Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
476 reviews
Excellent
285
Very good
150
Average
31
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Debbie B
1 contribution
Apr 2022
I loved our visit. We stayed in the Eagle cabin. My only complaint with the cabin was the beds were padded but like sleeping on directly on a board. Buy a foam pad or blow up mattress. Remember to take towels, sheets, pots and pans, stove, coffee pot etc. There is a very small table in each cabin. It is very quiet at night (a plus). The camp hostess is VERY strict and aware of what is going on. All dogs are an additional charge and must be leashed at all times. Area is very clean and cabins are fairly clean (under the bed, I was looking for shoes and saw a lot of dirt and wrappers etc. from last visitors. No biggie as there was a broom in each cabin.
Each cabin are allowed 5 gallons of water per day. None of the water fountains worked (sad, for kids needing a drink. Our main issue were the beds. Beautiful area and lots of water to enjoy! We will go back.
Each cabin are allowed 5 gallons of water per day. None of the water fountains worked (sad, for kids needing a drink. Our main issue were the beds. Beautiful area and lots of water to enjoy! We will go back.
Written April 26, 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.
colesays
Colleyville, TX155 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.
TravelingBum10
United States7,745 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This state park is very large. There are lots of trails to hike, and mountain bike. They have several campground loops. All have different names. The loop we stayed in had electric and water. Each loop has bathrooms with showers and a dishwashing sink on the outside. There’s a beautiful day area with 3 lagoons you can fish or kayak in.
Written February 21, 2025
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.
Robert M
Sedona, AZ340 contributions
Sep 2019
Located about 20 miles from Sedona this state park offers a wide variety of daily activities or overnight facilities. The entrance fee is $7 per car, but annual passes are available if you are a frequent user like me. I like to walk our dog around the two lakes and he loves to bark at the ducks. Most are larger than he is! Fishing is allowed on the banks or in nonmotorized boats. The park is near numerous area attractions and lots of restaurants. There is an onsite facility that offers for a fee guided horse rides. Swimming is not allowed in the lake and there is no pool at the park. I suggest you go to Arizona State Parks WEB-site and click on Deadhorse State Park to get detailed information on cabins and trailer/tent sites. If you are planning a day or overnight trip this is a worthwhile stop for outdoor recreation.
Written January 30, 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, CA62 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.
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.
Debbie B
Green Cove Springs, FL101 contributions
Oct 2020
We camped here for 4 nights. I really don’t want to reveal this hidden gem but we’ve already booked our next stay, so I will be honest and highly recommend it. Camping areas are very well designed and maintained. We were in Cooper’s Hawk loop site 104. Sites are large with a picnic table, fire pit, natural vegetation and paved parking pad. Sites have water and electric and there is a dump station at the park entrance/exit. We had no problem backing in or getting level. The interior roads are paved, smooth, wide and easy to navigate with a big rig. There are some trees but not every site has them. No WiFi but we had good T-mobile signal. There are always workers raking and doing general cleanup. Red-Tail Hawk Loop was similar to our loop with mostly large sites. Quail Loop seemed to us to be better suited to smaller rigs since it has quite a few shorter sites and some with height restrictions due to tree branches. Length and height restrictions are listed on the booking site so choose carefully. There are also more primitive loops available. The state park is beautiful and has much to offer in terms of walking, hiking, fishing, biking, birding, and horseback riding. It’s close to many tourist attractions. It’s very popular, so book early.
Written October 25, 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.
Rebecca W
5 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
The park was lovely but the bathroom/shower building I went to contained mold to a very high extent. You can see black mold in the vent and after one minute, I could barely breath. Had to leave with no shower. A real health hazard. Experts are needed to mitigate this terrible health hazard. Spraying bleach will not fix this!!! The Yavapai County Health Dept. has no jurisdiction. If they don't fix this maybe contact the governor's office?
Written May 4, 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.
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.
AZ1912
Tucson, AZ357 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.
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
Written October 6, 2019
Since you paid for a cabin, you don't have to pay the daily park fee.
Written October 7, 2019
How is the canoeing/kayaking here for beginners with kids?
Written March 23, 2018
can you receive parcels by mail at dead horse rance campground if not where can you send parcel to pick up from the campground
Written February 11, 2018
I have no idea, but I would take the advice and call the gate house.
Written February 19, 2018
Connie D
Chandler, Arizona
Traveling through and wondering if I can fill up my 31' RV with water here? Not staying overnight.
Written June 29, 2017
I believe you can but would call to be sure! Awesome place to picnic too. Don't forget the exit gift shop. Cute stuff!
Written June 29, 2017
Is there anywhere for my kids to actually get in/play in the water there?
Written June 25, 2017
Yes, there are plenty of places where your kids can play in the water because the Verde River goes through Dead Horse Park and Cottonwood in general...
Written June 27, 2017
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!
Written November 8, 2016
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.
Written November 8, 2016
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.
Written September 29, 2016
Ate there any outfitters providing canoeing, paddle boarding or rafting?
Written July 25, 2016
ArizonaStateParks
Phoenix, Arizona
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!
Written July 25, 2016
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