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Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground provides essential accommodations for equestrian camping near Manti, Utah. The campground features specific loops designated for horses, with each site equipped with hitching posts for secure tethering. Loop E is specifically designed for equestrians with ample space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Tasha Equestrian Campground offers additional options with some sites featuring corrals while others have hitching posts only. The campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities, though campers should note that not all horse-friendly sites include water hookups. Sites fill quickly during peak season, especially on holiday weekends, so reservations are recommended for those planning to bring horses.
Located along the scenic Nebo Loop, Blackhawk Horse Camp connects directly to an extensive network of riding trails through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Riders access varied terrain suitable for different experience levels, from gentle forest paths to more challenging mountain routes. Trail riders at Tasha Equestrian can pay $3 for shower access at a nearby lodge approximately 10 minutes away. Both campgrounds operate seasonally, with Blackhawk typically open from late May through early September, though occasional closures occur outside normal seasonal schedules. Sites cost approximately $20 per night, with additional vehicle fees of $8 when applicable. The private setting among tall pine trees creates a secluded atmosphere despite accessibility to major riding routes.
"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 Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent."
"Really quiet despite being so close to the interstate"
"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"at night the stars where so beautiful while sitting around the campfire and being together while roasting marsh mellows. "
"This is a very easy place to throw a tent up or park an RV close to lake and good fishing. In some beautiful country. There are some primitive bathrooms, and nice tables. The campsites are big."
"We camped in our 4Runner and parked just feet from the waters edge, it was gorgeous!! We’d certainly visit again!"
"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!"
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Perfect for trail enthusiasts. Plenty of places to explore. Some sites have corrals and some only have hitching posts. Clean bathrooms. There is water, however there are no showers."
from $20 - $75 / 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.
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.
LegendThis is a very easy place to throw a tent up or park an RV close to lake and good fishing. In some beautiful country.
There are some primitive bathrooms, and nice tables. The campsites are big. The only downside to this campsite is the road is close by and can be noisy.
LegendOne of my favorite summer get away spots. Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time.
Nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and in the trees. This campground can be hard to find a spot on busy weekends because it is so close to town. Amazing mountain views and fun for the whole family.
Equestrian travelers find several horse campgrounds near Manti, Utah along the Nebo Loop and throughout the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet, creating cool summer temperatures that provide relief from valley heat. Primitive camping options are abundant with both established equestrian sites and dispersed locations suitable for stock animals.
Fishing at stocked reservoirs: At Koosharem Reservoir, campers can try their luck with rainbow trout in a picturesque setting. "They stock this with rainbow trout if your a fisherman. Great Verizon service here, mountains are beautifull," notes Cat F.
Day trips to Payson Lakes: The area connects to larger recreation sites within driving distance. "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," says James B. about the Payson Lakes area.
High-elevation exploration: When staying at Potters Pond in Manti-La Sal National Forest, expect cooler temperatures due to the altitude. "The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold," mentions Steven M., adding that "Potters Pond is part of the USDA national forest and is wide open and plenty of trails to hike/bike."
Privacy between campsites: At Maple Lake Campground, campers appreciate the spacing. "This is one of my favorite spots. Lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," writes Tanner S., while Jeremy W. adds, "Absolutely beautiful setting. Lots of trees if you want to hammock. Plenty of space for tents too."
Horse-friendly design: The equestrian facilities make horseback riding accessible. Molly D. says about Tasha Equestrian, "Perfect for trail enthusiasts. Plenty of places to explore. Some sites have corrals and some only have hitching posts. Clean bathrooms."
Quiet surroundings: Many campgrounds provide escape from crowded recreation areas. Sage H. describes Blackhawk Horse Camp as a "Private gem along Nebo Loop! Such a beautiful campground! Very private and not crowded, even during the busiest weekends."
No services at remote sites: Be prepared for minimal amenities at some locations. At Potters Pond Campground, Steven M. notes, "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."
Road conditions: Many horse camps require travel on dirt or gravel roads. Shad G. mentions, "This campground is very remote. There are pit toilets, but no water so you have to bring your own in."
Reservation strategies: Some equestrian campgrounds have unique booking options. Andrea P. advises, "Blackhawk 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 know this."
Lake activities: Russell W. describes Maple Hollow as "Beautiful spot. Camped overnight. We had the whole place to ourselves. There are several fire ring/picnic table spots in the campground. Maple trees, evergreens and oak trees throughout."
Quiet weekday visits: For better chances at securing sites at popular destinations, avoid weekends. David C. mentions about Payson Lakes, "Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites."
Kid-friendly fishing: Some water bodies cater specifically to young anglers. Courtney S. says, "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids."
Size limitations: Many horse campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. At Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, Megan W. notes, "The road was pretty doable in our truck, but it think it would be easy in a sedan too. There was a roundabout at the coordinates and another van was there, but there looked to be 3-4 more small spots for tents or vans. Not sure how many could accommodate a bigger rig."
Access road considerations: When traveling with trailers, carefully research road conditions. Andrew M. says about Maple Hollow, "Much bigger climb than expected, so if towing a heavier trailer be aware. Gravel road is well maintained with minimal washboard."
Seasonal timing: Most equestrian campgrounds operate seasonally. Tom S. observed at Koosharem Reservoir, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manti, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manti, UT is Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manti, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Manti, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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