Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Alton is the way to go. Camping with your horse in Alton just got easier. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window. For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approximately the end of February until the end of November each year. Season Dates: South Campground is open from early March to the end of October. Reservations are available up to 14 days before your arrival. For example, if you want to make a reservation for March 14 to 16, you may book this reservation beginning on March 1. Reservations that extend beyond the 14 day booking window cannot be altered. For reservations more than 14 days ahead of arrival, please check Watchman Campground which offers reservations six months in advance of arrival.
Hikers can access three trails directly from the facility: the Watchman Trail, a moderate trail that ascends the peak behind the campground; the Archeology Trail, which offers a light hike to an archeological site; and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that runs alongside the river, and the only trail in the park that allows dogs. The Zion visitor center and the park shuttles are a short walk from the campground. Many popular rock climbing routes are within a short shuttle bus ride into the main canyon. Use of OHVs and ATVs is prohibited in Zion National Park.
Zion is known for its dynamic geologic history. The South Campground and Amphitheater were built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. The project was completed and opened to the public in the spring of 1935. The Virgin River, a narrow but powerful river that has carved out the canyon over time, runs adjacent to the site. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. Be Advised: The months of April and May bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars, which fall from trees onto tents, tables, and unsuspecting campers and can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside. The months of July and August in particular bring a higher concentration of ants in the campsites, which seem to come out especially after the monsoons, but are present all summer long. August and September bring yellowjackets. Insecticidal treatment by visitors is not permitted.
The town of Springdale has shopping, art galleries, shower facilities, restaurants. equipment rental businesses, gas stations, markets, bike rentals, library and health clinic.
Individual Site: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time the day of your arrival you must contact campground staff at zion_south_campground@nps.gov. Group campsite: Customers who cancel a group site reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.
$50 / night
When you book a stay at Zion Ponderosa Resort, you’ll experience the best of Zion National Park lodging. Only 10 minutes from the east gate entrance of Zion National Park and 75 minutes from Bryce Canyon, Zion Ponderosa rests on a 4,000 acre resort and features a full-range of world-class lodging from deluxe vacation homes to rustic cowboy cabins, RV sites to tent camping and glamping. Accommodations don’t stop at lodging options, Zion Ponderosa features a two-tiered swimming pool, adventures and activities from jeep tours to sunset yoga, and quality cuisine at Ray’s Restaurant and Narrow Coffee Bar. Whether you’re staying at our Zion resort, or looking for lodging near Bryce Canyon, Zion Ponderosa has the biggest array of places to stay near Zion National Park.
$12 - $22 / night
Mt. Carmel Motel and RV is located along scenic Highway 89 in Southern Utah and is just 20 minutes from Zion National Park and a little over an hour from Bryce Canyon National Park. We have been a family operation for nearly 40 years. We also live and work on a farm and ranch near our motel that has been in the family for 4 generations. We love being able to meet wonderful people from all over the world and provide them an affordable experience in our unique farm town setting as they visit our nearby national parks. We would love to host you and your family next time you visit the area!
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services or facilities are provided; such as trash removal, tables, and fire pits. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only.
What is Dispersed Camping? Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. In some popular dispersed camping areas, camping is limited to designated sites only. Dispersed camping is free, therefore no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you go camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Be sure to check the Alerts and Closure pages as some areas maybe temporarily closed or restricted. Other Areas maybe restricted to designated sites only, maps can be found in our free map section.
Rules for Dispersed Camping Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Use existing campsites. Groups of over 75 people for non-commercial use, who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest Forest Service Office. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 10 miles for camping in another dispersed area. Please place your campsite at least 300 feet from any stream or other water source. Please place your campsite at least 300 feet from any livestock corrals from from 05/01 - 11/15. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Follow Leave No Trace principals. Contact a local Forest Service office to see if any fire restrictions are in place. Where Can I Disperse Camp? Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Visitors are encouraged to use existing camp sites. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Dispersed camping is not allowed within one mile of developed campgrounds. Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Use existing campsites. Visitors are encouraged to use one path of ingress and egress to prevent resource damage.
Family owned for six generations. Come enjoy an off-the-grid experience, away from the Zion National Park crowds, off the beaten track, tranquil, with breath-taking views of Kolob, Smith Mesa, and Zion National Park. Wake up to cattle grazing, deer playing, or even cowboys working the ranch. Come stay, book a horse ride, and enjoy Southern Utah in a way that can't be beat. .
Pine Lake Campground is located next to its scenic namesake lake high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8,100 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local hiking and off-road vehicle trails.
A short trail leads from the campground to Pine Lake, which offers excellent canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Hiking and off-road vehicle trails are plentiful within the area, however off-road vehicles are not allowed in the campground. The Pine Lake OHV Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground. A loading ramp is provided.
Pine Lake is situated at the foot of beautifully forested peaks banded with red and white layers of sandstone. The campground is nestled among a forest of spruce and towering ponderosa pines, and is adjacent to Pine Lake.
Bryce Canyon National Park is approximately 30 minutes from the campground, offering breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. Kodachrome Basin State Park is an hour away, with towering rock spires, a natural arch and great hiking trails.
$53 - $104 / night
Guide
This continues to be one of our favorite boondocking sites even after four years on the road. This time we visited in late October/ Early November. We had some minor snowfall while we were there but that is to be expected at this elevation. We filmed a campsite review for anyone who is interested, we linked in on the video tab here on Campendium but here is the direct link to
Great for rigs of any size, with thousands of acres to choose from.
Guide
We were traveling through and needed a place for the night. We pulled up to a spot where we could use the bunkhouse porch. The views from this ranch are amazing. The bathhouse was really cool—very creative. In fact, everything about this place is creative.
