Dispersed camping near Oak City, Utah provides access to the Fishlake National Forest in central Utah at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 10,700 feet. The area experiences cool mountain temperatures with summer highs typically in the 70s-80s°F and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most dispersed sites in this region close during winter months due to snow accumulation and access limitations.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Horse enthusiasts visiting Maple Hollow can access numerous trails directly from the campground. According to one visitor, "The view would distract anyone one who was traveling on the dirt road and when you get to the campsites it was so amazing to see how many people was up there and how much fun they where having... the campsite had place you could go hiking and do a lot of exploring as well."
Stargazing sessions: Clear mountain skies make equestrian camping near Oak City, Utah perfect for nighttime astronomy. Campers at Maple Hollow report exceptional viewing conditions: "At night the stars where so beautiful while sitting around the campfire and being together while roasting marsh mellows," noted one reviewer who considered it "one of the best camping trips I have ever had with my family."
Overnight stops: Fish Lake National Forest Campsite serves as a convenient waypoint for travelers. "This wasn't where we planned to camp but got too tired to drive any further. We are in a Toyota Camry and just hammocking. This spot worked out nicely," explains one camper, highlighting its accessibility for non-equestrian overnight stays.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: The juniper forests near Oak City provide natural site separation. "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep," notes one Fish Lake National Forest Campsite visitor who appreciated the balance of accessibility and privacy.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to travel routes, the horse camping areas maintain peaceful settings. One camper at Seely Creek Guard Station mentioned, "We pulled in after sunset to stop before going all the way north to SLC. The road was pretty doable in our truck, but it think it would be easy in a sedan too... About a 7-10 min drive to the freeway. No freeway noise though."
Natural camping areas: The dispersed sites around Oak City feature minimal development but abundant natural beauty. "This was a nice place to stop. Not far off the main roadway. Lots of shade. Open fields, so watch out for cows and cowpoo! I would camp here again. There was one other camper and it was very quiet," reports a visitor to the Fish Lake National Forest area.
What you should know
Access road conditions: Roads to horse camping areas can present challenges. For Maple Hollow, a visitor warns: "5 mile rough gravel road for access. Could not find a site in the camp itself, but many pull off on the way up. We found a great spot about 1/2 mile back down the access road and spent a couple of beautiful days. Hardly a passerby."
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds list water amenities but actual availability fluctuates seasonally. "Water supply is turned off at all water sites - unsure whether this is related to flood damage or something else," reports a recent Maple Hollow visitor, suggesting campers should bring sufficient water supplies regardless of listed amenities.
Wildlife awareness needed: Solo campers should take precautions, especially in tent sites. A Fish Lake camper shared this experience: "I do not recommend tent camping here solo though. This wasn't my first time tent camping solo either. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water containers: When traveling with horses and families to areas with uncertain water supplies, bring additional storage. "Each campsite had running water and had a gate that you had to open and close which i thought was pretty neat," mentioned one Maple Hollow visitor, but others reported water systems being shut off during their visits.
Explore spacious sites: Find camping areas with room for both equestrian activities and family space. "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. Beautiful fresh air. Plenty of shade," notes a camper about the Maple Hollow area.
Verify bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely throughout Oak City horse camping destinations. "The bathrooms where nice as well even though they didn't flush they where nice and didn't have that smell that some of them do. The water was nice and cold which made washing your face exhilarating to start my morning," reports a family who stayed at Maple Hollow.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger rigs: Many equestrian camping spots near Oak City cannot accommodate big trailers. "Much bigger climb than expected, so if towing a heavier trailer be aware. Gravel road is well maintained with minimal washboard... Remaining 11 sites are nicely shaded among the trees. Limited space for small trailers/campers. Good for campervans or tent campers," warns a Maple Hollow visitor.
Consider smaller vehicles: Some sites work better with modest setups rather than full horse trailers. "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," notes a camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite.
Check road conditions seasonally: Access to horse camping areas can change throughout the year. "Road is fine. A few ruts. Super quiet," mentions one Fish Lake visitor, while others note more challenging conditions depending on recent weather and maintenance.
