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Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground serves horseback riders with an equestrian-specific site design located near Salem, Utah. The campground is situated in a wooded area with easy access to horse trails throughout the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The campground features several horse-friendly sites with space for both horse trailers and camping equipment. While primitive in amenities, the campground provides a sanitary dump station for visitors with RVs. The campground operates seasonally from May 25 to September 3, with reservations recommended during peak summer months. Sites are regularly occupied with local horse enthusiasts who appreciate the direct trail access to forest riding routes.
The Mount Nebo Loop connects riders to multiple trail systems that extend through the mountainous terrain surrounding the Blackhawk Campground area. Horses encounter moderate to challenging terrain with significant elevation changes throughout the trail network. Access to water sources for horses is limited, so campers must bring adequate water supplies for their animals during stays. Most riders report encountering moderate trail traffic during weekends but relatively quiet conditions on weekdays. Sheep Creek dispersed camping area offers a more primitive alternative for experienced equestrians seeking backcountry access, though it lacks developed facilities such as toilets or water sources. Proper manure management and feed storage are essential at all camping locations to prevent wildlife encounters and maintain campground conditions. Riders commonly report cows occasionally sharing the trail systems, requiring horses to be accustomed to livestock encounters.
"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."
from $27 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"A clean, nice, convenient getaway just under 15 minutes outside the city. This served as a great stop for our road trip where we were able to camp 10-steps away from the river, and it was ."
"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."
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $313 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $27 - $540 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
from $27 - $355 / night
Check Availability
GuideBlackhawk is great if you can’t find reservations elsewhere. we booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don’t have to have horses to book equestrian and they seem to be more available since I don’t think people k ow this.
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.
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.
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!
LegendWe 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 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. We were towing our 24' TT so we were going slow. It is about 8.3 miles of dirt road to the campground from UT 31. The sites are spaced far enough from each other which gives you plenty of room to spread out and relax. The short walk to the pond is easy and you will appreciate the stillness of the water. 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. Potters Pond is part of the USDA national forest and is wide open and plenty of trails to hike/bike. The campground is adjacent to the Appain Trails where one has access to 300+ miles of off-road enjoyment.
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. The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold. If you're looking for solitude and nature, this is the place to go!
ScoutI would reserve a spot ahead of time, avoiding any site in loop 'E'. That loop is for those planning to camp with horses. There are hitching posts at every site, therefore, lots of horse poo. And not the best place to take a dog because of all the horses in the area.
The camp host at loop 'E' and 'D' is very nice, and is willing to split up group areas to individuals who have no where else to set up camp. If you do this, expect to get to know new people as you will share a fire pit and eating area.
The fee to camp for one night is $20, but that includes access to any of the Payson lakes, which is $8 for day use.
We didn't go on any hikes during our stay, as we bummed at the beautiful lakes (only the middle of the three lakes is dog friendly) all day. However, there is plenty of hiking in the area.
Very hot. Around 90 degrees. Wake up and get breakfast early. Then enjoy the water in the heat!
P.S. 3 stars due to the fact that I had to camp in horse crap.
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.
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.
Horseback riding trails near Salem, Utah reach elevations of 6,400-8,500 feet through forested mountain terrain in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Several equestrian campgrounds in the region offer access to high-country riding with seasonal availability typically spanning May through September when mountain passes remain snow-free. Trail riding opportunities connect multiple camping areas with varied terrain difficulty.
Fishing at Payson Lakes: Located about 45 minutes from Salem, this mountain lake offers excellent trout fishing with family-friendly shorelines. Payson Lakes provides a calm, motorboat-free environment. "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," notes James B.
Explore Fifth Water Hot Springs: Several campsites provide convenient access to this popular hiking destination. Diamond Campground serves as a strategic base camp for hot springs access. "About a 2 1/2 mile drive from the fifth water hot springs trail. No hookups- if you are in an RV this is a dry campground," explains Chantel S.
Mountain biking trails: The forest roads surrounding the camping areas offer varied biking terrain for different skill levels. "Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time," mentions Brad B. about the trail network accessible from the area.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation campgrounds provide significant temperature relief during summer months. "It's peaceful, beautiful and so much cooler in the higher elevations," reports Taleen P. about Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry, highlighting the climate advantage of mountain camping.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at several campgrounds in the area. "Such a beautiful campground! Very private and not crowded, even during the busiest weekends," says Sage H. about Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground, noting the generous site layout.
Morning lake views: Multiple reviewers mention the sunrise experiences at reservoir campgrounds. "The sunrise is spectacular, especially when you wait for it out by the lake! It's a wonderful place and is family friendly!" shares Stephanie R. from Granite Flat, highlighting the morning scenery.
Reservation timing: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," warns Ash S. about Granite Flat's popularity.
Campground gate closures: Some areas restrict nighttime entry. "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in," advises Brad B. about late arrivals at Granite Flat.
Tent site terrain varies: Not all tent pads provide ideal flat surfaces for setup. "The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks," reports Justin J. about Nunns Park, highlighting potential terrain challenges for tent campers.
Water-based recreation: Several campgrounds provide easy lake access for children. "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," recommends Courtney S. about Payson Lakes, emphasizing its family-friendly amenities.
Free dispersed options: Families seeking budget-friendly camping can utilize no-fee areas. "FREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water. Shooting Range nearby. Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in ability," explains Michelle B. about Soldier's Pass backcountry camping.
Scout-friendly locations: Several campgrounds accommodate larger youth groups. "I took the scouts up to this spot and it is a great place to camp with lots of room. There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on," notes Brad B. about the youth-friendly layout at Whiting Campground.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "First, their normal campsites are really small. We'd actually accidentally set up residence in a double spot without knowing it. So that was unexpected, given the spots are kind of pricey already," warns Sheila M. about Payson Lakes' site sizing.
Dump station availability: Only select campgrounds offer RV dump facilities. "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," reports Michael L N. about Spanish Fork River Park, a convenient option with partial hookups.
Equestrian-specific sites: Horse owners should target campgrounds with dedicated equestrian facilities. "Blackhawk is great if you can't find reservations elsewhere. We booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don't have to have horses to book equestrian and they seem to be more available," advises Andrea P., highlighting a useful reservation strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salem, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salem, UT is Payson Lakes with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Salem, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Salem, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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