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Top 10+ Equestrian Campgrounds in Utah

1,162 Reviews

Sleeping Bear Campground accommodates horses in a scenic Utah setting accessible via an easy dirt road. This dispersed camping area allows riders to camp with their horses with ample space for trailer parking and room for animals to roam. The natural surroundings provide necessary elements for horse camping, including open space for portable corrals or highlines. Sites offer sufficient space between camping areas to maintain privacy while keeping horses secure. The terrain allows for horses to be kept close to camp for easy monitoring. Some spots include natural barriers that help define horse-keeping areas from sleeping quarters. The area remains quiet even with multiple groups camping, allowing horses to settle comfortably for the night. Wild horses may occasionally be spotted in the vicinity during morning hours.

The surrounding landscape offers moderate to challenging riding terrain with varied trails suitable for different horse experience levels. Riders access multiple trail options directly from the campground without needing to trailer horses to separate trailheads. Water access points exist along some routes, though availability varies seasonally. Campers should bring sufficient water for horses during drier months. The dispersed nature of the campground means riders must practice proper manure management and follow leave-no-trace principles for horse waste. Each site provides adequate space for portable panel corrals or picket lines, though permanent facilities like wash racks or designated stalls are not available. Horse owners must bring all necessary containment equipment. Trailers can typically be positioned to create natural windbreaks for horses during overnight stays.

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Best Equestrian Sites in Utah (115)

    1. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    94 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (435) 719-2299

    $25 - $250 / night

    "This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site."

    "Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens!"

    2. South Campground — Zion National Park

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

    $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."

    "The drive in from the Eastern entrance is simply incredible and full of epic photo ops. Zion reminds me of Yosemite Valley in some ways."

    3. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "Close to arches, canyonlands and dead horse. Nice for a free campground to have portapotties spread out along the road. People tended to share camp spots when I was there."

    "Tons of access to mountain bike trails in the area as well. Fire bans were in place at the time through summer to Nov 1st."

    4. Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park

    53 Reviews
    Hooper, UT
    Website
    +1 (801) 773-2941

    $20 - $200 / night

    "One of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home."

    "By far one of my favorite stops through Utah ❤️ absolutely breathtaking views, along with scenic routes to see wildlife such as the bison."

    5. Snow Canyon State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Ivins, UT
    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."

    6. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $358 / night

    "Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."

    "Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."

    7. Twin Hollows Canyon

    34 Reviews
    Mount Carmel Junction, UT
    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."

    "Close to the road but not too noisy. It's about 45 minutes to the Zion visitor center. Gas stations & restaurant close by."

    8. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

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

    "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."

    9. Nunns Park

    27 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    Website
    +1 (801) 851-8640

    "The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "

    "Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."

    10. Monument Valley KOA

    25 Reviews
    Monument Valley, AZ
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3424

    $45 - $100 / night

    "Good location near the monument valley entrance and the border of utah and Arizona. This place is great and has everything you need."

    "This KOA is located right across the road from soem of the manor buttes in Monumewnt Valley, right in the heart of Navaho Country."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Utah

17 Photos of 115 Utah Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in Utah

1162 Reviews of 115 Utah Campgrounds

  • A
    Jun. 16, 2023

    Bryce View Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park

    My favorite state park to date!!

    Kodachrome basin state park is the place to be if u wanna camp in utah. Where oh where do I begin?! First off, we stayed in BRYCE VIEW campground, #55. This campground is one of a few campgrounds in KBSP. No hookups, but each site has a table and firepit. Pit toilets are available. The thing I like about Bryce view is that its more primitive than the oasis campground, but still close by. The only issue we had at our site was fire ants. Wear closed toed shoes; i got bit and the pain lasted approximately 2 hours. If u have kids, bikes or both- DONT MISS OUT ON THE TRAILS! The grand parade trail leads into 2 box canyons that allow for hours of hide and seek play, kids and adults alike. We spent a couple hours on this trail just exploring the canyons. There is a disk golf course that backs up to BV campground. Also theres a LAUNDRY MAT near the main entrance which was a huge life saver. I loved our site and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2021

    Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground

    Great place in the pines

    This small equestrian cg has only 4 large back in spots. Vault toilet but no garbage or potable water. Livestock water in season, but not potable to drink for humans.. Although this is noted as an equestrian site, the Dixie NF website notes that anyone can camp here, no horse required. In season this site is managed by a consessioner. Sites are $14 or $7.00 senior pass. Location is midway between FS Red Canyon recreation area and entrance to Bryce NP. Cell service is very good (2-3 bars lte) on ATT, Verizon and TMobile.

  • Andrea P.
    May. 30, 2018

    Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground

    Grab an Equestrian site

    Blackhawk is great if you can’t find reservations elsewhere. we booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don’t have to have horses to book equestrian and they seem to be more available since I don’t think people k ow this.

  • Michelle B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry

    Near Utah Lake Backcountry

    FREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water.  Shooting Range nearby. Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in abilty. Fire ring established in most common camp areas. Animals allowed. Close to Utah Lake.

