Pine Valley Equestrian Campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet in Dixie National Forest, providing a cooler alternative to the warmer desert climate of nearby Santa Clara. The campground operates seasonally with sites accommodating both tent and RV camping for visitors bringing horses. Winter temperatures drop significantly at this elevation, with summer daytime temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than in St. George.
What to do
Trail riding excursions: Access multiple trail systems directly from the campground for various difficulty levels and distances. Riders can explore the surrounding Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness which encompasses over 50,000 acres. As one visitor notes, "The terrain surrounding the campground provides opportunities for riders on horseback" with trails that connect to the broader Dixie National Forest region.
Visit Snow Canyon State Park: Located 30 miles south of Pine Valley, this park offers scenic beauty with red rock formations and desert landscapes. A camper mentions, "Nicely kept state park, safe, on outskirts of St. George UT... Great red rock/lava flow hiking trail options, most are easy/moderate, nice loop through Snow Canyon and around on mesa and back for road cycling" at Snow Canyon State Park Campground.
Explore Toquerville Falls: About an hour's drive from Santa Clara, this natural waterfall area provides a unique outdoor experience. A visitor explains, "Beautiful waterfalls that fall into a crater like pool. The water continues to flow down for miles. It is very peaceful at night especially hearing the water fall flow" at Toquerville Falls Primitive.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation of Pine Valley creates significantly cooler conditions compared to Santa Clara during summer months. Campers appreciate this natural air conditioning effect for both themselves and their horses. One visitor at Pine Valley Equestrian Campground notes, "Gets cooler at night, great for the fire and sleeping. A nice break from the heat of the Valley."
Stream access: The natural water features near the equestrian sites provide both practical and recreational benefits. "Has a gorgeous, peaceful stream running a very short walk from the sites. I spent most of my time walking through shaded woods along the stream and collecting water for boiling along with firewood," reports a camper.
Privacy between sites: Unlike more congested campgrounds, the equestrian sites offer good separation. A visitor at Zion Wright Family Ranch confirms this camping style benefit: "There was a fair amount of privacy with everyone spread out through the field."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Pine Valley Equestrian Campground operates on a reservation system during its open season. Other nearby alternatives have different reservation windows. At South Campground — Zion National Park, "Reservations can be made two weeks before your stay, and you can only reserve three nights. We reserved a site for three nights and then waited three days to reserve a site for two more nights."
No showers on-site: While Pine Valley Equestrian Campground provides drinking water and toilet facilities, it lacks shower amenities. For longer stays, plan accordingly or research nearby shower options.
Four-wheel drive requirements: Some of the alternative camping areas near Santa Clara have challenging access roads. A reviewer warns about Toquerville Falls: "You won't make it. I did this in a 17 Jeep Grand Cherokee stock height and hit bottom a few times. The drive is about 3 miles to the falls and takes about 45 minutes."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: When temperatures climb, seek out water-based recreation options. At Snow Canyon State Park, "My kids had a blast in the sand dune area," while another family notes their children enjoyed the cool stream near Pine Valley Equestrian Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some nearby alternatives to the equestrian campground offer more developed facilities. A visitor to Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort shares, "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and Rv sites."
Weather preparedness: The mountain location means weather can change quickly, especially during transitional seasons. Bring layers and appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: While Pine Valley Equestrian Campground can accommodate big rigs, specific sites may be better suited than others. At Snow Canyon, a camper advises, "The non-hookup sites are MUCH better than the ones with hookups. The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into."
Water management: With no sewer connections at the equestrian campground, RVers should monitor tank levels carefully. Bring extra water storage if planning extended stays.
Road conditions: Access roads to some dispersed camping areas can be challenging. A visitor at Mount Trumbull Loop Dispersed notes, "Even with rain roads were ok" but cautions about seasonal conditions that might affect larger vehicles.
