Best Equestrian Camping near Cleveland, UT
Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground provides six large sites with green steel corrals specifically designed for camping with horses. Each site includes tent pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings. The campground sits adjacent to the San Rafael River with hammock-friendly trees and swimming holes nearby. Vault toilets serve the human visitors, though campers should note there is no potable water for horses or humans at this location. The $15 per night fee includes space for up to two vehicles per site, with half-price discounts available for National Parks and Interagency Pass holders. Sites can accommodate up to ten people each, making this an ideal location for group trail riding adventures. The campground features hard gravel roads suitable for most vehicles including those pulling horse trailers. The deep canyon setting provides an immersive experience with 360-degree views of massive rock walls.
Trail access from Swinging Bridge serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the San Rafael Swell region. Nearby Buckhorn Draw offers additional dispersed camping options with free sites that accommodate horse trailers and provide ample space between campsites. The sandy terrain in Buckhorn Draw features sparse trees for natural shade and is connected to an extensive network of riding trails. Most areas can be accessed with standard vehicles, though some routes require high clearance or 4x4 capabilities. Roads near Black Dragon Pictograph Panel are generally manageable for passenger cars, with multiple pull-out areas for camping. The nearby hike into the narrow canyon leads to interesting petroglyphs and pictographs. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting no reliable connectivity except occasional signal in specific canyon locations. All dispersed camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices as no trash facilities are provided.
