Mountainous camping in Arizona with horseback riding
Enjoy year-round camping from the Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Park to Lake Powell and Havasu Falls in this Southwest state.
89% (3160 reviews)
- Arizona
89% (3160 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Arizona
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
12 top mountainous campgrounds in Arizona with horseback riding
100%
(470)
A Spark in the Dark Campground
15 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ash Fork, AZ
The most important thing for me is that my guests leave this place with memories that will turn into nostalgia.
40 huge, PRIVATE acres in the country of northern Arizona, The Spark can host the single camper looking for a quiet and private retreat, or the sleepy traveler who simply needs a place to park and snooze in their vehicle - all the way up to your large group and event! I am only here to make sure you have a safe and private place to camp the way YOU want!
Dazzling night sky with near zero light pollution! Fabulous sunset views! Warm, gorgeous sunrises! Potential for wildlife! Cool rocks! Cool plants! Cool bugs!
Family friendly.
Pet friendly.
MJ and such friendly.
Come spend the night outside!!!
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$15
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90%
(80)
Show Low AZ GreatSky CampRanch
38 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · White Mountain Lake, AZ
Learn more about this land:
At 6000ft elevation the air is much cleaner and the weather is much cooler, especially in the summer time! We have plenty of space. A well house to fill up your water. There are also outdoor bathrooms, no shower yet, but working on that! We're just a short seven minute drive to the dump station at a local gas station down the road on the Deuce of Clubs and Penrod. We are 14 minutes from a large hospital, 10 minutes from major grocery stores, shopping and restaurants, and many other fun activities. Our location is in a perfect spot to enjoy the blue sky and great weather. Sunrise Ski area is a quick drive too! Pinetop Lakeside are within 10 minutes, Taylor and Snowflake are within 15 to 25 minutes. We hope you visit and continue to keep our environment clean and a chill spot to visit. Cheers!
We also offer a few extras at check-out...
We have our 4S free range, nest run eggs for $5.44/dozen.
Start your trip off right with a bundle of our premium firewood. Mostly juniper, nicely dried and bagged. Just remind us at check-in with your receipt. This is not the cheap wood they sell at the gas station. Please always check for our fire bans that are regulated by the county and state.
Always have a bucket of water next to your campfire and make sure it's completely out before you leave it.
Please do not bring outside firewood.
Please do not take the firewood on our property.
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$32.44
/ night
97%
(102)
Gateway to the Grand Canyon
9 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Williams, AZ
Quiet and off grid. No light pollution and amazing mountain views and night sky.
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$30
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98%
(31)
Glamper Cabin in the Aspens & Pines
3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Flagstaff, AZ
Learn more about this land: Darling and super cozy off-the-grid glamping cabin at 8200 feet elevation, perfect for creating special memories for you and your besties! Unbelievable views of the San Francisco Peaks, gorgeous glistening aspen groves, graceful pine trees, wildlife sightings, and good old fashioned eco-therapy will soothe your soul and ease away your tension. Close to the Grand Canyon! Just 1/2 mile off the Arizona Trail! Hike 6 miles to Snowbowl. This darling camper cabin has one bedroom with a queen sized bed (2 guests), and two pull out couches for up to four additional guests. The well stocked kitchen has all the cookware and utensils you'll need for cooking, a propane range, as well as a cooler for your use (bring ice). A gas barbecue is on site as well. The wood stove kicks out a ton of heat to keep you toasty while you sip on steamy hot chocolate that is provided for your enjoyment. Gather around the propane operated firepit in the backyard for some R&R. Bring a hammock 'cuz there are unlimited opportunities for stringing one up! Tons of activities will keep you occupied, including hiking and biking on the nearby Arizona Trail (just 1/2 mile away), or even sledding on your very own private 2 acre piece of paradise! What's even better is the property backs onto the National Forest, for unlimited enjoyment of nature. In the evening crack open a book, or start playing a game with your besties to close out a long day. The property is completely off the grid, making it very appealing to those travelers and adventurers who want to create a minimal