Best Campgrounds near Ephraim, UT

Camping opportunities near Ephraim, Utah range from established campgrounds to free dispersed sites across national forest land and state parks. The Manti-LaSal National Forest provides several camping areas including Lake Hill Campground and Maple Canyon, while Palisade State Park offers developed facilities with full hookups for RVs. Dispersed camping options include sites along Willow Creek Road and Jimmy's Fork, which provide more primitive experiences. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate tents and RVs, with some locations like Palisade State Park and Manti-La Sal KOA also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional amenities.

Most camping in the Ephraim region operates seasonally, typically from May through October, as winter conditions at higher elevations make access difficult. The Manti Community campground and Maple Canyon both list closing dates of October 30, while dispersed sites have no official season but become inaccessible during winter months due to snow. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly on weekends and holidays. National Forest roads accessing dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. A visitor to Willow Creek Road noted, "Good roads in but we got there on a Sunday night and quite a bit of traffic heading out. I imagine the weekends are busy."

Campers report quality fishing opportunities at several locations, particularly at Palisade State Park, where the lake attracts many visitors. The reservoir features a small beach area and boat rentals for recreation. While convenient, some campers mention that developed campgrounds can become crowded and noisy during peak season. According to one review of Palisade State Park, "The only reason I didn't rate it a 5 star is because the campsites are too close together and our best kept secret is no longer a secret and it is crowded all the time." Dispersed sites offer more privacy and solitude, with reviewers highlighting the peaceful nature and scenic views. Elevation in the camping areas ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, providing cool temperatures even during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Ephraim, Utah (198)

    1. Maple Canyon

    12 Reviews
    Fountain Green, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 283-4151

    $10 - $40 / night

    "You are WALKING distance from sport climbs of all grades. Verizon service just outside the campground, where the pavement ends we parked at a turnout."

    "There are a lot of campsites and all are right next to climbing areas. The maple leaves in the fall are fantastic."

    2. Palisade State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Sterling, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 835-7275

    $35 - $300 / night

    "There are great atv trails nearby. There is a great golf course right next to the lake/campground. The restaurant at the golf club has really good food. The bathrooms are kept clean."

    "This place is a great place to camp if you have one of the single or double site next to lake. There is plenty of grass and great facilities. The group site on other side of road is not the best."

    3. Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Ephraim, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3500

    "It is RIGHT next to a mountain bike trail, so expect some early-morning bikers to be coming down. Overall, it was a great place to camp."

    "Campsite I stayed at/the drive up is amazing during sunset"

    4. Manti Community

    4 Reviews
    Manti, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 283-4151

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Manti Community is located just outside of Manti UT and is easily accessible via a dirt road. It's never full and rarely has any people."

    "This is a forest campsite with vault toilets nearby. Lots of wildlife especially small furry ones. Dirt road into the site is bumpy. Great for peace and quiet."

    5. Manti-LaSal National Forest Lake Hill Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ephraim, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 283-4151

    $10 - $40 / night

    "It was a really nice camp ground with a lot of off road trails. Cant swim in the lake because its really small but it has a lot of fish. A lot of cows and horses roaming freely."

    6. Joes Valley Reservoir

    8 Reviews
    Orangeville, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 384-2372

    $10 - $18 / night

    "Weren’t too many campers around. Lots of trees for shade. Lake is drying up and looks a bit sad."

    "Right near the reservoir, I had a freat, secluded time, while in between bouldering seasion. Will visit again but will camp roght outside park with the other renegades"

    7. Manti - La Sal KOA

    5 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 660-4959

    $50 - $300 / night

    "The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because some of the sites aren't level and are pretty close to each other. I had to use 3 yellow square leveling blocks on the left side."

    "We were able to ride our side by side from this location right onto the Arapeen trail. The main office will give you a simple map on how to get there and they also sell the trail maps for $10.50."

    8. Jimmy's Fork - Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Ephraim, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    "Good UTV trails nearby."

    9. Oasis Campground — Yuba State Park

    20 Reviews
    Fayette, UT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 758-2611

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Place really gave that “middle of nowhere feel”, lake and surrounding area were beautiful. Campsites were simple and bathrooms were nice."

    "Nearby dump station. Some grass and green areas for dogs. Adequate shower facilities. Pretty scenery, and several miles away from the interstate so very quiet."

    10. Painted Rocks Campground — Yuba State Park

    10 Reviews
    Fayette, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 758-2611

    $40 - $90 / night

    "Close proximity to the water, newer facilities at each site. We appreciated the shade over each table! The food prep table was a nice touch."

    "We chose site 15 having never been here before because it was close to a restroom and we have a toddler. During our stay there was only one other person in the campground and it was quiet."