  • Patrick P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Monument Valley KOA

    Nice location

    Good location near the monument valley entrance and the border of utah and Arizona. This place is great and has everything you need. A little expensive and feel some other options in the area provide better value.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2023

    Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry

    Good in a pinch, but shouldn't be your first option

    It's not great. Next to a shooting range and orv trails, so you'll hear that. Shrubs and a few small trees dominate the landscape, so there isn't much privacy. Roads were bumpy, but manageable. Access depends on where you go, Several paths to take w other sites. Lots of trash. Rock fire pits. Amazing views of the mountains behind Provo and Utah Lake. Full cell service w At&t. Free!

  • Steven M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground

    Awesome Mountain Getaway!

    We were blown away at how tranquil and beautiful the surroundings are at Potters Pond Campground. The abundant trees and brush truly make one feel like they are a million miles away from home. The journey to the campground starts at Millers Flat Road which is a dirt road that is for the most part well groomed/maintained. It is very bumpy, but can be done with most vehicles. We were towing our 24' TT so we were going slow. It is about 8.3 miles of dirt road to the campground from UT 31. The sites are spaced far enough from each other which gives you plenty of room to spread out and relax. The short walk to the pond is easy and you will appreciate the stillness of the water. Most people were either fishing or enjoying the pond on a row boat. Not 100% sure if the pond is okay to swim in as there are no signage and the presence of blue algae is apparent. Potters Pond is part of the USDA national forest and is wide open and plenty of trails to hike/bike. The campground is adjacent to the Appain Trails where one has access to 300+ miles of off-road enjoyment. 

    The campground does not have any potable water or any services. There are vault toilets spread out throughout the grounds. Also, there are no dumpsters....so what you bring in, you have to take with you. The campground is situated above 9000ft elevation so the days are mild warm and the nights can be cool to cold. If you're looking for solitude and nature, this is the place to go!

  • Michael J.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Timpooneke

    Amazing campground a short drive from the city

    This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work.

  • Jody S.
    Jan. 31, 2021

    Toquerville Falls Primitive

    A guy and his dog Toquerville Falls Utah

    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. 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.

Guide to Utah

Utah offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it an ideal destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With numerous campgrounds catering to equestrian needs, adventurers can explore the great outdoors alongside their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • The Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park provides a reservable site with access to drinking water and sanitary dump facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
  • At Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, campers can enjoy electric hookups and a market, making it convenient for those traveling with horses.
  • Granite Flat features a well-maintained environment with drinking water and trash disposal, perfect for horse campers looking for a clean and organized site.

Tips for equestrian camping in Utah

  • When visiting Twin Hollows Canyon, be prepared for a quiet atmosphere with good separation between campsites, ideal for horse owners seeking peace and privacy.
  • The Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park offers beautiful views and is known for its spacious sites, making it a great choice for those with larger horse trailers.
  • At Payson Lakes, enjoy the scenic surroundings and ample shade, which can be beneficial for horses during warmer months.

Campers appreciate these features for horses

  • The South Campground — Zion National Park allows pets and has a sanitary dump, making it a practical option for horse camping.
  • Courthouse Rock is well-reviewed for its large spaces and proximity to trails, perfect for those looking to ride directly from their campsite.
  • Nunns Park features scenic views along the river and easy access to trails, providing a great experience for horse campers who enjoy exploring nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special permits for camping with horses in Utah?

For most designated equestrian campgrounds in Utah, no special horse permits are required beyond standard camping fees, though you'll need to follow specific regulations for each area. At Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground, you don't need a special permit, and interestingly, you don't even need to have horses to camp there. For backcountry or BLM areas like Toquerville Falls Primitive, standard BLM regulations apply. However, always check with the specific land management agency (Forest Service, BLM, or State Parks) before your trip, as some areas may require weed-free hay/feed certificates, have seasonal restrictions, or limit the number of stock animals per site.

Where are the best horse camping areas in Utah?

Utah offers excellent horse camping destinations across its diverse landscapes. Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground features dedicated equestrian sites with good views, pavilions, and fire pits at higher elevations. Timpooneke is another excellent option with a dedicated area that includes horse corrals, nestled among pine trees with views of Mount Timpanogos and just a short drive from urban areas. Other notable horse-friendly camping areas include the Manti-LaSal National Forest with its scenic mountain terrain, and dispersed camping options in the Dixie National Forest. Many of these locations connect to extensive trail systems perfect for day rides or longer pack trips.

What amenities should I expect at horse-friendly campgrounds in Utah?

Horse-friendly campgrounds in Utah vary in amenities, but most offer the basics needed for equestrian camping. Courthouse Rock provides paddocks for horses along with rustic toilet facilities and trash bins in an unstructured camping area. At Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground, you can expect a tranquil setting with abundant trees providing natural shelter. Most equestrian campgrounds feature larger, pull-through sites to accommodate horse trailers, corrals or hitching posts, and access to livestock water (though not always potable for humans). Basic amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Higher-end facilities might offer electric hookups, potable water, and shower facilities, but these are less common at horse-specific campgrounds.

When is the best season for horseback camping in Utah?

The ideal season for horseback camping in Utah is late spring through early fall (May-September), though this varies by elevation and location. Lower elevation areas like Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry near Utah Lake can be accessible earlier in spring and later in fall, but summer heat can be intense. For higher elevation destinations like Payson Lakes, the prime season is shorter (June-August) due to snow and cooler temperatures. Fall offers spectacular colors and cooler temperatures, especially in mountain regions, while summer provides the most reliable access to alpine areas. Always check road conditions before heading out, as spring can bring muddy conditions and fall can bring early snow at higher elevations.

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