The Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located in Cottonwood, Arizona. This state park is less than two miles from Old Town in Cottonwood. The Dead Horse Ranch was once a working ranch before it became a popular destination for fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. This historic site also has backcountry hiking trails (maps provided by the Chamber of Commerce) as well as full handicap accessibility, including designated parking spaces for guests with disabilities.
The park is located on the Verde River and has a boat ramp that is open seasonally. If you are looking to swim or fish, Dead Horse Ranch State Park has you covered. The swimming area is open seasonally, and the fishing area is open year-round!
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is home to a beautiful campground that’s open year-round. The park has several campsites available for a fee and many more that are free for you to use on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also an RV and trailer parking area as well as picnic areas if you’d rather set up your own little getaway from home.
Camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
If you’re looking for a place where you can bring your RV or trailer and set up camp, then this destination is sure to please! The park has accommodations for both tent camping and RVs/trailers in designated areas within the park. If you’re not familiar with camping terminology (or just want more information), check out our Beginner’s Guide To Camping article here: https://www.travelbloggersunite.com/beginners-guide-to-camping/. And don’t forget—there are plenty of places where dogs are allowed too!
Picnicking at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
If all this talk about “camping” has been getting under your skin (no pun intended), then maybe plan instead on eating outside while listening to nature through headphones? If so, then Dead Horse Ranch State Park might be just what the doctor ordered! Several picnic areas offer tables near scenic views which means no one needs food poisoning when they’re having fun outdoors with family or friends… unless that’s what brings them joy anyway 🙂
If you’re interested in hiking, the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce has maps available. These trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and they can be found on the website as well. The trails are open year-round and accessible to all abilities of hikers.
At Dead Horse Ranch, you can enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing.
The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including beavers, bobcats, and coyotes. You will also find owls, hawks, eagles, and more birds in the area. The ranch has diverse plant life, including cottonwood trees which provide shade during hot summer days. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring and summer months when they bloom in colorful bursts across the ranch’s grasslands.
The Dead Horse Ranch State Park also offers a group picnic ramada available for organized functions. This facility can be rented by the hour and is available for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, and other events. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce at (928) 634-5637 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by emailing [email protected]
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located less than two miles from Old Town in Cottonwood, Arizona. This state park has earned a reputation as a favorite fishing hole and bird lover’s paradise.
There is no cost to visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you go:
We recommend that you stop by Dead Horse Ranch State Park the next time you’re visiting Old Town in Cottonwood, Arizona. The park has so much to offer for all types of visitors, including campsites and picnic ramadas for those who like to rough it. If you’re looking for a more civilized stay, then we suggest booking a cabin or suite at one of the many lodges near this state landmark. Visit Cottonwood online at https://www.visitcottonwoodaz.org/
