Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail provides free dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land near Colorado City, Arizona. This primitive campground accommodates tents and RVs with drive-in access suitable for horse trailers. The site allows pets and campfires but offers no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilets. The campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, so campers must bring portable corrals or highlines for containing their animals. Located on public land, this camping area requires no reservations and allows free parking for horse trailers, though space may be limited during peak seasons.
Located approximately 35 miles from Colorado City, Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed camping area provides another primitive option for equestrians. This BLM site requires a permit and offers direct access to several backcountry riding trails. The terrain consists primarily of desert landscape with limited shade and no water sources for horses. Riders typically bring their own water supply for both themselves and their animals. Trail conditions can vary significantly based on recent weather, with some routes becoming difficult to navigate after heavy rain. The surrounding area features varied elevation changes and scenic desert vistas accessible on horseback, with most trails suitable for intermediate to experienced riders.
$35 - $50 / night
"Perfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125."
"Located right inside of the National Park area just a few hundred yards from the visitor center this place is the hardest reservation to get at Zion because it is always filling up."
"It’s next to a creek and has a lot of private room to camp. It’s only 14 miles out of Zion national park! The creek is dry right now as it’s middle of July."
"Close to the road but not too noisy. It's about 45 minutes to the Zion visitor center. Gas stations & restaurant close by."
"The campground is located away from the resort features which we appreciated, so that is was a little more of an authentic camping experience."
"We were just looking for a place to sleep, checked out the first camping outside of Zion east entrance and decided to check out the next closest one according to info from the Zion ranger."
"The host Bill was very kind, we were able to take a 2 hour horse back ride around the ranch which is a must! The ranch is huge and you can pick and chose which ever spot you like."
"We got caught in high winds one day/night that nearly blew our tent down and covered everything in a thick layer of dust so beware."
"Horse camp near belly of the dragon” connects with “Twin hollows canyon” which is also on BLM (it doesn’t show as “free camping” on this site for some reason)."
"There were a couple more RVs next to us (C-class 30 feet) Easy accessible but make sure you have a flashlight because of some big stones that you need to manoeuvre around."
"Lots of off road, 4 wheeler/side by side, dirt bike, Hiking to do in the area. This is NOT a 2 wheel drive adventure to see a water fall. It’s strictly 4 wheel drive only."
"Small falls, with camping right next to it. It takes a 4x4 for get here...cars or vehicles with low clearance BE WARE! You won't make it."
$40 - $200 / night
"Great campground tucked right pass the hustle and bustle in St. George."
"Nicely kept state park, safe, on outskirts of St. George UT. RV spaces are CLOSE together. Tent sites are better, spacious. Showers in tent area have a pull-chain."
"Close to the road and everything you need: full hookup etc. Shade is hard to find. Restrooms are small and noise from the road is right there.
Good stay however, with reliable WiFi."
"Small campground, close to Zion NP. Flat spots, quite small though. Full hookups, pull through. No firepit or BBQ on spots, but two BBQ's on the side of the sites."
$25 - $40 / night
"The campground is surrounded by public lands in every direction with views of incredible rock formations and the breath-taking Southern Utah landscape."
"You can do some hiking from the campground (including climbing one of the buttes) and you can drive into the valley if your car is capable, but we did not try any of that"
"Got in around 9:40pm and there were just a few cars parked. Easy to navigate in our van. My phone camera does not do justice to the stars in the sky and then you wake up to this beautiful scenery."
"We were able to drive our Tundra pulling 19’ Scamp trailer but bigger rigs would have trouble because the dirt is very sandy and some places are tight."
TravelerVery quiet campground and felt like we were alone. Can’t see other sites. Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again
GuideTo enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!
This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.
I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!
The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!
Pros:
Close to popular trails
River runs next to camp
Close shopping and food
Potable water
Places to throw away trash
Cons:
Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls
No showers
Rough grounds
ScoutPerfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125.
LegendWhen I called in advance to get a l little info about Zion this was the first campsite they mentioned. Located right inside of the National Park area just a few hundred yards from the visitor center this place is the hardest reservation to get at Zion because it is always filling up. It was suggested at the time I called to make a reservation well in advance of my travel otherwise I better be ready to find another campsite.
My first trip out was a day trip only, but I immediately saw why they had mentioned this because there wasn't a single site open when I did a walk around. It was very crowded, maybe that is why mote people haven't reviewed it because a lot of campers don't like to find the most commercially trafficked areas. But this one has access to everything in the town as well as the park within just a few short steps.
