Dixie National Forest provides multiple equestrian camping options surrounding Cannonville, Utah at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet. The area features unique red rock formations alongside forested terrain, creating distinct contrasts across the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours, dropping to 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Trail riding from Coyote Hollow: Access multiple trail systems directly from Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground where the terrain connects to broader Dixie National Forest networks. "This small equestrian cg has only 4 large back in spots. Vault toilet but no garbage or potable water. Livestock water in season, but not potable to drink for humans," notes Greg L.
Explore Red Canyon's formations: The red rock hoodoos near Tom's Best Spring Road provide excellent day trips on horseback or foot. A visitor explains, "Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road."
Mountain biking at Kodachrome: The state park and surrounding areas offer technical trails for riders of all skill levels. "Tough and rapidly changing bike trails, amazing scenery, fresh new, clean, well designed, beautiful campsites," writes Jenn H. about Bryce View Campground, noting it's a "miniature version of all of the Mighty Five in one."
What campers like
Secluded camping experiences: Rock Springs Bench offers privacy not found at established campgrounds. One camper reports, "No problem with access for our 20' BaseCamp. About 5 or 6 sites in the area, several with pull through. Beautiful views all around. Mostly quiet and away from it all."
Stargazing opportunities: The area's dark skies create excellent conditions for night sky viewing. At Tom's Best Spring Road, a visitor observed, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report seeing native animals. "Pronghorn deer come every day morning and afternoon," mentions Adam B., while another camper at Pine Lake Campground shares that "the vault toilets were clean and the hiking was pristine. We'll be back when its better swimming weather!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Henrieville Creek becomes challenging during wet periods. A visitor warns, "The road is overgrown and eroded and you'd need a high clearance vehicle to negotiate it. I wouldn't go there during rainy weather-the road will turn to mud and the site is at the same level as the river."
Limited services available: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. At FR3623 Dispersed, one camper noted, "Super great spot! We love a good secluded spot with no sounds of traffic. Fire pit already here and plenty of dead tree limbs around for fire."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes. Campers at Pine Lake Campground report, "At 8100' elevation it's a great place to beat the heat. Sites can be all sun or all shade. Many first come first serve, which is good for a last minute trip."
Tips for camping with families
Pack accordingly for elevation: Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures even in summer. At Bryce View Campground, a family notes, "We were at site 29 with full hookup. It had shade and beautiful views. The full moon lights up the park and star gazing is fabulous. There really isn't a bad site in the park, it just depends if you need utilities or not."
Consider established campgrounds: Sites with amenities provide easier logistics for kids. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the best we have seen for a State Park. Red Dirt Laundry is very convenient too. We are a family of four. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the park too," shares a family at Bryce View Campground.
Research water availability: Many sites lack reliable water sources. A visitor to Coyote Hollow reports, "Really clean location. Came hear in mid April with a camper van. Easy in and out road to site only one other family using location during this time. Very close to Bryson canyon. Great view from site."
Tips from RVers
Scout for level sites: Dispersed camping requires finding suitable parking. At Losee Canyon, a camper noted, "Lots of sites, widely spaced, no crowding. Some are in juniper forest, some are more open. Some are sloped, some are more flat. Plenty to choose from in our early-May visit."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the area. At Pine Lake, one RVer observed, "You can camp there when it's closed (bathrooms open, water locked), but it's really spooky to be the only ones there."
Access roads require attention: Some routes become challenging for larger vehicles. At FR3623 Dispersed, one RV camper shared, "Excellent camping spots. Good road. Plenty of spaces for big rigs. Shade if you want it, open fields for solar if needed. Verizon cell service was excellent."
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