The work the owner is doing here by rescuing horses, donkeys, and goats is so important. Anything we can do to help her cause, we should absolutely.
GuidePulled in around 9pm and found an empty site about .5 miles from Route 12. Awesome spot. Fire ring and very spacious. Managed to get 1-3 bars of T-Mobile 5G/LTE all night and morning.
Will most certainly revisit next time I’m in the area.
Guide
Loved this spot!! It’s quiet and has a creek and trees Lots of sand so don’t get stuck, you can go to Belly of the Dragon before anyone due to camping next to it!!
Guide
I enjoyed my stay here. I pitched a tent and drove a Honda Accord there. There was great cell service a bathroom/rest stop within 5 minutes and this is only a 15 minute drive to Bryce canyon NP.
GuideEasy to get to, plenty of room and quiet. One of the best spots we've stayed in. Vault toilets across the highway if needed.
Scout
We were driving through looking for a quick place to pull off the highway for the night. It's a few tarred miles off the road, but wauper esy to find, even at 11:30 pm when we stopped. There was only one car that came in after us.
GuideCame to camp after dark. Had to travel 7-8 miles off the main road. Sites are sporadic- lots of big campsites with lots of people, so it took a bit to find a secluded spot. Some trees. Very few fall branches for fire. Beautiful views.
Scout
Some shade, shower, laundry. Road noice but not the worst. Grocery store close. Small sites and close. 16 foot travel trailer. Some bigger campers. I would stay again. WiFi good, Verizon 5G 3 bars.
GuideOnly 7 miles from canyon city. Nice paved bike path right at the entrance of the dispersed camping area. We drove in about a mile on a nice gravel main road. Found a nice secluded spot about 100 yards off the main road. There a lot of opportunities for displaying here. Are closest neighbors were 150 yards away. Will certainly stay here again.
RangerNice 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. 5 stars for this free blm area expect for our July weather heat. Near belly of the dragon cave hike.
GuideSmall 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. Washing machines and dryers available, $3,-, between 4 p.m. an 10 p.m. Hot and very clean showers!! The best so far.
The only thing inconvenient is that you have to go through the Mt Carmel tunnel to reach Zion NP. And this tunnel is opened for oversized vehicles between 8.00a.m. and 4.30 p.m. So keep that in mind!
Traveler
Lots of spots. Was very quiet and only 20 minutes from the entrance of Zion. Would stay there again. No outdoor facilities.
Scout
We usually do dispersed to avoid other humans and their generators, lights, and noise, but Kodachrome only allows generator use from noon to 4, quiet hours are observed and enforced, and the sites in Bryce View are really well spaced out from each other. Most also have shade. It's like dispersed camping, but with toilets and water!
Scout
My daughters and I had a great time! There was a fire ban however, propane grills were allowed. If you didn’t have one, they had a community one you could use. Showered were a bit dirty. Girls hair everywhere! Pool was fun, mini golf and loads of other family activities. We had one funny incident the first night we got here. We couldn’t figure out where campsite was because it started out we pitched our tent at the wrong site. Eventually, we got to the site where our tent was and realized what our mistake. Family memories as we couldn’t stop laughing.
TravelerCamps are spaced out but there are areas you could probably go and mingle. Area is quiet and has beautiful sunsets!
ScoutVery quiet and spread out plus a quick ride into Bryce. The site does have cell service for those who can’t disconnect.
ScoutWe drove around a little bit and found a great site with a stone ring fire pit. A few neighbors, quite a distance apart, and we have CELL Service! Verizon and T-Mobile May 15th.
ScoutFound a sweet cherry of a space. On the left side, there's a raised area and three or four sites. Right up against the mountain. Wanted to try by the river but was worried about my car in the sand.
TravelerNice little area, good separation between camp sites
TravelerAll roads that lead to dispersed camping sites in the Bryce Canyon area are closed by the NPS.
Guide
The road is pretty smooth and easy to navigate so lower clearance is fine. It’s a beautiful spot with the mountains on one side and an enormous plain facing the other direction. If you’re there in the winter expect some snow but it’s an amazing place. No services so pack in and pack out.
Guide
We've camped here several times during the spring, summer and fall in our 26 foot toyhauler. Gets pretty hot in the heat of the summer but great in the shoulder seasons. Dirt access road that can get impassable when it rains (and believe them when they say impassable!). Not a lot of dispersed camp sites, maybe 6 or 7 in this immediate area.. if you drive down the road toward Lake Powell (Highway 389).. there are more places to camp, but the road can get washed out or blocked by falling rocks along the way, so be prepared to turn around and head back towards Cannonville.
Scout
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.
TravelerAwesome spot to stop on the way ti Bryce. In Dixie Forest. There is a bathroom across the road from where you turn in. We found it very easy to find. There was a lot of cars going up and down the gravel main road throughout the night.
ScoutThis was my first time ever using this app and trying to find a campsite for a camper van I rented. The reviews on this site helped me decide to check it out and I'm glad I did. The little river was nice and relaxing. Very quiet spot and super dark for great star viewing in the evening. Bonus is that it was fairly close to Zion and very easy to locate. Would def recommend.
GuideI got here around 4 on a Tuesday, good amount of spots available for any kind of rig set up. If you drive all the way down the road there is a turnaround and fire ring. Like others stated, the creek was wonderful. There is also a hiking trail at the first parking area, go under the tunnel. Very quiet at night, some dust from the ATV.
Horse camping in Utah offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alton, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alton, UT 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 Alton, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Alton, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
