The camping areas surrounding Ephraim, Utah sit at elevations between 5,000-9,000 feet within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cooler nights even in peak season. Most dispersed camping options require high-clearance vehicles to access, especially after rainfall when dirt roads become challenging.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Payson Lakes offers excellent fishing for beginners and families. "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe," notes a visitor to Payson Lakes.
Mountain biking trails: Access miles of single-track from several campgrounds along Skyline Drive. "There are plenty of bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time," mentions a Payson Lakes camper.
OHV adventures: The Arapeen Trail system connects multiple camping areas. A reviewer at Joes Valley Campground reports, "Endless trails to ride/hike good camping and fishing highly recommended!!!"
Lake activities: Paddleboarding and non-motorized boating available at multiple reservoirs. "The lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake," explains a Payson Lakes visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. At Joes Valley Reservoir, a camper notes, "The campground is clean and well kept with ample spacing between sites and trees on both sides providing privacy."
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer direct reservoir access or views. "Nice sites, not so nice beaches," reports one Joes Valley visitor. "The camp sites were great. They were clean and well kept. The water was really low."
Shade coverage: Mature trees at select campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. A visitor to Painted Rocks Campground mentions, "We appreciated the shade over each table! The food prep table was a nice touch. As a heads up, the trees are not mature enough to provide any shade at all, so be prepared for sunny sites!"
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife. At Gooseberry Creek Campground, a camper observed, "In the early morning deer frequent the meadow between the sites and the lake. Even had a few doe right in the sites!"
What you should know
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Many forest service campgrounds lack trash facilities. A Joes Valley camper warns, "This is a no frills Forest Service campground with vault toilets and drinking water. Be prepared to take your trash home because there are no dumpsters."
Reservation systems: Most glamping sites near Ephraim, Utah require advance booking, especially between May-September. "We stayed here twice. We enjoy the covered table area for hanging hammocks, which you can't do on the Oasis side," notes a Painted Rocks visitor.
Water availability: Check whether your site includes hookups or communal spigots. "There are water spigots throughout the campground to fill water containers, but non at the individual sites," explains a Joes Valley visitor.
Noise considerations: OHV traffic and generators can affect the camping experience. One camper at Joes Valley notes, "If you are somehow bothered by RVs or excess noise, you might want to find another campground."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Miller Flat-Joes Valley, a visitor shares, "Great for hunt camp or family camping. Easy access to fishing and off-road excursions, hiking and photography."
Water safety: Select smaller lakes for younger children. "The lake is about a mile down the road. The nearest open boat dock is on the other side of the lake (~3 miles)," notes a visitor to Orange Olsen.
Campsite spacing: For larger families, look for double sites with multiple tables. A Painted Rocks visitor explains, "We chose site 15 having never been here before because it was close to a restroom and we have a toddler."
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature variations, especially when glamping in Ephraim, Utah at higher elevations. "Family comes here every year around Mother's Day. This year we went May 17th and it was still cold," shares a Palisade visitor.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Some campgrounds have size restrictions for larger vehicles. A visitor to Ponderosa noted, "We were there only One night and I was glad. It's a nice campground, but everybody's close to each other."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require blocks or leveling systems. "We have a 42 ft motorhome and a separate pickup with a 6x12 trailer and we fit both in a pull through site and it looked like there was another 40 feet available," shares a Painted Rocks visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality. "The drive up along the river is so beautiful. It is a little narrow, but there was some equipment out so it appeared they were working on the road and fixing it up. Take it slow with the big rigs," advises a Joes Valley visitor.
