16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Mirror Lake Campground in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest permits horses in designated areas, with trails directly connecting to the Highline Trail system. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings suitable for equestrian use, though no dedicated horse corrals are provided. The campground remains popular among trail riders due to its proximity to multiple riding routes and lakeside location. Located at 10,000 feet elevation, the high-altitude environment provides cooler summer temperatures ideal for horse camping adventures.
Dispersed camping options near Soapstone Basin and Currant Creek offer more flexibility for horse owners with larger rigs or multiple animals. These free camping areas provide ample space for setting up temporary corrals or highlines. Trailheads throughout the region connect to extensive riding networks throughout the Uintas, with routes suitable for day rides or multi-day pack trips. Water access varies seasonally, with most reliable sources available from late May through early September. Horse owners must pack in feed and manage manure appropriately, as most dispersed sites lack dedicated equestrian facilities. The Swift Creek area serves as an excellent staging point for longer backcountry trips, with the Swift Creek trail ascending quickly to provide access to mountain lakes and Kings Peak routes.
from $30 / night
Check Availability"From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly. the Yellowstone trail however goes through a dense tunnel of forest for quite a few miles."
"Allow horses in the horse section of the campground. Lake you can canoe, kayak no motorized crafts allwed. Fishing and swimming in the lake. Nice hiking around the lake."
"Mirror lake is the most popular campground in all of the Uintas so the spots go super fast as soon as registration is opened! If you want solitude this is not the spot for you."
from $28 - $82 / night
Check Availability"Campground is more remote so it’s great if you want to get away from large crowds. Higher elevation so you escape some of the summer heat. Fishing is good for trout."
"Lake is too far to walk from the back campgrounds. Good fishing especially if you can get out on any kind of watercraft. FireWood available at host."
from $30 - $171 / night
Check Availability"No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby. They were polite and had reasonable time for no noise."
"This area has many camp sites to choose from, traveling from the highway 150 will absolutely require 4x4 but the other end could manage without."
"Camparea review:This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only."
"It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water."
"Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "
"Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"
"You have to look for secluded spot, I didn't find any till I walked down road. About 8000' up, nice and cool for summer. Can get crowded. People leave campers to keep spaces. But FService does check."
"Heading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground."
"Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you’ll enjoy this location day and night."
from $7 - $13 / night
Check Availability"Close to the lake. A couple small cabins possibly for rent?"
"Long drive back into the forest but it is well worth it. We were the only people camping here for two days and it was beautiful."
TravelerBeautiful higher altitude camping. RV's and tent camping. No electricity or water hookups. No showers and pit toilets. Allow horses in the horse section of the campground. Lake you can canoe, kayak no motorized crafts allwed. Fishing and swimming in the lake. Nice hiking around the lake.
RangerHeading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.
LegendSmall primitive campground. Free, 9 sites, #10 is a group site. One vault toilet, no water or trash. No cell signal. Most sites are small back in, but a few are pull thru for larger trailers. Group area #10:seems popular with horse groups so lots of horse poop and flies. Oak Park lake is a draw down water source below so was not very scenic. Long gravel FS roads to get here.
TravelerWe found this place by chance a couple summers ago when all the campgrounds were packed this one was vacant and absolutely breathtaking. Now we are back again and couldn't be more excited. This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road. There are endless options for sites. In the summer they do drive cattle through this spot so be mindful that you may hear horses, riders, dogs, and mooing. Also it's fair to note they don't clean up after themselves. It is still worth it.
I do want to note that if you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir. If you have flipped the axel on your rig I'm sure it would be no problem bringing it down this road and you'd have space to flip around if needed. Tent camping offers more options in this location as there is plenty of grassy spots to put up your tents for a nice rest. Please keep this spot as wild as it is while I write this. Pack it in and pack it OUT. This spot is wild and deserves to stay that way.
LegendThis is one of the first campgrounds one comes across while heading north along Mirror Lake Hwy. Like some of the other campgrounds along the Hwy it is fairly close to the road and therefore traffic noise is an issue. There is a creek that runs between the campground and the road but it was such a slow flow it doesn't really do much to drown out the noise. The only positive to this slow moving stream is that beavers have taken up residence here and have created a pretty little beaver dam and pond! To get away from the noise of the Hwy one can take the nearby Shingle Creek TH to East Shingle Creek Lake or Big Elk Lake for some fishing. As with other campgrounds, water is not available due to the dry winter so bring all that you will need. To stay here you'll need to pay $18 a night for the campground and for the Mirror Lake Rec. Pass for $6 for 3 days and $12 for the week
LegendThere are only a few solid spots south of Mill Hollow to dispersed car camp, but it makes for a quiet trip if you’re lucky enough to nab one of the spots. The few that we’ve found to be the most comfortable and simple to access are along the river just south of the lake. They’re tucked back into the trees on the east side of the road. There are hiking opps everywhere. Beautiful trails to explore, river banks to walk, and even a small waterfall tucked back into the woods if you know where to look. Love this whole area!
GuideMirror lake is the most popular campground in all of the Uintas so the spots go super fast as soon as registration is opened! If you want solitude this is not the spot for you. I usually like to camp in the middle of nowhere, but this was a fun change. You have the lake right next to the campground where you can fish, canoe, or just chill lakeside. Then return to your tent for an afternoon nap. The nice thing about the Uintas is that it is always pleasant and cool. The views of bald Mountain from this lake is also awesome! Throw up a hammock on the shore and just chill all day long. The Uintas are also full of awesome hikes and millions of other lakes.
ScoutLove love love this campground. Clean campground, clean bathrooms, and fire pits. Love the lake and hiking trails close by!