carbon footprint on their vacation. The kitchen sink has a hand pump that draws water from under the sink from a 10 gallon water jug. You can refill the jug as needed from a hand pump located in the back yard. There is solar powered lighting and a USB phone charger station. There is no electrical power available. Cell service is available in the area depending on your carrier. The outdoor composting toilet is super clean with little or no odor. The cabin is located at 8200' in the San Francisco Peaks in the pines and aspens. Snowshoe or cross country ski, go sledding or snowmobiling, or just good old fashioned relaxation will make the time fly by. If that's not enough check this out:(a) it's just 5 miles to the Arizona Nordic Center for incredible cross country ski trails(b) it's just 18 miles to Snowbowl for chairlift rides or world class skiing(c) it's just 20 miles to the hip town of Flagstaff for fantastic restaurants, golfing, shopping, coffee shops and museums(d) it's just 60 miles to historic Williams with the Bearizona wildlife park and the popular Grand Canyon Railway(e) it's just 55 miles to the world famous Grand Canyon. (f) It's just 50 miles to gorgeous Sedona, making it a perfect day trip! (g) and last but not least, it's right next to the Kendrick Snowmobile Trails, which offers 54 miles of unbeatable snowmobile adventures! The property is located approximately 2.1 miles off the main highway down a forest service road. The road is in excellent shape during the summer months. During winter you MUST have a 4WD vehicle to access the property, particularly if there has been a significant snowfall recently. During a snowy period, access may require either cross country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling to the property from the main highway (approx 2.1 miles). If you get stuck on the road it will be your own responsibility. Please check with the owner a couple days prior to your visit to check on road conditions during the winter!
Pets must be well behaved and cleaned up after, including excessive animal hair. Leash laws apply to Coconino National Forest. Please do not book the Glamper Cabin if you plan to bring a pet which is known to be aggressive or unpredictable in nature, including breeds or mixed breeds such as pitbulls, rottweilers, bullmastiff and American Bulldog. We are not responsible for any interactions your pets may have with wildlife or other pets in the area.
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$135
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93%
(147)
Desert Glamping
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Meadview, AZ
Meadview Arizona was founded in 1826 by Jedediah Smith on his Southwest Expedition in search for Beaver! Staying a small remote and quiet town it can feel like it would have in the Wild West.
We obtained our campground from a couple that owned it for 20 years but just weren't able to do to it what they had originally planned.. So it was essentially a blank canvas for us to create!! We are the closest town to the Grand Canyon SKYWALK, which is just 40 minutes from us. Meadview, the town we are located, is the only place to obtain Free Entree to the Lake Mead Recreational Center. Our Campground just 10 miles from Lake Mead and 17 Miles from the Colorado River. We have outstanding Lookouts, Top notch Stargazing, Gold Prospecting, Bird Watching, Fishing, Off Roading etc.
Some of the Best Desert Off-Roading through trails within the Joshua Tree National Forest, Please note you must bring your own OHV, horse, etc, there is currently no rentals available. We do have Kayaks to rent upon arrival. There is a hidden water fall in the Grapevine Wash that you can get to with a 4 wheel vehicle and you hike in about 15 minutes in. Stunning views and gorgeous natural spring and waterfall.
We are 45 minutes off the 93 Freeway
Free WIFI provided at the office!.. The town doesn't always have a powerful signal, please keep that in mind in your travels. However, if you have Verizon, it gets GREAT service!
There are three restaurants in town, all just one mile from site... The Boathouse, Anchor Smokehouse and Fishermans Landing Bar. We have a Bakery called Rosemary and Thyme that serves Delicious foods & Pastries and makes great coffees. There is also a Gas n Grub that has ice, propane etc... 5 miles away is a Family Dollar store which we lovingly call the "Mall of Meadview"
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$20
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(10)
Secluded Alamo Lake Santuary
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Alamo Lake, AZ
Step back in time and explore the rich history of this property, once a mining camp in 1910, now a ghost town. Slated for strip mining in 2015, the land found a new purpose when I purchased it, safeguarding it for the future. Our non-profit is transforming the area into a conservation area with a purpose.
