Ashley National Forest camping features a range of dispersed sites situated on dirt roads leading to scenic waterfront locations. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access across the 1.3 million acre forest, with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet. Water levels at Flaming Gorge can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping conditions and boat launches.
What to do
Waterfront recreation at Spring Creek Road: Spring Creek Road Dispersed offers direct water access with multiple sites right along the shoreline. One visitor noted: "Pictures do not do these sites justice! The gorge is beautiful, the lake is beautiful, the sites are level and easy to access. By far the best public camping we've been to." The location provides opportunities for kayaking, swimming and fishing without leaving your campsite.
Observe wildlife near Red Canyon: The Red Canyon area hosts several herds of bighorn sheep that frequently visit campgrounds. Campers report regular sightings: "We saw big horn sheep right by camp. The look out is within walking distance and it is close to the trailhead to the loop trail." The Canyon Rim Trail connects several campgrounds and provides overlook access.
Fishing access from multiple entry points: Cedar Springs Campground provides shoreline fishing and proximity to the marina for boat rentals. According to reviews: "This is in a great location if you are going fishing in the Green river or on Flaming Gorge. We were only 10 minutes to the put in of the A section and within walking distant to the marina for Flaming Gorge."
What campers like
Panoramic canyon views: Canyon Rim offers unparalleled vistas overlooking Flaming Gorge from elevated positions. A regular visitor explained: "We love this campground and usually come at least once a year. Sites 7, 8, 9 are our favorites, and while they don't offer a ton of privacy or shade, the views and access to the cliff edge are unbeatable."
Uncrowded dispersed sites: Forest Road 13 dispersed camping areas provide more isolation than developed campgrounds. A camper described: "As you head down this forest road (it is a bit rough, low-clearance cars might have a rough go of it) you'll see multiple minimal dispersed campsites, most with small man-made rock firepits and nothing else."
Clean facilities despite remote location: Many campgrounds maintain good standards for vault toilets and water access. One review specifically mentioned: "Clean toilets both pit and flush. CLEAN Showers free to campers. Quiet. Paved level pull in campsite" at Deer Run Campground, which offers these amenities without electrical hookups.
What you should know
Water systems frequently non-operational: Multiple campgrounds experience water system outages. At Deer Run Campground, a visitor reported: "Smaller cg than cedar springs. Has a shower house..however NO WATER as of 6-2021 so showers closed. Vault toilets still open, dumpsters. No hookups for RVs, no rv dump."
Many campgrounds require reservations: During peak season, walk-in availability becomes extremely limited. Some loops are fully reservation-only: "Three loops, Loop A and Loop C are all fully reservation only. loop B is all FF only."
Bug conditions vary significantly: Certain waterfront areas experience heavy insect activity. One camper at Navajo Cliffs warned: "Amazing, gorgeous spot...however you cannot be outside without swarms of gnats and mosquitoes overtaking you. And the cows. Poop all along the shore. Gross."
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated swimming areas: Some beaches designate non-motorized zones ideal for children. "Plus is the close adjacent Sunny Cove day use swim beach area. No motorized, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes only, very nice for families at Mustang Ridge CG to drive over the short distance."
Shower access considerations: Mustang Ridge Campground offers some of the area's most reliable shower facilities. A visitor explained: "Our campsite was gorgeous! It was clean, we were not close to any other campers. The sites were very spread out and you were not on top of people."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds along the rim provide regular wildlife sightings. "There are sheep and deer that come through the campsite. As well as chipmunks and falcons to watch. You can follow the trail head to the visitors center or the other way to Greens Lake."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Firefighters Campground has unusual site designs that can challenge larger rigs. A reviewer noted: "Most sites seem a bit small and short to my eyes, more for drive in cars, vans and smaller RVs. The design feature that I could strange is every site has a built up 6" side curbs...and those that have trouble backing up a TT are going to be challenged keeping it between the curbs."
Dispersed RV options available: Navajo Cliffs offers large dispersed sites suitable for RVs without services. An experienced camper shared: "Free BLM camping. There are tons of sites, most right on the water. Basically you can camp anywhere you want. Big rigs are all over the place. Make no mistake, this is a very popular place and the weekends are very busy."
Road condition alerts: Forest roads to dispersed sites vary greatly in quality. For Spring Creek Road, a traveler advised: "The road that leads to this dispersed camping is dirt and quite bumpy but no holes. The site is clean with plenty of places for one-two RVs. There is very easy access to the lake from there."
