Best Equestrian Camping near American Fork, UT

Timpooneke Campground accommodates equestrians with horse-friendly facilities in the Uinta National Forest near American Fork, Utah. Some campsites provide access to designated horse trails that connect with the Mount Timpanogos wilderness area. The campground's equestrian area includes sites specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses, offering adequate space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. The campground remains open from June through early September, making it accessible during prime riding season when mountain trails are clear of snow. Bathrooms with vault toilets are maintained regularly, and each site includes a fire ring and picnic table for overnight stays.

Trail access directly from Timpooneke provides riders with routes into the Mount Timpanogos wilderness, connecting to an extensive network of bridle paths suitable for day rides of varying difficulties. The trails near the campground offer scenic mountain views with elevation gains that challenge both horses and riders. Water for horses is available from natural sources along certain trail sections, though campers should bring their own water supplies for both human and equine needs when staying overnight. Timpooneke serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the backcountry on horseback, with the main trailhead located within walking distance of the equestrian campsites. The dusty conditions on some trails require proper hoof care and protection, particularly during dry summer months when the paths become more worn from heavy use.

Best Equestrian Sites Near American Fork, Utah (25)

    1. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $358 / night

    "High up American Fork Canyon tucked in the forest. The elevation is about 6400 ft- so no spring camping. Book EARLY! This campsite is always full."

    "American Fork canyon is my all time favorite canyon. I love the high sides as you drive through. Fall is the best time to go. Beautiful colors."

    2. Nunns Park

    27 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 851-8640

    "The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "

    "Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."

    3. Willow Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lehi, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 201-1000

    $25 - $175 / night

    "This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."

    "We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."

    4. Timpooneke

    15 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $205 / night

    "This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals."

    "Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports) Equest sites can be used by people wIthout horses too."

    5. Mount Timpanogos Campground

    8 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    "Our site was right by the entrance and near a stream bed that was dry. It was incredibly quiet, silent even, at night. Gorgeous but a little chilly."

    "We didn't spend much time during the day as we were visiting relatives near Provo and enjoyed the cooler getaway in the evening."

    6. Mountain Shadows RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Draper, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 571-4024

    7. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    13 miles

    "You can’t drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot. Camping anywhere along that road will give you gorgeous views, though!"

    "There were a lot of off road vehicles and people fishing. More crowded then we were expecting, but the views were amazing! Not a lot of shade, as in bring your own. Perfect place for dogs to play!"

    8. Kimball Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 999-2103

    "I spent one day exploring salt lake, which is about an hours drive from the campsite."

    "These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."

    10. Uinta National Forest Whiting Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $28 - $545 / night

    "Nice campground in Utah County.  Not far from town and any services that could be needed.  Lots of hiking available, although a bit rocky and steep for my old knees."

    "Here are some of the things we loved about staying here:

    • Great hiking- the hiking around this area was amazing. We absolutely enjoyed these trails."
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near American Fork, UT

1 Photos of 25 American Fork Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near American Fork, UT

242 Reviews of 25 American Fork Campgrounds


  • Andrea P.
    May. 29, 2018

    Granite Flat (utah)

    Gorgeous spot

    Granite Flat is a very pretty - and popular campground. High up American Fork Canyon tucked in the forest. The elevation is about 6400 ft- so no spring camping. Book EARLY! This campsite is always full. Great small reservoirs nearby for fishing, or canoeing- no motor sports allowed.

  • Becky C.
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Granite Flat (utah)

    Favorite campground

    American Fork canyon is my all time favorite canyon. I love the high sides as you drive through. Fall is the best time to go. Beautiful colors. Granite flats has lots of hiking around and is near a really fun little reservoir (which has been discovered and is getting super busy unfortunately). Very picturesque for sure.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2019

    Granite Flat (utah)

    Gorgeous high alpine campground!

    A beautiful alpine campground that sits near 2 beautiful reservoirs you can relax at during the hot summer! This campground lies on the Tibble Fork Res turnoff in American Fork Canyon. There are vault toilets with picnic tables and metal fire rings at each site

    Nearby there are hundreds and hundreds of climbing routes and hiking trails! A hiking trail that is within the campground heads up to the 11000'+ peak! There are also numerous trails that hike around the mountains and lakes. If you choose to drive further up to Silver Lake Flat you will get treated to gorgeous views of the Alpine Ridge to the north and the Timpanogos Massif to the south

  • Erin H.
    Oct. 9, 2017

    Granite Flat (utah)

    Favorite Childhood Campsite

    Granite Flat campsite, one of the oldest in the Uinta Cache National Forest, is nestled just in the heart of the American Fork Canyon. It sits beneath Box Elder Peak and above Tibble Fork Resevoir, making its location a favorable one for those looking for recreational activities. The resevoir is small and often crowded (especially on weekends) so if kayaking or paddleboarding is what you're after, a different, more secluded area might be better. The Box Elder Peak trail is a strong 10 mile hike, and often free of foot traffic, unlike the more popular Mount Timpanagos hike in the Alpine Loop, and offers spectacular views from the top.

    The campsite consists of two different loops, an upper and a lower, and each are unique in their makeup. The upper loop called Army Tree is the smaller of the two (sites 1-25), but several of the sites are doubled allowing for two families to camp there. The lower loop called the Barracks Loop is larger (sites 30-64) and densely wooded with quaking aspens and pine, and a creek cuts just behind it allowing the sound of flowing water to be wonderful background noise to your campout. Single campsites are $21 per night, double sites are $42. Extra vehicles do require an $8 fee.

    The facilities include vaulted toilets, drinkable water, firewood, and pets are allowed on a leash. However, they do not have trash service so you must pack out what you bring in.

