The Dixie National Forest surrounding Brian Head, Utah features numerous dispersed camping locations for equestrians at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. The terrain consists primarily of juniper and pine forest interspersed with open meadows suitable for setting up horse camps. Most equestrian sites can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length on moderately level ground throughout the spring and summer seasons.
What to do
Horseback riding to neighboring attractions: The Zion Wright Family Ranch offers opportunities for equestrian exploration. "We were able to take a 2 hour horse back ride around the ranch which is a must! The ranch is huge and you can pick and chose which ever spot you like," shares Nikolina J., highlighting the expansive terrain available to riders.
Visit nearby fishing spots: Several lakes within 20-30 minutes of equestrian camping areas provide fishing opportunities. Panguitch Lake Adventure Resort offers easy lake access where "you can rent boats, off-road vehicles, go fishing, hiking, exploring, or just relax and enjoy the views of Panguitch Lake," according to Colette K.
Explore interconnecting trail systems: Trails near Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed connect to longer routes. Joe M. notes the area's wildlife activity: "Very nice area with animals coming out towards the evening. We saw several deer just before going to bed." These trails provide moderate difficulty rides with connections to both higher elevation routes and desert paths.
What campers like
Direct trail access: Campers appreciate sites with immediate trail connections. At Twin Hollows Canyon, Kristen S. mentions "Playing in the creek was great for my eight-year-old as well as exploring the tunnel. Oh and the tadpoles and snakes in the creek are awesome too!" This site offers both equestrian opportunities and family-friendly features.
Spacious camping areas: Horse-friendly sites typically provide ample room for trailers and temporary corrals. Visitors to Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed mention "Most spots are large and have ample space for group camping or RV's. The spot we picked was out of view of other sites and was very spacious," according to Joe M.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian camping areas offer sufficient separation for those camping with horses. At Zion Wright Family Ranch, Nick S. observed, "Sites have plenty of space between them so you're not on top of other people." This spacing allows for better management of multiple horses at camp.
Scenic surroundings: The views from equestrian camps often showcase the region's diverse terrain. At Twin Hollows Canyon, Odyssey A. found it "Literally just outside Zion NP had great views easy access for our Sprinter 2500 and we stayed here 2 nights in peace and happiness!"
What you should know
Weather impacts: Mountain weather can change quickly in the Brian Head region. Storms can make roads challenging for horse trailers. One camper at FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping noted access restrictions: "All roads that lead to dispersed camping sites in the Bryce Canyon area are closed by the NPS," according to Caitlin H., referring to seasonal closures.
Road conditions: Many equestrian sites require navigating unpaved roads. At Twin Hollows Canyon, Christine J. warns, "You need very high clearance to get to this camp site. Very rough road to get to it. Could not get all the way there," which can be especially important when pulling horse trailers.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed equestrian sites lack amenities. Greg K. observed at Twin Hollows Canyon, "A nice little stop over for the night. Going down gravel/dirt road you find a few pull out areas big enough for multiple RVs and a number of smaller spots for tents. Peaceful spot, a few rock fire rings and good cell service."
Water availability: Pack in sufficient water for both humans and horses. No natural water sources can be relied upon year-round at most sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural features: Locations with creeks or exploration opportunities work best for families with horses. At Twin Hollows Canyon, Kristen S. mentioned her family "loved staying here last year and stopped by again this year as we enjoyed it so much... Playing in the creek was great for my eight-year-old."
Plan for temperature variations: Evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. Nick S. shared his experience at Zion Wright Family Ranch: "We got caught in high winds one day/night that nearly blew our tent down and covered everything in a thick layer of dust so beware."
Bring additional activities: For younger children who may tire of riding, having alternatives helps. Three Peaks Recreation Area offers options as Paula M. notes: "Over the years we have used this campground many times with family and friends. It's our quick little getaway."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When bringing horses and RVs, location scouting matters. At FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping, Tom W. advises: "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels."
Arrival timing recommendations: Arrive during daylight hours to navigate unpaved roads safely. Cheri C. warns about Twin Hollows Canyon: "I would highly recommend only trying to get into this location during the day. I couldn't see the trail and google had me a few feet from a cliff before I got out and used a flashlight to see where I was."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location. Tom W. reported "Four bars of AT&T 4G" at FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping, while Glen B. noted at Zion Wright Family Ranch, "Cell service is sketchy, but if you really want it try to camp more towards the rim, I was able to get 4 bars of 4g on T-Mo."