Little Elden Spring Horse Camp

Area Status: Temporarily Closed

This campground is designated only for people with horses.

Little Elden Spring Trailhead View: View of snow covered Peaks and yellow aspen near Little Elden Spring Trailhead. Taken October 2009 by Patty Ringle.

Little Elden Spring Horse Camp is a campground that was created for those who love horses and enjoy riding in a beautiful landscape. This camp has been designed for the particular needs of equestrian campers in mind. All 15 campsites allow easy access for vehicles pulling horse trailers and are equipped with horse-friendly accommodations. It is located near the base of Mount Elden in a lush ponderosa pine and gambel oak forest. You can access the Kachina Peaks Wilderness at the Weatherford Trail near Schultz Tank just up the road.

The Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Trail System is also accessible right from camp, and is comprised of over 30 miles of trails. The horse camp access trail connects to the Little Elden Trail, which provides a variety of loops and trail pursuits. Deer Hill Trail, which is at the rear of the campground, heads due north for 4.5 miles. This trail offers amazing views of the San Francisco Peaks, especially during the changing of the leaves in the fall when the aspens turn from green to gold.

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Camping: Little Elden Springs Horse Camp

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Closed until Spring 2025
Reservations:	This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at Recreation.gov
Area Amenities:	Camping trailer: Truck plus trail overall length up to 40 feet. Picnic tables: Camp sites have picnic tables and hitching rails. Tent camping: Campground is only for people with horses. Parking: 15 pull-through camp sites. Toilets: The campground has restrooms and trash dumpsters. Drinking water: Drinking water is available for people and horses.
Fees:	Campsite: $30 per night. All 15 sites are reservation only. Extra vehicle: $10 per night. Picnic/day use: $8 up to 5 people, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	This campground is designated ONLY for people with horses. Visitors must clean up their hay, feed, and horse manure before departing.
Closest Towns:	Flagstaff, AZ
Water:	Drinking water, 4 faucets for buckets, and horse water trough
Restroom:	Compost Toilet
Operated By:	Concessionaire - Contact ExplorUS: 928-774-9671 or the Flagstaff Ranger District: 928-526-0866

General Information

Directions:

Location: 5 miles northeast of Flagstaff on the edge of Elden Mountain. Elevation is 7200 feet.

GPS (Map): 35°16'45.2"N 111°34'44.0"W

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)

Little Elden Springs Horse Camp Map

The map shows a group of 15 camp sites at Little Elden Springs Horse Camp, with seven water stations placed approximately every two camp sites. There is a bathroom towards the end of the loop, and a camp host site at the very beginning of the circle.

Download a PDF version

General Notes:

Attractions: Camping, picnicking, riding trails, wildlife watching, fall colors, photography.

Notes:

Larger sites can accommodate a combined truck and trailer length up to 40 feet.
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.
You are REQUIRED to clean up your hay, feed and horse manure before departing.