RV accommodations near Ashley National Forest range from basic to comprehensive with seasonal availability that affects pricing and reservation requirements. Several RV parks remain open year-round in Vernal while others operate only during peak seasons from April through October. Winter travelers should note that snowfall can temporarily close mountain access points to camping areas above 7,000 feet elevation.
What to do
Explore Sheep Creek Geological Loop: Located near Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp and Campground, this drive showcases impressive rock formations. "If you continue on past the dam there is cliff diving at some boat docking sites on the east shores," notes one visitor who appreciated the diverse recreation options.
Visit Dinosaur National Monument: Staying at Outlaw Trail RV Park puts you close to prehistoric wonders. A camper mentioned it's "a 6 minute drive to the Quarry Visitor Center of Dinosaur National Monument," making it convenient for day trips to see the famous dinosaur fossil wall.
Hiking at Flaming Gorge: Trails near Pine Forest RV Park connect to scenic overlooks. "The pasture area has formal trails that lead through the national forest to the Firefighters Memorial one direction and a Flaming Gorge overlook the other direction," according to a recent visitor who enjoyed the accessibility.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at rv parks around Ashley National Forest. At Fossil Valley RV Park, visitors appreciate that "The bathrooms are very clean, but you have to pay extra for showers," while noting the park overall is "clean and well kept."
Convenient locations: Vernal RV Resort earns positive reviews for its strategic positioning. One camper mentioned, "We had easy access to some of the OHV trails in the area but had to drive to some of the main ones back near Vernal," highlighting the balance between access and seclusion.
Shade trees: Several established rv parks offer valuable sun protection. A visitor to Fossil Valley RV Park commented, "Park has lots of really big shade trees which would be a HUGE plus during hotter summer months," which contrasts with newer facilities where "there isn't much shade at all since the RV resort is new and still growing trees."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water taste. At Vernal RV Resort, one camper reported, "We had to buy bottled water because we couldn't stand the taste of the tap water even though it went through a filter."
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors differs between parks. At Fossil Valley RV Park, guests note "the sites are level, gravel and shaded, but close together (maybe 8')," while others mention that "Sites are close together but everyone was friendly."
Shower costs: Many parks charge for shower usage. One camper at Outlaw Trail RV Park noted, "Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes," while another mentioned "coin-operated showers" as a consideration when choosing where to stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several rv parks near Ashley National Forest include play areas. Outlaw Trail RV Park offers "Play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas," making it suitable for families with active children.
Consider noise levels: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. A visitor to Little America RV Park mentioned "Can hear the noise from the idling big rigs right next to the campground," suggesting families seeking quiet may prefer more secluded options.
Boat launch convenience: For families bringing watercraft, certain locations offer practical advantages. At Sheep Creek Bay, one reviewer noted it's "sectioned off of the very large sheep creek bay boat ramp parking" with just "4-5 spots on blacktop for TTs and RVs," making it ideal for those prioritizing water access over camping amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: RVers sometimes encounter design issues at newer facilities. At Little America RV Park, one experienced RVer noted, "The campsites set wide and long but the services are placed strangely. In addition, there are trees planted that block the path to parking near them."
Hookup preparations: Bring extra connection equipment for certain parks. A visitor with a 24-foot motorhome mentioned, "We had to use extra long sewer hose, water hose, and electrical cord so we could park far enough away to avoid running our slide into them."
Winter operations: Year-round camping options exist but with limited amenities. Buckboard Marina RV typically closes mid-October, though one adventurous camper reported, "I boondocked anyway as the lone camper in a great spot with awesome views," suggesting unofficial off-season use remains possible for self-sufficient RVers.
