Dead Horse Ranch State Park

How does a campground effortlessly balance modern comfort with the untamed spirit of Arizona's high desert? Dead Horse Ranch State Park, located in Cottonwood and adjacent to the Verde River, achieves just that. Offering more than 100 campsites across four loops, eight rustic cabins, and ADA-accessible facilities, this campground caters to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and "glampers" alike. Each campsite is equipped with essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean restrooms with hot showers.

Set at a temperate 3,300-foot elevation, the campground provides ideal conditions for exploring surrounding attractions. Guests can enjoy fishing at the serene lagoons, hiking and biking along scenic trails, and horseback riding through the Verde Valley’s riparian landscapes. For day trips, the campground is an excellent base for visiting Tuzigoot National Monument (less than 10 minutes away), the historic towns of Jerome (10 miles) and Sedona (20 miles), as well as nearby state parks like Slide Rock and Montezuma Castle.

Perfect for weekend getaways or extended vacations, Dead Horse Ranch offers a blend of accessibility to natural wonders and proximity to Cottonwood's dining and shopping conveniences. Whether seeking solitude in the mesquite bosque near the cabins or exploring the lush Verde River Greenway, this campground delivers an authentic Arizona outdoor experience.