Top 10+ Equestrian Campgrounds near Alta, UT

I would reserve a spot ahead of time, avoiding any site in loop 'E'. That loop is for those planning to camp with horses. There are hitching posts at every site, therefore, lots of horse poo. And not the best place to take a dog because of all the horses in the area.

The camp host at loop 'E' and 'D' is very nice, and is willing to split up group areas to individuals who have no where else to set up camp. If you do this, expect to get to know new people as you will share a fire pit and eating area.

The fee to camp for one night is $20, but that includes access to any of the Payson lakes, which is $8 for day use.

We didn't go on any hikes during our stay, as we bummed at the beautiful lakes (only the middle of the three lakes is dog friendly) all day. However, there is plenty of hiking in the area.

Very hot. Around 90 degrees. Wake up and get breakfast early. Then enjoy the water in the heat!

P.S. 3 stars due to the fact that I had to camp in horse crap.

Hands down the best campground for sunset views on all of Antelope Island!  The sunsets in the fall, and winter are the best as the bugs have gone down considerably and therefore you won't get eaten alive!  Hues of all different kinds of colors reflect off the perfect mirror surface of the Great Salt Lake and give you an endless sunset much like at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  I would have given this campground 5 stars if there was any shade whatsoever but there isn't any!

This campground is pretty primitive in that there is no drinking water available and only vault toilets available with picnic tables and a fire ring at each campsite.  There are only 20 sites with 2 equestrian sites that go for 40$ a night.  The closest drinking water is at Bridger Bay Campground and there is also a grill on the island that is open during the summer.

This is a fairly large campground for such a narrow canyon. There are 31 single sites, 3 doubles, and 3 group campsites. The single sites are $23 a night and be sure to make your reservation early as you are unlikely to get a walk in. The campsites are pretty close together so if you prefer solitude consider backpacking to White or Red Pine Lake or Lake Blanche in the nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon north of here.

Nearby attractions include Lisa Falls, Cecret Lake and numerous summertime activities at Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. During the summer at Snowbird there are summer slides kind of like dry bobsleds and the tram runs all the way up to Hidden Peak which has a wonderful without the effort. A tiny bit further up the canyon right across from the Peruvian Lodge is a favorite evening free solo called the South Ridge of Mt. Superior for the more adventurous. It is a fairly tame 5.5-5.6 hike/scramble/climb with more scrambling than climbing. It is a fun outing but try to be back before sundown or hike with a partner as we got stalked by a few cougars coming down the last time we did it!