Best Equestrian Camping near Hanksville, UT
Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground offers six large campsites with green steel corrals designed specifically for horse owners. Located near the San Rafael River, the facility provides direct access to the surrounding canyon terrain with multiple riding opportunities. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and metal fire ring on hard gravel roads suitable for trailer access. The campground maintains a vault toilet for visitors but lacks potable water for horses or humans. Daily fees are $15 per night with a limit of two vehicles and ten people per site, with half-price discounts available for National Parks and Interagency Pass holders. The corrals accommodate multiple horses, though campers should note there are no water troughs or wash facilities for equine use. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
Trail riders can access numerous routes directly from the campground into the San Rafael Swell area, including paths through Buckhorn Wash and views of the Little Grand Canyon. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping options in the region, particularly during wet weather when dirt roads can become impassable. While Swinging Bridge offers developed facilities, most surrounding horse camping opportunities are primitive dispersed sites without amenities. The canyon setting provides natural shelter and access to the river for horse watering at certain points. No cell service is available at the equestrian campground, requiring advance planning for horse owners. The surrounding BLM land permits dispersed camping with horses in designated areas, though riders should prepare to pack in water and supplies for their animals.
