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Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground accommodates horse enthusiasts along the San Rafael River in Utah, providing specialized facilities for visitors and their equine companions. Located approximately 70 miles southeast of Kenilworth, this BLM campground features tent pads at every site with ample space for vehicles and trailers. Each site includes picnic tables and metal fire rings, making it suitable for overnight stays with horses. The campground sits directly in the canyon with the river nearby, offering water access for horses after trail rides. The open layout allows campers to easily monitor their animals while enjoying the natural surroundings. The campground maintains a $15 per night fee with discounts available for National Parks and Interagency Pass holders.
Trail connections from the campground provide access to riding routes throughout the San Rafael Swell region. The deep canyon setting creates a distinctive riding experience with massive rock walls surrounding the trails. Riders report minimal road noise at night, though the fairly open campground layout means neighboring campers can be heard. The river provides swimming holes and water access points for horses, while trees near the water offer natural shade and tie-up options. Early May conditions are typically favorable for equestrian camping, though wind can be a factor when setting up camp. The campground lacks trash receptacles and potable water, requiring visitors to pack in and pack out all supplies for themselves and their horses. Daily trail rides connect campers to remarkable desert landscapes with 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain.
"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."
"We 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 campground is right on a main access road for OHV’s to drive up to Skyline Drive which is good if that’s what you are there for."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $171 / night
Check Availability"Fun campground with a discovery walking nature trail. Dry camping with easy river/creek access. Stayed in loop A - lots of trees, birds and insects. Clean and close to the Salt Lake Valley."
"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."
from $27 - $313 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"The road getting you into this deep canyon sets the mood for the epic adventure of sleeping down by the river and surrounded by massive rock walls."
"Great little area with trees near the river. Awesome hammock trees. Swimming holes in the river."
"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!"
"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."
from $27 - $540 / night
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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.
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.
LegendNot a horse person but checked it out. 6 nice large sites with green steel corrals. Vault toilet tables and fire rings for the humans. However NO Water for humans or horses. No dumpsters, no cell signal. Roads are good hard gravel.
ScoutNice big shade trees. Close to town. On the website it says atv’s need to be registered in Utah so I understood you can ride there. I was wrong you can’t have atv’s in the campground.
TravelerOverall it is a nice Camp ground. All the roads are paved. Outhouses were kept clean and stocked.
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. On the website it says can fit a 24ft RV or 24ft trailer. I was a little sceptical about that because of you can fit a 24ft trailer there and a truck, then why couldn't you fit a bigger RV? I called and asked they said yes you could fit a 24ft trailer with a truck to pull it. In the end I decided not to bring a trailer and I am glad I didn't, because I could see fitting a 24ft trailer, maybe, not certainly not both a truck and trailer.
TravelerThis campground is amazing! Don’t miss the sunrise over the tree line on the lake. It was pretty full when we got here(it was a holiday weekend) but we off roaded a little bit and found a beautiful little haven. we brought our dog who herded deer through our campsite twice, the kids loved it. Highly suggest coming here and hike the grotto because it’s a short hike and so close to the campground.
GuideNice 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.
Campsites are concrete with tables and firepits, very clean. Pit toilets are well maintained.
Equestrian camping is available at several locations in the San Rafael Swell region near Kenilworth, Utah. The high-desert terrain ranges from 5,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, creating varied camping conditions throughout the year. For horse enthusiasts seeking campgrounds near Kenilworth, Utah, the area offers specialized facilities with corrals, water access, and trail connections.
Trail riding from camp: At Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground, riders can access numerous trails directly from their sites. "Experience the Canyon by staying IN it, not overlooking it. The road getting you into this deep canyon sets the mood for the epic adventure of sleeping down by the river and surrounded by massive rock walls," notes Matthew H.
Fishing opportunities: Currant Creek offers trout fishing opportunities near camp. "Fishing is good for trout," reports Charles W., who appreciates the "more remote" location that helps "get away from large crowds." The higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months.
Swimming holes: Desert camping near water creates valuable recreation options. Corey K. mentions "swimming holes in the river" at Swinging Bridge, adding that there are "great hammock trees" available near the water. This provides a cooling option after trail rides.
Equestrian facilities: Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground provides dedicated horse areas. Andrea P. advises, "Grab an Equestrian site. 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 know this."
River access: Water proximity ranks high for campers with horses. "Great little area with trees near the river. Awesome hammock trees. Swimming holes in the river," says Corey K. about the Swinging Bridge area. The accessibility of water creates practical benefits for both horses and humans.
Canyon settings: The topography creates distinctive camping experiences. "This dog-friendly BLM campground made a great home base for adventuring in the Buckhorn Wash and Little Grand Canyon overlook area," writes Jess about their experience at Swinging Bridge, noting the "minimal road noise at night."
Facilities vary widely: Diamond Campground offers more amenities than dispersed sites but still maintains a natural setting. Preston G. notes, "This campground was nice. 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."
Pack in supplies: Most horse campgrounds require self-sufficiency. Greg L. emphasizes that at Swinging Bridge there is "NO Water for humans or horses. No dumpsters, no cell signal. Roads are good hard gravel."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall typically offer the best conditions. At Currant Creek, a camper notes the "higher elevation so you escape some of the summer heat," which benefits both horses and humans during warmer months.
River play areas: Spanish Fork River Park provides easier water access for children. "We were close to the river though and the kids had fun playing in it," notes Preston G., though he cautions "there are no fish in this river," which may disappoint fishing enthusiasts.
Site selection strategy: When camping at Swinging Bridge with children, sites closer to the river offer better recreation. Whitney W. suggests, "If you're looking for a place close to home for a group of people to stay in trailers then this might be for you," noting that elevation affects temperature significantly.
Playgrounds and facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional amenities. Whitney W. mentions that Spanish Fork River Park has "two sides of the campground which have restrooms, playgrounds and dirt volleyball courts. Call ahead for reservations. Especially for large groups."
Road conditions: Currant Creek Rd Dispersed can present challenges for larger rigs. Rick W. cautions about traffic conditions: "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."
Site spacing: RV sites at Swinging Bridge offer adequate room for horse trailers. Jess notes that sites include "plenty of space to pull up in one's vehicle" and a "limit to 2 vehicles per site and up to 10 people per site, with half-price discounts for National Parks/Interagency Passes."
Water and dump stations: Plan to arrive with full tanks. Greg L. emphasizes that equestrian campgrounds like Swinging Bridge have "NO Water for humans or horses. No dumpsters, no cell signal," requiring complete self-sufficiency for RVers traveling with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kenilworth, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kenilworth, UT is Sheep Creek with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kenilworth, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Kenilworth, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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