Top 10+ Equestrian Campgrounds near Sandy, UT

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 since I don’t think people k ow this.

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. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work.

I 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.

Timooneke 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.

Hands down the best campground for sunset views on all of Antelope Island!  The sunsets in the fall, and winter are the best as the bugs have gone down considerably and therefore you won't get eaten alive!  Hues of all different kinds of colors reflect off the perfect mirror surface of the Great Salt Lake and give you an endless sunset much like at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  I would have given this campground 5 stars if there was any shade whatsoever but there isn't any!

This campground is pretty primitive in that there is no drinking water available and only vault toilets available with picnic tables and a fire ring at each campsite.  There are only 20 sites with 2 equestrian sites that go for 40$ a night.  The closest drinking water is at Bridger Bay Campground and there is also a grill on the island that is open during the summer.

FREE! 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.

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.

Campsites are concrete with tables and firepits, very clean.  Pit toilets are well maintained.

Nice big shade trees. Close to town. On the website it says atv’s need to be registered in Utah so I understood you can ride there. I was wrong you can’t have atv’s in the campground.

Going into Antelope Island we had the voices of the critics in our minds: sand is too hot, it is too smelly, the brine flies etc; we were pleasantly surprised. I do believe that the circumstances can change, like the lake level, on a daily basis.

Badger bay is a no amenity, basic campground with a commanding view of the salt lake. There are vault toilets and shaded picnic tables. All of the sites accommodate small RVs, some of the sites may not provide a level tent pad. 2 was terrific! The sites are pretty roomy too.

We loved going for a dip in the lake. We went early on a late June morning before the sand became too hot, and walked the distance barefoot. We only noticed the wet dog smell as we entered the park—but that could change. The brine flies were actually pretty cool. They only hang out on the shoreline for a small distance. They don’t bite and they left our path in droves as though they were enacting the parting of the sea. Honestly, I find houseflies buzzing around my head to be more irritating. The water was smooth and partial buoyancy is cool. Swimmers would be advised to keep cuts out of the water. The brine shrimp don’t bother anyone and float around like typical lake debris.

There are showers at the swimming beach close to the campground. There are basic no-soap cold water rinse showers outside and private pay showers too; bring quarters.

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. There were a few other campers, but there were a few others.

By far one of my favorite stops through Utah ❤️ absolutely breathtaking views, along with scenic routes to see wildlife such as the bison. They had selective campground area sectioned off near the Bay Area, and also group camping spots that where much larger and secluded near the Bay Area as well.

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. 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.

It'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!

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. 

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.

A simply perfect one night stay.

It can be tricky to get a spot here in the summer. Make sure to call ahead!

We stayed here during Questival