Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA in Manila, Utah offers upscale glamping options with cabins and yurts situated near Ashley National Forest. These accommodations provide electric hookups, comfortable bedding, and amenities not typically found in standard campgrounds, all within easy access to the natural attractions of the area. "We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge," notes one visitor, highlighting the convenience of the location for exploring both the gorge and the forest. The glamping accommodations feature picnic tables outside each unit, with showers, flush toilets, and drinking water nearby, creating a comfortable balance between wilderness experience and modern conveniences.
Sheep Creek Bay Campground presents additional glamping options with cabin and yurt accommodations that allow guests to enjoy electric hookups while positioned conveniently near boating facilities. Accessible by multiple routes including drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in options, these glamping sites provide flexibility for visitors arriving by various transportation means. The campground operates seasonally from April to October, with reservations recommended during peak summer months. A recent visitor mentioned, "What a beautiful place. The water is crystal clear and antelope wander around the park all day." The proximity to Flaming Gorge makes these accommodations ideal for water enthusiasts seeking comfort after days spent exploring the reservoir or fishing in the Green River.
"We had 6 tents set up and there was still lots of room."
"Nice modern campground, close to Marina and boat ramp area. However..NO WATER as is 6-2021. Vault toilets available and dumpsters."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $42 - $82 / night
"Antelope wander around the park all day and the water is crystal clear. We didn’t have a reservation and they have many first come first serve sites- we even got one with an amazing lake view."
"Great campsite next to the lake. The staff was great and super helpful. Antelope and ground squirrels have made this place home."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $38 - $2530 / night
"There are tons of dispersed camping options in Ashley National Forest. I stayed at this site on a Monday and I was the only one there."
"It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge."
"We parked 200 feet from the edge of the water. The spot came with a fire pit and picnic table."
"There is a KOA down the road with dump ($115), water (.40c/gallon) and laundry. There are no set sites. A sandy road around the area with areas to pull off."
"This KOA was a welcome stop after the long hot time we had in the Arches area. "
"Laundry was $2 wash and 1.50 dry. Super nice people own. They charge $15 to dump if boondocking nearby. Water is .40c/gallon. They do close middle of Oct for the winter."
"The best ice cream around at the resort"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $230 / night
"Close to the boat ramp, easy access. When we are with my elderly family who need to be stable we stay here. If we are just us and the kids and dogs we go stay at Dutch John."
"It our favorite spot in the lake!!! Somewhat protected from the storms and it’s a very quiet place!!!"
"Camping spots are to close to each other. Bathrooms located in the campground and by the boat dock are kept clean. Short walk to the lake. Great fishing!"
"Campground Review: East Park is a great campground located right next to the lake. They have several bathroom facilities. Graveled road and sites available for RV or tents."
"Also great access to the southern end of the Gorge. Wonderful area in the mountains. Campground was green grass and newly planted trees when we went."
from $25 - $40 / night
GuideNice place to stay. Very Clean. Gift shop and restaurant were also very clean. Fishing on the green river is always great. Also great access to the southern end of the Gorge. Wonderful area in the mountains. Campground was green grass and newly planted trees when we went.
TravelerWe went a bit further than the recommended spot, just to sight see but actually found a spot that is a campsite in summer, and is now open spots. We parked 200 feet from the edge of the water. The spot came with a fire pit and picnic table.
RangerWell-spaced sites in a spectacular setting. The campground was sparsely populated on a Monday in September, making it feel especially peaceful and spacious. Facilities were clean, and both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Pronghorns played in the nearby fields. Dark sky gave us the Milky Way. We loved it here and wished we could have stayed longer than one night. It also made a great base for exploring the Flaming Gorge area, including the phenomenal Red Canyon Overlook. Highly recommend.
LegendGets crowded during day with rafting OF. Beautiful CG in the canyon on the river. I had no issue with my 32 ft rig navigating the roads. Fishing, hiking and nature all around. Mosquitoes get annoying early morning and sunset. But the nights are beautiful and peaceful.
LegendClean and well maintained. Friendly staff. A mile from downtown Vernal. Close to Ashley National Forest and Dinosaur National Monument.
ScoutUnfortunately, we were really disappointed with our experience at Lucerne Campground. We stayed for a 7-day trip, and by day two, the bathrooms had already run out of toilet paper. The bathrooms did not appear to be cleaned or maintained throughout our stay, and they eventually started to smell really bad. For a campground where guests are staying for multiple days, we expected the restroom facilities to at least be regularly stocked and cleaned. We also had an unpleasant interaction with the camp host, who we felt was not very respectful or welcoming. We love camping and understand that campground facilities are going to be basic, but basic cleanliness, stocked bathrooms, and respectful communication with guests should be expected. Unfortunately, based on our experience, we would not choose to stay here again.
LegendGreat spacious level sites. Good fishing. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained grounds.
LegendVery quiet and peaceful. Sites are spacious. Boat ramp and fishing. No swimming signs posted. Beautiful night skies.
