Horseback riding and camping options abound in the high-elevation forests surrounding Spring City, Utah. The area sits in central Utah's Sanpete County, where elevations range from 5,800 to over 9,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. National Forest lands offer numerous dispersed and established camping areas with pine forests providing natural cooling during summer months.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: Potters Pond Campground provides access to a serene fishing spot where "most people were either fishing or enjoying the pond on a row boat," according to one visitor. The pond sits at over 9,000 feet elevation, creating mild summer days.
Hot spring hiking: Located near Diamond Campground, the Fifth Water hot springs trail offers a popular destination for campers. As one visitor notes, it's "about a 2 1/2 mile drive from the fifth water hot springs trail," making it accessible for day trips from camp.
Off-road adventures: Potters Pond Campground connects to extensive trail networks as mentioned by a camper: "The campground is adjacent to the Appain Trails where one has access to 300+ miles of off-road enjoyment." This makes it ideal for ATV enthusiasts seeking multi-day exploration.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Maple Lake Campground receives praise for its "lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," creating privacy between campsites even during busier periods.
Natural shade: At Potters Pond Campground, campers appreciate that "the abundant trees and brush truly make one feel like they are a million miles away from home," providing excellent coverage from summer sun.
Lake access: Payson Lakes offers "a lake to walk to for fishing, playing, or just admiring" according to visitors, with non-motorized boating opportunities. Another camper adds it's "great for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have limited or no water. At Potters Pond, "the campground does not have any potable water or any services," requiring campers to bring all water needed.
Elevation affects temperatures: Most campgrounds sit at higher elevations (8,000-9,000 feet), creating significant day-night temperature swings. One camper at Potters Pond notes, "the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold."
Pack-it-out requirements: Several campgrounds lack trash service. As one Potters Pond visitor explains, "there are no dumpsters, so what you bring in, you have to take with you."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas near Spring City can be challenging. One Fish Lake National Forest camper mentions, "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry," but conditions worsen with precipitation.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Payson Lakes offers family-friendly activities as "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."
Playground access: Spanish Fork River Park provides facilities specifically for families, as one visitor notes: "There are two sides of the campground which have restrooms, playgrounds and dirt volleyball courts."
Site selection for horse camping: When considering equestrian camping options, experienced visitors suggest selecting sites away from main roads. At Sheep Creek, which accommodates various camping styles, one visitor explains it has "plenty of space for any camper, tents to fifth wheels."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: For those requiring power, Spanish Fork River Park offers "partial hookups with electricity and water (no sewer or cable)," making it suitable for shorter stays.
Site size considerations: At Diamond Campground, one RV camper mentions, "All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily."
Fire amenities: For RVers looking to enjoy campfires, Diamond Campground offers "a great firepit and BBQ grill as well as a picnic table," enhancing the camping experience without needing to bring additional equipment.