Taylor E.
Traveler
TravelerDispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
Views, quiet and peaceful.
Great place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
Equestrian Camping near Duchesne, UT
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Mirror Lake Campground accommodates horses in a dedicated section of the campground near the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The horse-friendly area provides space for equestrians to camp with their animals while accessing nearby trails. No motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake, creating a peaceful environment for riders and their horses. Vault toilets are available throughout the campground, though no showers are provided. The campground fills quickly during summer months, especially on weekends, requiring early arrival or advance reservations.
Trail access from Mirror Lake connects riders to the Highline Trail, which spans the entire spine of the Uintas from west to east. This unique trail system traverses the tallest east-west mountain range in the Lower 48 states, offering extensive riding opportunities. Water access for horses is available at the lake and several small streams in the area. The Swift Creek trail provides another option for equestrians, ascending quickly with access to multiple alpine lakes within a short riding distance. During summer months, the higher elevation provides pleasant, cool conditions for both horses and riders. The campground is typically open from July through early September, with seasonal closures due to snow at other times.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Duchesne (11)
1. Currant Creek
"Campground is more remote so it’s great if you want to get away from large crowds. Higher elevation so you escape some of the summer heat. Fishing is good for trout."
"Lake is too far to walk from the back campgrounds. Good fishing especially if you can get out on any kind of watercraft. FireWood available at host."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $173 / night
2. Yellowstone Group Campground
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
3. Swift Creek
"From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly. the Yellowstone trail however goes through a dense tunnel of forest for quite a few miles."
4. Mirror Lake - Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
"Allow horses in the horse section of the campground. Lake you can canoe, kayak no motorized crafts allwed. Fishing and swimming in the lake. Nice hiking around the lake."
"Mirror lake is the most popular campground in all of the Uintas so the spots go super fast as soon as registration is opened! If you want solitude this is not the spot for you."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $82 / night
5. Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
"Plan to keep them nearby then. Horses and ATVs use is heavy on trails so keep them close then as well. Ground was safe for their paws (no foxtails, goat heads, or stickers). Potential for ticks."
"No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby. They were polite and had reasonable time for no noise."
6. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
"Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "
"Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"
7. Currant Creek Rd Dispersed
"You have to look for secluded spot, I didn't find any till I walked down road. About 8000' up, nice and cool for summer. Can get crowded. People leave campers to keep spaces. But FService does check."
8. Dollar Lake Campsites
"Camparea review:This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only."
"It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water."
9. Dispersed Uinta Campsite
"There's so many birds and critters so you get the nature sounds but it's close to the road so there's road noise all night. Beautiful space."
10. Shingle Creek ATV Campground
"Nice campsites near a creek. It is a little close to the highway but there wasn’t much traffic. The shingle creek trailhead was close and the hiking is beautiful."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Provo, UT
- 1 hr 47 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 hrs 14 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 16 min from Grand Junction, CO
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Duchesne, UT
69 Reviews of 11 Duchesne Campgrounds
- llani M.
ScoutSoapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Great for the dogs!
For you dog adventurists: This is a great place for wide open views to let them play (with excellent recall or a long lead). Wildlife was seen at dusk and dawn. Plan to keep them nearby then. Horses and ATVs use is heavy on trails so keep them close then as well. Ground was safe for their paws (no foxtails, goat heads, or stickers). Potential for ticks. Bring an orange vest for them if you’ve got one, it’s almost that time of year. Lots of mud puddles if it rains, great for dogs, hard on the camper.
- llee R.
GuideSoapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Head to the top to get past the burned area
Nice area once you get up to the pass and out of the burn zone. Plenty of room, good views to the north.
- LLance J.Guide
Mirror Lake - Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
Weekend in the Uintahs
Had a weekend at Mirror Lake campground. Site had an opening for the holiday weekend which is unusual. Great camp location with clean bathrooms and a short walk from the camp to the lake. Lots of people but that’s to be expected on holiday weekends.
Kindra C.TravelerCurrant Creek
Beautiful and remote
I've been camping here since I was a little girl and it's always been one of my favorite places in the world. I love how high up and difficult it is to get up there. Bugs weren't too bad this year, everything was clean and well maintained. We stayed in loop B and the host was amazing
Elise A.
RangerSoapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land
We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.
The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still.
There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.
Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.
- cconnor P.Guide
Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
Beautiful spot with amazing views and lots to do!
I’ve camped here a couple times and I absolutely love it. You’ll find the lake pretty soon after you’ve driven the gravel road for a few minutes where you can fish or just hang out. If you drive further up, you’ll find a nice variety of camping spots. My favorites are up towards the top. From what I’ve seen and experienced, most of not all spots are accessible by truck/suv/towing a trailer. My favorite part of this spot is the beautiful views and the breathtaking sunsets. And of course the stars. If you need food/supplies on the way or during your trip, Kamas is just a short drive out of camp and everything you need is in town.
