Timpooneke Campground offers both standard and equestrian sites for visitors exploring Utah's Alpine Loop. The campground sits at 7,400 feet with access to extensive trail networks connecting to mountain viewpoints and lakes. The equestrian areas feature corrals and can accommodate riders with their horses. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Nearby Clover Springs Campground also provides equestrian-specific camping in the upper section with ample space for horse trailers and equipment.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Willow Park Campground, campers can unwind along the Jordan River with multiple recreation options. "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," shares alex L. The campground offers "boat launch for non-motorized water crafts, bathrooms, and playgrounds" according to Jeremy H.
Mountain hiking: Accessing trails near Mount Timpanogos Campground provides day trips with spectacular views. "I came to hike Timp and stayed for a couple nights just as they were closing and this was the perfect spot under a mile from the trailhead," notes Mariah G. For those looking for horse-friendly trails near Bingham Canyon, this area offers diverse terrain options with "gorgeous but a little chilly" conditions as Lauren mentions.
Lake activities: Silver Lake Backcountry provides opportunities for water recreation surrounded by mountain views. "An amazing spot to drive to and spend the day or backpack in and spend a night or two," says Alan B. The area features "fantastic view of the Timpanogos Massif looming over the lake. To the west you'll see Box Elder Peak and to the north is Dry Canyon and the Alpine Ridge."
What campers like
Accessible location: Nunns Park receives praise for its convenient access while still providing natural surroundings. "This is a great place to go if you don't have time to go look for a spot. It's a quick drive up Provo canyon," explains Jonathan Y. Another camper adds it's "in provo canyon and the cliffs on either side are very impressive. The walk from the campsite to bridal falls is also lovely!"
Scenic views: The landscapes around horse campgrounds near Bingham Canyon, Utah consistently impress visitors. "Stunning sunrise—perfect views of Mt. Timp," reports alex L. about Willow Park. At Granite Flat, campers find "gorgeous spot with lots of room. Can't remember the site we had but there was a huge rock that was fun for the scouts to climb on. Really nice spots with lots of trees and shade."
Equestrian facilities: Horse-friendly campgrounds in the region provide specialized amenities. At Clover Springs Campground, "sites are nicely spaced, especially the equestrian sites at the top of the campground," notes Niko L. The campground sits "nestled wonderfully between Stockton and Dugway" and "smells like juniper and has a nice creek."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Many horse camping areas have limited availability. "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," advises Andrea P. about Timpooneke. Additionally, most high-elevation campgrounds have short seasons, with Granite Flat open "May 11 to October 14" and Mount Timpanogos Campground open "June 1 to September 23."
Terrain challenges: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. For Silver Lake Backcountry, "you're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes," warns Ethan H. At Kimball Campground, "the dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."
Privacy considerations: Campsite layout varies significantly between locations. At Kimball Campground, "the campsites are hidden but close together which I loved being a solo female traveler it made me feel so safe knowing people were on both sides of me," shares Bethany R. Conversely, at Nunns Park, "you're quite close to other campers' tents/cars and in the morning bikers/joggers run by you on the path."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Horse campgrounds with creek access provide entertainment for children. At Clover Springs, the water is "more like a babbling brook than a stream. Great for kids and dogs to play in. Very few deep spots," notes Joseph F. Willow Park offers "fun place for a night get away" with "nice bathrooms, tables, and pavilions. Close to a river."
Elevation preparation: Higher elevation horse campgrounds near Bingham Canyon require planning for temperature swings. At Mount Timpanogos, campers should expect it to be "incredibly quiet, silent even, at night. Gorgeous but a little chilly," as Lauren reports. Similarly, at Timpooneke Campground (7,400 feet elevation), "it can get cold at night - high elevation," warns Angee D.
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with open areas for games and exploration. Granite Flat features "a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on," according to Brad B. Willow Park provides "lots of room to spread out" and is "a fun place for family, neighborhood and scout camp outs any time of year."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: RV campers should research size limitations before arrival. At Willow Park, it's "big rig friendly!" according to Salvy F., offering a "good place to stay if visiting Salt Lake City and don't want to pay a lot." However, Mount Timpanogos Campground has "sites are small and primarily tent sites. There are a couple sites which would accommodate a small 16 ft trailer."
Hookup availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Willow Park provides "nice simple camp ground no hook up" while nearby commercial options like Mountain Shadows RV Park offer "full hookup site with Good Sam" or "partial hookup (water/electric) site instead for $45/night."
Noise considerations: Traffic impacts the camping experience at some locations. At Nunns Park, "bike path and highway noise can be distracting" despite being "a great place to go if you don't have time to go look for a spot." RVers seeking more isolation might prefer Mount Timpanogos where one camper reports "it was incredibly quiet, silent even, at night."