Best Equestrian Camping near Arenas Valley, NM
Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers primitive and full-hookup campsites for horse owners within Gila National Forest. The campground has options for tent camping, RVs with hookups, and cabin rentals. Horse trailer parking is available at individual campsites, with electric and water hookups for rigs. The ranch features open pastures where horses are sometimes observed grazing freely. Campers have reported watching the ranch's horse herd being rounded up during their stay, adding to the equestrian atmosphere. The ranch is designed to accommodate guests traveling with horses, though specific corral information is limited. The facilities include flush toilets, hot water showers, picnic tables, and trash collection. Many sites have fire rings, and campfires are permitted within designated areas.
Located near the Gila National Monument, the ranch provides access to numerous riding trails through the surrounding forest. The terrain features steep grades and switchbacks, requiring adequate horse conditioning and appropriate trailer equipment. Riders can arrange guided pack trips on horses to explore the backcountry areas, with options available for both experienced riders and beginners. Natural hot springs run beneath the mountain, with soaking pools available a short walk from the campground along the river. The campground sits at higher elevation, resulting in cooler temperatures, especially at night. Morning temperatures can drop into the 30°F range before warming quickly during the day. Nearby wildlife includes deer that can be observed grazing in pastures at sunset, and sheep with occasional newborn lambs near the creek area.
