Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
A scenic park that belies its ominous name and is best known for bird watching, camping, canoeing, hiking and horseback riding. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. It is centrally located near several major population centers such as Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Prescott. When using Dead Horse Ranch as a base, one has a variety of attractions to visit, including: Jerome State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle and Well National Monuments, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and the popular towns of Sedona and Jerome.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
473 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
149
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Rhensrude
96 contributions
Jun 2020 ⢠Couples
This is our second night staying in our trailer at this park. A bunch of yahoos moved in on Friday night and are still being noisy at this hour at 10:37 pm. Do I get out of bed and try to find the campground host? I will complain in the morning.
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne A
St. Petersburg, FL25 contributions
Dec 2019
This park has horseback trail-riding available, several lakes to walk around on level ground with benches to sit and view the scenery. There is an admission fee to get in. There are campsites. There were some people fishing. We found it a bit confusing to find the lake, trail, and horse rental area, kept ending up at the camping areas (maybe I just canât read maps lol).
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alanalrado
Cottonwood, AZ10 contributions
Jul 2020
Beautiful scenery with mountains in the back drop. This place is amazing! We always get an annual pass & frequent this park on a regular basis. Watch eagles nest & fly over the lagoons for food. Fish the lagoons or just hike the many trails through a diverse wildlife. Camping sites are also available.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmccaghy
Lakeville, MN4 contributions
Mar 2020 ⢠Couples
We have visited this park 3 or 4 times now on our trips to AZ and have always found it a pleasant place to spend a few hours. There is nothing particularly spectacular about the scenery but it is enjoyable to stroll around the three man made âlagoonsâ watching the people fishing and the abundant waterfowl. You can also leave the main walkways and find ways to get down to the Verde River and see the gentle rapids. There are campsites and cabins available for rent but reservations should probably be made in advance as they seem to be very popular.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AZTravelersII
Cottonwood, AZ320 contributions
Oct 2020
If you need a quick outing or an overnight adventure, this is your place! We have gone for walks around the lagoon, hikes, bike rides, picnics, birthday parties, etc... We have never stayed overnight, but I've heard it is a super fun experience. We live so close by - but maybe we should try it!
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbug60750
San Diego, CA58 contributions
Apr 2022
Offers an easy three (?) mile stroll around three small lakes where birds and fish abound. This was the only area we explored. There are opportunities to ride and camping is permitted. Appears to be ideal for families and people of all ages . Day use fee of $7, but we thought it worth it for just a couple of hours to walk and take photographs. We loved it so much that we visited three times in our week stay.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AZ1912
Tucson, AZ367 contributions
Apr 2021
400 acre developed park area near town, with many shade trees and ramadas. There are three good-sized lakes to walk around, with fishing and oar and rowboats, but no swimming or powerboats. There are campsites spread out in the park. Very nice.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMG80750
Chicago, IL9 contributions
Jun 2021
We live here in Cornville and when my granddaughters came to visit from Chicago, they wanted to go horseback riding. I heard so many positive comments from people about Dead Horse State Park Trail Rides. The staff was very attentive to my 8yr old granddaughter making sure she had a very gentle horse. The trail ride was amazing. Bill was our guide and make the ride informative and fun! The horses were in phenomenal shape, well-groomed and very sweet. I will definitely do it again.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colesays
Colleyville, TX125 contributions
Nov 2023 ⢠Family
Great campground. Lots of trails, both around the lagoons, along the river, and up the mountains. The town of Cottonwood is very close by for restocking needs.
We reserved four of the cabins at the end of the cabin cul-de-sac and really enjoyed our time. Dead Horse Ranch is driving distance to Sedona, Jerome, and Camp Verde. I'd read some negative comments before arriving about the park host, but aside from check in, we had zero interaction with any campground employees. The campground was not crowded at all.
The cabins each have a double bed, a bunk bed (two twins), a table with four chairs, wall unit heating/AC, a ceiling fan and light, indoor electrical outlet, porch light, outdoor picnic table, standing grill, and fire pit. There is a mat outside the door and a broom/dustpan. I can't speak for the AC, but the heater is loud but effective!
Minus one star because the mattresses are HORRIBLE. I read a few reviews that said they were hard, but we've stayed in cabins in multiple other state parks that were fine and I figured honestly, how bad could it be? You guys, I'm not even sure you could call these things mattresses. I spent the first night trying to decide if I would be more comfortable straight on the hard floor since at least I wouldn't have springs digging into my body. The second night I laid out multiple layers of towels and it was a bit better but for real, these are BAD. There is ZERO padding. It is just vinyl wrapped around springs. I recommend bringing thick camping mats or blow up mattresses to put on top of the bed. The park really needs to replace these.
The shower is also pretty rough. There is no temperature control and it's an automatic shut off so you have to keep hitting the button every 30 seconds. When it's 30 degrees outside, a luke warm shower still feels freezing. I took one the first day and then decided to just forgo showering the rest of our trip.
An additional note: there is both a grill and a firepit, but there is not a grate on the firepit for cooking. I am used to Texas campgrounds where half the firepit is a grate, and we did not come prepared with charcoal for the grill. I prefer to cook over the fire, so this was a downside for us.
