Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail provides free dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land near Springdale, Utah. This primitive site accommodates both tents and RVs, with sufficient space for large rigs and horse trailers. The camp lacks developed equestrian amenities such as dedicated corrals or stalls, but offers open space for portable corrals or highlines. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including water for themselves and their horses, as no drinking water is available. The campground permits fires, though campers need to supply their own firewood. Most sites provide adequate room for both camping equipment and horse containment.
Pine Valley Equestrian Campground offers horse-friendly camping from May to September in a developed setting with potable water and toilet facilities. Located approximately 56 miles from Springdale in the Dixie National Forest, this campground features tent and RV sites with picnic tables and established fire rings. The campground provides access to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding across varied terrain. Trailer parking accommodates standard rigs at designated equestrian sites. The campground operates on a reservation system, particularly important during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The campground maintains a clean environment with trash collection services and regular maintenance of the equestrian areas. Trail connections from the campground lead to extensive riding opportunities through pine forests and mountain terrain.
$35 - $50 / night
"Perfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125."
"You’re surrounded by the park and are in walking distance of the visitors center, watchman campground, a bunch of hikes, the shuttle and Springdale. Highly recommend it if you can get a spot."
"The campground is located away from the resort features which we appreciated, so that is was a little more of an authentic camping experience."
"We were just looking for a place to sleep, checked out the first camping outside of Zion east entrance and decided to check out the next closest one according to info from the Zion ranger."
"It’s next to a creek and has a lot of private room to camp. It’s only 14 miles out of Zion national park! The creek is dry right now as it’s middle of July."
"Close to the road but not too noisy. It's about 45 minutes to the Zion visitor center. Gas stations & restaurant close by."
"It does take 40min to get to Springdale and about 4-5 miles of that is on a packed dirt road which we had to go fairly slow on. We were in a 2WD VW Jetta sport wagon, we made it, just had to go slow."
"The host Bill was very kind, we were able to take a 2 hour horse back ride around the ranch which is a must! The ranch is huge and you can pick and chose which ever spot you like."
"Toquerville Falls Utah. BLM area. Free off grid camping. Cool place to see. Lots of off road, 4 wheeler/side by side, dirt bike, Hiking to do in the area."
"Small falls, with camping right next to it. It takes a 4x4 for get here...cars or vehicles with low clearance BE WARE! You won't make it."
"There were a couple more RVs next to us (C-class 30 feet) Easy accessible but make sure you have a flashlight because of some big stones that you need to manoeuvre around."
"It’s quiet and has a creek and trees Lots of sand so don’t get stuck, you can go to Belly of the Dragon before anyone due to camping next to it!!"
"Close to the road and everything you need: full hookup etc. Shade is hard to find. Restrooms are small and noise from the road is right there.
Good stay however, with reliable WiFi."
"Small campground, close to Zion NP. Flat spots, quite small though. Full hookups, pull through. No firepit or BBQ on spots, but two BBQ's on the side of the sites."
$40 - $200 / night
"2.5 mike hike in, 300 ft elevation gain, easy trail to beautiful overlook of southern Utah. Camp is a sandy open area next to the overlook and cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. Free to camp."
"Snow Canyon is a still relatively unknown place near St George, Utah. There is SO much to do around there and there are great hikes that leave from this campground which makes it even better."
$21 - $42 / night
"Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again"
"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."
"Got in around 9:40pm and there were just a few cars parked. Easy to navigate in our van. My phone camera does not do justice to the stars in the sky and then you wake up to this beautiful scenery."
"We were able to drive our Tundra pulling 19’ Scamp trailer but bigger rigs would have trouble because the dirt is very sandy and some places are tight."
ScoutPerfect location just a short walk away from the visitors center where you catch the shuttle into the park, or exit to catch the shuttle to Springdale. Clean bathrooms. No shade at site 125.
GuideWe were thrilled that we managed to get a spot here. You’re surrounded by the park and are in walking distance of the visitors center, watchman campground, a bunch of hikes, the shuttle and Springdale. Highly recommend it if you can get a spot.