    Pros:

    • After Labor Day all sites are first come, first serve
    • Season ends on October 15, so there were fewer people camping around us

    Cons:

    • Drinking water was turned off for the season
    • Lower loop was closed for the season
  • Andrea P.
    May. 30, 2018

    Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground

    Grab an Equestrian site

    Blackhawk is great if you can’t find reservations elsewhere. we booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don’t have to have horses to book equestrian and they seem to be more available since I don’t think people k ow this.

  • Michelle B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry

    Near Utah Lake Backcountry

    FREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water.  Shooting Range nearby. Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in abilty. Fire ring established in most common camp areas. Animals allowed. Close to Utah Lake.

  • Michael J.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Timpooneke

    Amazing campground a short drive from the city

    This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2023

    Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry

    Good in a pinch, but shouldn't be your first option

    It's not great. Next to a shooting range and orv trails, so you'll hear that. Shrubs and a few small trees dominate the landscape, so there isn't much privacy. Roads were bumpy, but manageable. Access depends on where you go, Several paths to take w other sites. Lots of trash. Rock fire pits. Amazing views of the mountains behind Provo and Utah Lake. Full cell service w At&t. Free!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Clover Springs Campground — Salt Lake Field Office

    Pretty spot with big sites

    Pretty spot that smells like juniper and has a nice creek.

    Minus a star for no running water and proximity to a busier road. I was the only camper on a chilly Wednesday night but had a surprising amount of traffic which woke me up a few times (my site was about 40 feet from the road).

    Sites are nicely spaced, especially the equestrian sites at the top of the campground.

    Full bars on Verizon. Small pit toilets. Clean and well kept overall.


Guide to American Fork

Equestrian camping near American Fork, Utah offers access to mountain wilderness trails through national forest land. At 7,400 feet elevation, Timpooneke area campsites remain snow-free from June through early September, with daytime temperatures typically ranging 65-80°F. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with dustier trails in late summer requiring additional hoof care for horses.

What to do

Explore nearby reservoirs: At Granite Flat, campers can access fishing lakes and paddle sports opportunities. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing," notes Kaitlin R. The area includes Tibble Fork and Silver Lake Flat reservoirs within short driving distance.

Hike mountain trails: Trails near Mount Timpanogos Campground connect to the broader trail network. One camper reported, "We didn't spend much time during the day as we were visiting relatives near Provo and enjoyed the cooler getaway in the evening. The drive up here was beautiful and the hiking trails probably have amazing views." Many trails feature moderate elevation gain with connections to wilderness areas.

Fish mountain streams: Cold water fishing opportunities exist throughout the American Fork Canyon area. "Close proximity to the lake and hiking makes it a favorite spot," mentions Bill S. about Granite Flat. Stream fishing improves after runoff subsides in late June, with smaller flies working best during summer months.

What campers like

Proximity to Salt Lake City: Nunns Park provides convenient access for quick trips. "This is one of the closest campgrounds to Provo. It is quick and easy for the kind of trip to just get away but it won't feel like you are backwoods because of the smallness of the park and closeness to a very busy highway through Provo Canyon," explains Kyler N. The location serves as a practical base for exploring without long drives.

Cooler temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer valley heat. Andrea P. notes about Timpooneke, "Timooneke is beautiful. High elevation (7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop." This elevation difference typically makes the mountain camping areas 10-15 degrees cooler than Utah Valley.

Scenic mountain views: The backdrop of Mount Timpanogos creates distinctive camping experiences. Jeff H. shares about Mount Timpanogos Campground: "We really enjoyed the campground. Sites are spread out. Lots of trees. Toilets were very clean. Particularly recommend site 16. Perfect view of Mt Timpanogos." The eastern faces of the mountains catch dramatic morning light.

What you should know

Limited availability: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Andrea P. cautions about Timpooneke, "Book EARLY- its very popular." Another camper at Silver Lake Backcountry agrees: "There were a lot of off road vehicles and people fishing. More crowded then we were expecting, but the views were amazing!"

Variable road conditions: Access to some areas requires appropriate vehicles. Michelle B. notes about Silver Lake Backcountry, "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose. Brick enclosed outhouse style toilets available at trailhead about 1/2 mile from camp site."

Seasonal limitations: Mountain campgrounds have shorter seasons than valley locations. The Mount Timpanogos Campground operating season runs "June 1 to September 23" with some variation based on snow conditions. Andrea P. mentions about Timpooneke, "High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- its very popular. Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports)."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Willow Park Campground includes family-friendly amenities. Brad B. says, "This is just down the street from our house but it's a fun place for family, neighborhood and scout camp outs any time of year. Great trails, playground, river access, and lots of room to spread out!!"

Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for children. Ash S. writes about Granite Flat: "The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs. The only downside was that this year there were an obscene amount of mosquitoes."

Scout-friendly locations: Some campgrounds particularly accommodate youth groups. Brad B. mentions about Willow Park, "We take our scout troop to this campsite at least once a year. It is close to the city but feels like it is not. really nice bathrooms, tables, and pavilions. Close to a river and have lots of space."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most forest service campgrounds have minimal RV facilities. Justin J. notes about Granite Flat, "Granite flats is just a few miles up AF canyon and our site was very quiet and secluded. The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks."

Length restrictions: Larger rigs face significant limitations in mountain campgrounds. Daniel L. cautions about Mount Timpanogos Campground: "Sites are small and primarily tent sites. There are a couple sites which would accommodate a small 16 ft trailer. We had to unhook and park diagonal to fit small trailer and short truck."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near American Fork, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near American Fork, UT is Granite Flat (utah) with a 4.3-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near American Fork, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near American Fork, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.