Fayette, Utah sits at 5,100 feet elevation in central Utah's Sanpete Valley. Camping options near Fayette range from established campgrounds with water and electricity to more primitive sites in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach 85-95°F with cool evenings in the 50s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Joes Valley Reservoir provides excellent fishing conditions with its distinctive waters. According to a camper at Joes Valley Campground, "The campground sits right on the Joes Valley Reservoir which is a beautiful turquoise color and is great for boating and fishing. The water is still very cold for swimming."
ATV trail access: The region connects to extensive off-highway vehicle trail systems. "Endless trails to ride/hike good camping and fishing highly recommended!!!" notes a reviewer at Joes Valley Campground. The Arapeen Trail network provides hundreds of miles of routes suitable for all skill levels.
Natural hot springs soaking: The mineral-rich waters at Mystic Hot Springs offer therapeutic relaxation after a day of outdoor activities. "Great water, unique tubs built into the side of springs, crazy painted buses or old cabins to stay in. If your looking for different, fun, and awesome- this is a great place to check out," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds in the area maintain operations throughout winter months. At Palisade State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "We come here often. 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."
Reservoir recreation: The water activities available at multiple locations provide cooling relief during summer months. A camper at Joes Valley Campground shared, "There is no shortage of biking, hiking and riding trails. The campground sits adjacent to the Arapeen Tail which is a network of OHV trails."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking a yurt camping experience near Fayette, Utah, several locations offer these circular tent structures with more comfort than traditional tent camping. A visitor at Ponderosa mentioned, "Have been going to this campground every year for nearly 60 years. Things have definitely changed, but still enjoy my visits there."
What you should know
Varying water levels: Reservoir conditions fluctuate seasonally and with drought conditions. One camper at Yuba State Park observed, "Arrived on a Sunday in September after the reservation only period. Only two campers (including us) on the campground. It is beautifully settled in the hills. The lake is not accessible at this time due to low water level."
Waste disposal policies: Some locations require packing out all trash. A visitor to Joes Valley Campground pointed out, "There are no trash bins onsite, so what you bring in, you have to pack out."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Yuba State Park, one camper shared, "We arrived and set up camp at sunset. It couldn't have been more spectacular. The view of Yuba Lake was great and the site itself was really nice. The shade shelter, tent pad, and table were very well taken care of and clean."
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: Facilities with amenities make family camping more comfortable. A reviewer at Palisade State Park Campground advised, "Family comes here every year around Mother's Day. This year we went May 17th and it was still cold. The water was very high. We love palisades or we wouldn't be going every year."
Bring entertainment options: While natural surroundings provide much to explore, having backup activities helps during downtime. "We really love the lake and all the little trails we could mountain bike on! Good place for families or big groups to come to!" notes a Palisade State Park visitor.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher traffic and noise. A camper at Palisade State Park observed, "If you're looking for solitude, drive up a canyon road and skip Palisade State Park. It's loud and busy most days of the week in the summer. If you're bringing a group this might be your spot."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate substantial recreational vehicles. At Fillmore KOA, a camper shared, "Really quiet, convenient and quite pretty place to stop overnight. We stayed in site 33 which was great because we didn't have to unhook our tow vehicle and you have no one looking in your front windshield."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between locations. One visitor at Yuba State Park reported, "There is not much to do in the area and the lake is seriously low, but it is a great place to park for a night or two if you want peace and quite and you have a big rig. We have a 42 ft motorhome and a separate pickup with a 6x12 trailer and we fit both in a pull through sie."
Weather considerations: Wind can affect larger vehicles in exposed areas. "When we arrived, the wind was consistently 45+ mph.... not sure if this is an extraordinary occurrence but the map says wind picks up frequently and to store your things," noted a Fillmore KOA camper.
