175 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Booking windows for developed sites in the Uinta Basin open several months out for peak summer dates, so last-minute planning in July and August usually means falling back to dispersed options. Duchesne sits at the edge of Ashley National Forest, which gives access to dispersed sites on forest roads with no fees and no reservations. Duchesne's dispersed camping options cover the no-fee forest land in the area. Cabin and glamping options also exist in the Duchesne area. The basin's high-elevation terrain means cold nights even in summer, and a heated cabin rental makes the shoulder seasons more practical.
"I was glad I had a back-in site around the edge of the loop. I loved the view."
"Mountain View Campground is above the lake, but a path leads down to the boat ramp and beach. Some bring boats and go fishing for brown trout, walleye, bass and yellow perch."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Right next to starvation lake, plenty of mature trees , great view , super nice staffs , right next to Utah 40 but hardly hear any noise . 5 min away from town."
"There is a nice dog walk/path with a great view of the reservoir at the end of the path. When we were there it was very windy and cold so our time outside was limited."
"Lots of trails to ride but also did some off trail. We didn't fish at Starvation Reservoir but we did ride the the wheelers to the lake. "
"Surrounded by mountains and super close to a beautiful resovoir."
from $35 - $75 / night
"All of the campsites are within walking distance to the water. Finding level ground is somewhat challenging. We drove to the improved camping area and pay for shower use."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Close to the boat ramp and the views are incredible. Really nice paths to get you to the beach and the boat ramp.
Lots of fish in the lake and craw fish."
from $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Camping spot was easy to locate, secluded yet within easy access to the main road. Great for fishing and swimming during the day and campfires and star gazing at night. Highly recommend!!"
"We enjoyed hiking, fishing, and swimming nearby, making s’mores by the fire, and just relaxing on the swings under the stars. It was the perfect mix of nature and comfort."
from $20 - $25 / night
"We got there around 6pm. We got a campsite right on the water. The site was beautiful and bathrooms were clean. Hot showers were a definite plus."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"You have the ability to camp super close to the lake and the pictures you can take are amazing."
from $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability"White House on the Ranch has a great spot for you wether you're towing a camper, or looking to setup the tent, and with a lake nearby its perfect for those hot Utah days. "
from $40 - $48 / night
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GuideHad a weekend at Mirror Lake campground. Site had an opening for the holiday weekend which is unusual. Great camp location with clean bathrooms and a short walk from the camp to the lake. Lots of people but that’s to be expected on holiday weekends.
ScoutThe fishing was amazing and the lake was so peaceful.
However the blonde camp host was less then friendly and on a major power trip trying to make up her own rules.
The bathrooms weren’t maintained. They stunk like ammonia so bad you could barely breathe and the garbage dumpsters were full when we arrived and weren’t emptied the entire 7 days we were there. You also still have no access to water.
A word to the wise if you are wanting a peaceful experience don’t book sites 17 or 18. The fire pit for 17 is right in the middle of the 2 sites and the fire pit for 18 is up a hill. You are literally on top of your neighbors. I had to stand in site 17 to back my trailer into site 18 it’s ridiculous.
GuideWas passing through so only stayed for a night. The sites next to the river were gorgeous, but there were only a handful and they were occupied. The sounds from the creek were lovely, but you could equally hear the sounds of the highway. A permit is required to camp, all of the sites down the road are the same though. No cell phone service. Very peaceful though.
TravelerOn the edge of town, with family who had never been camping before, this was a great spot to settle in for our first few nights. All spots have a shade tree and a picnic table. The park was not crowded. It was very well maintained. The bathrooms were recently refurbished like new, and were kept very clean. Each room had both a toilet and a shower, very private. There is also a laundry. The only downside is that the wind picks up every evening from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, but that seems to be everywhere in south Utah.
TravelerLost her radiator traveling over the summit called a couple of Parts looking for a place call home for a couple of nights and they were the only one that answered the phone I'm glad they did because we really love the part the only downside which almost kept me from giving them a full five stars is the traffic noise from the freeway and the train but as we slept we realized it was just like home will definitely make this a reoccurring stop on our travels across the country
TravelerNestled in campsites. Plenty of room for a 25” trailer. Super friendly camp host they have firewood and running water. Set 19 has a setback firing that shaded by trees really close to the upper Provo. Incredible fishing just a short drive away river access on site. Also don’t forget to find the fairy garden.
GuideAbsolutely fine spot. Loose gravel but we managed finde in our 30" RV. Not much here but a fine place with a fine view. A road right next to the spot with medium traffic and trucks every 5-10min but worked fine.
TravelerI've been camping here since I was a little girl and it's always been one of my favorite places in the world. I love how high up and difficult it is to get up there. Bugs weren't too bad this year, everything was clean and well maintained. We stayed in loop B and the host was amazing
GuideQuiet and right next to creek, mosquitoes were not too much of an issue. 10ish miles down the road After the hot springs trail head.
Duchesne, Utah camping areas sit at elevations between 5,500 and 6,000 feet with a high desert climate that produces dramatic temperature swings from day to night. The Starvation Reservoir offers nearly 3,500 acres of water surface and 25 miles of shoreline with camping options that range from full-service sites to primitive areas without facilities. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime and drop to 50-60°F at night.
