Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground provides equestrian-focused camping in the mountains near Elk Ridge. Located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest at nearly 9,000 feet elevation, this seasonal campground offers sites specifically designed for horse owners. Loop E features equestrian sites with hitching posts at each campsite. The campground operates from late May through early September, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Sites can be reserved ahead of time, with equestrian sites often more available than standard camping areas since many visitors are unaware they can book these spaces without horses. Camping fees run approximately $20 per night, which includes access to nearby Payson Lakes.
Riders can access multiple trail systems directly from the campground, connecting to forest service roads and mountain paths throughout the Uinta National Forest. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions, as summer temperatures can reach 90 degrees during the day. The higher elevation of the equestrian loop provides good views of the surrounding mountains. Pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets are available in the horse camping area. Water access is limited, so campers should bring sufficient supplies for themselves and their animals. Horse owners seeking sites without equine waste should avoid loop E, as the hitching posts result in accumulated horse manure throughout the area. Dogs are permitted but require careful management around horses.
$27 - $270 / night
"Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut. "
"There is a lake close by within walking distance with a paved trail all around it. The water was low and pretty gross when we went at the end of the summer. I stayed at B23."
$26 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
"But this is Utah in the heat... Bring your own air conditioning. We are here mid-week. It is very quiet and peaceful except for the occasional train."
"we booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets."
"Access to lots of pretty places to run around and explore. Great places for kids to play. Lots of tall pine trees. I definitely recommend!"
"The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
"Better for RVs and self contained vans as there were no amenities or even privacy, it was still large enough that we had plenty of distance between us and any other parties."
"There is a sign on the highway Sheep Creek. This is open range so you might see some cattle. I am sure you will see some cow patties so watch your step."
$27 - $313 / night
"We were close to the river though and the kids had fun playing in it. There are no fish in this river, which was unfortunate since I was hoping to do a little fishing."
"All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily. A loop has lots more trees but we certainly were not lacking."
$27 - $540 / night
"Nice campground in Utah County. Not far from town and any services that could be needed. Lots of hiking available, although a bit rocky and steep for my old knees."
"Here are some of the things we loved about staying here:
- Great hiking- the hiking around this area was amazing. We absolutely enjoyed these trails."
$27 - $355 / night
"Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."
"Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."
GuideBlackhawk is great if you can’t find reservations elsewhere. we booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don’t have to have horses to book equestrian and they seem to be more available since I don’t think people k ow this.
GuideFREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water. Shooting Range nearby. Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in abilty. Fire ring established in most common camp areas. Animals allowed. Close to Utah Lake.
LegendThis campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work.
GuideIt's not great. Next to a shooting range and orv trails, so you'll hear that. Shrubs and a few small trees dominate the landscape, so there isn't much privacy. Roads were bumpy, but manageable. Access depends on where you go, Several paths to take w other sites. Lots of trash. Rock fire pits. Amazing views of the mountains behind Provo and Utah Lake. Full cell service w At&t. Free!
LegendWe were blown away at how tranquil and beautiful the surroundings are at Potters Pond Campground. The abundant trees and brush truly make one feel like they are a million miles away from home. The journey to the campground starts at Millers Flat Road which is a dirt road that is for the most part well groomed/maintained. It is very bumpy, but can be done with most vehicles. We were towing our 24' TT so we were going slow. It is about 8.3 miles of dirt road to the campground from UT 31. The sites are spaced far enough from each other which gives you plenty of room to spread out and relax. The short walk to the pond is easy and you will appreciate the stillness of the water. Most people were either fishing or enjoying the pond on a row boat. Not 100% sure if the pond is okay to swim in as there are no signage and the presence of blue algae is apparent. Potters Pond is part of the USDA national forest and is wide open and plenty of trails to hike/bike. The campground is adjacent to the Appain Trails where one has access to 300+ miles of off-road enjoyment.
The campground does not have any potable water or any services. There are vault toilets spread out throughout the grounds. Also, there are no dumpsters....so what you bring in, you have to take with you. The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold. If you're looking for solitude and nature, this is the place to go!
ScoutI would reserve a spot ahead of time, avoiding any site in loop 'E'. That loop is for those planning to camp with horses. There are hitching posts at every site, therefore, lots of horse poo. And not the best place to take a dog because of all the horses in the area.
The camp host at loop 'E' and 'D' is very nice, and is willing to split up group areas to individuals who have no where else to set up camp. If you do this, expect to get to know new people as you will share a fire pit and eating area.
