Top Horse Camping near Winkelman, AZ

Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Winkelman is the way to go. Finding a place to stay in Arizona while traveling with your horse has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Arizona horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Winkelman, AZ (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground

    1.

    Catalina State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    254 Photos
    457 Saves
    Oro Valley, Arizona

    Catalina State Park camping is available in 120 electric and water sites. Each campsite has a picnic table and BBQ grill. Roads and parking slips are paved. Campgrounds have modern flush restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations are available in the park. There is no limit on the length of RVs at this park, but reservations are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Campgrounds are open all year.

    Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    4.

    Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    38 Photos
    30 Saves
    Globe, Arizona

    Overview

    Timber Camp Recreation Area has one of the most popular family and group campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest offering both day-use sites and over-night areas.

    Recreation

    Abundant recreation opportunities such as cross-country horseback riding, hiking, in-season hunting, exploring, off-highway vehicle use and wildlife viewing are in close proximity. In the spring, whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Salt River launch a mere 20-minute drive from the site. Brundrett 2 and the equestrian sites are excellent places to stage authorized outdoor group events (a separate permit may be required). While there are no dedicated equestrian trails, the surrounding terrain is ideal for cross-country horseback riding.

    Facilities

    Abundant recreation opportunities such as cross-country horseback riding, hiking, in-season hunting, exploring, off-highway vehicle use and wildlife viewing are in close proximity. In the spring, whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Salt River launch a mere 20-minute drive from the site. Brundrett 2 and the equestrian sites are excellent places to stage authorized outdoor group events (a separate permit may be required). While there are no dedicated equestrian trails, the surrounding terrain is ideal for cross-country horseback riding.

    Natural Features

    Located within the Timber Camp Mountains and surrounded by a ponderosa pine and juniper woodland, this area offers a cool get away from the hot summer months. Five miles east of the site, the area eventually meets the ledges and beautiful vistas of the Salt River Canyon and the Salt River Canyon Wilderness.

    Nearby Attractions

    Approximately 10 miles north along Highway 60, on White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands, lies Seneca Lake and Falls, a popular recreation area for sightseeing and fishing (WMAT permit required). As you continue further north along Highway 60, the road cascades down into the Salt River Canyon where several overlooks allow you to capture the magnificent beauty of "Arizona's other Grand Canyon". Only 24 miles south from Timber Camp, the City of Globe offers an array of restaurants, as well as antique, grocery, and feed and tack stores.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals

    5.

    Clark Peak Corrals

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    11 Saves
    Pima, Arizona

    Clark Peak corrals is the last campsite on HWY 366 up the mountain. It is 34.5 miles up from junction 191 on HWY 366. It has 2 campsite units. There are pit toilet restrooms, trash cans, and picnic benches. Elevation 9000’.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Winkelman

78 Reviews of 5 Winkelman Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Reddington Pass Dispersed
    July 27, 2024

    Reddington Pass Dispersed

    Rough Road, Off Grid

    I’ve camped at Redington Pass a few times throughout the years. 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. The road is rough but if you don’t mind driving slow over the holes and bumps then no big deal.

    Easy to find, follow Tanque Verde Rd all the way East until it turns into Redington Road, this then leads to a dirt road with TONS of dispersed camping pull offs with established fire rings. The further east you travel on the pass the less people you have to camp next to. The camping sites closer to the entrance get packed on the weekends.

    The further you go you’ll run out of service, no bathrooms, no water hook ups, nothing, just dispersed wild camping!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Adventures

    Had a quick stay here but was still able to see some. It’s AZ so it’s always hot, just prepare for that. The hiking trails and history are amazing here. Showers and bathrooms well maintained. It did rain pretty good as we were rolling in so the ants were…insane. They were everywhere.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    April 12, 2024

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    I travel to Tucson from Phoenix on a regular basis. CSP is close enough to get to my destinations and it provides scenery and views comparable to $400 a night resorts in the same vicinity. Plus I can camp and do my astrophotography at the same time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    February 16, 2024

    Catalina State Park Campground

    A very nice, urban, campground with spectacular mountain views.

    We've stayed here on 3 different trips to the SW, 2019,2020 & 2023. A very nice break from the remote, amenity-less places we usually camp. It's a great place to resupply, dine out, see the sights, clean up and relax in the Arizona sunshine while gazing a the Santa Catalina Mountains. 

