Horse Camping in Arizona
Arizona is a strong state for horse camping because of the amount of accessible public land and the range of riding environments it offers. Approximately 40–45% of Arizona is public land, including Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Forest, and other federally managed areas. One of the things that makes Arizona unique is the contrast in terrain. Riders can experience desert and cactus-covered landscapes in lower elevations, along with forested mountain riding in higher elevations. That range allows for different riding experiences depending on location and time of year.
Listing 1 campground in Arizona.
Campgrounds in Arizona (1)ExpandCollapse
Rio Rancho Verde
Scottsdale, AZAmenitiesWaterWaterPensPensTurnoutTurnoutHighlinesHighlinesStoreStoreDump StationDump StationBring * Set up your own * AllowedWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesElectric FencingElectric FencingHookupsWaterWaterElectricElectricSewerSewer00
Rio Rancho Verde
This is a stunning privately owned campground located next to the Tonto National Forest and less than a mile from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The property itself is immaculate, and the setup is clearly designed with riders in mind. It’s one of those places that feels well cared for and thoughtfully run, making it a very comfortable base for exploring the surrounding desert riding areas.
Access is easy, but it’s important to follow the camp owners’ directions exactly when coming in—they know the best route and it will save you time and hassle. Enjoy the rollercoaster drive on the final stretch. You'll know what I mean once you're on the final stretch.
The location is ideal for reaching multiple riding areas, both directly from camp and by short trailer hauls to nearby trailheads.
The horse setup here is excellent. Stalls are large and covered, with some including additional runs. There is also a round pen and a couple of arenas available for turnout.
You can ride directly from camp into Tonto National Forest, or head down the road to access the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers extensive and well-marked desert trails.
If you’re able, it’s worth trailering to other nearby trailheads in the Preserve. Granite Mountain is a favorite, and the trailheads are well designed for equestrians with large parking areas and direct trail access. There are over 200 miles of trails to explore in the area.
We also trailered out to places like Cave Creek and the Salt River, where you may encounter wild horses, as well as the Superstition Mountains, which offer incredible riding and hiking opportunities.
This is desert riding, so preparation is important. Watch out for jumping cholla—they are no joke and can cause serious issues if you’re not paying attention.
Carry plenty of water for both you and your horses, and consider bringing tweezers and a comb to help remove cactus spines if needed.
There are also unique desert features to look for, including the rare triple-crested saguaro.
Overall, this is one of our all-time favorite camps and a great place to experience desert riding at its best.
Popular riding trails
These are some of the most commonly referenced areas for riding in Arizona, especially for riders looking for public access and a mix of desert and forest terrain.
Trails tied to campgrounds in ArizonaExpandCollapse
These trails are pulled from campground entries in Arizona and grouped under each campground.
What riders can expect
Riding conditions in Arizona can vary significantly depending on elevation. Lower desert areas tend to be hotter and more exposed, while higher elevation regions provide cooler temperatures and more tree cover.