Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground provides dedicated areas for equestrians in the Fairview area, approximately 30 miles from Spanish Fork. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with specific sites designed for those traveling with horses. Campground facilities include sanitary dump stations for horse waste management. The camping area remains open seasonally from late May through early September. Trail access points connect directly to forest service roads, allowing riders to explore the surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest terrain. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when equestrian sites fill quickly.
Located near Diamond Campground in Spanish Fork Canyon, additional horse camping options provide access to mountain trail systems. These areas feature wider parking spaces to accommodate horse trailers with nearby water access for animals. Trails connect to the Fifth Water Hot Springs area, offering multi-day riding opportunities through forest service lands. The terrain varies from moderate to challenging with elevation gains suitable for experienced horses. Water availability fluctuates seasonally, with more reliable sources in spring and early summer. Campgrounds within the canyon provide basic amenities including pit toilets and fire rings, though limited phone service exists in some areas. Most equestrian camping in this region operates on a first-come basis during the May to October season, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations providing relief during summer months.
"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. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
$27 - $270 / night
"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."
"The park is clean with partial hookups with electricity and water (no sewer or cable.) most spots along the Spanish Fork River (really a small creek in August) are shaded in the afternoon."
$27 - $313 / night
"Nestled in the Uinta National Forest in Spanish Fork canyon. 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."
"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."
$27 - $540 / night
"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."
"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."
$27 - $355 / night
"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."
$26 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
$27 - $204 / night
"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."
"Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports) Equest sites can be used by people wIthout horses too."
"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!"
TravelerDiamond is a great go to if you live in SLC. Not far up Spanish Fork Canyon. Great getaway for a weekend for locals.
River near by campground and also the trailhead to hot springs is a few miles up the canyon
TravelerThis is our second visit to this park. We really like it here. The park is clean with partial hookups with electricity and water (no sewer or cable.) most spots along the Spanish Fork River (really a small creek in August) are shaded in the afternoon. 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. If you like that sort of thing you will like it here.
It is very close (10 minutes) to shopping including Costco and Walmart, good food like In-n-Out, Five Guys, and Longhorn Steak House.
It really is a perfect place to resupply and still feel like you haven't left nature.
ScoutI absolutely love it here. Nestled in the Uinta National Forest in Spanish Fork canyon. 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. This is the only campground open late Fall. If you plan on staying here and visiting during the late summer/Fall- bring proper shoes! It is muddy this time of year
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.
Equestrian camping near Spanish Fork, Utah provides access to varied terrain between 5,000-8,000 feet elevation throughout the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Camping areas along Spanish Fork Canyon offer riverside sites with direct trail connections to mountain riding routes.
Mountain biking on forest trails: The trail system near Uinta National Forest Whiting Campground connects to multiple riding routes. "Lots of hiking available, although a bit rocky and steep for my old knees. Campsites are concrete with tables and firepits, very clean," notes connie C.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Payson Lakes offers excellent fishing opportunities for families. "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," states James B., making it ideal for beginners.
Horseback riding to hot springs: Trails from several Spanish Fork area campgrounds lead to Fifth Water Hot Springs. "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. about Diamond Campground.
Cooler temperatures at higher elevations: The campgrounds along Nebo Loop provide relief during summer. "High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- it's very popular," advises Andrea P. about Timpooneke.
River access for horses and camping: Many campers appreciate the water access for animals. "We were close to the river though and the kids had fun playing in it," notes Preston G. about Diamond Campground, though he adds "There are no fish in this river, which was unfortunate since I was hoping to do a little fishing."
Private equestrian sites: For those seeking more seclusion with horses, "My favorite thing is how secluded it is. Definitely would recommend," shares Becky J. about the horse camping options at Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground.
Reservations recommended: Most equestrian sites fill quickly during summer months. "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," warns Andrea P. about Granite Flat, reflecting a common situation across most area campgrounds.
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: While free camping exists, facilities are minimal. "A great site for it being free but they don't have any amenities," reports Becky J. about Sheep Creek.
Seasonal water availability: Water access varies throughout the season. "There is no water at the campsites. You have to go to the camp host and they have a water spigot there to get water," explains Tad W. about camping at Maple Lake Campground.
Multi-day riding itineraries: Plan progressive routes for children on horseback. "Next time we come we are bringing our family and staying longer," shares Analia F. about her experience at Whiting Campground, where the trail system supports incremental rides.
Close-to-town options: For shorter trips with kids, consider Spanish Fork River Park. "We were traveling between SLC and Moab and just needed a comfortable spot to crash. This was perfect. Hosts are so nice, literally cleanest bathrooms ever," reports Josie B., though she warns "Yes trains do come by but we only heard two while we slept."
Lake activities for children: Payson Lakes offers family-friendly water recreation. "Don't miss the sunrise over the tree line on the lake... we brought our dog who herded deer through our campsite twice, the kids loved it," shares Veronica S.
Site selection for trailers: Choose equestrian sites for more space when traveling with larger rigs. "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," advises Andrea P. about Blackhawk Campground.
Parking considerations: When hauling horse trailers, select appropriate campgrounds. "We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily," reports Monica W. about Diamond Campground, adding "All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved."
Seasonal road access: Mountain campgrounds have limited accessibility. "This is one of the closest campgrounds to Provo. It is quick and easy for the kind of trip to just get away but it won't feel like you are backwoods because of the smallness of the park and closeness to a very busy highway," explains Kyler N. about Nunns Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Spanish Fork, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Spanish Fork, UT is Nunns Park with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Spanish Fork, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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