The fee to camp for one night is $20, but that includes access to any of the Payson lakes, which is $8 for day use.
We didn't go on any hikes during our stay, as we bummed at the beautiful lakes (only the middle of the three lakes is dog friendly) all day. However, there is plenty of hiking in the area.
Very hot. Around 90 degrees. Wake up and get breakfast early. Then enjoy the water in the heat!
P.S. 3 stars due to the fact that I had to camp in horse crap.
ScoutBeing that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut.
Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe. Also the lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake.
We definitely recommend it.
GuideTimooneke is beautiful. High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- ita very popular. Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports) Equest sites can be used by people wIthout horses too.
ScoutQuite area, lot of room. I stayed on site 58 (tent only). Enough room for 2 medium tents. Next/above stream. Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area. Full sun from 10am-4pm.
High-elevation equestrian camping options surround Elk Ridge, Utah, between 6,400 and 9,000 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The region offers both dedicated horse campgrounds and conventional camping areas where trails connect directly to forest service roads. Summer temperatures at these elevations typically range from 60-90°F during daytime hours with cooler nights.
Trail riding from camp: Access multiple trail systems directly from Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground, which connects to forest service roads throughout the mountains. "My favorite thing is how secluded it is. Definitely would recommend," notes Becky J., who appreciated the isolation despite proximity to other recreation areas.
Fishing in mountain lakes: Several stocked lakes within 15-20 minutes of Elk Ridge provide fishing opportunities for all skill levels. "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe," reports James B. about Payson Lakes.
Hiking nearby trails: The region offers trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty within minutes of most campsites. "We did a hike that was about 10 miles roundtrip with low elevation gain. We also did a hike that was 5 miles round trip, and 4 miles round trip. The views were incredible," shares Analia F. about trails near the camping areas.
Mountain views: The higher elevations provide panoramic views of surrounding peaks. "The higher elevation of the equestrian loop provides good views of the surrounding mountains," with campers at Maple Lake Campground noting "Absolutely beautiful setting. Lots of trees if you want to hammock. Plenty of space for tents too. Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain campgrounds near Elk Ridge. "Such a beautiful campground! Very private and not crowded, even during the busiest weekends. Access to lots of pretty places to run around and explore," writes Sage H. about the horse-friendly camping options.
Water features: Lakes and streams add recreational value to the camping experience. "Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson," mentions a reviewer who values the combination of forest and water access.
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian and standard sites require advance booking. "Reservations required and $24 base price - yikes!" notes one camper about Uinta National Forest Whiting Campground. For horse camping areas, reservations are essential during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Limited water access: While some campgrounds provide water, others have restricted availability. "There is no water at the campsites. You have to go to the camp host and they have a water spigot there to get water," explains Tad W. about certain facilities in the area.
Seasonal closures: Most horse campgrounds near Elk Ridge operate from late May through early September due to elevation. "Was unable to get in, this whole area was under closure. Not for sure for how long. It wasn't a normal seasonal closure," reports Jeff H. about attempting to access a site outside the regular season.
Choose appropriate sites: Families should select campgrounds with amenities that match their needs. "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," recommends Courtney S. about Diamond Campground.
Avoid horse areas with young children: Families with small children may want to avoid Loop E at Blackhawk Campground. "Horse owners seeking sites without equine waste should avoid loop E, as the hitching posts result in accumulated horse manure throughout the area."
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. "Campground was literally one of the cleanest I've been to this year. Pit toilets were well maintained as was campsite. Every site had shade with concrete parking and fire pit. Great place for families," notes Carol B.
Size limitations: Many horse campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs but have limitations for larger rigs. At Sheep Creek, "Easy to find, large open field for camping with views in all directions. Better for RVs and self contained vans as there were no amenities or even privacy, it was still large enough that we had plenty of distance between us and any other parties."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Elk Ridge offer minimal or no hookups. "We were in loop B which lacked trees so it got hot during the day. We were close to the river though and the kids had fun playing in it," mentions Preston G. about one of the area's camping options.
Elevation considerations: The high elevation means cooler temperatures but can affect RV systems. "We came here middle of the week and stayed in B57 in the upper loop. We basically had the place to ourselves and it was lush in green in mid June. We had a great firepit and BBQ grill as well as a picnic table."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elk Ridge, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elk Ridge, UT is Payson Lakes with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elk Ridge, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Elk Ridge, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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