Many camping spots near Elsinore, Utah provide access to the surrounding mountains, with elevations ranging from 5,300 feet in town to over 11,000 feet in the nearby Tushar Mountains. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Most dispersed sites close during winter months when snowfall makes mountain access difficult without 4WD vehicles.
What to do
ATV trail access: 1-2 miles from campsites. Monroe Canyon RV Park offers easy access to the Paiute trail system within minutes. As one visitor noted, "The great part for us was that it is accessible to the Paiute trail system within minutes. Jordan was an amazing host and I don't believe I have met anyone more friendly."
Fishing opportunities: Stocked reservoirs. Koosharem Reservoir provides productive fishing just steps from your campsite. "Been here for a couple days now, parked in a nice flat spot above the reservoir. They stock this with rainbow trout if your a fisherman. Great Verizon service here, mountains are beautiful," reports one camper.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Short trails from campgrounds. Fremont Indian State Park offers numerous hiking trails with ancient rock art. A visitor shared: "The campground is very nice. It is gravel with fire pits and tables. There are also tipis that can be rented. You are close to the Fremont Indian exhibit and trails. There is also a nice trail that leads up into the Fishlake National Forest."
What campers like
Natural hot springs: Unique soaking options. Mystic Hot Springs features mineral pools and unusual accommodations. A visitor explains, "If you're on The Dyrt, you probably aren't afraid of campfire smoke, bugs, or... well... dirt. So if that's the case this place is definitely for you. You can camp, park an RV, or rent a bus that toured with the Grateful Dead."
Creek-side sites: Natural cooling in summer. Castle Rock Campground offers sites alongside a flowing stream. "Beautiful campground. Quiet and lots of shade. Our site had a stream running by it," writes a recent visitor.
Mountain views: 360-degree panoramas. The newer Monroe Canyon RV Park features spacious sites with panoramic views. "This is a brand-new RV Park, big spacious sites with new utilities- full hookup at about $41 a night- with delightful 360 degree beautiful mountain views- the further ones still capped in snow," writes one visitor.
What you should know
Site accessibility varies widely: Check vehicle requirements. Mountain Mecca offers free dispersed camping but has limitations. A camper notes: "Open area looks like local party spot, not for RVs. Lots of spots to pitch a tent, established fire pits. Not far off the main road. Road goes up past water tower and recommends using 4wd to come up to prevent washboard."
Seasonal operating schedules: Many campgrounds close in winter. Most campgrounds near Elsinore operate from spring to fall. Fillmore KOA runs from March 1 to November 30, and facilities like showers and laundry may not be available during shoulder seasons.
Water and power availability: Plan accordingly. Koosharem Reservoir offers primitive camping without hookups. "Easy to drive to & set up a tent. No shade but it got chilly at night & in the early morning," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Teepee rentals: Unique overnight experience for $30/night. Castle Rock Campground offers affordable teepee accommodations. "Got to stay in a rad tipi site for only $30! They had firewood available by the bundle for $5/armload. Tent sites are $15 and extra cars are $10," shares an excited visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Birds and farm animals on-site. Sevier River RV Park offers interactive experiences for children. A visitor details: "There is a fishing pond that was also home to geese, ducks and other birds. A river runs along two sides of the park. There is also an enclosure containing chickens and turkeys. The office provided food so our 3 year old granddaughter could feed those birds."
Educational opportunities: Native American history. Sam Stowe Campground provides access to cultural sites. "Stayed at Sam Stowe on our way to Bryce. Stay in site 5. Good site....private. Great hiking trail at the rear of the campground. Goes up the canyon. Visited the various sites for Rock Art through the park. Great stuff," reports one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Check site details before booking. At Fremont Indian State Park, site selection matters. "We made the mistake of choosing site 22 which would have been great for tents but even though it is large it is unlevel and took 4 2x6 to level the trailer (Not impossible to level just be aware)," advises one RVer.
Hookup quality: Varying standards across campgrounds. At Richfield KOA, the facilities are reliably maintained. One visitor reports: "Stayed one night on a trip back home from Colorado, staff was great, park was clean but spaces were pretty tight and it was very crowded. Nice place for an overnight and if you're into ATVs it seemed like there were some close by spots to ride."
Pull-through availability: Easier for larger rigs. Larger RVs will appreciate the design of newer campgrounds in the area. A reviewer at Sevier River RV Park notes, "The spaces are wide and long and can accommodate some pretty lengthy rigs."