Casey M.GuideMirror Lake - Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
Got lucky!!
As the most popular campsite in the area, I was a little worried we wouldn’t be able to snag a spot. But we went up on a Tuesday and there was plenty of room! So glad I finally was able to check this campground out because it’s can be difficult this time of year. Truly one of the most beautiful spots, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular!
- BBelinda H.Guide
Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
Repeat Visits
Since we discovered this place back in May, we can’t stop coming here! It’s the best weekend getaway…I camped here two weekends in a row and planning to go back again today. I bought a Starlink mini just so I can stay longer and work from there. Photos are of my last two weekends. The sunsets, the moon out during the day, and the stars at night…just incredible!
I’ve heard bears pulsing…didn’t see them though. I carry my bear spray at all times and I hope I never have to use it. I’ve hiked and it’s been great. I’ve seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite. Such a peaceful and serene place…especially at night when the OHV and dirt bikers sleep. But they are fine and very respectful.
Guide to Duchesne
The Uinta Mountains near Duchesne, Utah provide equestrian camping options in high alpine settings, with elevations ranging from 7,000-10,000 feet. Riders can access trails through forests of lodgepole pine, spruce, and aspen groves. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day but drop to 40-50°F at night.
What to do
Trail exploration with horses: Shingle Creek ATV Campground offers access to trails for both horse riders and ATV enthusiasts. "The shingle creek trailhead was close and the hiking is beautiful. We saw a moose about 30 feet from our campsite drinking from the creek," notes camper Kristy M.
Alpine lake fishing: Several campgrounds provide access to alpine lakes stocked with trout. Currant Creek offers good fishing opportunities, as one camper explains: "Good fishing especially if you can get out on any kind of watercraft. FireWood available at host."
Backpacking access: For equestrians seeking multi-day adventures, use campgrounds as starting points for longer backcountry journeys. "From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly. The Yellowstone trail however goes through a dense tunnel of forest for quite a few miles," shares Alan B. about his experience at Swift Creek campground.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: Horse campgrounds near Duchesne, Utah provide relief from summer heat due to their elevation. "Higher elevation so you escape some of the summer heat," notes Charles W. about Currant Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The Uinta mountains offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities for equestrians. "I've seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite," reports Belinda H., who frequents the dispersed camping areas near Mill Hollow.
Night skies: The remote location of many equestrian campgrounds results in exceptional stargazing. "From what I've seen and experienced, most if not all spots are accessible by truck/suv/towing a trailer. My favorite part of this spot is the beautiful views and the breathtaking sunsets. And of course the stars," shares connor P. about his experience at Mill Hollow dispersed camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many horse-friendly campsites require traveling on rough roads. "The dirt road in is kinda brutal so be patient. It seems to deter some of the crowd which is great," explains Mike D. about accessing Currant Creek.
Reservation planning: For established campgrounds with designated equestrian sites, early reservations are crucial. "Got lucky!! As the most popular campsite in the area, I was a little worried we wouldn't be able to snag a spot. But we went up on a Tuesday and there was plenty of room!" reports Casey M. about their experience at Mirror Lake.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed horse camping areas lack amenities. "This is LNT (leave no trace) camping so be sure to pack out what you pack in. There are no amenities but you are along a water source so if you have a filter, you have water," explains Jenny R. about the Mill Hollow area.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Dollar Lake Campsites provide family-friendly spaces for camping with horses. "We stayed here while backpacking king's peak. It's the best camping spot to do so. It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water," notes Connor O.
Wildlife education: Teach children about respecting wildlife while camping with horses. "I've heard bears pulsing...didn't see them though. I carry my bear spray at all times and I hope I never have to use it," shares Belinda H. about dispersed camping at Mill Hollow.
Plan for variable weather: Even in summer, the high elevation means temperature fluctuations. "Great fishing and clean camping sites. Super cold at night so pack warm clothes!" advises LaDell G. about their stay at Currant Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing horses and RVs, look for adequate parking space. "Our sites (62) were really nice. Plenty of space for parking and tents, and every spot had a picnic table and fire pit," mentions Julie A. about Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping areas.
Water access planning: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited or no water hookups. "There is a couple of miles with pretty rocky roads so I wouldn't risk a low clearance car. It was extremely busy when we went, but managed to find a spot mostly to ourselves. No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby," reports Taylor I. about Soapstone Basin.
Elevation considerations: Horse trailers and RVs may struggle with steep mountain roads. "The main road is dirt, was there on 6/28 weekend. No stop traffic!!! I'm full time rv'er. Never seen anything even close to this," warns Rick W. about the busy conditions at Currant Creek dispersed camping areas during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Duchesne, UT?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Duchesne, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Duchesne, UT is Currant Creek with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Duchesne, UT?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Duchesne, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Duchesne, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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