Glamping accommodations near Cleveland, Utah offer convenient access to Joe's Valley Reservoir and surrounding mountain landscapes. Located in central Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest at elevations between 6,500-8,000 feet, this area experiences warm summer days and cool evenings. Winter camping opportunities remain available at lower elevations, with seasonal closures affecting higher campgrounds from late October through mid-May.
What to do
Fishing at Joe's Valley Reservoir: Access excellent fishing opportunities for trout and other species. At Joes Valley Reservoir, "My kids loved the water despite the wind throughout the day. There were a fair amount of people boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc around the shoreline near the marina, but I didn't feel it was too crowded at all," reports one visitor.
Explore rock art in Nine Mile Canyon: The area serves as a gateway to ancient petroglyphs and historical sites. A camper at Nine Mile Canyon Ranch shares, "Very friendly and helpful staff. They'll tell you some of the coolest place to see some graneries hidden up in the rocks built by the indigenous people."
Off-road adventures: Access numerous OHV trails directly from campgrounds. "Endless trails to ride/hike good camping and fishing highly recommended!!!" notes a visitor to Joes Valley Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites with natural shade. At Miller Flat-Joes Valley-Huntington Canyon Rec Area, one camper noted, "When we stayed here it was in the summer and we were the only ones in the whole campground. Big campsites with nice tables and bathrooms."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer chances to spot local wildlife. At Gooseberry Creek Campground, a camper shared, "In the early morning deer frequent the meadow between the sites and the lake. Even had a few doe right in the sites!"
Clean facilities: Many glamping options maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Nine Mile Canyon Ranch, visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Super friendly and knowledgeable camp host."
What you should know
Variable water levels: Reservoir levels can fluctuate seasonally affecting water activities. One camper at Joes Valley Reservoir noted, "The water was really low. We don't own a boat, so we were shore bound. Lots of rocks and trash on the shores and the sand was like quick sand along the water."
Pack-out trash requirements: Some campgrounds require visitors to take all waste with them. A camper at Joes Valley Reservoir warns, "Campground does not have dumpsters. You are required to pack everything out so try to have as little of garbage as possible or make space for it with you to take."
Road conditions: Access roads may require careful navigation for larger vehicles. At Buckhorn RV Park and Resort, visitors note the drive includes narrow sections that require caution with larger RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: Family-friendly glamping options offer conveniences that make trips easier. At Orange Olsen, a visitor noted, "The Dwelling is large enough to hold a really big family or two couples with small children. The cabin is pretty small but large enough for a family of four."
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Pack appropriate clothing for cool evenings even in summer. At Joes Valley Campground, "There is no shortage of biking, hiking and riding trails. The campground sits adjacent to the Arapeen Tail which is a network of OHV trails."
Reservoir recreation: The lake provides multiple activity options for children. One camper shared about Gooseberry Creek Campground, "Super close to the lake which I loved. Great fishing and water activities you can do."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: While some locations offer full hookups, many sites are more rustic. At Blue Cut RV Park, "This is a very nice small full hookups campground! Spot are small. But there are a few larger 5th wheel trails here."
Generator noise considerations: Be aware that generator usage varies by campground. A visitor at Joes Valley Reservoir cautioned, "It is a bit noisy, however. Everyone has 4-wheelers and most people bring RV's with generators... so expect some noise."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require minimal leveling. One RVer at Blue Cut RV Park noted, "Spots leavel to within and inch or two."
