Fish Lake National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities with sites scattered at elevations of 6,000-8,500 feet. The area maintains cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically 10-15°F below valley temperatures. Campers should note that cell service varies significantly across the forest, with strongest signals near main roads and limited connectivity in remote sections.
What to do
Hiking access: Dispersed camping along Whiskey Creek Road serves as an excellent basecamp for hikers. "Drove about 20 minutes off the 15 on hwy 50 to Whiskey creek road. Drove another 20 on whiskey creek on a well maintained dirt road. Camp was relatively flat, good trees for shade and elevated to allow for nice views and a breeze," reports one camper at Whiskey Creek Road USFS Dispersed.
Wildlife watching: The forest area supports diverse wildlife including deer, elk and bears. A visitor at Polk Creek Road Dispersed Camping notes: "There is a mama bear and cub in the area although we didn't see her. Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it's a nice place to recharge and escape the heat."
Stargazing: Clear skies at higher elevations create prime stargazing conditions, especially at established campsites like Maple Hollow. "At night the stars where so beautiful while sitting around the campfire and being together while roasting marsh mellows," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Solitude: Many dispersed camping areas offer true isolation. "We passed one other camper on the way in. There was a spot on the left that would have had awesome sunset views, but we took the next one on the right. It had a pull through and trees and was a bit more private, although no privacy needed as we didn't see a soul," reports a visitor at Fish Lake National Forest.
Easy access: Despite their remote feel, many sites remain accessible for standard vehicles. At Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, one camper notes: "Super easy access for any car if roads are dry. Lots of places to get back in the junipers a little and have a nice private place to sleep. Got to road after dark/left before dawn and easily found my way in and out of area."
Climate relief: Higher elevation camps provide refuge from summer heat. "Weather is cooler than in Capitol Reef so it's a nice place to recharge and escape the heat," states a camper who used the area as a basecamp for national park visits.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access road quality varies seasonally and by location. A visitor to Maple Hollow reports: "5 mile rough gravel road for access. Could not find a site in the camp itself, but many pull off on the way up. We found a great spot about 1/2 mile back down the access road."
Water availability: Water sources are limited or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. Some established campgrounds like Maple Hollow have water systems that may be seasonally operational: "Water supply is turned off at all water sites - unsure whether this is related to flood damage or something else."
Fire restrictions: Check current fire regulations before planning campfires. A Polk Creek Road camper notes: "There is currently fire restrictions so we didn't have a fire but we set up a nice little sitting area around the fire with logs we found in the forested area."
Wildlife precautions: Secure food properly and maintain awareness of local wildlife. "As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent. I managed to scare it off by hitting my car's 'panic button' on the keys," warns a solo camper at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Many sites offer natural exploration opportunities. At Whiskey Creek Road dispersed camping, a parent shares: "Kids enjoyed exploring and climbing the small trees. Previous campers made fire pits. No one to be seen for miles."
Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries and safe play areas. At Dispersed Sandy Lot, one camper notes: "There was no one here at all and found easy place with a tree to set up 26ft tt. Let the dog roam free around meadow."
Toilet facilities: Most dispersed sites lack bathrooms, requiring preparation. At Elkhorn Recreation Site, however, basic facilities exist: "This is a really nice campground it is primitive with some outhouses and picnic tables. You are in the quackies and in the trees."
Tips from RVers
Site access: While some forest roads accommodate RVs, verify clearance requirements. A visitor to Maple Hollow warns: "Much bigger climb than expected, so if towing a heavier trailer be aware. Gravel road is well maintained with minimal washboard. Remaining 11 sites are nicely shaded among the trees. Limited space for small trailers/campers."
Setup challenges: Some campers report finding suitable spaces requires flexibility. "We were looking for an easy place away from the interstate to split our drive from Idaho to St George in half. There was no one here at all and found easy place with a tree to set up 26ft tt. Further up are more sites but gets sandier and tighter," notes an RVer at Dispersed Sandy Lot.
Seasonal considerations: Higher elevation sites have shorter usable seasons. At Elkhorn Recreation Site, camping season runs "June 15 to September 20," making it important to verify operational dates when planning the best tent camping near Elsinore, Utah for larger vehicles.
