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Best Equestrian Camping near Vernal, UT

51 Reviews

Oaks Park Campground provides primitive camping options where horse enthusiasts frequently share space with equestrian groups. Located in the Ashley National Forest approximately 40 minutes from Vernal, this campground has 9 individual sites plus a dedicated group site (#10) that regularly hosts horse riders. The campground features vault toilets but no potable water or trash service. While the campground itself has basic facilities, site #10 shows evidence of regular equestrian use with areas suitable for horses. Long gravel Forest Service roads lead to this remote location, making it accessible for horse trailers with careful driving. Oak Park Lake sits adjacent to the camping area, providing water access for animals after trail rides.

The Sheep Creek Geological Loop near Carmel Campground offers excellent riding opportunities in Ashley National Forest. Riders have access to numerous trails with varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. Carmel Campground provides 14 first-come, first-served sites at $13 per night ($6.50 for seniors) where horses can be accommodated. The surrounding area features abundant wildlife viewing opportunities including bighorn sheep that graze in nearby ranch fields. The campground's location provides strategic access to both forest trails and the Flaming Gorge recreation area. Horse owners should note that the site does not provide water for animals, so carrying sufficient supplies is essential. The nearby geological loop road offers excellent access points to riding trails with striking red rock formations and canyon views that make this area particularly valuable for equestrians seeking scenic trail rides.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Vernal, Utah (14)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Vernal, UT

1 Photos of 14 Vernal Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Vernal, UT

51 Reviews of 14 Vernal Campgrounds

  • Glen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Carmel USFS campground

    Heading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2021

    Oaks Park Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Small crapped out CG

    Small primitive campground. Free, 9 sites, #10 is a group site. One vault toilet, no water or trash. No cell signal. Most sites are small back in, but a few are pull thru for larger trailers. Group area #10:seems popular with horse groups so lots of horse poop and flies. Oak Park lake is a draw down water source below so was not very scenic. Long gravel FS roads to get here.

  • Tyrinn B.
    Apr. 14, 2025

    Meadow Park Dispersed Camping

    Hidden Gem in Ashley NF

    We found this place by chance a couple summers ago when all the campgrounds were packed this one was vacant and absolutely breathtaking. Now we are back again and couldn't be more excited. This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road. There are endless options for sites. In the summer they do drive cattle through this spot so be mindful that you may hear horses, riders, dogs, and mooing. Also it's fair to note they don't clean up after themselves. It is still worth it.

    I do want to note that if you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir. If you have flipped the axel on your rig I'm sure it would be no problem bringing it down this road and you'd have space to flip around if needed. Tent camping offers more options in this location as there is plenty of grassy spots to put up your tents for a nice rest. Please keep this spot as wild as it is while I write this. Pack it in and pack it OUT. This spot is wild and deserves to stay that way.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed

    Nice spot for the night

    It's a nice spot. Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad

  • Cortney M.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    East Park Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Good fishin

    Nice little campground. Camping spots are to close to each other. Bathrooms located in the campground and by the boat dock are kept clean. Short walk to the lake. Great fishing! Although I would recommend that you go over by the dam for the best fishing. The fish are stocked and its kinda neat to watch the trucks unload them on the boat dock. Campground is usually pretty full every weekend

  • C
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge

    Great place to stay

    We’re here in mid September and only two other campers. Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area. The campground on the tip of the little peninsula was available and surround by water on three sides was available, but a little windy. Our selected spot was more secluded but still right on the waters edge.

  • Lori S.
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Jug Hollow Road - Dispersed Camp

    ATVs Speedboats Dirt bikes generators

    We spent this past Friday night at this dispersed campground. While the grounds are beautiful, it was extremely noisy with Harding going on all night by the Lakeshore. It was extremely noisy with all of the power equipment on and near the lake, including ATVs, generators, speed boats. If you were looking for peace and quiet, I would move away from the Lakeshore and Camp on the road going out. The road going out is quite rough and has about mile and a half of pretty bad washboard and is sandy in some spots as well

  • Justin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest

    Great location Great campground

    Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you’ll enjoy this location day and night. The night sky was amazing for meteor showers.

Guide to Vernal

Dispersed camping near Vernal, Utah presents opportunities for overnight stays in remote areas of Ashley National Forest. Campers can find primitive sites along FS Road 217, which offers free camping at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.

What to do

Wildlife viewing along Sheep Creek Loop: Several campgrounds along this scenic drive provide strategic access points for spotting bighorn sheep. "Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch," notes Glen B.

Geological exploration: The red rock formations surrounding Vernal offer unique study opportunities. "So this is on the Sheep Creek canyon loop which is a 2 lane road all paved that goes through some of the most amazing views around. There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place," shares Brad B. about Carmel Campground.

Water recreation: Flaming Gorge Reservoir provides multiple access points for boating and paddling. "We took our paddle boards out every day. The wind picked up in the afternoons, too hard to paddle, but we walked along the shore and found some lovely rocks. Fishing in the early morning was a win," reports Teresa S. from Spring Creek Road Dispersed.

What campers like

Direct water access: Lakefront camping spots allow for immediate water recreation. "Keep following the dirt road to get to a few spots by the water! I took my Kia Soul down the road and a Honda civic was parked there as well. Only a few spots but you can jump right in the water," advises taryn about Spring Creek Road Dispersed.

Quiet, secluded sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer privacy despite proximity to popular recreation areas. "We found this place by chance a couple summers ago when all the campgrounds were packed this one was vacant and absolutely breathtaking. This dispersed campground is one to check out. It has very secluded spots tucked in the trees. You don't hear the highway traffic even at closer spots to the road," writes Tyrinn B. about Meadow Park Dispersed Camping.

Night sky viewing: The remote nature of camping areas provides exceptional stargazing conditions. "Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you'll enjoy this location day and night. The night sky was amazing for meteor showers," notes Justin B. about Carmel Campground.

What you should know

Horse-friendly areas: Equestrian camping near Vernal, Utah includes multiple sites designed for those traveling with horses. Long drive back into Oaks Park Campground rewards with spacious group areas. "Long drive back into the forest but it is well worth it. We were the only people camping here for two days and it was beautiful. If you drive past the main designated camping area to the left there are several campsites that are larger and closer to the lake," recommends Natalie B.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vernal, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vernal, UT is Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vernal, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Vernal, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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