Antelope Island State Park offers equestrian camping options 25 miles from West Bountiful. The park sits at an elevation of 4,300 feet and features an arid climate with high summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Many campsites have level asphalt pads and minimal shade, with temperatures dropping significantly at night throughout the year.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Antelope Island provides excellent chances to photograph bison and pronghorn antelope that roam freely. "We saw bison and antelope driving in the park," notes James B. about his stay at Bridger Bay Campground. The morning hours often bring wildlife near camping areas.
Trail riding: The mountain bike trail network at North Fork County Park also accommodates horseback riding with varied terrain. "The hiking trails are cool. You'll see some bison, lizards, jack rabbits, and unique terrain," shares Laura H. about the trails from Bridger Bay. These trails offer riders diverse scenery options.
Sunset viewing: The western side of Antelope Island provides exceptional sunset opportunities over the Great Salt Lake. "This place had the most amazing sunset. It was cool to drive around and see the wildlife," explains Adam G. from his camping experience at Bridger Bay Campground. The golden hour light creates distinctive silhouettes against the landscape.
What campers like
Winter solitude: Camping during winter months offers a dramatically different experience with fewer insects and visitors. "We traveled to Utah from California for our annual Christmas camping adventure. This was our first spot, and it was a wonderful place to start. We don't have to worry about the bugs, being it's December," shares Susan R. about White Rock Bay Campground.
Diverse site layouts: The campgrounds offer various configurations to accommodate different group sizes. "The campground is very spread out and provides lots of space between you & other campers, so that's a plus," notes Caroline N. about White Rock Bay. This spacing provides better privacy than many developed campgrounds.
Wildlife encounters: Campers consistently mention close encounters with wildlife as a highlight. "An amazing place to kick back, relax, and hangout with bison. They walk up and graze through the campsites which is a beautiful thing to wake up to," describes John C. about his Bridger Bay camping experience. These encounters occur most frequently in early morning and evening hours.
What you should know
Biting insect season: The gnats and no-see-ums on Antelope Island can be overwhelming during peak months. "Lovely scenery, water is currently off so no showers but has a clean pit toilet. Only downside was the no see um flys you can't for a walk without getting swarmed by them and bitten. Best to visit in the autumn when the flys have gone," advises Georgia L. from her stay at Mountain Shadows RV Park.
Water availability varies: Water access on Antelope Island fluctuates with maintenance schedules. "Right now the island doesn't have water so come prepared. Electrical hook ups," warns John C. from Bridger Bay. Visitors should check current water status before arrival.
Wind exposure: The open terrain offers limited wind protection at most sites. "We were in a tent and the wind shook our tent back and forth all night. No sleep. But the views getting out of the tent in the morning were incredible," recalls Caroline N. about White Rock Bay Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible day hikes: Family-friendly short trails provide manageable outdoor activities. "Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike," notes John M. about the trails near Timpooneke Campground. These shorter options work well for families with younger children.
Multiple campsite connections: Some areas offer connected sites for larger family groups. "Our family has our anual family reunion in Mustang Flats every summer, CW8 & CW9 are great for 5 families because they're connected by a little road," explains Fale L. about North Fork County Park.
Kid-friendly water features: Creeks and small water areas provide safe play spaces. "My husband and I recently took our toddler and infant here and had a blast. They found joy in simply throwing pebbles in the creek and making mud," shares Morgan L. about North Fork County Park. These water features work well during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most horse campgrounds near West Bountiful have minimal RV amenities. "Nice level asphalt spots. Beautiful view of the lake. Saw bison and antelope driving in the park," describes James B. about his RV experience at Nunns Park. Campers should arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries.
Wind considerations: The open landscape creates significant wind exposure that affects awnings and exterior setups. "It has been very windy here. Don't know if that is usual or a temporary weather thing due to remnants of a Pacific hurricane," notes Kim G. about conditions at Bridger Bay Campground. RVers should secure all exterior items thoroughly.
Dispersed options limited: The region has few true dispersed camping options suitable for equestrian camping. Many horse camping facilities require reservations and have specific designated areas for equestrian use.
