Established Camping
Dixie National Forest Barker Recreation Area
Dixie National Forest Barker Recreation Area is located in a region characterized by rugged terrain with forests and plateaus. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 15°F in winter. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Description
US Forest Service
Dixie National Forest
Overview
Barker Recreation Area is located high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 9,300 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local trails.
Recreation
Upper Barker Reservoir provides canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Numerous hiking, biking and horse trails can be accessed from both the Upper and Lower Barker Reservoir trailheads. Trails, including the non-motorized Great Western Trail, lead to nine backcountry fishing lakes and beautiful mountain views. The area also has excellent stream fishing and spectacular fall colors.
Facilities
This recreation area contains 13 single-family sites, three group campsites and a day-use area. Horses are permitted in the Porter group site. Drinking water is provided from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Amenities include accessible vault toilets and bear-proof food storage lockers. Fishing docks are located at Upper and Lower Barker Reservoirs. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
A dense canopy of aspen and spruce trees forests Barker Recreation Area. Summer wildflowers are plentiful and a variety of wildlife frequents the area, including black bear, blue grouse, golden eagle, ducks and wild turkey.
Nearby Attractions
Both the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are located approximately 45 minutes away. Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to see the stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Anasazi State Park are also located in the area.
Location
Dixie National Forest Barker Recreation Area is located in Utah
Directions
From Escalante, Utah, drive 2.5 miles west on Highway 12, then turn right at the North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker Recreation Area sign, onto Forest Road 149. Drive approximately 16 miles on FR 149. The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts.
Address
PO BOX 246
Escalante, UT 84726
Coordinates
37.9205556 N
111.8152778 W
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 37 min from St. George
- 4 hrs 21 min from Provo
- 5 hrs 4 min from Grand Junction
- 6 hrs from Flagstaff
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Contact
General Info
Reservations