Campsites are $20, well worth it if you can get in! There are 3 trails which are right next to the campground. The shuttle to other trails is literally a football field away so you can stay here and easily have access to everything. So what is the downside though? No hook ups!
For someone like myself, this is not a biggie at all but for people who need to be able to charge devices or have a RV and don't like being off grid this can be a little taxing. With that being said though they do have potable water and a dump station, so it ain't that bad right?
So from where I see it all upside!!
TIPS:
Check out Angel's Landing, my absolute favorite hike out here because of its unique climb to the top using chains. If you have't seen it, google it! (I am also including a few photos of that trail which is a major draw of people to the park along with the Narrows, which are to cold during spring when I was there)
Reserve, I CANNOT say that enough!!
Check out the cute little artsy community around you. It is all within walking distance and super cute so check it out!
RangerThis is BLM land so its free, and no amenities. Pack it in and pack it out. You drive down a gravel road into a ravine. There's a large gravel lot to the left and a bit of a half loop near a river on the right a little further down the road. There is shade here from plenty of trees. Continuing on the road, there are horse corrals on the left and beyond that, a large group site. There were lots of scout tents up there. Beyond this, the road turns sandy and hard to navigate unless you have a 4x4. We turned around here and stayed at the first lot we found. There was a big RV already there and a passenger car. Plenty of space for the three of us and maybe 2 more. Being into the ravine made it a quiet night but a very cold morning. No shade here. This BLM area is close to the east side of Zion and Mt Carmel town. Good restaurant in Mt Carmel.
TravelerIf you are pulling a trailer and looking for a quick stop off the interstate you’re in luck. Furthermore if you want to take a van, truck, or car in further you can. In my typical fashion we don’t like to camp too close to others and we were able to do this in spectacular fashion. By driving past the mining operation you will find yourself on a less maintained road (having multi-ply tires is nice), from there you can take the road hours in or even for 5 minutes and find a quiet unique camping spot.
We ended up camping about 10-15 minutes away from the freeway with an awesome view of mesquite in the distance.
When it rains watch your step the ground will get muddy and there is a chance of having strong wind gusts.
LegendIt feels almost like a hidden secret that I shouldn't divulge, but the lovely owners of this special little spot deserve to have a light shown on their little slice of heaven in Southern Utah.
In an area rich with outdoor tourist attractions (Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon all within 90 minutes), it's hard to find a campsite that doesn't feel like a shoulder-to-shoulder Disney experience. Ethel's Hideout is laid out such that you never feel like you're crowded in by neighbors. This is a true cowboy camping experience in cowboy country.
The campground is surrounded by public lands in every direction with views of incredible rock formations and the breath-taking Southern Utah landscape. If you're lucky, you can watch the cowboys moving cattle across the range. We got lucky enough to see this during our stay.
There's no shortage of things to do nearby. Just ask the owners for some tips on where to go to find an adventure! As an insider tip, I found the nearby reservoir in Kanab to be the perfect spot for a morning jaunt.
While they do offer horse stalls for travelers with horses, the campground is set-up for RVs and tents to maximize views and strikes the perfect balance of amenities with a boondocking-style experience. If you're looking for concrete pads and lines of RVs, this isn't the spot for you. But if you're hoping to find a truly special camping experience coupled with some light amenities, give Ethel's a visit. We love it here.
Guide“Horse camp near belly of the dragon” connects with “Twin hollows canyon” which is also on BLM (it doesn’t show as “free camping” on this site for some reason).
Plenty of sites ranging from some closer to the road for big rigs, and smaller vans/trucks can get in closer to the river. Definitely check out the belly of the dragon while there, as well as a visit to Best Friend’s Sanctuary (only 16 mins away) for a free tour and $5 all you can eat delicious plant based buffet! Another highlight nearby was Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park!
TravelerIf you can’t camp in Zion don’t fret because this is the best option. This ranch is stunning with amazing elevated views. The host Bill was very kind, we were able to take a 2 hour horse back ride around the ranch which is a must! The ranch is huge and you can pick and chose which ever spot you like. It’s not a rough road to get to the ranch. Highly recommend!
