Equestrian camping near Cove, Utah places visitors in the high-elevation terrain of south-central Utah, where elevations range from 5,500 to over 10,000 feet. The region experiences warm summer days with cool nights and cold winters with significant snowfall. Dispersed campsites throughout the area typically feature juniper and pine trees providing natural shade with variable access depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do
Trail riding in diverse terrain: Fish Lake National Forest offers extensive trail networks through varied landscapes accessible from multiple camping areas. "Perfect for trail enthusiasts. Plenty of places to explore," notes a visitor to Tasha Equestrian.
Fishing at nearby reservoirs: Koosharem Reservoir provides both camping and fishing opportunities. "They stock this with rainbow trout if your a fisherman. Great Verizon service here, mountains are beautifull," reports one camper at Koosharem Reservoir Dispersed.
Exploring mountain roads: The region features scenic drives connecting camping areas. "Great place to camp if you are planning to drive the Tushar road to Fremont," mentions a visitor to Big John Flat, highlighting the interconnected road systems throughout the area.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers appreciate sites directly adjacent to water features. "We camped in our 4Runner and parked just feet from the waters edge, it was gorgeous!!" writes a reviewer at Koosharem Reservoir Dispersed.
Solitude and space: The area offers numerous spots for those seeking privacy. "If you want to camp alone, this is a great place. Lots of shade and places to explore. Can get busy during hunting season," notes a visitor to Big John Flat.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "At night the stars where so beautiful while sitting around the campfire and being together while roasting marsh mellows," shares a camper at Maple Hollow.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads to horse-friendly sites range from well-maintained to challenging. "5 mile rough gravel road for access. Could not find a site in the camp itself, but many pull off on the way up," reports a camper at Maple Hollow.
Seasonal water availability: Water sources may not be operational year-round. "Water supply is turned off at all water sites - unsure whether this is related to flood damage or something else," notes a visitor to Maple Hollow.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for potential wildlife interactions. "Some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent. I managed to scare it off by hitting my car's panic button on the keys," warns a camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Select shaded sites: Look for camping areas with natural tree cover. "Camped overnight. We had the whole place to ourselves. There are several fire ring/picnic table spots in the campground. Maple trees, evergreens and oak trees throughout," shares a visitor to Maple Hollow.
Bring entertainment: Pack activities for children during downtime at camp. "The campsite we chosen was perfect for out big tent. the camp ground had place you could go hiking and do a lot of exploring as well," recommends a family staying at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite.
Watch for livestock: Many camping areas permit grazing. "Open fields, so watch out for cows and cowpoo! I would camp here again. There was one other camper and it was very quiet," advises a camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many horse-friendly sites accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. "Remaining 11 sites are nicely shaded among the trees. Limited space for small trailers/campers. Good for campervans or tent campers," notes a visitor to Maple Hollow.
Consider towing challenges: Some access roads require careful navigation with trailers. "Much bigger climb than expected, so if towing a heavier trailer be aware. Gravel road is well maintained with minimal washboard," cautions an RVer at Piute State Park Campground.
Select open sites for solar: For boondocking with RVs using solar power. "Pick your camping location among the cottonwood trees or out in the open for full solar. No services other than pit toilets," advises a camper at Piute State Park Campground.
