Mirror Lake Campground in the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest permits horses in a designated section of the grounds. This Forest Service campground maintains separate horse camping areas away from the main camping loops to minimize conflicts between horse campers and other visitors. The campground features vault toilets, trash collection, and picnic tables at each site. No electric or water hookups are available for RVs, though drinking water is accessible via communal spigots. Kokanee salmon spawn in nearby creeks during certain seasons, providing campers with vibrant natural displays. The grounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with clearly designated sites.
Several miles of trails connect directly to the campground, making it convenient for horseback riders to access the Highline Trail without trailering. This extensive trail spans the entire spine of the Uintas, which is unique as the tallest east-west mountain range in the Lower 48. The Swift Creek trail ascends quickly from the trailhead, offering better views than the Yellowstone trail that remains densely forested for several miles. Most horse campgrounds in this area maintain well-groomed trails during summer months, though spring conditions can be muddy. The campground typically operates from late May through early September, with peak horse camping season occurring in July and August when higher elevation trails are fully accessible. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer and occasional moose while exploring the surrounding forest.
"From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly. the Yellowstone trail however goes through a dense tunnel of forest for quite a few miles."
"Close to the lake. A couple small cabins possibly for rent?"
"Long drive back into the forest but it is well worth it. We were the only people camping here for two days and it was beautiful."
$28 - $84 / night
"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."
"Mirror lake is the most popular campground in all of the Uintas so the spots go super fast as soon as registration is opened! If you want solitude this is not the spot for you."
"Camping spots are to close to each other. Bathrooms located in the campground and by the boat dock are kept clean. Short walk to the lake. Great fishing!"
"Campground Review: East Park is a great campground located right next to the lake. They have several bathroom facilities. Graveled road and sites available for RV or tents."
"Camparea review:This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only."
"It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water."
$7 - $13 / night
"Heading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground."
"Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you’ll enjoy this location day and night."
"Easy access from the main highway, lots of spots to camp right on the waters edge."
"Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area."
"Close to the boat ramp, easy access. When we are with my elderly family who need to be stable we stay here. If we are just us and the kids and dogs we go stay at Dutch John."
"It our favorite spot in the lake!!! Somewhat protected from the storms and it’s a very quiet place!!!"
"There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad"
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.
RangerHeading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.
LegendSmall primitive campground. Free, 9 sites, #10 is a group site. One vault toilet, no water or trash. No cell signal. Most sites are small back in, but a few are pull thru for larger trailers. Group area #10:seems popular with horse groups so lots of horse poop and flies. Oak Park lake is a draw down water source below so was not very scenic. Long gravel FS roads to get here.
TravelerWe found this place by chance a couple summers ago when all the campgrounds were packed this one was vacant and absolutely breathtaking. Now we are back again and couldn't be more excited. This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road. There are endless options for sites. In the summer they do drive cattle through this spot so be mindful that you may hear horses, riders, dogs, and mooing. Also it's fair to note they don't clean up after themselves. It is still worth it.
I do want to note that if you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir. If you have flipped the axel on your rig I'm sure it would be no problem bringing it down this road and you'd have space to flip around if needed. Tent camping offers more options in this location as there is plenty of grassy spots to put up your tents for a nice rest. Please keep this spot as wild as it is while I write this. Pack it in and pack it OUT. This spot is wild and deserves to stay that way.
GuideMirror lake is the most popular campground in all of the Uintas so the spots go super fast as soon as registration is opened! If you want solitude this is not the spot for you. I usually like to camp in the middle of nowhere, but this was a fun change. You have the lake right next to the campground where you can fish, canoe, or just chill lakeside. Then return to your tent for an afternoon nap. The nice thing about the Uintas is that it is always pleasant and cool. The views of bald Mountain from this lake is also awesome! Throw up a hammock on the shore and just chill all day long. The Uintas are also full of awesome hikes and millions of other lakes.
ScoutLove love love this campground. Clean campground, clean bathrooms, and fire pits. Love the lake and hiking trails close by!
