Little Elden Springs Horsecamp

Star4.17
41 reviews
COCONINO
Little Elden Springs Horsecamp
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for RV Nonelectric sites is $34 during peak season (May 2 – October 12, 2025). Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or additional...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$34.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$34.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider

About this campground

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Little Elden Springs Horse Camp, where the romance of the Old West meets modern equestrian camping in the heart of Coconino National Forest. This hidden gem caters exclusively to horse enthusiasts, offering more than 30 miles of scenic trails that wind through Arizona's stunning high country. With thoughtfully designed hitching posts at every campsite and a peaceful atmosphere that both riders and their equine companions will appreciate, this specialized campground serves as your gateway to exploring the forest on horseback while enjoying the tranquility of nature far from the crowds.
Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is exclusively for equestrian campers and caters specifically to their needs. It features pull-through sites designed for easy access by vehicles with horse trailers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect riding weather that makes Little Elden Springs a year-round destination for equestrians. Summer days bring comfortable temperatures in the 60s to 80s, ideal for long trail rides without the scorching heat of lower elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and bringing the fresh scent of rain-washed pines. The predominantly dry climate means more days in the saddle and fewer weather delays, while moderate temperatures throughout the season ensure both horse and rider stay comfortable during their wilderness adventures.
ElevationPerched at a refreshing elevation in Arizona's high country, Little Elden Springs offers a cool mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clear.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a landscape that seems painted just for you, where towering ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows across your campsite and stately gambel oaks rustle in the mountain breeze. The majestic San Francisco Peaks dominate the horizon, their 12,000-foot summits serving as a stunning backdrop for every ride. As you explore the trails, you'll share the forest with its native residents – graceful mule deer that bound through the meadows at dawn and magnificent elk whose haunting bugles echo through the valleys during autumn evenings. This pristine wilderness setting offers the kind of natural beauty that makes every sunrise worth witnessing from the saddle.
Geological RegionNestled at the base of Mount Elden within the expansive Coconino National Forest, Little Elden Springs occupies a privileged position in one of Arizona's most geologically fascinating regions. The campground sits in a lush transition zone where ponderosa pine forests blend seamlessly with groves of gamble oak, creating a diverse ecosystem that changes with every turn of the trail. From this strategic location, riders enjoy commanding views of the volcanic San Francisco Peaks while exploring the varied terrain that makes this corner of the Colorado Plateau a geological wonderland of ancient lava flows, limestone formations, and volcanic cinder cones.
Advertisement

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe restroom is accessible, but there are no accessible campsites. Two hitching posts per site are designed for equestrian use.
Sites SizeLarge, level sites suitable for combined truck and trailer lengths up to 35 ft.
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy with some shade provided by pine trees.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews recommend selecting campsites near water spigots for easier access to clean water.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 nights during a single visit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 2, 2025, and closes for reservations on October 12, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Additionally, a late cancellation (less than one calendar day before arrival) incurs a penalty of losing the first night's fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of recreational activities with a focus on horseback riding. It provides access to over 30 miles of multi-use trails within the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System, suitable for all levels of riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Wildlife viewing, including spotting mule deer and elk, is also a popular activity.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground, with over 30 miles of multi-use trails available. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels and scenic views, especially in the fall when the foliage turns golden.
Biking
The Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System allows mountain biking, providing over 30 miles of trails with varying terrain and difficulty levels.
Wildlife viewing
The area is home to mule deer and elk, making it ideal for wildlife watching. The forest setting enhances the chances of spotting these animals.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the area may be less accessible due to seasonal closures.
Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.
Advertisement

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campers are advised not to move firewood to prevent tree-killing pests. Firewood is sold at the site for $10 per bundle.

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife sightings such as mountain lions and bears may occur. Campers are advised to report such sightings to the camp host.

Weather forecast

41
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 73%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 4.1 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services details are unavailable.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 2 - October 12, 2025 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available at the site, and campers are responsible for manure disposal. Some issues with lid accessibility on the bins have been reported.
Common complaintsSome users noted that water access was limited and certain water troughs were unclean. Complaints about the camp host's behavior vary across reviews.
HostCamp hosts have been described as helpful and friendly in general, with some negative feedback about specific hosts.

Campground Map

COCONINO
Driving directionsFrom I-40 near Flagstaff, Arizona, take exit 201, and turn left to the Page exit (Highway 89). Proceed north on Highway 89 for 6 miles to Forest Road 556 (Elden Springs Road). Turn left, proceed for 1.5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from I-40 and Highway 89. The road leading into the site, Elden Springs Road (Forest Road 556), is 1.5 miles long. The accessibility should be considered easy for vehicles pulling horse trailers.
Nearby places
Flagstaff, AZ is the closest city, approximately 6 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Closest supply details are unavailable.

Camper Reviews

4.2
41 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Little Elden Springs Horsecamp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground as a niche destination for equestrian campers, with its well-maintained trails and horse-friendly facilities. Many appreciate the camp's cleanliness and the helpfulness of the camp hosts, although some concerns were raised about specific hosts' attitudes and certain maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews note the campground's spacious pull-through sites, proximity to trails, and clean facilities. The camp hosts often receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Wildlife viewing...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the behavior of certain camp hosts, issues with water access, the absence of corrals, and challenges with accessing waste disposal bins. Some users reported conflicts with...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own water troughs for horses due to algae issues in the communal trough, following specific directions to avoid getting lost, and arriving early to secure sites near...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is particularly pleasant in the summer and early fall due to mild weather and scenic foliage. However, spring can bring boggy conditions on certain trails due to...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "A lovely horse camp with all pull-through sites, lots of pines, hitching posts, high lines, water hydrants and a super clean vault toilet." (Kalen Dumke Voogt) 2. "Wonderful camp hosts, camp...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 015, Loop LITT: Issues with water access and algae in troughs noted. Site 013, Loop LITT: Level site but reported issues with mountain bikers. Site 008, Loop LITT: Great trails but fire...
Show more
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available, though vault toilets are noted as accessible.
Based on 41 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds
Coconino National Forest Recreation
Little Elden Springs Horsecamp