Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is a haven for those who love horses and the great outdoors. Situated in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, this campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for horseback riding and hiking. With its equestrian-friendly facilities and stunning surroundings, Little Elden Springs Horse Camp promises an unforgettable experience for horse enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Designed for Equestrian Comfort
This campground was thoughtfully created with the needs of equestrian campers in mind. All 15 campsites provide easy access for vehicles pulling horse trailers, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure for visitors. Each site is equipped with hitching posts and plenty of space for horse trailers, allowing riders to comfortably settle in with their horses.
The camp’s location at the base of Mount Elden, in a lush forest of ponderosa pines and gambel oaks, offers a serene and shaded environment ideal for relaxation and exploration. The well-maintained facilities and convenient layout make Little Elden Springs Horse Camp a top choice for those traveling with horses.
A Gateway to Over 30 Miles of Scenic Trails
Little Elden Springs Horse Camp provides direct access to the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System, a network of over 30 miles of trails perfect for both novice and experienced riders. The horse camp access trail connects to the Little Elden Trail, which offers a variety of loops and trail pursuits through diverse terrain.
For those seeking a more challenging ride, the Deer Hill Trail begins at the rear of the campground and heads north for 4.5 miles, offering breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks. This trail is particularly stunning in the fall, when the aspens transform from lush green to vibrant gold, creating a picturesque backdrop for any ride.
Additionally, riders can explore the Kachina Peaks Wilderness via the Weatherford Trail near Schultz Tank, located just up the road from the camp. The diverse trail options ensure that every ride is a new adventure, with opportunities to experience the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Immersed in Natural Beauty
Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is not just a destination for horseback riding; it's a place to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Arizona's high country. The campground's location in the Coconino National Forest offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from deer and elk to a variety of bird species. The combination of towering pines, gambel oaks, and scenic mountain vistas creates a tranquil and inspiring setting for campers.
With its proximity to some of Arizona's most stunning landscapes, including the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden, Little Elden Springs Horse Camp serves as a gateway to explore the natural wonders of the region. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through shaded forests or a more adventurous trek up mountain trails, this campsite offers it all.
Plan Your Equestrian Adventure at Little Elden Springs Horse Camp
For those seeking an equestrian escape in a breathtaking location, Little Elden Springs Horse Camp in Arizona provides the perfect blend of horse-friendly facilities, stunning scenery, and miles of trails to explore. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, enjoy a peaceful ride, or challenge yourself on rugged mountain trails, this campground offers the ideal base for your adventure. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Coconino National Forest at Little Elden Springs Horse Camp – where every trail leads to a new discovery.
Directions:
Turns east on E Ski Hill Rd for 3.5 miles when in Driggs. Continue on Alta Rd/Targhee Rd for 2 miles. Turn right at Teton Canyon Rd for 4.7 miles. Turn right to stay on the Teton Canyon Rd 0.2 miles. Your destination will be on the right.
Location: 5 miles northeast of Flagstaff on the edge of Elden Mountain. The elevation is 7200 feet.
Access: Drive 5 miles northeast of Flagstaff on US 89. Turn west (left) on FR 556 and drive 2 miles to FR 556A. Turn north (right) and continue to the campground. (see Bonito Campground map for a better idea of how to get there)
Facilities and Amenities at Little Elden Spring Horse Camp
- Equestrian trails
- 15 pull-through campsites
- Tent camping
- Camping trailer
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Parking
- 4 faucets for buckets
- horse water trough
- Hitching rails
- Dumpster
This campground is designated ONLY for people with horses. Visitors must clean up their hay, feed, and horse manure before departing.
Cost Details:
- Campsite: $30 per night. All 15 sites are reservations only.
- Extra vehicle: $10 per night.
- Picnic/day use: $8 up to 5 people, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Notes:
- This campground is designated for equestrian campers only
- Check-in time is 2 p.m.; Check-out time is 11 a.m.
- Tents are allowed on the sites
- All manure must be cleaned from the site before departure; trash receptacles can be used for manure disposal
- 14-day stay limit.
- All vehicles must be kept on constructed roads or spurs.
- Gray water and sewage from holdings must be transported to a dump station off Forest lands.
- Two vehicles per campsite. A fee of $10 per night will be collected at the campground for the second vehicle. Discount cards are not accepted for second vehicle fees.
- Larger sites can accommodate a combined truck and trailer length of up to 40 ft.
- Gray water and sewage from holdings must be transported to a dump station off national forest lands
- No amplified music or public address systems are allowed
- This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or online at Recreation.gov
- Concessionaire - Contact ExplorUS: 928-774-9671 or the Flagstaff Ranger District: 928-526-0866
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Walnut Canyon National Monument - Arizona Trail: Walnut Canyon Rim
Coconino National Forest - Sandy Seep to Little Elden Spring
Coconino National Forest - Old Caves Crater Trail
Coconino National Forest - Deer Hill Trail
Little Elden Spring Horse Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Little Elden Spring Horse Camp for more information.