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Best Equestrian Camping near Zion National Park

260 Reviews

Pine Valley Equestrian Campground provides horse-friendly camping within the Pine Valley Recreation Area north of Zion National Park. Campground features include drinking water, picnic tables, toilets, and trash receptacles. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with sites that can fit large rigs. While the campground name indicates equestrian use, no specific horse corrals are listed in the facilities data. The campground operates seasonally from May 11 to September 24, making it unavailable during winter and early spring months. The campground has received excellent ratings from visitors, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail offers free dispersed camping on BLM land northeast of Zion. This area welcomes both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. The site accommodates large rigs despite its primitive nature. No formal horse facilities are listed, but the "Horse Camp" designation suggests equestrian use is common and accepted. The area maintains a 4.57 rating from visitors who appreciate the proximity to riding trails. The campground's location provides good access to the distinctive Belly of the Dragon Trail, a popular riding destination. Like many dispersed sites in the region, campers should arrive prepared with their own water, waste disposal systems, and horse containment equipment as no formal amenities exist on site.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Zion National Park (18)

    1. South Campground — Zion National Park

    91 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 772-3256

    $35 - $50 / night

    "This campground is great for exploring Zion National Park. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. There are restrooms with running water and electricity."

    "You can check out my other reviews for Zion National Park. Make sure you don't get confused, there is only one south campground at Zion National Park."

    2. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

    29 Reviews
    Springdale, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 293-5444

    "About 40min drive from the west side of Zion National Park. It’s ok though, the drive was very scenic with many photo stops and hiking trails."

    "The campground is located away from the resort features which we appreciated, so that is was a little more of an authentic camping experience."

    3. Zion Wright Family Ranch

    15 Reviews
    Virgin, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 329-4156

    "It is close enough to Zion National Park and also a perfect place to recharge. We enjoyed a wonderful horseback ride with Mr. Wright too. We think their ranch is a little glimpse of heaven!"

    "This off the beaten path campground near Zion National Park is a great place for those looking for a more relaxed time."

    4. Toquerville Falls Primitive

    11 Reviews
    Toquerville, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 688-3200

    "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."

    5. Twin Hollows Canyon

    34 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3000

    "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."

    "We were traveling to Zion national park and this was a great spot to stop at and very easy to find. We got there a bit late so we set up cam, the creek was nice to listen to at night."

    6. Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Ivins, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 628-2255

    $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."

    7. Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail

    7 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    21 miles

    "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!!"

    8. Mount Carmel Motel & RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Orderville, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 648-2323

    "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."

    9. Pine Valley Equestrian Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Valley, UT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 652-3100

    $21 - $42 / night

    "I camped at this site for a week during a trip to Zion National Park. It's a great place to stay with scenic areas, potable water, and vault toilets."

    "Horse stables away from tents and didn’t smell at all. Restrooms really clean. Can’t wait to go again"

    10. Harris Rim & Stout Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Alton, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3200

    "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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Zion National Park

6 Photos of 18 Zion National Park Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Zion National Park

260 Reviews of 18 Zion National Park Campgrounds

  • Stephanie L.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Rough camping

    To enter the South-Zion National Park camp grounds you have to go through the park entrance and the camp grounds are just behind the parks entrance. There is drinking water, flush-able toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, flat places for a tent, dump stations. There is not however, showers, shade which can get hot on 100 degree days, there is no power, the ground is too hard to stake down tents, no trees for hammocks, the bathroom have huge spiders and filthy, there are plenty of rocks to sleep on!

    This is not the best camp site on the planet it is ok. It currently costs $35 to get into the Zion National Park and then it costs to camp at this site. With the amount of traffic this area gets and the amount of money flowing in they could put in a decent bathroom, one without bugs.

    I have good news there are lots of trails for backpacking and biking. If you'd like to go for a stroll to shower there are showers a little less than a mile away that cost $15 for 12 minutes. They aren't wonderful but they get the job done. They are however also filthy! Thank goodness I had my Oofos Oolala flip flops on hand to save my feet from whatever nasty germs were living in the shower floor that was covered in hair. There are some great places to eat close by to this camp grounds and great coffee! If you need any souvenirs there are plenty of places to shop!

    The South-Zion National Park campgrounds have a shuttle close by that drives guests to the trail for the well known, "Narrows". The shuttle comes with your park pass and is a hop on hop off transit. It is the easiest way to see some of Zions most precious wonders!

