here again when in Tucson area.

  • K
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Great campground, hiking nearby. Convenient to Tucson, Catalan Mtns.

    This such a nice quiet park.. stars are great at night! Hiking trails nearby, bicycles, horse trails. Nice big private sites.

  • Elise O.
    May. 28, 2019

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Not what I expected but it worked out

    Nice little park. Staff was great. Sites are too close together for my liking but lots of trails off the park. Dropped in on Memorial Day weekend, sites were mostly full (1 site left) but the neighbors had little dogs and we have 2 big German Shepherds so that wasn’t going to work so we asked if we could stay in the equestrian area since there was only one person in there & they agreed. It was PERFECT for us. Not sure we’ll stay again if we can’t use that area!

  • Candy P.
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Southern Arizona’s best State Park

    This campsite is in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the outskirts of Tucson. You are minutes from the city, but still tucked into the valley of the Catalina Mountains. The perfect place for a desert retreat! Across the street (5 min drive for the campsite) you’ll find in ‘n out, Walmart, and other retail stores. Just down Oracle Rd. you’ll find great local restaurants... El Molinitos, Guadalajara Grill, Tap and Bottle, Village Bakehouse, and Truland Burgers. There is so much to explore in Tucson, but this campsite alone is a destination. If you’re lucky enough to be around after mountain snowmelt, you can enjoy the water. Hiking baths are aplenty as are the birds for birding enthusiasts. Campsites are clean and spacious. There isn’t much shade in the desert, so plan accordingly. Stargazing is great here. This State Park is a hot spot for locals, so hit the trails early in the morning or just stick to the campground on the weekends to avoid the crowds. The park and the adjacent mountain range suffered greatly from a large fire in the summer of 2020. Deeper into the park on hikes you’ll notice the devastation and also see desert regrowth. Be sure to check before you go as some trails are still closed from the damage.

  • 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.

  • Carly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2018

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Clean, spacious, lots of trails and wildlife

    We stayed 2 nights at Catalina State Park in early May. We were in site B48 - this site was at the edge of the loop so it was nice and fairly private - but there was very little shade. I probably wouldn't pick that site again in the warmer months! There were a lot of other sites that had some trees around them and seemed much shadier. Campground was very clean. Bathrooms were spotless with giant free showers, which was awesome. The bathrooms were a pretty long walk from our site (there is only one bathroom facility for that loop). There are some trails in the park. We saw (and heard) coyote, prairie dogs, and a rattlesnake eating a prairie dog along a trail right behind our campground loop! We explored nearby Tuscon (interesting town with really cool murals and a great craft beer scene) and Saguaro National Park (about 30-45 minutes away). The park is very quiet and peaceful, yet very close to stores and a main road if you need anything. The campsite we were in had full hookups for electricity and water (we were in a campervan and didn't need them but it was nice to have access to).

  • Jordan H.
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Oak Flat Campground

    Well it had a bathroom...

    While working on the Woodbury Wildland Fire here in Arizona my Ambulance was staged at Oak Flat Campground. It was nothing but desert, a few picnic tables, with some trees with nice shade and two bathrooms. It’s probably the least nicest campground I’ve been to. Luckily we weren’t staying there for the night just parked there during the day. It appeared to be free, it was a decent distance off the main highway. If you’re just looking for a place to stop and rest for the night then it’s not a bad spot but I wouldn’t take my family there for a vacation.


Guide to Winkelman

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

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • The Clark Peak Corrals provides picnic tables and vault toilets, making it a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy the beautiful views at a higher elevation.

Activities for horse campers

  • At Oak Flat Campground, you can enjoy the freedom to ride and explore the surrounding area, although be prepared for limited amenities and pack in what you need.

Tips for equestrian camping near Winkelman, Arizona

  • When visiting Catalina State Park Campground, take advantage of the well-maintained trails and scenic views, ensuring a memorable experience for both you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winkelman, AZ is Catalina State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Winkelman, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.