Loop E

For Utah locals with a passion for horseback riding and a love for the great outdoors, Loop E at Blackhawk Campground offers a truly specialized and exceptional camping experience. Nestled within the breathtaking Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this unique section of the campground is specifically designed to cater to equestrian campers, providing all the necessary amenities for both rider and horse. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to miles of scenic trails, panoramic views, and the serene beauty that defines Utah's diverse landscapes.

Loop E provides a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential facilities, making it an ideal destination for horse owners who want to explore Utah's backcountry on horseback. Imagine waking up with your equine companion just steps away, ready to embark on a day of adventure along forested paths and open meadows. This campground caters to a niche yet vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring a comfortable and convenient basecamp for extended riding excursions or a peaceful overnight stop during a longer journey through the region.

Loop E is a part of the larger Blackhawk Campground, located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. While the provided address, Utah 84532, USA, is a general zip code that covers a broad area, Blackhawk Campground is famously situated just off the Nebo Loop, a designated National Scenic Byway. This places it approximately 5 miles from Payson Lake, and southeast of Payson in Utah County.

Access to Blackhawk Campground, and subsequently Loop E, is generally straightforward via paved roads that lead off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. The Nebo Loop itself is a picturesque drive, offering stunning views and making the journey to the campground part of the adventure. Visitors should always check road conditions, especially during spring and fall, as higher elevation roads can be subject to seasonal closures or weather impacts. The campground's location at a timbered setting allows for partial shade and vibrant fall colors, enhancing the overall experience. Given its popularity, especially for equestrian use, it's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as all sites at Blackhawk Campground require them. This ensures a confirmed spot for both you and your horses upon arrival.

• Equestrian-Specific Sites: Loop E is dedicated to horse camping. It features 12 single sites and 3 double sites specifically equipped for horses. These sites are designed to accommodate both campers and their equine companions.

• Corrals and Hitching Racks: Each equestrian site within Loop E is equipped with corrals and hitching racks, providing secure and convenient facilities for housing horses during your stay.

• Water Troughs: Water troughs are available within Loop E, ensuring a readily accessible water source for horses, which is a crucial amenity for equestrian campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites, including those in Loop E, come with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and traditional campfire experiences. (Always check for current fire restrictions.)

• Flush and Non-Flush Toilets: Blackhawk Campground offers both accessible flush and non-flush (vault) toilets, providing convenient restroom facilities for campers.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to clean water for their needs.

• Paved Spurs and Roads: The campground features paved spurs for campsites and paved roads throughout, making for easier navigation and access for vehicles and trailers.

• Reservation System: All sites at Blackhawk Campground, including Loop E, require reservations, which can be made through Recreation.gov. This helps ensure availability, especially for specialized sites like those for equestrian use.

• Group Sites: Loop E also features 2 group sites (E10 & E20) equipped for horses, with a capacity of up to 50 people, ideal for larger equestrian groups or clubs.

• Direct Access to Horseback Riding Trails: The primary highlight of Loop E is its direct connectivity to extensive horseback riding trails. This allows riders to easily set out from their campsite and explore the beautiful Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

• Scenic Nebo Loop Byway: The campground’s location on the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This drive itself is a major attraction, with multiple viewpoints and interpretive signs along the way.

• Proximity to Payson Lake: Just 0.5 miles from the campground, Payson Lake is a 15-acre day-use lake offering various recreational activities. It's stocked with rainbow and brown trout for fishing, and is popular for canoeing, swimming, and picnicking, providing an excellent option for non-riding days or family members not participating in horseback riding.

• Abundant Wildlife and Wildflowers: The timbered setting, dominated by fir, pine, aspen, and Gambel oak trees, along with broad grassy meadows, provides a rich habitat for summer wildflowers and a variety of wildlife, enhancing the natural experience.

• Fall Color Displays: The diverse tree population, especially the aspens and Gambel oaks, creates spectacular fall color displays, making this a particularly popular destination during the autumn months.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is known for being well-maintained, ensuring a clean and pleasant environment for all visitors.

• Accessible Features: Several sites and facilities within Blackhawk Campground are noted as being accessible, promoting inclusivity for all visitors.

Address: Utah 84532, USA (referring to the general area of Blackhawk Campground within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest).

Since Loop E is a part of Blackhawk Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the best way to get specific information or make reservations is through the national reservation system:

Reservations for Loop E at Blackhawk Campground:

Website: Recreation.gov (search for "Blackhawk Campground, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest")

Phone for Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov Call Center)

For general inquiries about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest or local conditions, you may contact the Forest Service office nearest the Nebo Loop area, such as the Spanish Fork Ranger District. Specific phone numbers for local ranger districts can typically be found on the U.S. Forest Service website for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It is always advisable to check for current conditions and regulations before your visit.

For Utah locals, particularly those who are horse enthusiasts, Loop E at Blackhawk Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its specialized design, featuring corrals, hitching racks, and water troughs directly at the campsites, provides an unparalleled convenience for bringing horses along on camping trips. This niche offering is a significant advantage for Utahns looking for dedicated equestrian facilities within a beautiful natural setting, something not commonly found at every campground.

The campground's location directly on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway means that even the journey to Loop E is part of the experience, offering spectacular views that showcase Utah's diverse and stunning landscapes. This makes it an accessible and attractive option for residents throughout the state, especially those seeking weekend adventures or longer trips without traveling too far from home. The proximity to Payson Lake further enhances its appeal, providing additional recreational opportunities like fishing, swimming, and canoeing for family members or for non-riding days, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Moreover, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest itself is a treasured resource for Utahns, offering extensive trail systems perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Loop E provides a comfortable and well-equipped basecamp to explore these vast natural areas. The beauty of the timbered settings, the vibrant fall colors, and the abundance of summer wildflowers create a truly immersive outdoor experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of Utah’s outdoor culture. By offering reservable sites, Loop E helps locals plan their trips with confidence, avoiding the uncertainty of first-come, first-served camping, especially crucial when coordinating a trip with horses. For a seamless blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian comfort, Loop E is an ideal choice for Utah residents.