Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground provides equestrian-specific campsites at the highest elevation area of the facility. Horse owners can reserve these dedicated equestrian sites even without horses, making them more readily available than standard camping areas during peak periods. The equestrian area includes hitching posts at every campsite with pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets nearby. The campground creates natural separation between standard campsites and the horse-focused areas, minimizing conflicts between different user groups. Loop E is specifically designated for campers with horses, while other loops serve traditional tent and RV camping needs. Sites are positioned to provide privacy and seclusion even during busy holiday weekends.
Riders can access multiple trail networks directly from the campground, which connects to routes throughout the scenic Nebo Loop area. The campground's location provides convenient access to numerous exploration opportunities for equestrians seeking day trips. Horse owners should be aware of the $20 nightly camping fee which includes access to nearby Payson Lakes recreation area. Blackhawk's equestrian sites feature ample space for horse trailers and associated equipment. The campground maintains separation between horse areas and other recreational facilities to accommodate the specific needs of equestrian campers. Regular seasonal availability runs from late May through early September, though periodic closures may affect access. The area surrounding Blackhawk offers extensive opportunities for trail riding through forested mountain terrain with impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
$27 - $270 / night
"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."
$26 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
$27 - $313 / night
"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."
"All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily. A loop has lots more trees but we certainly were not lacking."
$27 - $355 / night
"Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."
"Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."
$27 - $540 / night
"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."
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.
GuideFREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water. Shooting Range nearby. Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in abilty. Fire ring established in most common camp areas. Animals allowed. Close to Utah Lake.
LegendThis campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work.
GuideIt's not great. Next to a shooting range and orv trails, so you'll hear that. Shrubs and a few small trees dominate the landscape, so there isn't much privacy. Roads were bumpy, but manageable. Access depends on where you go, Several paths to take w other sites. Lots of trash. Rock fire pits. Amazing views of the mountains behind Provo and Utah Lake. Full cell service w At&t. Free!
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.
GuideTimooneke is beautiful. High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- ita very popular. Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports) Equest sites can be used by people wIthout horses too.
ScoutQuite area, lot of room. I stayed on site 58 (tent only). Enough room for 2 medium tents. Next/above stream. Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area. Full sun from 10am-4pm.
Equestrian camping near Mona, Utah offers multiple trail networks accessible from developed campgrounds within the Uinta National Forest. Located in Utah County at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures ranging from 75-85°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September with periodic closures affecting accessibility.
Trail riding opportunities: Riders accessing Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground can explore multiple trail networks throughout the scenic Nebo Loop. "Such a beautiful campground! Very private and not crowded, even during the busiest weekends. Access to lots of pretty places to run around and explore," notes Sage H.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Visit Payson Lakes for family-friendly fishing opportunities. "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," shares James B. The lake is approximately 45 minutes from Payson and features non-motorized boating activities.
Hiking accessible trails: The area offers trails suitable for various skill levels. At Whiting Campground, you can access several routes. "We did a hike that about 10 miles roundtrip with low elevation gain. We also did a hike that was 5 miles round trip, and 4 miles round trip. The views were incredible," says Analia F.
Proximity to water features: Many camping areas offer direct access to lakes or streams. At Maple Lake Campground, "Absolutely beautiful setting. Lots of trees if you want to hammock. Plenty of space for tents too. Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful," according to Jeremy W.
Spacious sites with privacy: Campgrounds in the region often provide adequate separation between sites. "This is one of my favorite spots. Lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," says Tanner S. about Maple Lake Campground, making it ideal for campers seeking some separation from neighboring sites.
Family-friendly environment: The campgrounds cater well to families with children. At Payson Lakes, "The campground was super pretty" according to Paige J., though she notes the sites were close together. Another camper reports, "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. At Granite Flat, "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," warns Andrea P. Weekend reservations for summer months often fill by late May.
Campsite fees and amenities: Prices vary by location, typically $20-25 per night. "One night is $23 and an additional vehicle is $8," notes Shantelle P. regarding Payson Lakes. Facilities generally include pit toilets, fire rings, and some drinking water sources, though amenities vary significantly by location.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Diamond Campground runs "early May-mid Oct" while Whiting Campground operates "May 18 to September 23." Weather conditions can affect these dates, with some locations closing earlier or opening later depending on snowpack and conditions.
Campground selection criteria: Choose locations with appropriate facilities for children. "Great campground. Campsite was clean and well taken care of" mentions Whitney J. about Granite Flat, which offers larger group areas suitable for family gatherings.
Activity planning for children: Consider campgrounds with built-in recreational opportunities. At Spanish Fork River Park, "Great open area with plenty of space. Great for kids and dogs and close to the highway," notes Catherine S., making it convenient for shorter trips with younger children.
Safety considerations: Be aware of natural hazards when camping with children. "The nice part about the wind is it keeps the bugs away," mentions one camper about Sheep Creek, highlighting the importance of considering insects and weather patterns when planning family camping trips.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs comfortably. At Diamond Campground, "All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily," reports Monica W., noting the accessibility for larger recreational vehicles.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds in the area offer limited hookups. "We booked a spot for our RV. Nice, wide spots, all on grass. A firepit and a grill," shares Merel J. about Spanish Fork River Park, though noting road noise can be an issue for light sleepers.
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should be mindful of weather patterns. "This campground was nice. We were in loop B which lacked trees so it got hot during the day," notes Preston G. about Diamond Campground, highlighting the importance of securing shaded sites during summer months if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mona, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mona, UT is Payson Lakes with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mona, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Mona, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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