    There is some hiking including guided Ranger led tours. Lots of birds, coyotes and a whole lot of giant saguaro cactus. In spring at least, there is water, sometimes a lot.

    I find that some of the sites are well spaced, some with stunted trees which could provide more shade once they leaf out. We've never had that experience with all out visits coming in March or early April.

    We're not much for big campgrounds or RV Parks but this one works for us. It has however gotten, like everywhere else, EXTREMELY HARD to reserve a site, especially one of the better ones.

    One other note - Wood fires are not allowed!! We use a propane Firebowl there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    February 12, 2024

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Oro Valley

    Very nice campground with great views of the mountains, hiking, and biking around Oro Valley on road bike. Easy access to the loop trail. It was low 30s in the mornings (February). Bathroom and showers in loop A were coolish.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Reddington Pass Dispersed
    January 22, 2024

    Reddington Pass Dispersed

    Camping at reddington pass

    Great spot to go camping! The trail into the campground was great, you will need a 4x4 in certain spots, but mostly it’s a smooth ride. At night the view of the stars was beautiful since there was hardly any light pollution. 10/10 recommended

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    October 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clark Peak Corrals
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    April 30, 2023

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Can't beat being nestled in the Catalina's!

    Well kept Campground north of Tucson. We stayed in 3 different sites because we made last minute reservations. Great hiking and biking. Birds everywhere, fun to watch.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Reddington Pass Dispersed
    April 6, 2023

    Reddington Pass Dispersed

    Sleep off the road in cactus or crawl into the mountains to tuck yourself in

    40 mile scenic drive on a 4x4 road, dispersed camping along the way. Extremely popular view to park off the road in the saguaros. But I’d recommend cactus forest north of Tucson in blm land if you want that. Farther in you hit the mountains. We stayed off an off roading rock crawler trail. Def the path less taken. Super quiet and relaxing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    March 26, 2023

    Oak Flat Campground

    Not worth it

    Arrived early Saturday morning. Place was very small and not very inviting. Area was very scetchy looking. We ended up leaving and finding a spot to boondock on blm land.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oak Flat Campground
    January 23, 2022

    Oak Flat Campground

    Really nice spot

    It’s a really nice spot, not the best amenities but there’s so much to explore, you can drive ahead this campground and take the dirt road to some of the most wonderful places, I was able to get really deep with a road motorcycle so you don’t really need an 4*4 but I would definitely recommend taking one

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    December 30, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Plenty to do

    I have stayed here a twice and enjoyed both visits. Bathrooms are clean and all sites are well maintained. No wood fires are allowed but you can bring a propane fire pit. Plenty of trails are nearby.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    December 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
    December 23, 2021

    Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    Decent campground, few amenities, in the middle of nowhere

    Enjoyed three nights and generally had the place to ourselves excluding the host. The host was very nice. The fee station was out of order during our stay, so we paid via daily tickets at a place in Globe on our way out. The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable. Little to do in the way of hikes within walking distance, but we enjoyed walking around the campground and into the woods to the north and east. Verizon service was great the entire time. Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table. There a a few group areas with full grills and communal tables. The campground appears fairly new.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    December 19, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Spacious, very nice

    Separate dry (area a) and hook up areas (area b) first come first serve. $ 30 full hook up includes entry fee. Showers. Lots of birds. Little free library. Friendly folks all round.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    December 9, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Late arrival -found nice people to share their roomy campsite

    Walmart nearby DOES NOT allow overnight. Did not check out amenities but the campground had roomy sites and is very well groomed. Everyone was friendly. Filled fresh tank at campsite. Dump station very clean. Great mountain biking-50 mile trail- in park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    April 8, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Absolutely love Catalina state park

    Me and my family did a 1 day tent camping trip to Catalina state park. And we all absolutely loved it there. The bathrooms are super clean, the staff was very helpful. The camping sites are great, lots of space. Would definitely recommend a trip to Catalina state park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    April 5, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Campground has two loops one with hook ups and one without hook ups Plenty of hikes,or just pretty walks easy to more difficult. Late winter and spring have great temps getting warmer as the days lead to summer temps. Close to shopping, restaurants and more.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Catalina State Park Campground
    April 1, 2021

    Catalina State Park Campground

    A destination of its own

    I typically rate campgrounds as they fit into 1 of 5 categories. This campground will be rated as a Regional/Public Park — Grounds that are on public lands, and have a cost for entry and/or overnight stay. Ratings for this category are based on: Cost: 5 Allure of the park/lands: 5 Amenities as available (bathrooms, showers, hookups, etc): 4 Layout and privacy of sites: 5

    Catalina SP is at the Northern end of metro Tucson. It’s about 30 minutes to downtown and 1 hour to either division of Saguaro National Park (East or West).