Today, the Sonoran Desert Sanctuary is an evolving conservation area and private wilderness retreat for veterans and others challenged by PTSD. As we embark on this journey, we invite you to come and witness the transformation as we grow and evolve.
Volunteer opportunities abound for those with a passion for conservation and a love for the desert. Join us in shaping the sanctuary and contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem. Your visit and involvement become a part of the story, helping us create a haven for the Sonoran Desert's diverse flora and fauna. The proceeds from your Hipcamp stay go directly to the Anderson-Arroyo Foundation (501c3) and are tax-deductible as a donation.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert landscape, participate in our growth, and leave your mark on the future Sonoran Desert Sanctuary. Visit us and explore the unique blend of history, conservation, and community that defines our special corner of the world.
Tours of the ghost town and surrounding canyons are available. You can fish the lake, rent kayaks, go birding, hike, meditate, or bring your telescope for the Class 2 Dark Night skies!
3.5 hours from Phoenix, Vegas. 4 hours from Flagstaff. 2 hours from Lake Havasu or Kingman.
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$40
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88%
(140)
SimpleLife Campsites @ Dreamcatcher
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Fredonia, AZ
Set up for minimalist-types.... certainly not primitive but not fancy either... spacious sites (with cool shade cloths and picnic tables) respectful of your personal experience with an eye for contemporary design. Area's fastest Wifi. Clean modern bathrooms with showers. All sites have water (except walk in tent sites - water nearby). Charging station and six full electric sites.
Hang out with like-minded adventurers who prefer Tents, Vans, Class B's and small trailers (like teardrops, pods and popups) - we do not permit ATV's or trailers over 26'
SimpleLife gives dogs room to roam (and you as well) on our 15 private acres attached to hundreds more of beautiful public land.
SimpleLife is only 2 miles from Kanab's conveniences -- in a country setting providing easy access to Grand Canyon, Escalante, Bryce, Zion and thousands of one of a kind square miles of desert adventures.
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$25
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96%
(89)
Saguaro Cactus Forrest
5 sites · RVs5 acres · New River, AZ
THANK YOU REPEAT GUESTS! We are situated adjacent to state land that displays a majestic Saguaro forest in the mountains. It is a short walk to lots of trails and spectacular views. RV hookups with only three sites so not crowded. Water and electrical hookups 30 or 50 amp. You will love the views and the hiking. We are also not far from grocery stores, and outlet mall and restaurants.
EASY ACCESS WITH LARGE TRAILERS.
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$34
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100%
(59)
GLAMP CAMP STAY at INFINITY RANCH
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Tucson, AZ
🌵 Escape to a 300 acre Private Nature Preserve: Exclusive Private Camping in Tucson, Arizona 🌄
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Sonoran Desert with our exclusive Private Nature Camping Sites at Infinity Ranch. Rediscovered after 34 years this gated wonderland stood untouched for 3 decades now open for you to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Sierrta Mountain Chain, where rugged landscapes meet starlit skies, and the serenity of nature becomes your personal sanctuary.
🏕️ Secluded Oasis Hidden Yet Close To City Life
Discover the magic of our carefully curated private camping sites, nestled behind 7000 acres of Arizona State Trust Land in the outskirts of Tucson . Yet, just 30 to 50 minutes from major tourist venues like: Old Tucson Studios, Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Casino Del Sol, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and many others. This hidden gem offers an intimate escape for those seeking solace in nature's embrace without trekking to far from access to modern amenities. Settle into your campsite surrounded by the enchanting saguaros and mesquite trees that paint the landscape.
🌅 Sunrise Serenity, Sunset Spectacle
Awaken to the gentle hues of the sunrise as the desert comes alive with a symphony of colors. Your private camping experience allows you to savor the tranquility of the morning, sipping a steaming cup of coffee or tea while the desert flora welcomes a new day. As the sun begins its descent, witness the breathtaking transformation of the horizon and create in harmony your own personal exclusive sunset ceremony, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold.