TravelerIf you want to have a reserved spot then this is a great place. It does take 40min to get to Springdale and about 4-5 miles of that is on a packed dirt road which we had to go fairly slow on. We were in a 2WD VW Jetta sport wagon, we made it, just had to go slow. Sites have plenty of space between them so you’re not on top of other people. Amazing view of canyon and stars. Port-a-potty’s were fairly clean. Each site had a fire ring. We got caught in high winds one day/night that nearly blew our tent down and covered everything in a thick layer of dust so beware. The dirt roads in the campground kick up a ton of dust when people drive by. No water, no showers, no cell reception either and we have Verizon. A guy on a horse came around to check if you had a reservation or not. That was the only type of check-in or out process there was.
TravelerYou come to take water for granted until you dont have any. This campground was simple but perfect! There were real toilets and actual faucets. Showers are a short walk outside the park in Springdale. There is also great cell service if youre not ready to fully disconnect from the outside world! And plenty of wild life roaming through.
GuideRight inside the park. A quick walk to trailheads, the shuttle stop, the visitor center, or charming Springdale.
LegendIt feels almost like a hidden secret that I shouldn't divulge, but the lovely owners of this special little spot deserve to have a light shown on their little slice of heaven in Southern Utah.
In an area rich with outdoor tourist attractions (Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon all within 90 minutes), it's hard to find a campsite that doesn't feel like a shoulder-to-shoulder Disney experience. Ethel's Hideout is laid out such that you never feel like you're crowded in by neighbors. This is a true cowboy camping experience in cowboy country.
The campground is surrounded by public lands in every direction with views of incredible rock formations and the breath-taking Southern Utah landscape. If you're lucky, you can watch the cowboys moving cattle across the range. We got lucky enough to see this during our stay.
There's no shortage of things to do nearby. Just ask the owners for some tips on where to go to find an adventure! As an insider tip, I found the nearby reservoir in Kanab to be the perfect spot for a morning jaunt.
While they do offer horse stalls for travelers with horses, the campground is set-up for RVs and tents to maximize views and strikes the perfect balance of amenities with a boondocking-style experience. If you're looking for concrete pads and lines of RVs, this isn't the spot for you. But if you're hoping to find a truly special camping experience coupled with some light amenities, give Ethel's a visit. We love it here.
RangerInternet. The signal here is super great because Springdale is right on the other side of the park entrance. I didn’t do a speed test but I did work and use internet like normal with Verizon.
The campground is clean, the bathrooms are clean. The campground has a water fill and dump station. The Riverwalk Trail runs beside the campground. The South Campground is all dry camping.
It meets all the basic necessities. It is also the best way to experience Zion. We went on a Sunday where they were were running the shuttles on the scenic road weekends only. The next day, Monday, cars would be allowed to drive on the scenic road but only until they reached car capacity. The park ranger told us they reach car capacity at about 7:30am. If you stay at the campground then you can get over to the scenic road before they turn away new cars. Also, during peak season when the shuttles run all the time, you can get in line early so you don’t have to wait 45 minutes to get on the first shuttle like we did at 9am.
Aside from being in close proximity to the scenic road, you can have a quieter experience at the riverside away from the throngs of people that made the park feel like a theme park. The experience of the park was redeemed by staying at the campground.
GuideToquerville Falls Utah. BLM area. Free off grid camping. Cool place to see. Lots of off road, 4 wheeler/side by side, dirt bike, Hiking to do in the area. This is NOT a 2 wheel drive adventure to see a water fall. It’s strictly 4 wheel drive only. Hike it first to end don’t ruin your vehicle for this. Steep. Slick. 2 ft rock boulderings straight drop offs and roads cut towards them. If too slick see ya. Trust. Walk it. 4wd is ok. 3.5 miles takes 45min slow Mo style. So walking speed? Almost. Walk it no 2wd.
LegendSomething for everyone with this resort campground! We were interested in it for its full hook-up RV area, but you can rent or buy cabins, ride horses, rent boats, off-road vehicles, go fishing, hiking, exporing, or just relax and enjoy the views of Panguitch Lake. There is even an area for special events, such as weddings, family reunions, or parties. Great place to visit if you don't mind spending the money.
Equestrian camping near Springdale, Utah ranges from primitive sites on BLM land to developed facilities with dedicated horse amenities. Located at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, this region sits at elevations ranging from 3,900 to 5,500 feet, creating varied terrain for riders. The local sandstone and limestone formations create distinct trail environments suitable for different experience levels.