LegendCamparea review:This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only. The hike is not to taxing and there are small streams that cross the trail a couple times if you need to stop and filter water. A few hundred yards from where the camp areas that have been cleared and set up there is ponds or a stream to filter water from. The sites are pretty established with fire pits already made. Finding wood is a lil bit harder so plan on hiking a bit to find some after you've established your camp. The sites are approxamately 12 miles from the summit of kings peak. There are no bathrooms and you must pack everything out so plan for that.
Product review:As a dyrt ranger I periodically receive gear to review. Here is a review of the Primus ETA Light. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-black?variant=17262644741 Having to pack everything in and out this stove was an essential for cooking. It boiled water a lil over 1 minute after lighting. This was easy to light and easy to attach to the fuel bottle. As you can see in the picture my fellow hikers had a jet boil. So doing a side by side comparison my Primus boiled water faster with the same amount in it. The primus lid just sets in the cup but has straining option as the jet boil did not. Mine was a little smaler in size but never did I need to even fill it 3/4s of the way for my meals. So being smaller was an advantage as it cut out weight from my pack.My primus also had the ability to be hung up. The base of the "mug" can stay connected to the fuel and you can easily just untwist the mug if you wish to use it. The whole set up was so light weight though most of the time I just tipped the whole thing over into my dehydrated food bag and didnt have to disconnect anything. The mug keeps things hot but cools quickly once the contents are dumped out. Easy non stick cleaning.
ScoutIt's a nice spot. Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad
LegendNice little campground. Camping spots are to close to each other. Bathrooms located in the campground and by the boat dock are kept clean. Short walk to the lake. Great fishing! Although I would recommend that you go over by the dam for the best fishing. The fish are stocked and its kinda neat to watch the trucks unload them on the boat dock. Campground is usually pretty full every weekend
Equestrian camping near Neola, Utah offers access to the Uinta Mountains, which contain over 1,000 natural lakes and rise to elevations exceeding 13,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September, with July and August providing optimal trail conditions. Winter storms can occur even during summer months at higher elevations.
Fishing in local waters: East Park Campground provides access to quality fishing opportunities. "Great fishing! Although I would recommend that you go over by the dam for the best fishing. The fish are stocked and its kinda neat to watch the trucks unload them on the boat dock," notes one visitor to East Park Campground.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Dollar Lake serves as a base camp for Kings Peak ascents. "We stayed here while backpacking king's peak. It's the best camping spot to do so. It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water," reports a camper at Dollar Lake Campsites.
Wildlife viewing on scenic drives: The Sheep Creek Canyon loop near Carmel Campground offers wildlife sightings. "Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road," mentions a visitor to Carmel Campground.
Trail connections for horses: Swift Creek Campground provides direct access to backcountry trails. "We started here on a 3 day trip and took advantage of the vault toilets. From here we set off on the Swift Creek trail that ascends quickly," reports a backpacker at Swift Creek.
Lakeside camping spots: Spring Creek dispersed camping allows waterfront setups. "Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area," describes a camper at Spring Creek Road Dispersed.
Spacious sites at higher elevations: Yellowstone Group Campground offers group areas for larger parties. "You are packed in there and it's totally worth it. No matter what go and live your dreams," shares an enthusiastic visitor about the camping experience.
Reservation challenges for popular sites: Mirror Lake fills quickly during peak season. "As the most popular campsite in the area, I was a little worried we wouldn't be able to snag a spot. But we went up on a Tuesday and there was plenty of room!" advises a camper at Mirror Lake.
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Forest Service Road 217 lacks developed amenities. "There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me. Be warned though you definitely will hear the gunshots of them hunting in the forest below."
High elevation weather patterns: Afternoon winds can affect water activities. "The wind picked up in the afternoons, too hard to paddle, but we walked along the shore and found some lovely rocks."
Kid-friendly hiking loops: The trail around Mirror Lake accommodates young hikers. "I love the trail that goes all the way along the lake it provides a way to see the whole lake and the surrounding nature."
Lake activities for various ages: Paddling options suit different skill levels. "Amazing views, water was great. There were lots of people around but we never felt crowded. We took our paddle boards our every day."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Moose sightings occur regularly in certain areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Neola, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Neola, UT is Yellowstone Group Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Neola, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Neola, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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