Equestrian Camping near Torrey, UT

Equestrian camping near Torrey, Utah provides access to diverse terrain ranging from high mountain trails at 9,500 feet elevation to desert canyon pathways. The Fishlake National Forest region receives approximately 10 inches of precipitation annually, creating distinct seasonal riding conditions. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the area operate from May through September when trails are typically clear of snow.

What to do

Trail riding through Capitol Reef: Connect directly to Capitol Reef National Park trail systems from Tasha Equestrian campground, where riders can explore sandstone formations and desert landscapes. One camper noted, "Perfect for trail enthusiasts. Plenty of places to explore. Some sites have corrals and some only have hitching posts."

Fishing at mountain lakes: Fish for trout at Posy Lake Campground where the small eight-acre lake offers excellent catch rates. According to reviews, "Excellent uncrowded trout lake. Eight acres among the pines. Good sized rainbows and brooks. Occasional arctic greylings."

Kayaking peaceful waters: Take non-motorized watercraft on several reservoirs near Torrey. At Koosharem Reservoir, one visitor shared, "They stock this with rainbow trout if your a fisherman. Great Verizon service here, mountains are beautifull."

ATV trail access: Numerous off-road vehicle trails surround the Pine Lake area, with established routes for various skill levels. A camper mentioned, "Lots of ATV trails nearby. Bryce Canyon is only 30 min away."

What campers like

Mountain elevation cooling: Higher elevation campgrounds like Barker Recreation Area offer relief from summer heat at approximately 8,000 feet. A camper reported, "Very quiet spot and well covered with trees. We were very pleased with the campsite."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. At Posy Lake, reviews mention "Docile deer are common in the early mornings and the Milky Way makes its appearance after sunset."

Dark sky stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes the Torrey area excellent for astronomy. As one camper at Posy Lake described, "In the summer, look for the Big Dipper to descend over the north end of the lake."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms despite remote locations. A Tasha Equestrian camper mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. There is water, however there are no showers."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. A Pine Lake visitor warned, "That 5 mile drive on the gravel road to get to the campsite is no joke — tie down everything that can be tied down."

Limited services: Most horse-friendly campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Tasha Equestrian, "You can pay 3 dollars at a lodge about 10 minutes away and take a shower there."

Water availability: Water systems at higher elevations typically shut down by mid-September. A Posy Lake camper noted, "As of September 8th. The water has been turned off and there are no other campers here."

Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential when camping in mountain areas. At Pine Lake Campground, "All sites come with a fire pit, barbecue grill 'on a stick,' picnic table, and bear-proof food locker."

Tips for camping with families

Lake activities for children: Several small lakes offer safe environments for family water activities. A Pine Lake visitor shared, "All the reviews are spot on, so I won't bore you with my details. However, the bugs were relentless."

Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially for summer months when horse flies are active. The same Pine Lake camper warned, "On one occasion, a horsefly bit through my husbands shirt, so be sure to pull out of the bug repellent hacks you can find!"

Reserve sites in advance: The most desirable campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. According to a Pine Lake review, "The upper loop is for reservations only. The bottom loop is first come first serve."

Free alternatives: If established campgrounds are full, dispersed camping options exist nearby. One camper at Piute State Park Campground shared, "Pick your camping location among the cottonwood trees or out in the open for full solar. No services other than pit toilets."

Tips from RVers

Disconnected water services: Cold temperatures at higher elevations may require disconnecting water hookups at night. At Escalante Cabins & R.V. Park, "We were here for 7 nights mid-November. It was very cold so we had to disconnect water at night but hook-ups were easy to use and worked well."

Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. One camper at Koosharem Reservoir noted, "Great Verizon service here," while Pine Lake has "no cell service."

Level site selection: Carefully choose your site for natural levelness as many are unimproved. An Escalante RV Park visitor mentioned, "Sites are gravel, fairly level and very large. Plenty of room for trailer and truck in site."

Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as few remote sites have dump facilities. A visitor to Escalante Cabins reported, "Bathrooms/showers in the laundromat were clean and in good repair. Laundry was good."