Fishing for multiple species: Starvation Reservoir contains brown trout, walleye, bass, and yellow perch that can be caught from shore or boat. "The water is refreshing to swim, water ski, paddle board or any water sport. Lots of fish in the lake and craw fish," notes a visitor at Indian Bay Campground.
Swimming at designated beaches: The reservoir offers swimming areas with floating docks at several locations. A camper at Beach Campground shared, "They have floating docks you can swim out to and boat, paddle board, and kayak access. We would definitely stay here again!"
Biking on paved paths: Many campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for family bike riding. "The camping area is all paved and the kids loved riding their bikes all day. It's just a short drive down to the water with a beach area," reports a visitor at Mountain View Campground.
Lakeside camping views: Sites along the reservoir's edge offer direct water access and scenic vistas. "The back in sites are right on the edge of the hill that leads down to the water," explains a camper at Mountain View Campground, who appreciated the layout.
Clean shower facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained shower buildings at state park campgrounds. At Rabbit Gulch Campground, "showers and flush toilets are available at the other side of the campground," notes a tent camper who enjoyed the lakeside location.
Secluded primitive options: For those seeking more privacy, dispersed camping areas provide separation from crowds. "Good place to jump off the road for a night if you have higher clearance, 4 x 4 if you want to go in other places, and are looking for some seclusion," explains a visitor at Starvation Hideaway Dispersed.
Wind conditions: Strong winds frequently affect the reservoir area, particularly in afternoon hours. A camper at Lakeside RV Park observed: "When we were there it was very windy and cold so our time outside was limited."
Limited shade at some sites: Many campgrounds have young trees that don't yet provide adequate coverage from sun. At Juniper Point, a camper noted, "Only 2 of the sites have real shade. There appears to be breezes to wind in the evenings."
Water temperature: Even during summer months, the reservoir remains quite cold. "The water was freezing though," reported one family visiting Mountain View Campground in May, with other summer visitors noting similar conditions.
Beach access with amenities: Choose campsites with easy beach access and facilities for children. "We camped the Indian loop. Beautiful Lake... Close to the boat ramp and the views are incredible. Really nice paths to get you to the beach and the boat ramp," shares a visitor to Indian Bay Campground.
Group camping setups: Several campgrounds accommodate extended family gatherings with ample space. According to a visitor at Knight Hollow, the area offers "Facilities [that] are amazingly clean, easy to accommodate a large group of people!"
Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent and gear to handle persistent bugs. "We loved jumping in the reservoir and the fishing is great. Downside, lots of bugs… spiders were an issue still plaguing us a week later in all of our gear. The flies are an issue," warns a Juniper Point camper.
Site selection strategy: For greater privacy, select back-in sites around campground perimeters rather than central pull-through options. "The spaces are large, level, and easy to get into. I think they all have electricity and water. They are paved, as are the roadways," notes a visitor to Mountain View Campground.
Hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer water and electric connections, with dumping stations located nearby. A visitor at Wild Wolf Ridge found "The campsites were spacious and had just the right amount of privacy and everything was clearly marked and easy to access."
Level parking considerations: Some primitive areas have challenging terrain for parking. "Not a level spot to be found. Good scenery but overall not a great stay," cautions a visitor about the unlevel conditions at Juniper Point, though they appreciated the views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lakeside camping options in Duchesne County?
Duchesne County offers several excellent lakeside camping options centered around Starvation Reservoir. Mountain View Campground — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation provides spectacular views with back-in sites around the loop edge that offer more privacy than the middle pull-through sites. Each site includes electric and water hookups. For RV enthusiasts, Lakeside RV Park sits right next to Starvation Lake with mature trees, great views, and convenient access to town (about 5 minutes away). Additional options at Fred Hayes State Park include Indian Bay, Beach, Juniper Point, and Rabbit Gulch campgrounds, offering various amenities including reservable sites, water, and toilets. For a more primitive experience, Starvation Hideaway offers free dispersed camping near the reservoir.
What camping facilities are available at Fort Duchesne?
Fort Duchesne has limited dedicated camping facilities within the immediate area. Visitors looking for camping options near Fort Duchesne can consider KOA Campground Vernal, which is within reasonable driving distance and offers amenities including a swimming pool. The campground experienced recovery challenges after a tough winter, with some areas like the dog park affected by flooding during spring months. For those willing to venture a bit further, Lost Creek Campground offers clean, convenient sites with some spots situated alongside a small stream. When planning a camping trip to the Fort Duchesne area, it's advisable to research current conditions and potentially make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
Where are the best camping spots near Duchesne, Utah?
The Duchesne area offers diverse camping options for all preferences. For scenic riverside camping, Aspen (UT) provides reservable sites along the Duchesne River via Forest Road 144 east of Wolf Creek Pass. If you prefer free camping with breathtaking views, head to Duchesne Ridge just past Wolf Creek Campground, where dispersed camping is available with plenty of space and excellent scenery. The area is particularly popular during hunting season. For those seeking unique accommodations, private options include off-grid experiences at secluded homesteads about an hour from Park City. Many campgrounds in the area are accessible via the Mirror Lake Highway, providing convenient access to the natural beauty surrounding Duchesne.
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