Strayhorse Campground
02 reviewsStrayhorse Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping at Strayhorse Campground is free.
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About this campground
Escape to the wilderness at Strayhorse Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and stately Gambel oaks create a natural cathedral in the forest. This primitive camping haven sits just six miles below the dramatic Mogollon Rim, where cool mountain breezes whisper through the branches and dappled sunlight filters through the canopy. Adventure awaits at your tent flap, with scenic hiking trails and horseback riding paths winding through the surrounding wilderness, inviting you to explore Arizona's high country at its finest.
Strayhorse Campground is a primitive camping site with no fees and minimal facilities. It caters primarily to tent camping and horseback riders due to the presence of horse corrals.
Weather and SeasonsAt this mountain retreat, nature puts on a spectacular show throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with crystalline mornings giving way to crisp, sunny afternoons. Summer brings blessed relief from desert heat, with mild days perfect for outdoor adventures and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. The mountain weather can change on a whim, creating dramatic skies and keeping every day interesting. Those magical weeks of clear, dry conditions reveal why seasoned campers return here year after year.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,780 feet above sea level, Strayhorse Campground offers a refreshing alpine experience that feels worlds away from the desert below. This lofty elevation brings crisp, clean air and temperatures that can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the valleys, making it a perfect summer escape. From various vantage points, sweeping views unfold across the forested landscape, reminding visitors why Arizona's high country is such a treasured destination.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where massive ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. Graceful Gambel oaks add splashes of vibrant green in summer and golden glory in fall, creating a rich tapestry of color and texture. The nearby Mogollon Rim looms as a dramatic backdrop, its ancient cliffs marking the edge of the Colorado Plateau and offering glimpses of geological time. This dense woodland sanctuary provides habitat for elk, deer, and countless bird species, making every morning a wildlife watching opportunity.
Geological RegionStrayhorse Campground occupies a fascinating position in Arizona's geological story, nestled in the transition zone just below the mighty Mogollon Rim. This spectacular escarpment marks where the Colorado Plateau dramatically drops away, creating a unique ecosystem where ponderosa pine forests thrive in the rich volcanic soils. The area's complex geology has shaped not just the landscape but the very character of the forest, with ancient lava flows and sedimentary layers creating the perfect conditions for the majestic trees that define this high-elevation wonderland.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information provided about specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeNo details on the size of campsites were available.
Sites PrivacyNo information on the level of privacy provided at campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Details about group sites, including capacity, are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive campground with picnic tables, grills, and horse corrals.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open year-round subject to weather conditions.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as there is no reservation system.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a mix of outdoor recreational activities suitable for individual or group outings. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, day hiking, and horseback riding and camping. User reviews highlight opportunities for wildlife viewing, with one camper noting the sighting of bears nearby.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, though specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
User review by Diane Erickson mentions sighting bears nearby and advises campers to seal up food, indicating wildlife interactions.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing were discussed.Water Sports
No information on water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding was provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards including bears. Users noted bear sightings and emphasized sealing food securely.
Active alertsWater is shut off and trash disposal services are not available.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Alpine, including potential medical and police facilities.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available, but there are currently no trash disposal services as noted in the authoritative snapshot of current conditions.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and trash disposal facilities.
Campground Map
Driving directionsLocated 26 miles south of Alpine on US 191.
Campground is accessible via paved US 191, 26 miles south of Alpine. Seasonal snow may impact access.Nearby places
Alpine - 26 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies likely available in Alpine, 26 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Strayhorse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Strayhorse Campground as a primitive yet highly scenic destination in Arizona, emphasizing its wilderness setting and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Positive sentiments revolve around its beauty and rugged appeal.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the campground's rustic charm and the scenic beauty of the surrounding wilderness. One reviewer noted it as 'Some of the prettiest country in Arizona.' Another mentioned the clean...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users might find the lack of potable water and limited phone service challenging. Additionally, current conditions report no trash disposal services.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend sealing up food to avoid wildlife encounters, as bears have been sighted nearby.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No season-specific trends were identified in user reviews or official sources.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Some of the prettiest country in Arizona. It's the wilderness, not much phone service so unplug and enjoy!' - Terrie
2. 'Great for a primitive campground. Clean outhouse. Sighted bears nearby.' -...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews were specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025