Arizona State Parks:
Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park covers some 423 acres along the Verde River Greenway at the edge of Cottonwood. The Cottonwood/Willow riparian gallery forest here is very unique, one of less than 20 such forests in the world. This is a place where you can hike or canoe along the Verde River in different seasons and see the changing of the species of migrant and resident songbirds, raptors, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and fish.

The State Park offers a 22-site campground (most sites can accommodate 2 camping units), individual grills and picnic tables, modern restrooms and showers, a large ramada, and a large, group fire ring. There are 2 picnic areas with ramadas, family-size grills and picnic tables available in the River Day Use Area. There is another ramada and fire ring available in the Mesquite Day Use Area. In addition to the camping, canoeing, fishing and picnicking, there are numerous hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails leading out of Dead Horse Ranch State Park into the Coconino National Forest.

The usual rules and regs apply, but add:

• If you aren't in your campsite, make it look occupied.
• Bring your own firewood, don't be collecting any here.
• If you're going to stay longer, register with the ranger before 11 AM. And check out with the Ranger when you leave.
• Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
• Don't use your generator if electric is available.
• Contain your grey water.
• No washing of any vehicle in the park.
• No swimming or boating in the west lagoon.
• No bows, arrows, slingshots, airguns, or loaded firearms allowed.