Get your camera ready for that Insta Pic. Oh and no worries High Speed Data Cellular Service is available from your preferred carrier.... YEP IN THE MIDDLE OF A SECLUDED PRIVATE NATURE PRESERVE YOUR PHONE WORKS!
🔥 Campfire Tales and Stargazing Delight
As the evening unfolds, gather around a your crackling campfire to share stories under the vast desert sky, lose yourself in a mesmerizing stargazing experience. With minimal light pollution, Infinity Ranch's night sky becomes a canvas of celestial wonders, inviting you to marvel at the cosmos like never before. Rated between a Class 2 Truly Dark Sky and a Class 3 Rual Dark Sky on the Bortle Scale
🚀 Tailored Adventures and Guided Exploration
Customize your camping adventure with a range of outdoor activities, from hiking through saguaro-studded trails, challenging mountain biking, small off-road ATVs allowed, birdwatching, desert survival skills, history and mining tours, nature photography and STAR GAZING. Our experienced guides are on hand to ensure you make the most of your desert expedition, providing insights into the unique flora, fauna, geological and massive mineral diversity (Fluorite, 3 Types Of Quartz and more) that call Infinity Ranch home.
🌟 Unplug and Reconnect
Escape the demands of modern life and embrace the simplicity of nature. Our private camping sites at Infinity Ranch provide you a unique private opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the desert, where each moment is a precious gift waiting to be discovered.
🌿 Book Your Private Nature Camping
Experience Today
Launch on your adventure with our exclusive private camping sites in Tucson, Arizona at Infinity Ranch. Limited 4 slots available for Tent, Primative or Self Contained Camper/RV (Up To 24 Ft) Power can be provided for an extra fee of $ 25.00 per day. Potable Water Can Be Provided for a $10 fee. Reserve your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Nature is calling – will you answer?
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$30
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100%
(9)
Hummer Homestead
4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Williams, AZ
Hummer Homestead is an Off Grid, Sustainable Glampground featuring Glamping Tents and Geodesic Domes for Stargazing and exploring Northern Arizona. We offer panoramic Mountain View’s of Bill Williams Mountain and Kaibab National Forest. We are the stargazing capital of AZ, located 20 min from Williams.
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$80
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96%
(750)
Pinnacle Farms South
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Laveen, AZ
Pinnacle Farms is a diverse orchard with over 1200 fruit trees on 7 acres nestled at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix's old agriculturally diverse Laveen area. A well kept secret, Laveen is only about 10 minutes by car to downtown restaurants and events, while having a rural feel, and the mountain preserves are within walking or biking distance.
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$45
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98%
(219)
Sun & Moon Geo Dome Retreat
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Dewey, AZ
It seems like nearly everyone who comes here says this is a peaceful place! It's like being out in the country whilst still being close enough to so many things, halfway between Sedona and Prescott, in a neighborhood with dirt roads and farm animals in which horses have the right away. The mountains are hypnotic. The air is clean. The stars are breathtaking. You can see the Milky Way on a clear night. The sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous and we see a lot of double rainbows here.
The dome is fully furnished for 4 people. Inside there's a queen bed, futon, clean linens, table w/chairs, portable a/c, electric heater; propane heater, lamps, microwave (for indoor cooking), ice maker, Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, USB & outlets for small devices (light electrical usage only), and WIFI is available. Plus a yoga mat, books, & a binder with food and sightseeing recommendations for the area.
Outside there's a picnic table, propane grill with side burner, propane firepit with comfortable seating surrounding. The clear dome windows are showing signs of aging, so the best star and sunset/sunrise viewing is outside. The outhouse building is equipped with a camping toilet, pump sink, and a camping shower (now heated!).
One towel per guest, grill utensils, cups, and plate ware provided. Bring disposables if you do not want to wash your own dishes. Most of the time guests are able to park next to the dome but sometimes, weather depending, it will be necessary to park and walk in about a hundred feet away from the dome.
