Camping near Emery, Utah sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet with extreme temperature variations ranging from below freezing in winter to 90°F in summer. The region features numerous dry washes and slot canyons carved by seasonal flash floods. Most campgrounds close after the first significant snowfall, typically from late October through April.
What to do
Trail access to Boulder Mountain: Fishlake National Forest Doctor Creek Campground provides direct trail connections to Boulder Mountain's 50+ miles of hiking trails. "Short walk to the trails along the river. A few campers had fishing boats to take to the lake. We would've stayed longer if we could have!" notes Anna.
Fishing at Fish Lake: Just 15 miles from Emery on scenic Highway 72, Fish Lake offers trout fishing in Utah's largest natural mountain lake. "We were able to fill our water (both potable and non-potable stations!)... Fishing, boating.. really it has a lot of activities," shares Sarah W.
Capitol Reef exploration: Located approximately 35 miles from Torrey, Capitol Reef's hiking trails remain accessible year-round. A camper at Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park commented, "The campground is beautiful and the sites are spacious. The views are incredible! It is very nice and quiet, however, the sites are very open, so not much privacy."
What campers like
Pool access during hot months: Thousand Lakes RV Park offers a welcome respite from summer heat with its swimming pool. "The small swimming pool was loved by the kids. The grassy park area was nice," writes Scott O., while another camper adds, "Super kid friendly. Pool is small but well kept."
Dark sky viewing opportunities: The region provides exceptional stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. "The night sky was magnificent and may have made up for our inability to shower for a couple days. We were the only ones in the park, Winter camping. It's located in a dark sky area, so the skies are clear and the air is clean," reports Carlyne F.
Cottonwood shade trees: Offroad RV Resort features mature cottonwoods that provide natural cooling. "This park is pretty new and lots of the trees are maturing nicely. You can see how the owners take great pride in the care and service they provide," notes Patrick J. Another camper mentions the "Amazing Cottonwood Trees."
What you should know
Extreme wind conditions: Expect significant wind, particularly at exposed campgrounds. "The site had nice views but is very exposed and very very windy which means we kept time outside of the van to a minimum as it wasn't very relaxing. There are wooden shelters for tent spots to mitigate the wind but this would still make me nervous if I were in a tent!" warns Kayleigh T.
Gravel tent pads: Many campgrounds feature gravel rather than grass tent sites. "Not enough trees. There are several small very pruned Cottonwood trees, but it is not a shady place. Small spaces. Like most RV parks, you are very close to your neighbors... There is no grass for the tent sites. You put your tent in gravel."
Electrical load issues: During peak season, electrical capacity can be strained. "Our electricity browned out and we couldn't run our AC. Our power also cut out during the night... Unfortunately for us, we needed electricity for a CPAP, and our RV was 95 degrees inside."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation areas: Manti - La Sal KOA provides designated play areas for children. "Clean restrooms and showers. Great swimming pool. Beautiful camp sites. Easy to find. Quick drive to small town eats and even a drive inn movie theater," shares Curtis H.
ATV rental opportunities: Local ATV rentals available in Castle Dale provide family adventure options. "We have 3 kids and there is so much to do in the area. Our kids are 9, 7 and 3 1/2 so it makes things very convenient and easy for us to go there and we can rent ATV's locally as well."
Off-season timing for fewer crowds: September-October offers milder weather and significantly fewer visitors. "Spring and Fall is amazing in Torrey and is not as hot as the summer months," notes one camper. School-age families should consider late August when temperatures moderate but before school resumes.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: RV sites near Emery, Utah vary significantly in size and accessibility. "I have been full-timing in a 42' Class A for about 6 months. This CG has the largest sites I've come across yet. In most, you can barely get your awning out without hitting the neighbors rig. Here, I'm guesstimating 30' to the next rig, on either side."
Water quality concerns: Wonderland RV Park offers filtered water at RV hookups. "Facilities are very well kept and pleasantly clean. Nice, hot showers included with the campsite price and bathrooms are close to sites," reports Angela G. Another camper adds, "Clean, well maintained, shady sites. There is a nice dog run on the premises as well as grass areas throughout."
Winter access limitations: Most RV parks close completely between November-March. "They're still open in the Winter, but we didn't find out they closed their showers and bathrooms until we were told upon arrival. (They close 10/31)." Verify winter amenity availability before booking off-season stays.
