Horse camping near Summit, Utah is largely dispersed, with sites suited for equestrians who come prepared with portable corrals or highline systems. Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed Camping provides free camping with road access suitable for horse trailers. Located conveniently between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, this area features large, widely spaced sites that accommodate horses with ample room for setting up temporary corrals or highlines. The terrain includes juniper forests that provide natural shade for horses during hot summer days. Most campsites are sufficiently flat and spacious enough for horse trailers, with room to safely separate horses from camping areas.
Trail access directly connects riders to surrounding public lands with numerous riding opportunities. The area sees occasional cattle herds sharing the rangeland, so proper containment of horses is essential. No permanent corrals exist, so equestrians must bring portable corrals or use highline systems. Most sites offer natural windbreaks that help protect horses from exposure, particularly important given the area's 5,500-foot elevation where temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Water for horses must be hauled in as no natural water sources are reliably available at the horse campsites. The roads remain passable for horse trailers in dry conditions but become challenging after rainfall or snow, potentially becoming completely impassable when wet.
"You can come in through Ashdoen Forest Road, at least some other entrances are gated. I didn't see any explicit campsites, but there is lots of trail to find a spot to park."
"Great spot close to town, only downside was getting to the spot through the neighborhood"
"Great trails and area for 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, and side by sides. I don't own horses, but I imagine riding there would also be good on them. The kids always have fun."
"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."
"Located right inside of the National Park area just a few hundred yards from the visitor center this place is the hardest reservation to get at Zion because it is always filling up."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
"Surrounding are abundant juniper trees providing beauty, interest, and shade. Only drawback is no potable water or showers,, however there are toilets. AT &T has full service at my site"
"We have camped at both the campground inside Three Peaks and the Large group campground to the south of the main entrance into Three Peaks"
from $10 / night
"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"
"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 was pretty busy when we arrived so our spot was next to the road. One bonus: short off-road drive to our spot"
"Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels. Four bars of AT&T 4G."
ScoutWhat a great place to stay for the cheap price of $29 per night for full hookups. The roads getting in are great and had no issue at all. RV site all gravel and subject to a few puddles, but all in all for the price and amenities, it’s a great place.
ScoutLarge clean park with new improvements. Only drawback might be the payment kiosk was a bit confusing and the layout of the big RV area was a bit ambiguous.
ScoutSpots are flat, easy access, good size and only about 10 miles from Bryce
GuideGreat location in the National park. Warm, clean bathrooms with flushing toilets. We had some wet weather so the campground was nice and quiet with paved pads and picnic tables. We are here in October so half of the campground is closed for the season. It is close to hiking and biking trails. General store has laundry facilities and showers. $5 for 8 minute hot shower.
ScoutMany easily accessible spots, beautiful scenery
ScoutThe most Beautiful campground I’ve ever stayed at. They have paved spots with a fire pit and picnic table. well maintained and prices are reasonable. Only downside is no showers!
TravelerViews from the campground are second to none
TravelerWe loved this place! Stayed for two nights in mid-October. The road in is definitely rough— AWD/4WD + a little clearance is helpful, though I did see a sedan up there. The area is huge and there were many spots to choose from. Great views. We chose a spot on a little plateau that was beautiful, but also very windy. Bring good tent stakes. The portable toilets were clean and had TP. Cell service was spotty, but could get some service. We will definitely be back here again, a new favorite spot.
RangerWeather was bad due to Hurricane Rachel but we biked around to Inspiration Point! Bathrooms were nice and site was cute. Very close to others though, not much privacy.
Dispersed camping for equestrians in the Summit area includes several established and primitive sites across varied terrain. These horse campgrounds near Summit, Utah sit at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet with juniper and pine forest cover. The region connects both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park areas, making it a strategic base for riders wanting to explore multiple destinations.
Explore local trail systems: From Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed, riders can access numerous multi-use trails. "Dirt road access with many trails and jeep roads that connect surrounding areas including Escalante, Utah. Don't attempt to get to this site if raining or snowing, roads are slick and impassable," notes Jeff R. about the nearby Panquitch Lake Cliffside Campsite.
Watch wildlife: Evening hours bring increased wildlife activity at many equestrian camping areas. "Very nice area with animals coming out towards the evening. We saw several deer just before going to bed. Can be windy but didn't get too bad into the night. Plenty of trees to block the sun out," reports Joe M. about Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed.
Visit surrounding public lands: Horse campers can position themselves centrally between multiple destinations. "Great site with great views of the Lake and cabin areas around Panquitch Lake. There's some traffic noise but not too bad. There is a herd of cows that range up there as well," explains Chad R.
Natural shade coverage: Many sites feature juniper stands that provide cooling shade. "Surrounding are abundant juniper trees providing beauty, interest, and shade," notes Susan J. about the Cedar City RV Park area, which shares similar vegetation with other sites in the region.
Large, spacious sites: Most horse camping areas feature ample room. "Most spots are large and have ample space for group camping or RV's. The spot we picked was out of view of other sites and was very spacious," describes Joe M.
Cell service availability: Many dispersed horse camping areas maintain decent connectivity despite remote locations. "We arrived at 10:30pm, no one was here. Wasn't sure exactly where to go but called my dad (there's cell service and data here) and he helped guide me. I even ordered something online just fine," reports C L. about Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed.
Seasonal road closures: Many horse camping areas become inaccessible during wet conditions. "This campsite can be utilized with Campers, RVs or tents and has a great view of the Lake and cabin areas around Panquitch Lake. Dirt road access with many trails and jeep roads that connect surrounding areas including Escalante, Utah. Don't attempt to get to this site if raining or snowing, roads are slick and impassable," warns Jeff R.
Fire regulations: Most sites permit fires but conditions can change seasonally. "Fires allowed" is listed for FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping, with camper Tom W. noting: "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels."
Rangeland management: Be aware of shared grazing lands. "There is a herd of cows that range up there as well," notes Chad R., reinforcing the need to properly secure horses away from local cattle.
Choose sites with natural boundaries: Look for established camping spots with visual separation. "The campground has a small store and great bathrooms and showers. Our site was fairly small but large enough for our small tent and car as well as a fire pit and picnic table," shares Anna H. about Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, which offers more facilities than dispersed options.
Plan for altitude considerations: Many sites sit at higher elevations where temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "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! The creek is dry right now as it's middle of July," notes Diana V. from Twin Hollows Canyon.
Bring plenty of water: No reliable water sources exist at most horse camping locations. "I loved this campsite! Found a secluded spot farther back on the road surrounded by trees and a beautiful view of distant mountains. Perfect place to get the dog some exercise too," shares Taylor S. about FS #117 Rd.
Check clearance requirements: Many horse camping access roads require higher-clearance vehicles. "This is a good little spot for a trip to Zion or Brice. The road was easy and the spots are large," advises Bobby L. about Harris Rim & Stout Canyon.
Arrive during daylight: Navigation to dispersed sites is challenging after dark. "We were driving through looking for a quick place to pull off the highway for the night. It's a few tarred miles off the road, but wauper esy to find, even at 11:30 pm when we stopped. There was only one car that came in after us," shares Melanie G.
Consider wind exposure: Higher elevation sites experience significant winds. "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," advises Christopher N. from Zion Wright Family Ranch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Summit, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Summit, UT is Panquitch Lake Cliffside Campsite with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Summit, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Summit, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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