    Reservations during January for a short-term (2 night) stay were surprisingly easy to obtain via their online booking tool. Longer stays should book far ahead of time, max stay is 14 days, I believe. Price of $30/night +$5 booking fee was very reasonable for RV Electric and water hookups for the stay.

    Check in was easy with the attendants and there is no extra cost for park admission for campers, which is a nice bonus for AZ state parks (many states charge the fees outside of the cost of camping).

    The sites were huge, very big-rig friendly, and private. Additional signage for numbered sites would have been helpful, but it’s not hard to find your spot using the power of deduction. Backing in our 25’ trailer was easy. Electric and water hookups were available at our site (30) in the B Loop. No sewer hookups and the dump stations were crowded when we left at 11:45am on checkout day. Restrooms were open, and require masks. They were spotless! Water pipes at the campground froze overnight on an evening where temps barely touched 32 degrees. They were defrosted and flowing by 8:30am. There were also dish cleaning stations outside the restroom.

    Very nearby are grocery stores, gas stations and other shopping/eating spots, but the proximity to commerce doesn’t impact the natural feel of these grounds... night at the campground is very dark.

    The hiking accessible from the campgrounds is fantastic with tons of desert landscape and saguaros dotting the skyline. Low mountains add to the scenic view and trees throughout the campground contribute to privacy from your (fairly distant) neighbors. Yet another fantastic reason to choose state parks for your camping/rving adventures!



Guide to Winkelman

Camping near Winkelman, Arizona, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Saguaro Cactus Forest: The Cactus Forest Dispersed is a great spot to immerse yourself in nature. One camper mentioned, "This campground is aptly named as it is quite literally in the middle of a Saguaro cactus forest 🌵 along with many other different cactus species and wildlife."
  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: At Cactus Forest Dispersed Site, you can enjoy hiking trails and spot various desert animals. A visitor shared, "I stayed here for 9 days straight and I came across 6 rattlesnakes, packs of coyotes rolling through at night, and more."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. One camper noted, "Very dark sky with lots of stars" at the Cactus Forest.

What campers like

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Cactus Forest Dispersed. A reviewer said, "Not a standard RV parking lot campground but rather several campsites with ample space between them for privacy."
  • Natural Beauty: Many visitors rave about the beautiful scenery. One camper exclaimed, "If you want saguaros this is the perfect place for you. Awesome dispersed camping."
  • Accessibility: The campgrounds are relatively easy to access. A camper mentioned, "Not that far of a drive from a highway exit, I was pleasantly surprised by the peaceful seclusion" at the Cactus Forest Dispersed Site.

What you should know

  • Limited Facilities: Most campgrounds, like Cactus Forest Dispersed, do not have amenities like drinking water or toilets. A camper warned, "It has no facilities or even pit toilets. Exactly what I wanted."
  • Gunfire Nearby: Be prepared for noise from nearby shooting ranges. One visitor noted, "The biggest downside to this campground is the almost constant gunfire all day long."
  • Wildlife Caution: Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially cacti. A camper advised, "Watch out for jumping cholla cactus and keep your furry friends close."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Spot: Look for campgrounds with more space, like Cactus Forest Dispersed. A family camper said, "Plenty of sites big and small, decent road, fire rings, plenty of privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife and how to stay safe. One camper shared, "I came across 6 rattlesnakes... and packs of coyotes rolling through at night."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor mentioned, "Great place to ride your ATVs in the mud" at Superstition Mountain AZ State Trust Dispersed.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A reviewer noted, "The road is good to drive big RV or 5th wheel no problem" at Cactus Forest Dispersed.
  • Be Mindful of Space: RVers should be aware that some sites can be tight. One camper mentioned, "The spots are a little close together" at Cactus Forest.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since amenities are limited, stock up on essentials before heading out. A visitor advised, "There is a shooting area down the road, a highway in the distance, and some helicopters/planes noise wise."

Camping near Winkelman, Arizona, provides a mix of adventure and tranquility, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

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 58 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Winkelman, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.