Maple Lake Campground

This US Forest Service campground sits at 5,200 feet elevation in the Uinta National Forest, accessible via a graded dirt road that can become challenging in wet conditions. The facility features established sites with hookups available, though water access requires a trip to the camp host area rather than individual site spigots.

Large, well-spaced sites nestle among mature trees that provide substantial shade coverage. Tanner S. notes the campground has "lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," making it suitable for both tent camping and RV setups. The forest setting offers opportunities for hammock camping between the trees.

Maple Lake provides the primary draw for fishing and kayaking activities, though conditions can vary seasonally. Some visitors report successful fishing experiences, while others encounter challenges depending on timing and environmental factors. The shoreline offers direct water access for launching small watercraft and casting lines.

Cattle grazing occurs periodically in the area under Forest Service management, which can impact the immediate lakefront conditions and create early morning noise. Campers exploring the region can find [campgrounds near Elk Ridge] (https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/near/elk-ridge) for alternative options. The campground works well for groups seeking a forested mountain setting with lake access, provided visitors come prepared for variable road conditions and potential livestock presence.

Fee Info

Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay (with recreation.gov app) 10 single sites- $29.00, capacity 8 people + 1 vehicle Day Use in a campground site - $15.00 Extra vehicle - $10.00 per vehicle (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9.00 (located at Maple Bench Campground)

Reservation Info

This is a non-reservable area.

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Location

Public Campground

Maple Lake Campground is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-15 take the Payson exit 250. Go South on Main Street to 100 North (1st traffic light) take a left at this light. Continue East to 600 East then take a right in front of Peteetneet Academy. Go South on 600 East for 3.5 miles to the mouth of Payson Canyon. Maple Lake Campground is 1 mile South of Maple Bench Campground.

Address

FR 020
Payson, UT 84651

Coordinates

39.955631 N
111.691253 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful lake setting with abundant trees and well-spaced sites. Occasional complaints involved cattle affecting site cleanliness and fishing, though many found the location ideal for camping when livestock isn't present.

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2022

Not on the lake

The campground was nice, lots of trees and shade (not what you want in October). There was cow dung everywhere so we didn’t stay

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Maple Lake Campground by Debra H., October 6, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2020

Very nice

This is one of my favorite spots. Lots of trees with large sites spaced apart

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2018

Great area, close to town; fishing and cows are a problem

I camped here in 2017 for a week long Scout camp, and it was wonderful! Plenty of fishing, hiking and fun. This year (2018) the Forest Service decided to have someone let their cow herd loose in the area. We spent the week chasing the cows away, and waking up at 5AM when the cows started mooing. We went for a week long Scout camp again, and the Scouts didn't catch a single fish the whole week. The cows would go to the lake to drink, so 3 to 4 feet of the shore around the entire lake was destroyed by the cows and turned into a muddy mess. I was very upset about the cows. I hate cows now (except for eating them). As long as they don't let the cows in, it's a great place to camp and fish. There is no water at the campsites. You have to go to the camp host and they have a water spigot there to get water.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Maple Lake Campground located in Utah?

Maple Lake Campground is located in the Payson area of Utah. It sits in a picturesque mountain setting surrounded by trees with a beautiful lake as its centerpiece. This campground is situated in an alpine environment that offers opportunities for activities like fishing and hiking. For specific directions, it's recommended to contact the local Forest Service office as they manage this recreational area.

What facilities and amenities are available at Maple Lake Campground?

Maple Lake Campground offers spacious campsites situated among plenty of trees that provide good shade. The sites can accommodate tents and have enough room for hammock camping. The campground's main feature is the beautiful lake which provides fishing opportunities. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground. Be aware that cattle occasionally graze in the area. The campground has a natural setting but limited developed facilities, so come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

What do reviews say about the camping experience at Maple Lake?

Maple Lake Campground offers a beautiful alpine camping experience with plenty of trees for shade and hammocking. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that are well-spaced for privacy. The setting is frequently described as beautiful and "unreal," with the lake serving as a scenic centerpiece for activities like fishing. The campground has an abundance of trees making it cool and shady, which is perfect during summer but may be less ideal in colder months like October. Occasionally, grazing cattle may be present in the area, which some campers find disruptive. Overall, it's considered a favorite spot for those seeking a peaceful forest camping experience.

Are there photos of Maple Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Maple Lake Campground are available online through various camping websites including The Dyrt. These images showcase the campground's beautiful setting with abundant trees, spacious campsites, and views of the lake. The photos highlight the natural beauty of the area, including the forested environment that provides shade and privacy between sites. For the most current visual information, check official Forest Service websites or contact them directly as seasonal conditions may vary.