Wild Horses & Camping Coon Bluff, Mesa, Arizona

Camping at Coon Bluff in Tonto National Forest located just outside of Mesa, Arizona.

We were so excited to visit this location, and it proved to more interesting than we anticipated.

Coon Bluff is well known for its Wild Horse population and slight overpopulation of horses. With that said, you are sure to catch of glimpse of wild horses in their natural habitat.

Camping at Coon Bluff is only available on the weekends from October 1 – March 31, and really that is the best time of year to camp in the valley, considering you’re just outside of Mesa, and temperatures can really heat up the rest of the year.

Next to the campsite is a sandy walking trail that runs alongside the river - where wild horses can be seen, and seashells can be collected!

Next to the campground from 3-6 pm, the Wild Horse Management Group is currently feeding (as of 2021) the wild horses and allows the public into the feeding area.

 The feed program was put into motion because of the lack of rain and subsequently lack of foliage to keep the horses healthy and happy. 

It’s free to view the wild horse feeding, but they do accept tips. :)

There are bathrooms at the Coon Bluff Campsite and many premade firepits. The campground is located just next to the river, and the trees on site are beautiful too.

TIP: Be sure to buy your overnight tickets to camp at Coon Bluff online before arriving or locate a local vendor to save you some money. Buying overnight tickets onsight costs $12, and buying tickets before arrival is $8.

Both reasonable prices for the beautiful experience that Coon Bluff has to offer!

There are also several nearby family-friendly hiking options.

We enjoyed skipping rocks, exploring the terrain at night, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather, collecting seashells along the river trail, and viewing those beautiful wild animals.

Here’s a link to purchase Coon Bluff Camping overnight passes & where to find local vendors too: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev3_018733

Address: Tonto National Forest

Coon Bluff Rd

Fort McDowell, AZ  85264

United States