    Pros:

    Close to popular trails

    River runs next to camp

    Close shopping and food

    Potable water

    Places to throw away trash

    Cons:

    Bad bathrooms (rather go outside) + small stalls

    No showers

    Rough grounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Twin Hollows Canyon

    Belly of the dragon

    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. Seems it’s a spot of off road vehicles also. We have a 23 foot trailer.

  • R
    May. 12, 2019

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Great campground

    This campground is great for exploring Zion National Park. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. There are restrooms with running water and electricity. Only a short walk from a shuttle station and Visitor’s Center. We also had deer around our campsite every morning and evening.

  • Matt S.
    Nov. 1, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    There is only one South Campground at Zion NP

    You can check out my other reviews for Zion National Park. Make sure you don't get confused, there is only one south campground at Zion National Park. If you are looking for long term reservations then you need to camp at Watchman. if you can take the risk of a first come first serve campsite and you have missed your window for getting a site at Watchman, then take your chances, it is worth it. But get there early, before 7:00 a.m. The campground fills up quickly.

    Zion is becoming more poular every year. Expect big crowds.

  • N
    Jun. 17, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Stunning Views!

    This was an amazing campsite! Not very much shade but amazing views!! We enjoyed this campsite while we were visiting Zion National Park!!

  • D
    Jul. 6, 2018

    South Campground — Zion National Park

    Zion

    Zion National Park is a wonderful park for everyone to visit. South campground is $20 a night all dry camping, flush toilets. Virgin River runs along the campground. No showers.

  • Daniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Zion Wright Family Ranch

    Wright Beautiful in Zion!

    The Zion Wright Family Ranch is gorgeous. You will not get tired of gazing at the beauty. It is close enough to Zion National Park and also a perfect place to recharge. We enjoyed a wonderful horseback ride with Mr. Wright too. We think their ranch is a little glimpse of heaven!

  • Gabriel A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Pine Valley Equestrian Campground

    Great campsite.

    I camped at this site for a week during a trip to Zion National Park. It's a great place to stay with scenic areas, potable water, and vault toilets. Highly recommend for people planning to visit Zion during a highly trafficked time of the year when sites are few and far between (if you are willing to drive an hour and a half to the park).

  • Kayla S.
    Sep. 12, 2021

    Twin Hollows Canyon

    Belly of the dragon

    We were traveling to Zion national park and this was a great spot to stop at and very easy to find. We got there a bit late so we set up cam, the creek was nice to listen to at night. The dogs loved it and then we explored “Belly of the dragon” witch was very interesting and quite nice.

Guide to Zion National Park

Horse camping near Zion National Park in Utah offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several campgrounds catering to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride through breathtaking scenery.

Tips for equestrian camping near Zion National Park in Utah

  • Make sure to check the accessibility of roads leading to your chosen site, as some areas may require a vehicle with good clearance, especially after rain.
  • Bring enough supplies for both you and your horse, as some campgrounds may not have amenities like water hookups or firewood available.
  • Always keep your horse secured and be mindful of other campers to ensure a peaceful experience for everyone.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like stables and trails

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you horseback ride in Zion National Park?

Yes, horseback riding is permitted in designated areas of Zion National Park. For a guided experience, Zion Wright Family Ranch offers horseback riding tours with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Mr. Wright leads rides that showcase the natural beauty of the area, making it a perfect complement to your Zion visit. The ranch's proximity to the park makes it convenient for visitors wanting to combine camping with equestrian activities. Horseback riding within the park itself is limited to specific trails, primarily in the Kolob Terrace area and the park's eastern section, where riders can experience Zion's dramatic scenery from a unique perspective.

What horse trails are available in Zion National Park?

Zion National Park offers several designated horse trails that showcase its dramatic landscapes. The most popular include the Sand Bench Trail (a 7.6-mile loop accessible from the Court of the Patriarchs), and the East Rim Trail which permits horses on specific sections. For equestrian-focused camping near Zion, Pine Valley Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse owners with scenic riding areas. Another option is Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail, which offers primitive camping with easy trail access. Seasonal trail closures may occur, so check with the Visitor Center for current conditions and trail status before planning your ride.

What are the regulations for bringing horses into Zion National Park?

Horses are permitted in Zion National Park under specific regulations. All riders must obtain a free backcountry permit before bringing horses into the park. Group size is limited to a maximum of six people and six animals. Feed must be certified weed-free hay or processed feed to prevent the introduction of non-native plants. Horses are restricted to designated trails only and are not permitted on most hiking paths or in the Narrows. Overnight stock use requires additional permits and is limited to specific areas. For accommodations that cater to equestrians near the park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers facilities about 40 minutes from the east entrance. Contact the Zion Backcountry Desk for current regulations and permitted trails before your visit.

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