Equestrian camping near Colorado City, Arizona provides access to unique desert landscapes situated between the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert. The region sits at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet, creating microclimates that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than lower desert areas. Most dispersed camping areas throughout this region have limited shade and sandy terrain, requiring proper preparation for temperature fluctuations that can exceed 40°F between day and night.
Trail riding opportunities: From Twin Hollows Canyon near Mount Carmel, riders can access routes varying from beginner to advanced skill levels. "Literally just outside Zion NP had great views easy access for our Sprinter 2500 and we stayed here 2 nights in peace and happiness!" notes a visitor to Twin Hollows Canyon.
Water features exploration: The region offers seasonal streams and waterfalls that provide natural water features when flowing. A visitor at Toquerville Falls Primitive described it as "Talk about nail biting, butt squeezing ride to this magical, majestic, wonderful waterfalls... It started to get super windy and dark clouds so we could not stay the night, I seen someone post about flash floods... LISTEN don't take the chance."
Rock formations viewing: Several trails pass through distinctive rock formations and desert terrain accessible by horseback. "This place was amazing! Small falls, with camping right next to it. It takes a 4x4 for get here...cars or vehicles with low clearance BE WARE! You won't make it," writes a camper about an area near the Belly of the Dragon Trail.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant distance between campsites. At Zion Wright Family Ranch, "The views were amazing right at our campsite. There was a fair amount of privacy with everyone spread out through the field. Proximity to Zion (40 minutes to the park entrance or just up the road for some hiking)."
Natural water access: Some camping areas feature streams or small water features. "We loved staying here last year and stopped by again this year as we enjoyed it so much. We showed up both times on a weekday as it seems like it might be hard to find a spot (especially the good ones by the creek) on the weekend," reported a camper at Twin Hollows Canyon.
Scenic vistas: The elevation changes throughout the region create dramatic landscape views. A camper at Zion Wright Family Ranch described it as having "amazing elevated views. The host Bill was very kind, we were able to take a 2 hour horse back ride around the ranch which is a must! The ranch is huge and you can pick and chose which ever spot you like."
Road conditions affect access: Many horse-friendly camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "You need very high clearance to get to this camp site. Very rough road to get to it. Could not get all the way there," warns a visitor to Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed camping area.
Water availability limited: Most dispersed camping locations require bringing all water for both humans and horses. "Be prepared because you have no resources, pack in and make sure you pack out," advises a camper at Toquerville Falls Primitive.
Weather monitoring essential: Flash flooding risk exists throughout the region, particularly during monsoon season (July-September). "Watch the weather reports and take then into consideration when setting up camp... if it is even hinting of rain I personally would find another place to go. Not just for the unpredictable road conditions, but flash flooding is a real danger."
Permit requirements vary: Some areas require advance permits. "This is state trust land, not BLM land, and a permit is required to stay here. We haven't seen any signs saying anything about that," notes a camper at Mount Trumbull Loop, highlighting the importance of researching requirements before arrival.
Accessible water features: Shallow creek beds provide safe play areas when water is present. At Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail, "We camped right next to the creek which is beautiful... Overall a really cool spot."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The desert ecosystem supports varied wildlife viewable from safe distances. "Even had a heard of Mule deer cruise through near our site," reports a camper at Zion Wright Family Ranch.
Specific safety warnings: Certain natural hazards require extra vigilance with children. "IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW: do not let dogs or small children drink the river water. Even for adults, you need to filter it. The river feeds out of Zion which is known to have algae spores that can be fatal when consumed. Bring plenty of water!"
Site selection for larger vehicles: Carefully assess each area's capacity for your specific rig. At Ethel's Hideout, "We have a 36' Class A and we fit into all of the spots, with room enough for a shorter Class A, a Class C or several toads to fit alongside us."
Levelness considerations: Many dispersed sites require additional leveling equipment. "Nice level large sites with great separation but too hot in July (97F). Watch weather the road seem like it could become sticky mud in rain."
Spacing between vehicles: Respect unofficial boundaries between campsites. "We had the place mostly to ourselves and with the small hill between you and the road/industry it is fairly secluded. Had great Verizon signal and poor TMobile."
Road access challenges: Many horse-friendly camping areas have rough roads requiring careful navigation. "I'm sure it's a nice area as other reviewers have said. Though I would highly recommend only trying to get into this location during the day. I couldn't see the trail and google had me a few feet from a cliff before I got out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Colorado City, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Colorado City, AZ is South Campground — Zion National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Colorado City, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Colorado City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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