Also on the property you'll find a walking path carved out through the trees behind the dome with a medicine wheel and labyrinth. The property is located in a rural neighborhood so there are other houses around, but at a far distance, with still plenty of privacy.
There are lots of animals like cardinals, hawks, owls, blue jays, roadrunners, hummingbirds, jackrabbits, cottontails, coyotes, and mule deer. Farm animals like donkeys make sounds in the distance which is pretty comical at times. There are occasional sightings of beer, wolves, and mountain lions.
The location is central to so many incredible places to explore. Within an hour each direction, there is distinctly different natural terrain to discover. Our local Mortimer Farm is 7 miles away and has a bakery (breakfast/sandwiches/treats), seasonal activities including pick your own food, farm dancing, and monthly farm to table dinners. We also have a local winery, golf course, café, pizzeria, subway and BBQ restaurant.
Here are some of the sight seeing possibilities you could use this location to launch from, just to get your mind percolating:
Grand Canyon (2.5 hours)Devil’s Bridge (Sedona) Cathedral rock (Sedona) Bell Rock (Sedona) Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona) Bumblebee Giant Saguaros (North Phoenix) Watson’s Lake (Prescott) Granite Dels (Prescott) Ghost Town Tour (Jerome) Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) Wupatki National Monument (Flagstaff) Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (Flagstaff) Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff) Antelope Canyon (Page) Lake Powell (Page) Horseshoe Bend (Page) Petrified Forest National Park (2.75 hours) Meteor Crater National Landmark (2 hours) Walnut Canyon National Monument (Flagstaff) Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well (Camp Verde) Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde) Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix) Wine Tasting (Page Springs)
It's my intention that anyone who stays here, leaves more nourished in spirit, more firmly planted in their true selves and more deeply in alignment with nature's rhythm.
Looking forward to your visit!
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$111
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Arizona
Mountainous camping in Arizona with horseback riding guide
Overview
Arizona is full of natural wonders, from the Grand Canyon to Saguaro National Park, with ample outdoor fun ranging from mountain biking to horseback riding. Much of the state is occupied by the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, but start exploring and you'll quickly discover that Arizona is more than just jackrabbits and cacti—there are lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and miles of hiking trails. It's also a great place for sleeping under the stars, and while parts of Arizona can get a bit too hot for comfort in summer, those same places offer pleasant camping weather throughout much of the year.
Where to go
Northern Arizona
While northern Arizona's best-known attraction is the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, there’s plenty more to see and do, from visiting Lake Powell on the Colorado River to backcountry tent camping among the ponderosa pines in the Coconino National Forest, Prescott National Forest, and Kaibab National Forest. Sedona, just south of Flagstaff, also makes a great base for hiking among Arizona's Red Rocks or swimming in Oak Creek Canyon’s Slide Rock State Park.
Western Arizona
Dubbed Arizona's "West Coast," this part of the state offers all sorts of outdoor activities, much of which revolve around the Colorado River. The town of Yuma near the southern border is a popular spot, featuring an old Wild West prison and serving as a good base for visiting the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Attractions further north include Lake Havasu State Park, where you can swim, camp, or even check out the 19th-century London Bridge. Further north, the massive Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round camping and easy access to two lakes.
Central Arizona
While it's easy to associate central Arizona with Phoenix sprawl, this region offers a lot for outdoorsy types, all within a short drive of the city. Popular spots for outdoors lovers include the Superstition Mountains in the Tonto National Forest, Lost Dutchman State Park, and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. If you're interested in archaeology, the Montezuma Castle National Monument is also worth a visit.
Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona is full of Wild West spirit, with a mix of historic ghost towns and scenic desert landscapes, plus plenty of forests, particularly in the Chiricahua Mountains. Must-visit parks include Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park—both just outside Tucson. If it gets too hot, make like a local and head to Patagonia Lake State Park, a prime spot to swim and cool off from the Arizona heat.
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