RangerThis is a nice campground in desert like surroundings. There is a central bathrooms with individual shower rooms that are really clean. There are vault toilets scattered throughout. The space are mostly drive through, which is nice. This campground is close to all the main scenic routes and hikes.
Ashley National Forest camping areas offer varied terrain at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,500 feet, with distinct seasonal patterns affecting camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. The forest's diverse landscape includes alpine meadows, mountain lakes, and desert canyons where camping options extend beyond standard tent sites.
Fishing at Cedar Springs Campground: Located near the marina, Cedar Springs provides excellent fishing access. "We stayed here for three nights having met my brother and wife, renting a pontoon boat for one day on the lake and enjoyed the views," notes Tom D., who visited with a 43-foot RV and found the campground well-maintained with paved interior roads.
Hiking nearby trails: The Red Canyon trail offers spectacular views and photography opportunities. "Red canyon trail is a must-do, bring a camera!" advises Greebly M., a tent camper who appreciated Cedar Springs Campground despite some uneven spots and limited shade.
Geocaching adventures: The Iron Springs Group Campground area is rich with geocaching opportunities. "In the heart of geocaching country. There are a couple bathroom facilities available at the group site... Ice cave, grizzly ridge, brush creek cave, the old copper mines all in the area," recommends a regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing: While relaxing at your campsite, watch for local wildlife. "Antelope wander around the park all day and the water is crystal clear," mentions a camper who enjoyed spotting wildlife at Lucerne Campground, where sites have electricity and water is available.
Privacy between sites: At Cedar Springs Campground, campers appreciate the site layout. "Most sites have privacy. We never use the facilities," notes one reviewer who appreciated the campground's quiet atmosphere and paved sites.
Pristine facilities: Several campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities. "The cleanest vault toilets on the planet," reports one camper at Cedar Springs, though they noted that water supply was occasionally unreliable.
Free dispersed camping: Forest Road 13 offers excellent no-cost camping options. "We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge," shares a visitor who found the bumpy road worthwhile for the peace and spaciousness of the sites.
Direct water access: Stateline Cove Campground provides beach access for water activities. "Dispersed beach camping, vault toilets, dumpsters, great views and direct access for swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. Boats can be put in at marina and beached here," explains a camper who visited in June.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some dispersed camping areas require careful driving. For Green River Peninsula Camp, one RVer warns: "Jug Hollow Road should be renamed: Rough Hollow Road! Had I known how bad it would get, I would not have made the journey with my 40' Toy Hauler... there is a long section that has been washed out, rutted and very hazardous!"
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from May through September. A visitor to Dutch John Draw Campground notes it's a "Cozy little cove with carefree camping. We love it here. Boat ramp is about 2 miles away," highlighting its convenient location for boaters during the operating season.
Limited services off-season: Services change significantly after peak season. At Stateline Cove, a camper explains: "During that time it is $21 per night/$10.50 with senior pass. Once it closes it basically becomes boondocking sites and there is no charge... During season, they have several pit toilets and dumpsters. Currently the pit toilets are locked and dumpsters have been removed."
Water levels fluctuate: Reservoir levels affect beach access and boat launches. "The lake has the bathtub look as it is drawn down," notes a visitor to East Park Campground, where the boat ramp can become challenging during low water periods.
Glamping options for comfort: Families seeking more amenities might prefer Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA, where luxury camping near Ashley National Forest includes cabins and yurts. "The facility is very nice and clean. The staff is super friendly," mentions one visitor who found the KOA ideal for families.
Swimming areas: Beaches with gradual entry points work best for young children. At Stateline Cove, "Great dispersed camping. Can get very windy. Great kayaking and paddle boarding. Can camp within 40 yards of the water. Close to Manilla for gas and supplies," notes a camper who enjoyed water activities.
Educational opportunities: The dam tour provides learning experiences for children. "We did the free dam tour it is a must see if in the area," recommends a scout leader who camped at Cedar Springs with a group.
Wildlife viewing for kids: Children enjoy spotting local animals. One visitor to East Park Campground shares: "If you come here, make sure to take the time to drive Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway. Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose."
Site length accuracy: At Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp and Campground, RV sites are limited. "This camp area is sectioned off of the very large sheep creek bay boat ramp parking. There are just 4-5 spots on blacktop for TTs and RVs, one tiny spot for a lone tenter," explains one RVer who found the campground better suited for boaters than campers.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for dump station needs. A 26-foot travel trailer owner at Cedar Springs noted: "The website said the campground was open and offered vault toilets, water spigots and a dump station... Upon arrival the campground was about half full, but no water was on yet, the dump station was closed."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling blocks. "Because the campground is on the side of a hill, sites are pretty unlevel, but we were able to adapt," shares an RVer who stayed at Cedar Springs in a 26-foot trailer.
Tight turn navigation: Some sites require careful maneuvering. "Site 12 lists a 35' maximum length and it took us two tries to get in while gathering a crowd. But we fit with a few feet to spare parking our tow vehicle down by the camp host," explains an RVer with a 43-foot setup who successfully navigated Cedar Springs Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ashley National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ashley National Forest is Cedar Springs Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Ashley National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Ashley National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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