Best Equestrian Camping near Flaming Gorge, UT

Flaming Gorge dispersed camping areas accommodate equestrians with multiple sites providing ample space for horse trailers and temporary containment options. Spring Creek Road Dispersed and Jug Hollow Road Dispersed both offer free camping with spacious sites that can accommodate horses and trailers, though neither provides dedicated corrals or formal equestrian facilities. The grassy areas at Spring Creek are particularly suitable for horses, with room to set up temporary pens or highlines. Trail riders often establish camp where fire rings already exist, providing access to open terrain suitable for day rides.

Bridle trail access points connect riders to the surrounding Ashley National Forest trail system, where horses are permitted on most non-designated trails. Water access is available at Spring Creek and Jug Hollow locations, allowing horses to drink from the reservoir shoreline. The bumpy dirt access roads require careful navigation with horse trailers, especially after rain when expansive soil becomes impassable. Open range conditions mean riders should expect to encounter cattle in camping areas, particularly near shorelines. Most dispersed camping locations have a 16-day maximum stay limit, though enforcement appears minimal during off-peak seasons. Riders should pack in all necessary feed, water containers, and containment systems as no permanent equestrian infrastructure exists at these sites.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Flaming Gorge, Utah (16)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Flaming Gorge, UT

1 Photos of 16 Flaming Gorge Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Flaming Gorge, UT

69 Reviews of 16 Flaming Gorge Campgrounds


  • Glen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Carmel USFS campground

    Heading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.

  • Samuel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2022

    Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp

    Camped on the beach surrounded by incredible views

    There was not another single soul at this campsite while I was here. At the end of a peninsula into the flaming gorge reservoir, this spot is simply stunning. Huge spots and great views. Came in October and the temperature was much warmer than anticipated. Highly recommend.

  • D R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Lost Dog FS012 Dispersed

    dispersed camping

    Forest service (dirt) road leading to Lost Dog day use area in Flaming Gorge. There are places along the road to pull off and boondock, with great sunrise and sunset views and occasional glimpses of the gorge. looks like it might be dicey after heavy rain

  • Brad B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest

    This is an easy place to camp with amazing views.

    So this is on the Sheep Creek canyon loop which is a 2 lane road all paved that goes through some of the most amazing views around. There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place. We camped here on the way to Flaming Gorge and it in an amazing place. The camp ground is nice they have outhouse style bathrooms and picnic tables and lots of trees and close to the creek so that is relaxing and helps you fall asleep fast at night. We stayed in June and there was lots of space and hardly no one on the road up the loop only saw a few other cars. This drive is worth going to go camping there. Red rocks and beauty all around.

  • L
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp

    Fabulous views! Grimy campground

    This campground sits right on the shore of Lake Flaming Gorge. The access road is dirt, with ruts and rocks. Tricky when wet. Scout before deciding to go down it. Camp ground has great cell coverage and stone fire rings but nothing else. Not much shade since, there are no trees. Sadly, bushes and thickets have been used as toilets and are downright gross! Wind off the lake can be furious. Try to find a spot further in, especially if you are tent camping. Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs! Hiking is great right out of the campground. Not sure if I’d come back. Although views and sun set are spectacular, everything else looks is not.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2021

    Oaks Park Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Small crapped out CG

    Small primitive campground. Free, 9 sites, #10 is a group site. One vault toilet, no water or trash. No cell signal. Most sites are small back in, but a few are pull thru for larger trailers. Group area #10:seems popular with horse groups so lots of horse poop and flies. Oak Park lake is a draw down water source below so was not very scenic. Long gravel FS roads to get here.

  • Tyrinn B.
    Apr. 14, 2025

    Meadow Park Dispersed Camping

    Hidden Gem in Ashley NF

    We found this place by chance a couple summers ago when all the campgrounds were packed this one was vacant and absolutely breathtaking. Now we are back again and couldn't be more excited. This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road. There are endless options for sites. In the summer they do drive cattle through this spot so be mindful that you may hear horses, riders, dogs, and mooing. Also it's fair to note they don't clean up after themselves. It is still worth it.