Trail riding at Wright Family Ranch: Explore extensive riding opportunities on a working cattle ranch with commanding views of Zion's west side. The ranch features unobstructed panoramas at 5,500 feet elevation. "We had a herd of Mule deer cruise through near our site. Located 1.5 mi from Zion NP 'Subway Hike' trailhead. Strenuous but amazing hike," notes Joe V. of Zion Wright Family Ranch.
Explore water features: Visit the unique water-carved tunnel known as Belly of the Dragon, accessible from nearby horse-friendly camping. "Playing in the creek was great for my eight-year-old (be careful of cyanobacteria in area) as well as exploring the tunnel. Oh and the tadpoles and snakes in the creek are awesome too!" shares Kristen S. about camping at Twin Hollows Canyon.
Ride mountain terrain: Access high-elevation trail systems through the pine forests north of Springdale. "Lots of fun for kids. Horseback riding, putt putt golf, pad boards, cabins, tents and RV sites," explains David G. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, which offers guided trail rides and horse-friendly accommodation options.
Creek access for horses: Many riders appreciate natural water sources for horses during warm months. "We stayed in the tent sites, some of the sites were small. But we had a ton of room," reports Jeremy H. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, where larger sites accommodate horse trailers and portable corrals.
Elevated camping spots: Higher elevation areas provide relief from summer heat. "Highly recommended. Loads of space. Reasonable Porta potties. Gorgeous sunsets over Zion. And higher than Under Canvas just down the road," writes Will S. about Wright Family Ranch, where dispersed sites offer ample room for horse trailers.
Trail connections: Direct access to riding trails from campsites eliminates trailering. "I visited here during mid-March and it was a great campground. It was close to the shuttle and the park entrance. Because it is first come first serve you, and since it was Spring break we had to get there around 5 AM to get a good place in line (we ended up 6th in line)," shares Shane S. about South Campground near several trail access points.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal variations affecting trail conditions. "The wind. You are on a plateau with little cover. The winds were coming from the south when we were there so you can try and find a spot with some protection," warns Christopher N. about Zion Wright Family Ranch, noting that unprotected sites can experience strong winds.
Road conditions: Several horse camps require navigating unpaved roads. "It's basically just reserved, dispersed camping with outhouses. That said, you are much more spread out than the free dispersed camping around the park," explains Christopher N., also noting "The road is rough, both up to the campground and within it. Take it slow and you will be fine but it can be a bit intimidating. I would be concerned trying it when wet."
Reservation systems: Campgrounds use different booking methods with varied lead times. "The campground used to be first come, first serve but is now reservable, with sites opening on a rolling basis two weeks in advance. This is great for a semi-spontaneous trip at a busy time of year," explains Carly E. about South Campground's reservation system.
Water safety: Natural water features require supervision. "You can sleep anywhere just be curious. Highly recommended," advises Overland Pioneer about Toquerville Falls Primitive, adding a caution: "Beautiful waterfalls that fall into a crater like pool. The water continues to flow down for miles."
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs about local wildlife and geology. "Watchman 8 am hike with a ranger was easy but informative. We learned about the recent storm (7/11/18) that caused quite a bit of damage and closed several trails," shares Mary S. about programs accessible from South Campground.
High-comfort options: Some sites offer amenities that make horse camping more comfortable for families. "The cowboy cabjns here are really, really cute. The location is great, the property is beautiful, the showers are nice, and I'm sure all the amenities (pool, mini golf, etc) are really fun," reports Madeline W. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
Size restrictions: Many equestrian sites have limitations on RV length and width. "We have a 23 foot trailer," notes Diana V. about Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail, adding "When we found this spot we were trilled! It's next to a creek and has a lot of private room to camp. It's only 14 miles out of Zion national park!"
Surface considerations: Parking surfaces vary significantly between sites. "There were a couple more RVs next to us (C-class 30 feet). Easy accessible but make sure you have a flashlight because of some big stones that you need to manoeuvre around," advises Samuel H. about Horse Camp, emphasizing the importance of careful navigation even with larger rigs.
Seasonal planning: Weather conditions change trailer access throughout the year. "Nice level large sites with great separation but too hot in July (97F). Watch weather the road seem like it could become sticky mud in rain," warns Mark F. about Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Springdale, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Springdale, UT is South Campground — Zion National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Springdale, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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