Equestrian campgrounds near Cedar City, Utah offer unique access to surrounding national forest and BLM lands. Located at elevations between 5,500-8,000 feet, these camping areas experience significant temperature swings with summer days reaching 90°F while nights can drop below 50°F. Most horse-friendly sites in this region remain open from May through October, closing during winter months due to snowfall.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Access multiple trail systems directly from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort where guided tours are available. "We did the jeep tour and enjoyed it very much. Too cold for the pool, but looked very inviting," notes Joyce C., who appreciated the variety of activities available.
Explore ancient lava flows: Snow Canyon State Park features distinctive black lava rock formations alongside red sandstone. According to David C., the park offers "comfortable [camping] with great vistas" and maintains "very clean" restroom facilities, making it ideal for day trips from Cedar City equestrian sites.
Fish at Panguitch Lake: Just 30 minutes from Cedar City equestrian campsites, this mountain lake offers excellent trout fishing. The Panguitch Lake Adventure Resort provides "full hook-up RV area" while also offering boat rentals and horseback riding opportunities, according to Colette K.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Three Peaks Recreation Area, the layout provides good separation between campsites. Paula M. mentions, "Over the years we have used this campground many times with family and friends. It's our quick little getaway."
Panoramic canyon views: Horse-friendly campgrounds often feature elevated perspectives. One camper at Zion Wright Family Ranch reports, "You get to pick from a wide range of campsites, all with amazing views," adding that this was "by far one of the most incredible places I've ever camped in my life."
Reliable cell coverage: Many equestrian sites maintain decent connectivity. At Wright Family Ranch, Hope S. notes, "Cellphone reception was good, ATT. StarLink was fantastic," which proves helpful for those needing to check weather conditions before trail rides.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to primitive equestrian sites often requires appropriate vehicles. At Twin Hollows Canyon, Greg K. advises, "Rains may make road questionable and road is close to river," while another reviewer cautions, "Not someplace to drive into at night."
Seasonal availability: Most horse campgrounds close during winter months. Snow Canyon State Park remains accessible year-round, though one camper warns about summer heat: "Bathhouse sinks. Hot water. Water faucet. Hot water. Great camp site though. Hard to tell overall how good this place could have been due to hot water everywhere in Hot June."
Water limitations: Many dispersed equestrian sites lack water sources. At Wright Family Ranch, a camper observes, "You Do not get to reserve your spot but I don't think it matters because anywhere on the property is beautiful," yet reminds visitors to bring their own water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Seek shade options: Summer temperatures can soar at lower elevations. Jake C. recommends Snow Canyon for "early spring camp outing. The temps climb quickly in Southern Utah in late spring. My kids had a blast in the sand dune area."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Evening hours bring animal sightings at many horse-friendly sites. Joe M. at Harris Rim & Stout Canyon reports, "Very nice area with animals coming out towards the evening. We saw several deer just before going to bed."
Consider alternatives during peak season: Horse campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Kristen S. from Twin Hollows Canyon suggests, "We showed up both times on a weekday as it seems like it might be hard to find a spot (especially the good ones by the creek) on the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many established equestrian campgrounds have space constraints for larger rigs. At Snow Canyon State Park, Tom R. warns, "The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into. I would not recommend staying in them."
Pack extra stabilizers: Many horse-friendly dispersed sites feature uneven terrain. Experienced RVers recommend additional leveling blocks and stabilizers, especially at sites like Harris Rim where Chad R. mentions, "There's some traffic noise but not too bad. There is a herd of cows that range up there as well."
Water tank preparation: Since most equestrian sites lack hookups, RVers should arrive with full fresh water tanks. Matthew K. notes about Snow Canyon, "Only the RV sites have power, and the RV sites were pathetically small. They were basically parking spots with tiny shared picnic tables between them."