    I do want to note that if you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir. If you have flipped the axel on your rig I'm sure it would be no problem bringing it down this road and you'd have space to flip around if needed. Tent camping offers more options in this location as there is plenty of grassy spots to put up your tents for a nice rest. Please keep this spot as wild as it is while I write this. Pack it in and pack it OUT. This spot is wild and deserves to stay that way.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2025

    White Mountain Road

    Lots of space but windy

    We are into some truck issues when passing through and had to find a place to stay for a few days. This worked out great. We had a 24 ft camper and trailer with two side by sides. We had plenty of room for both. Lots of places to choose from. All open and easy to turn around campers. Road was in good shape. No issues with a Tahoe pulling camper. The views were great but it was windy. We could ride the ATVs from campsite and had hundreds of miles of trails to choose from. Saw wild horses.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed

    Nice spot for the night

    It's a nice spot. Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad


Guide to Flaming Gorge

Dispersed camping around Flaming Gorge Reservoir spans across northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming at elevations between 6,000-7,500 feet. The lake features 360 miles of shoreline with most dispersed sites accessible via dirt roads that can become impassable after rainfall. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F.

What to do

Fishing from shore: Spring Creek Road Dispersed sites provide direct water access for anglers. "Keep following the dirt road to get to a few spots by the water! I took my Kia Soul down the road and a Honda civic was parked there as well. Only a few spots but you can jump right in the water," notes one camper at Spring Creek Road Dispersed.

Wildlife viewing: The peninsula at Jug Hollow offers excellent wildlife observation points. A camper at Jug Hollow Road mentions, "The little island in the middle has an eagles nest and some antelope on it, so you can get some wildlife views as well."

Cave exploration: The geological formations near Sheep Creek provide opportunities for cave exploration. "There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place," according to a visitor at Carmel Campground.

What campers like

Sunset views: Campers consistently mention the dramatic evening light on red canyon walls. "Amazing sunset with the red canyon wall in the background," notes a visitor to Carmel Campground.

Privacy between sites: Despite the open terrain, many dispersed areas offer seclusion. "Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area," writes a camper at Spring Creek Road Dispersed.

Dark night skies: The remote location creates excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at Sheep Creek Bay highlights that "This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you'll enjoy this location day and night. The night sky was amazing for meteor showers."

What you should know

Cell service varies significantly: Coverage depends on your location and provider. At Jug Hollow, "I had full bars of LTE extended network on Verizon, enough to send texts, make calls, and could load some webpages but it was pretty slow." Other areas have different connectivity: "Forest Service Road 217 has strong ATT cell signal (no Verizon or TMobile)."

Non-biting midges: These insects look like mosquitoes but don't bite. "Don't listen to the reviews about 'non biting mosquitos' they are midges! Mosquito's harmless doppelgangers, but there are A LOT of them," explains a Spring Creek camper.

Road conditions: Most access roads are unpaved and can deteriorate. "The road coming in has lots of cows and deer so be careful! Take 319 to get to this area, not 341, it's now fenced off," warns a Jug Hollow visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Kokanee salmon spawning season: Time your visit for this colorful natural display. A visitor to Carmel Campground observed, "When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors."

Shallow shorelines: Not all waterfront sites have good swimming access. "The lake has a boat ramp but the water gets drawn down and there does not seem to be any nice beach area," notes a camper at East Park Campground.

Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible wildlife sightings. "Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose," reports an East Park Campground visitor.

Tips for RVers

Site leveling: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain. A visitor at Jug Hollow noted, "Easy dirt road, pulled 34 foot toy hauler with no problem. Enough space to turn around at the end of the road."

Generator noise: In busy periods, mechanical sounds may disrupt the quiet. "Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs!" advises a camper at Jug Hollow Road.

Vehicle clearance: Low-clearance vehicles require extra caution on access roads. A visitor at Meadow Park Dispersed cautions, "If you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Flaming Gorge, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Flaming Gorge, UT is Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Flaming Gorge, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Flaming Gorge, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.