Equestrian camping near Emery, Utah provides access to extensive trail networks throughout the San Rafael Swell region. Most sites sit at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet, creating mild summer temperatures and cold nights even during peak season. Winter closures affect most established campgrounds from October through April due to snow accumulation and freezing conditions.
What to do
Explore pictograph panels: Black Dragon Canyon offers access to ancient Fremont culture rock art panels via short hikes from dispersed camping areas. "The hike to the pictographs is much more interesting as you enter the narrow canyon... Oddly we did have cell reception on the hike within the canyon," notes Laura M., who camped at Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed.
Fish stocked ponds: Koosharem Reservoir provides productive rainbow trout fishing directly adjacent to camping areas. "They stock this with rainbow trout if your a fisherman. Great Verizon service here, mountains are beautifull," reports Cat F., who stayed at Koosharem Reservoir.
River swimming: During summer months, several spots along the San Rafael River offer natural swimming holes to cool off. Corey K. mentions that Swinging Bridge has "swimming holes in the river" and "great hammock trees" that provide shade during hot afternoons.
What campers like
Disconnected experience: The lack of cell service in many areas creates opportunities for true disconnection. Jay A. appreciated the solitude at Buckhorn Draw: "This spot was much easier to find off I-70 since it's associated with an exit. No gates to find... Had the place to myself. Would absolutely stop here again."
Night sky viewing: The remote location and minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. Patricia N. from Buckhorn Draw Wickiup Site Dispersed Camp notes: "When the sun went down it was quiet and so dark. The night sky is beautiful."
Large, spaced sites: Many campgrounds provide substantial distance between campsites. Bethany B. describes Buckhorn Draw as "quite sandy with sparse trees that provide a decent amount of cover. It's a decently sized lot. There were many people here, but it still felt pretty well spaced apart."
What you should know
Pack all supplies: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic services. Will M. explains about Black Dragon: "The campground itself is very basic there's no water there's no toilets. But it is less than a mile from the black dragon pictograph panel and that is the big plus for it."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from maintained gravel to rough terrain requiring high clearance vehicles. At Potters Pond Campground, Steven M. advises: "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."
Seasonal closures: Many established sites close during colder months. Potters Pond Campground operates only "May 30 to October 30," requiring alternative camping arrangements during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade structures: Limited tree cover at some sites means preparing your own shade. At Koosharem Reservoir, Caitlin mentions: "Easy to drive to & set up a tent. No shade but it got chilly at night & in the early morning."
Pack water for horses and humans: No potable water exists at equestrian campgrounds. Greg L. notes about Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground: "6 nice large sites with green steel corrals. Vault toilet tables and fire rings for the humans. However NO Water for humans or horses."
Monitor weather forecasts: Flash flooding can occur in canyon areas during rain events. Ben M. warns about Black Dragon canyon: "Watch out for rain. The dry wash beds will flood and I'm lucky I left when I did."
Tips from RVers
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature fluctuations. Steven M. advises about Potters Pond: "The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold."
Choose pull-through sites: Many horse camping areas accommodate larger rigs with specialized parking configurations. Larry M. reports that Buckhorn Draw has a "large flat area with quite a few short trees scattered around. Great jumping off point to visit San Rafael swell."
Trailer access limitations: Size restrictions apply at many campgrounds. Tom S. at Koosharem Reservoir explains: "We stayed here four nights for a conference getting nearby town. It looks like they are doing work on the land on the southwest shore near the dam. So the only place available was the gravel parking lot near the picnic table and toilets."