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Recent Reviews near Ephraim, UT

507 Reviews of 198 Ephraim Campgrounds


  • Hisela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Miller Canyon Exit #99 Dispersed

    Great quick stop on long trips

    Empty dust bowl, would be a mud bowl in rain..just off the freeway but dont hear it much. Secluded but the night sky's are totally worth it. No veggitation or standing water so was able to keep the moonroof open and just be in aww. Definitely would stop here again on my trips from CO to SoCal

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Richfield KOA

    Nice, conveniently located KOA

    We needed an overnight stop after heading south from the Heber Valley. We arrived at the KOA just as the office was closing but the staff member showed me the after hours sites I could pick. We picked a site in a sunny area in what seems to be a newer area of the park. The pool is closed for the season and the staff member mentioned the park closes for the season soon. The real draw of this park seems to be people with ATVs (not us) as there is a gate at the back for trail access. More important to me were clean bathrooms and a quiet area. It is far enough off the highway that there is no road noise.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Fish Lake National Forest

    Great spot just off the HWY

    Pulled about 3/4 mile back from the coordinates, into the trees. Quiet and beautiful

  • Mike C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Good overnight spot

    Quiet and easy to get to from road. Got crowded as the evening went on but plenty of room for all

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Wagons West RV Campground

    Friendly couple manager

    We liked our site close to every thing. Lots of full timers and ATVs. Laundromat is open to locals so lots of traffic but clean, well kept. Food truck next door. Good for overnight on way to Zion

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Rochester Rock Camping

    Great Spot with Big Views

    A handful of spots, some with fire rings. Easy in/out. Camping is only 5 mins down the dirt road that is very good for 2WD. So the hike to the petroglyphs, it’s 1 mile RT.

  • Cindy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Rock Reservoir

    Okay for night stay

    Found level spot just off the road. Not gorgeous, but nice distant views. Perfect for overnight.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Manti - La Sal KOA

    Perfect Location to jump on the Arapeen trail

    This KOA is daily straight forward. Has everything you will need. Laundry only had on machine working but I was able to get all mine done while we were here. Has a game room with a family room area and a large TV. We were able to ride our side by side from this location right onto the Arapeen trail. The main office will give you a simple map on how to get there and they also sell the trail maps for $10.50. Wanted to use the pool but it was closed for the season.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Sheep Creek

    Convenient overnight spot

    Plenty of space for any camper. tents to fifth wheels. The night I camped 9/20/25 there were about a dozen vehicles.


Guide to Ephraim

Camping near Ephraim, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campers enjoy fishing at Joes Valley Reservoir. One reviewer mentioned, "Even with the effect of the drought this campsite is still beautiful," highlighting the scenic views despite low water levels.
  • Rock climbing: If you're into climbing, Maple Canyon is a great spot. A visitor shared, "Nice campground with great rock climbing. Well maintained sites and toilet facilities."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Palisade State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Great rec area including a playground," making it a fun spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for Millsite State Park Campground stated, "The site was level with water and 50 amp power."
  • Peaceful environment: Many enjoy the quiet atmosphere. A visitor at Painted Rocks Campground mentioned, "It was quiet. We arrived and set up camp at sunset. It couldn’t have been more spectacular."
  • Beautiful views: Campers rave about the scenery. One review for Oasis Campground — Yuba State Park said, "The lake was beautiful and the campground was maintained nicely."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Joes Valley Reservoir, have few facilities. A camper noted, "The camp sites were great. They were clean and well kept. The water was really low."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Maple Canyon advised, "Reservations required though, so plan ahead."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife. One camper at Ponderosa Uinta mentioned, "Lots of deer and turkeys in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like Palisade State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "This place is a great place to camp if you have one of the single or double sites next to the lake."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at Fishlake National Forest Oak Creek Rec Site enjoyed the peaceful setting, saying, "Beautiful full moon rise over canyon!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand makes things easier. A camper at Rollin Home RV Park mentioned, "Clean, simple, easy," which is perfect for families on the go.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A review for High Country RV Camp noted, "Campground is old but clean. Spaces are very tight."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Millsite State Park Campground offer full hookups, which make for a comfortable stay. A visitor said, "We appreciated the shade over each table!"
  • Be mindful of road conditions: Some roads can be curvy or narrow. A camper at Joes Valley Reservoir advised, "Take it slow with the big rigs."

Camping near Ephraim, Utah, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots near Ephraim, Utah?

Ephraim offers diverse camping options in central Utah. Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground provides a tranquil forest setting with abundant trees, accessible via Millers Flat Road. For those seeking RV accommodations, Pleasant Creek Ranch (formerly Manti-La Sal KOA) offers full hookups and amenities. Additional options include Maple Canyon for rock climbing enthusiasts, dispersed camping along Skyline Drive with mountain views, and Lake Hill Campground. Most Forest Service campgrounds in the area are open from late May through September, depending on snow conditions at higher elevations.

What camping facilities are available in Ephraim Canyon?

Ephraim Canyon offers several camping options with varying facilities. Maple Canyon provides drive-in sites with basic amenities including vault toilets and some reservable spots, making it popular for climbers exploring the conglomerate rock formations. For more developed options, Palisade State Park Campground near Sterling offers water hookups, restrooms with showers, and reservable sites that can accommodate larger RVs. Many sites in the canyon feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Dispersed camping is also available along forest roads, though these lack facilities. Most campgrounds in the canyon are seasonal, typically operating from late spring through early fall.

Are there established campgrounds with facilities near Ephraim?

Yes, several established campgrounds with facilities are located near Ephraim. Miller Flat-Joes Valley-Huntington Canyon Recreation Area offers developed sites with access to fishing and outdoor recreation. Huntington State Park Campground provides restrooms and sites suitable for camping, though cleanliness has been noted as inconsistent. Other established options include Manti Community Campground with water and toilets, and Lake Hill Campground in the Manti-LaSal National Forest. Most established campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many require reservations during the peak summer season, and fees typically range from $15-25 per night depending on amenities and location.