Overall, a fun trip. BYOmattress and you'll love your time in the cabins!
We reserved four of the cabins at the end of the cabin cul-de-sac and really enjoyed our time. Dead Horse Ranch is driving distance to Sedona, Jerome, and Camp Verde. I'd read some negative comments before arriving about the park host, but aside from check in, we had zero interaction with any campground employees. The campground was not crowded at all.
The cabins each have a double bed, a bunk bed (two twins), a table with four chairs, wall unit heating/AC, a ceiling fan and light, indoor electrical outlet, porch light, outdoor picnic table, standing grill, and fire pit. There is a mat outside the door and a broom/dustpan. I can't speak for the AC, but the heater is loud but effective!
Minus one star because the mattresses are HORRIBLE. I read a few reviews that said they were hard, but we've stayed in cabins in multiple other state parks that were fine and I figured honestly, how bad could it be? You guys, I'm not even sure you could call these things mattresses. I spent the first night trying to decide if I would be more comfortable straight on the hard floor since at least I wouldn't have springs digging into my body. The second night I laid out multiple layers of towels and it was a bit better but for real, these are BAD. There is ZERO padding. It is just vinyl wrapped around springs. I recommend bringing thick camping mats or blow up mattresses to put on top of the bed. The park really needs to replace these.
The shower is also pretty rough. There is no temperature control and it's an automatic shut off so you have to keep hitting the button every 30 seconds. When it's 30 degrees outside, a luke warm shower still feels freezing. I took one the first day and then decided to just forgo showering the rest of our trip.
An additional note: there is both a grill and a firepit, but there is not a grate on the firepit for cooking. I am used to Texas campgrounds where half the firepit is a grate, and we did not come prepared with charcoal for the grill. I prefer to cook over the fire, so this was a downside for us.
Overall, a fun trip. BYOmattress and you'll love your time in the cabins!
Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iryshe
Washington DC, DC673 contributions
Oct 2021 ⢠Friends
Just had a family reunion with about 25 people and we used several cabins at Dead Horse as our base camp for excursions to Sedona, Jerome, and Fort Verde. A good location that allows camp fires in official firepits. The restrooms/showers are spartan but clean and the "mattresses" are hard but a $10 air mattress pairs well with them!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! I reserved a cabin for a Friday evening overnight. Does the fee include the daily park entry fee or will I be paying that in addition at entrance? Thanks! - Lisa
ssorensen01
Phoenix, AZ4 contributions
Since you paid for a cabin, you don't have to pay the daily park fee.
3littlebearsmom
Flagstaff, AZ45 contributions
How is the canoeing/kayaking here for beginners with kids?
Marilyn C
Cottonwood, AZ27 contributions
Terrific
loriecollingwood
Shellbrook, Canada3 contributions
can you receive parcels by mail at dead horse rance campground if not where can you send parcel to pick up from the campground
Russell T
Queensbury, NY38 contributions
I have no idea, but I would take the advice and call the gate house.
We have children aged 4, 6 and 9 years old. Will they be able to do any horseback riding there? What are the rates? Thank you!
deannabtraveling
Glendale, AZ358 contributions
They have a private company within the park,Trailhorse Adventures, that pony rides and trail rides ranging from 1hr to a day long adventure. One of the trails states fun for all ages, however, I don't think the little ones would be permitted to ride solo. Prices range from $65 to $220 +tax. Weight limit 260lbs.
Stephen F
1 contribution
Is there wifi available?
DnL_Adventures
Tupelo, MS96 contributions
WHen we stayed last spring, I think our AT & T hot spot worked fairly well, if I remember correctly. But I do think that our cell phones (nd perhaps our Mi-Fi unit) may have had some difficulty. We did not go to the Visitor Center, so cannot help in regards to this question.
kathybay
1 contribution
Ate there any outfitters providing canoeing, paddle boarding or rafting?
ArizonaStateParks
Phoenix, AZ
Hi Kathybay, we have concessionaires who rent out canoes and paddle boards. You can call the park directly at (928) 537-3680 for specific pricing of each rental. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
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Claim your listingDead Horse Ranch State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- Hotels near Dead Horse Ranch State Park:
- (0.45 mi) The Tavern Hotel
- (0.40 mi) The Iron Horse Inn
- (0.41 mi) Cottonwood Hotel
- (0.30 mi) Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground
- (0.28 mi) Charming Vintage Cottage -Walking Distance to Old Town Cottonwood!
- Restaurants near Dead Horse Ranch State Park:
- (0.40 mi) Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar
- (0.40 mi) Pizzeria Bocce
- (0.40 mi) Nic's Italian Steak & Crab House
- (0.41 mi) Old Town Red Rooster Cafe
- (0.39 mi) Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria
- Attractions near Dead Horse Ranch State Park:
- (0.00 mi) Trail Horse Adventures
- (0.40 mi) Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders
- (0.40 mi) Sedona Adventure Tours
- (0.38 mi) Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Tasting Room
- (0.40 mi) Historic Old Town Cottonwood
Dead Horse Ranch State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 283 |
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Very Good Reviews | 149 |
Dead Horse Ranch State Park Photos | 213 |