LegendCamparea review:This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only. The hike is not to taxing and there are small streams that cross the trail a couple times if you need to stop and filter water. A few hundred yards from where the camp areas that have been cleared and set up there is ponds or a stream to filter water from. The sites are pretty established with fire pits already made. Finding wood is a lil bit harder so plan on hiking a bit to find some after you've established your camp. The sites are approxamately 12 miles from the summit of kings peak. There are no bathrooms and you must pack everything out so plan for that.
Product review:As a dyrt ranger I periodically receive gear to review. Here is a review of the Primus ETA Light. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-black?variant=17262644741 Having to pack everything in and out this stove was an essential for cooking. It boiled water a lil over 1 minute after lighting. This was easy to light and easy to attach to the fuel bottle. As you can see in the picture my fellow hikers had a jet boil. So doing a side by side comparison my Primus boiled water faster with the same amount in it. The primus lid just sets in the cup but has straining option as the jet boil did not. Mine was a little smaler in size but never did I need to even fill it 3/4s of the way for my meals. So being smaller was an advantage as it cut out weight from my pack.My primus also had the ability to be hung up. The base of the "mug" can stay connected to the fuel and you can easily just untwist the mug if you wish to use it. The whole set up was so light weight though most of the time I just tipped the whole thing over into my dehydrated food bag and didnt have to disconnect anything. The mug keeps things hot but cools quickly once the contents are dumped out. Easy non stick cleaning.
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers numerous equestrian camping options near Altamont, Utah, typically accessible from late May through early October. Located in northeastern Utah, this region ranges from 7,000 to over 10,000 feet in elevation, providing a cooler alternative to valley temperatures during summer months. Trails throughout the area connect to extensive networks suitable for both day rides and multi-day pack trips through high-alpine terrain.
Explore backcountry lakes: At Swift Creek Campground, riders can access trails that quickly gain elevation. "From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly... I would recommend Swift over Yellowstone due to the great views and a plethora of lakes within a short distance," notes Alan B. The campground serves as an excellent starting point for more ambitious backcountry expeditions.
Fish mountain reservoirs: Equestrian trails near Currant Creek Campground provide access to prime fishing areas. "Good fishing especially if you can get out on any kind of watercraft," reports Mike D. The reservoir holds trout and provides both shoreline access and deeper water options for anglers on horseback who can reach more remote fishing spots.
Take extended pack trips: Riders looking for multi-day adventures can stage from dispersed sites in higher elevations. "We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic," says Elise A. about backcountry camping opportunities in the region.
High elevation cooling: Summer temperatures at Mirror Lake Campground remain comfortable due to its 10,000+ foot elevation. "Went here with a group of friends... With the high elevation make sure to bring plenty of layers. Nonetheless there are some great hammock trees," advises Sarah E. The cooler climate makes summer riding more comfortable for both horses and riders.
Staging convenience: Many riders appreciate the open spaces at Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping for unloading horses and setting up temporary corrals. "Nearly the entire mountain to the south of the official Soapstone campground is open to dispersed camping... Nearly every few hundred yards there are different pull-offs where you can just set up camp," explains Derek E.
Trail connectivity: The network of trails throughout the area allows riders to cover significant distances. "There are many hidden lakes to explore and lots of big trees to help keep cool in the summer. Lots of dispersed camping sites," notes Preston G. These interconnected trails provide options for rides of varying lengths and difficulties.
Road conditions vary: Access to some of the best equestrian areas requires navigating rough roads. "The dirt road is a washboard mess. Basically, had to roll in 4-wheel drive in the lowest gear or I would have been shaken off the side," warns Shad G. about accessing Currant Creek Campground.
Water availability fluctuates: Mountain streams and lakes typically hold water through September, but levels decrease as summer progresses. "Water is cold, but plenty deep for fishing, boating, canoes and paddle boards. Fishing was steady," reports Michelle E., though water levels in reservoirs can drop significantly by late summer.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends bring larger crowds to established campgrounds. "The area is pretty busy during the summer months, and even busier during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July Weekend, 24th of July Weekend, etc.)," cautions Derek E. Horse campers should arrive early during peak periods.
Choose sites with amenities: Families with younger children may prefer established campgrounds with basic facilities. "Clean campground, clean bathrooms, and fire pits. Love the lake and hiking trails close by!" reports James S. about Mirror Lake, which offers more comforts than dispersed sites.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations can bring significant day-to-night temperature variations. "Great fishing and clean camping sites. Super cold at night so pack warm clothes!" advises LaDell G. Temperature drops of 30+ degrees from day to night are common, especially in early and late season.
Plan shorter rides: For families with less experienced riders, Yellowstone Group Campground offers access to less strenuous trail options. "You are packed in there and it's totally worth it. No matter what go and live your dreams," encourages Kendra P. The campground serves as a convenient base for shorter family trail rides.
Prepare for dispersed limitations: Horse trailers with living quarters need to consider access limitations and the lack of hookups at dispersed sites. "Beautiful spot to camp. Lots of places to park. Lots of ATVs and fifth wheels, too. If you're okay with some ATV brap braps, this is a great spot," notes Nicki A. about Soapstone Basin, adding "It's probably best to have a high-clearance vehicle."
Manage water needs: RVers staying multiple nights need to plan for water supplies. "There was no water available in the campground the last few times we were here. There are no hook ups-electric, water, sewer at this campground," reports Michelle E. Water for horses may need to be hauled in during drier periods or at sites away from natural sources.
Consider campground spacing: Sites at established campgrounds vary in size and proximity to others. "The camp sites are stacked on top of one another so if you're looking to get away from people, don't go to currant creek. Every other family around us cut through our camps day and night with no regard for our gear," cautions Abigail A. Horse campers with larger rigs should research site dimensions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Altamont, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Altamont, UT is Yellowstone Group Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Altamont, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Altamont, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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