Dead Horse Ranch State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Although the name implies otherwise, Dead Horse Ranch is actually teeming with life. Its spot along the Verde River means there is water and everything needed to sustain a living for lots of wildlife and plant life. It was a working ranch for many years but is now a park with camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and bird watching.
Dead Horse Ranch has milder weather than a lot of Arizona - it can get up to 100 degrees in the summer but is cooler than Phoenix and many other areas. The coldest lows in winter are just below freezing.
Spring 69-86 F
Summer 97-100 F
Fall 68-91 F
Winter 59-64 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Dead Horse Ranch State Park
There is RV camping available at the park, with modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers, and dump stations available. The campground has electric and water hookups. If you decide to RV camp, you can rent one from RVshare.com, where you’ll find a variety of options - one is sure to be perfect for you and your family. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you with your RV trip. You can rent an RV near your home and head to the park on a road trip, or if you’d prefer, you can fly nearer to your destination and rent an RV there. Along with camping right inside the park, you can try one of these nearby campgrounds.
Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort
Located right on the Verde River, the 300-acre park is surrounded by mountains and rock formations all around.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, mini golf, playground
Rio Verde RV Park
Also along the Verde River, this campground has access to easy hiking trails and beautiful scenery.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry, showers, river access, hiking trails
What to Do at
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Inside Dead Horse Ranch State Park
There is plenty to do in and around the park! Kids can get a Boating Safety Coloring Book, and earn a Junior Ranger Badge for completing certain activities. They just need to check in at the Visitor Center and get their booklet to get started.
There is also plenty for adults to do, including:
Hiking: Trails run all through the park, with a mix of forested trails and those through swamps, washes, and other ecological areas where you can see the plants that thrive in the ecosystem by the river.
Boating: The Los Alamos Day Use Area has two fishing lagoons with boat launches, a dock, and a fish cleaning station.
Outside Dead Horse Ranch State Park
There are lots of other state parks in the area to visit as well - whether you’re interested in the history of the area, or the nature that surrounds you, you’ll find some unique places for day trips.
Restaurants
There are plenty of places to eat around the park. Try a quirky burger or other tasty food from the area.
The Haunted Hamburger
Enjoy a delicious burger in a restaurant that may - or may not - be haunted. You decide.
Type: Burgers
Location: Jerome, AZ
Moscato Italian Restaurant
Just down the street from the Town Hall sits Moscato’s. Have a plate piled with pasta, or one of their delicious seafood dishes.
Type: Italian
Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Babe’s Roundup
At Babe’s Roundup Restaurant, they offer all manner of barbequed goods - from beef brisket to pulled pork to ribs slathered in sauce.
Type: Barbeque
Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Shopping
Traders Corner
This antique store sells vintage wares from all over, but specializes in Southwest finds. Browse for a gift for a friend...or a treat for yourself!
Location: Camp Verde
Sightseeing
Fort Verde State Historic Park
The fort was a staging base for military operations in the surrounding areas. Every year, Fort Verde Days gives visitors a chance to experience life at the fort in the 1890s. Year-round, visitors can see the museum, with artifacts and interpretive exhibits, focused on the Indian Wars history and on those who lived at the Fort.
Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Watch Bengal tigers splashing in a pool, tag along on a Predator Feed and see lions devour their dinner, or participate in a live animal encounter with furry, feathered, or scaly animal friends.
Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Gold King Mine Ghost Town
The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is the site of a 1,270-foot mine shaft dug to search for copper. Instead, the miners found gold. Today, you can see vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles on the site, as well as mining equipment, historic buildings, and a Stamp Mill used for crushing the ore. Kids can pan for gold, or visit the petting zoo.
Location: Jerome, AZ
How to Get to
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
From Kingman, follow I-17 S. Take exit 293 toward Mcquireville/Montezuma Well. Turn left onto County Rd. 30/County Rd. 77. Continue onto E. Mingus Ave. Turn right onto N. Main St, then right onto N. 10th St. Make a slight right toward Dead Horse Ranch Rd. and follow signs into the park.
Entering Dead Horse Ranch State Park
There is an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle.
Visiting Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a wonderful way to make memories with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying nature and bird watching, or learning about the history of the area at an abandoned mining town, you’re sure to come away with new knowledge and experiences! While you’re on your trip, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or send us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Horse Ranch State Park
The best times to visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park are from mid-September through early December and from mid-March through mid-June. The temperature during those times is a lovely 64–66 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, in Cottonwood, Arizona, has rainy summers and winters and mild springs and falls. Summer highs are 85 to 95 degrees. Winter temperatures range from the low 20s at night to the high 60s by day.
Pets are welcome at the park, but you must clean up after them. Pets must be leashed, and you may never leave them unattended. Pets are not permitted in park buildings.
Dead Horse Ranch State park is very accessible to disabled visitors. Everything from fishing docks and ramadas to cabins, trails, and raised tent platforms is wheelchair accessible. There is even a hiking trail for people who are sensitive to chemicals.
More than 100 large RV sites are available. Most sites accommodate 40-foot motor homes and truck trailer rigs up to 65 feet long. The RV sites include potable water and 30/50 amp service. Generators are prohibited.