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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
