Campers with horses face limited options near Mounthaven, Utah, with no dedicated equestrian facilities found in the regional campgrounds. While several campgrounds exist in the area, none specifically advertise horse corrals, stalls, or designated equestrian camping areas according to available data. The Silver Lake Backcountry area allows camping with a 4WD vehicle access that requires crossing a creek with 12-18 inches of water. Terrain conditions may present challenges for horse trailer access, particularly after rain storms when high clearance vehicles become necessary to navigate the rough roads.
Trail access near Silver Lake offers potential for riders seeking backcountry experiences. The area connects to multiple trails including route 173, which provides elevated views of surrounding mountains and lake access. Kimball Campground and Granite Flat Campground accommodate pets on leashes but make no specific provisions for horses. The surrounding national forest land includes hiking paths and ATV trails that may be suitable for riding, though specific bridle trails are not identified. Backcountry camping regulations require staying at least half a mile from Silver Lake itself. Horse owners planning trips to this region should contact forest service offices directly for current equestrian access policies and trail conditions as amenities and regulations may change seasonally.
$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."
"You can’t drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot. Camping anywhere along that road will give you gorgeous views, though!"
"There were a lot of off road vehicles and people fishing. More crowded then we were expecting, but the views were amazing! Not a lot of shade, as in bring your own. Perfect place for dogs to play!"
$27 - $204 / night
"This 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."
"Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports) Equest sites can be used by people wIthout horses too."
"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."
"I spent one day exploring salt lake, which is about an hours drive from the campsite."
"These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."
"Our site was right by the entrance and near a stream bed that was dry. It was incredibly quiet, silent even, at night. Gorgeous but a little chilly."
"We didn't spend much time during the day as we were visiting relatives near Provo and enjoyed the cooler getaway in the evening."
$25 - $175 / night
"This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."
"We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."
$20 - $200 / night
"One of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home."
"By far one of my favorite stops through Utah ❤️ absolutely breathtaking views, along with scenic routes to see wildlife such as the bison."
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.
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.
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!
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.
TravelerBeautiful higher altitude camping. RV's and tent camping. No electricity or water hookups. No showers and pit toilets. Allow horses in the horse section of the campground. Lake you can canoe, kayak no motorized crafts allwed. Fishing and swimming in the lake. Nice hiking around the lake.
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.
LegendOne of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home. On the west side of the island are extensive muds flats that give you one of the best sunset views in Utah. One of our favorite things to do on the island is hike Frary Peak which is the high point of the island. The top portion of the hike is a rocky scramble, but there are plenty of side trails to beautiful viewpoints during the hike.
As for the best season to visit the island, we are partial to winter due to the absolute lack of bugs and stunning contrast of the bison on fresh snow. Our 2nd favorite season is early spring before the bugs come out in full swarm! I wouldn't recommend visiting in late spring or summer as there are swarms of all kinds of biting bugs and the temps can be unbearable.
LegendThis is one of the first campgrounds one comes across while heading north along Mirror Lake Hwy. Like some of the other campgrounds along the Hwy it is fairly close to the road and therefore traffic noise is an issue. There is a creek that runs between the campground and the road but it was such a slow flow it doesn't really do much to drown out the noise. The only positive to this slow moving stream is that beavers have taken up residence here and have created a pretty little beaver dam and pond! To get away from the noise of the Hwy one can take the nearby Shingle Creek TH to East Shingle Creek Lake or Big Elk Lake for some fishing. As with other campgrounds, water is not available due to the dry winter so bring all that you will need. To stay here you'll need to pay $18 a night for the campground and for the Mirror Lake Rec. Pass for $6 for 3 days and $12 for the week
Equestrian camping near Mounthaven, Utah requires advance planning due to limited dedicated facilities. The area sits at approximately 6,400 feet elevation with temperatures ranging 30-40°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Camping with horses typically involves dispersed options on national forest land that permit stock animals, though specific amenities for equestrians remain sparse throughout the region.
Trail riding on Forest Service routes: Route 173 near Silver Lake Backcountry offers elevated mountain views and connects to multiple trails suitable for horses. "Sliver lake is amazing and the river running is stunning with amazing hike or UTV Or ATV Riding!" notes Philip E., suggesting these same trails accommodate multiple recreation types.
Visit nearby reservoirs: Within a 15-minute drive from Timpooneke, several reservoirs allow fishing and non-motorized watercraft. "Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports)," confirms Andrea P., making these locations suitable for watering horses during day trips.
Access backcountry campsites: For experienced riders, backcountry camping requires proper preparation. "We hiked 1,000 vertical feet to Silver Lake. It was so beautiful. We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," shares Michelle B., describing terrain that riders with stock animals would need to evaluate carefully.
Wooded campsites with natural separation: The forested areas provide natural barriers between sites at Kimball Campground. "The campsites are hidden but close together which I loved being a solo female traveler it made me feel so safe knowing people were on both sides of me," explains Bethany R., highlighting the campground layout.
Proximity to multiple trail systems: The connected network of trails makes base camping convenient. "There's a trail head that leads off to about 3 or 4 different trails I did trail 173 it was 2.5miles and it took you up so you have an amazing elevated view of the mountains and lake," reports Bethany R.
Seasonal water features: Stream access provides natural water sources during peak season. "We were right next to a beautiful river and it was pretty quiet," Kaitlin R. notes about Granite Flat, though water availability should be confirmed before bringing horses.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to horse-suitable areas requires appropriate vehicles. "The roads are really rough don't think you'll be able to do it without 4x4 or awd my Honda CR-V did great!!" warns Bethany R. about Kimball Campground approaches.
Early reservations essential: Competition for limited camping spots intensifies during peak season. "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," advises Andrea P. about Granite Flat, with similar demand affecting all regional campgrounds.
High elevation limitations: Weather restricts the camping season substantially. "High up American Fork Canyon tucked in the forest. The elevation is about 6400 ft- so no spring camping," notes Andrea P., a particularly important consideration for horse camping due to feed and water needs.
Water crossings required: Accessing Mount Timpanogos Campground and surrounding trails involves water navigation. "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose," explains Michelle B., presenting potential challenges for horse trailers.
Playgrounds and open spaces: Willow Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Has a playground, sand volleyball, boat launch as your near the Jordan River," Myrna G. reports, providing activities for children while adults tend to horses.
Multi-use trail access: Trails accommodate various skill levels and activities. "This is just down the street from our house but it's a fun place for family, neighborhood and scout camp outs any time of year. Great trails, playground, river access, and lots of room to spread out!!" Jeremy H. shares.
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, available facilities matter. "Bathrooms clean with flush toilets, running water but no showers," notes Myrna G., which can be particularly important for longer stays with families and horses.
Size limitations for trailers: Most campgrounds have restrictions that affect horse trailers. "Sites are small and primarily tent sites. There are a couple sites which would accommodate a small 16 ft trailer. We had to unhook and park diagonal to fit small trailer and short truck," Daniel L. explains about Mount Timpanogos Campground.
Limited hookups: Plan for self-contained camping. "No amenities such as electric sewer or water," Myrna G. notes about Willow Park, requiring horse owners to bring sufficient water supplies.
Alternative accommodations: When horse camping proves challenging, consider nearby options. "While several campgrounds exist in the area, none specifically advertise horse corrals, stalls, or designated equestrian camping areas," so contact the Forest Service directly about current equestrian policies before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mounthaven, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mounthaven, UT is Granite Flat (utah) with a 4.3-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mounthaven, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Mounthaven, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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