Blackhawk Horse Camp offers specialized campsites for equestrians in the Uinta National Forest, providing reliable access to mountain bridle trails. Horse camping near Mount Pleasant includes sites with hitching posts at every spot within the equestrian loop "E," with additional pavilions and fire pits in the higher elevation areas. While the camp lacks horse corrals, the hitching posts accommodate trail riders planning day excursions. The sites tend to be more available than standard camping areas since many visitors don't realize horse ownership isn't required to book the equestrian sites. The campground maintains pit toilets and offers ample space for horse trailers, though visitors should expect to manage horse waste as it accumulates around the hitching areas.
Located along the scenic Nebo Loop approximately 15 minutes from Payson, Blackhawk provides direct trail connections to extensive riding terrain. The campground sits at higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures and mountain views for summer camping. Equestrians appreciate the privacy between sites, with tall pine trees creating natural separation for horses and campers alike. The equestrian loop remains somewhat separated from standard camping areas, reducing potential conflicts between horses and other campers. The $20 nightly fee includes access to nearby Payson Lakes recreation area, though horses are not permitted around the lakes themselves. Trail riders should note the campground's seasonal operation from late May through early September, with occasional early closures depending on conditions. Most equestrian sites remain available by reservation, while nearby dispersed camping options like Sheep Creek offer more primitive alternatives for riders seeking less developed settings.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $272 / night
"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 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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availableCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $313 / night
"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"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $540 / night
GuideNice spot in the mountains with some trees. We have done a family reunion here a few times. The ponds are decent with some ok fish. Most anyone could catch some fish at them. A lot of roads and trails to go riding OHV's. Saw a moose one year.
GuideLots of space, not too busy, beautiful view in the morning
TravelerFun 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. Fun place to camp with family. Limited cell service, clean vault toilets, great fire rings, picnic tables.
ScoutStayed 5/22/26 We are headed back home to Texas and have been on a 2 week road trip through California. Stopped here for the night in our Sprinter van. There were about 4/5 other vehicles/campers. Plenty of room to spread out, easy access off the the Hwy and to get in and park. But didn’t feel like we’re near a Hwy. Not good cell service for Verizon but I was ok with that. Very clean and had a fire pit if wanted to have a fire. Beautiful view of the mountains. Would recommend at least a good spot to stop for the night. Felt very safe.
ScoutBeautiful place. They had a Boxelder bug problem. We had hundreds of them in and on our rv. We bought a vacuum to take care of that next time. They were going to spray.
GuideIf you like to unplug and barely have service while enjoy remoteness, this is for you. We love it. Only cell service I get is when holding phone against metal campsite number. Costs $15 per night.
GuideWe stayed there at the end of the season, in the middle of the week and had the campground to ourselves most of the time. Our spot had no hookups, but the view made up for it.
GuidePlenty of space for any camper. tents to fifth wheels. The night I camped 9/20/25 there were about a dozen vehicles.
TravelerThis is our second visit to this park. We really like it here. The park is clean with partial hookups with electricity and water (no sewer or cable.) most spots along the Spanish Fork River (really a small creek in August) are shaded in the afternoon. 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. If you like that sort of thing you will like it here.
It is very close (10 minutes) to shopping including Costco and Walmart, good food like In-n-Out, Five Guys, and Longhorn Steak House.
It really is a perfect place to resupply and still feel like you haven't left nature.
Equestrian camping near Mount Pleasant, Utah offers access to extensive mountain terrain within the Uinta National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 8,000-9,500 feet, providing summer temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby valley cities. Trail networks connect multiple campgrounds, with seasonal operation typically running late May through early September when snowmelt allows safe passage.
Fishing at higher elevations: Potters Pond Campground provides a small mountain lake for anglers. "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," notes Steven M.
Non-motorized water activities: At Payson Lakes, visitors can enjoy calm waters for paddle sports. "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," explains James B.
Hot springs access: Visit natural hot springs from Diamond Campground. "About a 2 1/2 mile drive from the fifth water hot springs trail. If you plan on visiting during the late summer/Fall- bring proper shoes! It is muddy this time of year," advises Chantel S.
Dispersed camping options: Sheep Creek provides free camping with minimal setup. "A great site for it being free but they don't have any amenities," reports Becky J. Another camper adds: "Easy to find, large open field for camping with views in all directions."
Shade coverage for summer heat: Maple Lake Campground offers respite from high temperatures. "This is one of my favorite spots. Lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," shares Tanner S. The higher elevation provides natural cooling during hot summer months.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the natural buffers at many area campgrounds. "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," says Sage H. about Whiting Campground.
Limited facilities at remote sites: Higher elevation campgrounds often lack amenities. At Potters Pond: "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," cautions Steven M.
Seasonal weather considerations: Mountain camping brings variable conditions. "The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold," notes a Potters Pond reviewer.
Accessibility challenges: Some roads require preparation. "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," explains a visitor to Potters Pond.
Choose lakes with swimming access: Payson Lakes offers family-friendly water activities. "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," shares Courtney S.
Watch for wildlife encounters: Children enjoy animal sightings at several campgrounds. "We brought our dog who herded deer through our campsite twice, the kids loved it," reports Veronica S. at Payson Lakes.
Consider campground noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more activity than others. "This is a terrible campground unless you like subpar amenities, noisy trains, and nearly nothing to do," warns Jeremy H. about Spanish Fork River Park.
Trailer parking considerations: Whiting Campground provides concrete pads for easier leveling. "Campsites are concrete with tables and firepits, very clean," notes connie C., making setup more straightforward for trailers and RVs.
Hookup availability: Most forest campgrounds offer limited services. "We came here middle of the week and stayed in B57 in the upper loop. We had a great firepit and BBQ grill as well as a picnic table. 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," shares a Diamond Campground visitor.
Site size limitations: Check space requirements before arrival. "We are in a Toyota Camry and just hammocking. This spot worked out nicely," notes Valorie H. about dispersed camping options, suggesting that larger rigs may encounter challenges at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mount Pleasant, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mount Pleasant, UT is Potters Pond Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mount Pleasant, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Mount Pleasant, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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