Fishlake National Forest covers roughly 1.5 million acres of central Utah, centered around Fish Lake at about 8,800 feet elevation. The forest has developed campgrounds along the lake shoreline, dispersed sites on forest roads spreading through the Pahvant and Awapa plateaus, and a handful of cabin rentals in the area. Fishlake's dispersed camping spots cover the free, no-reservation options for those who want to get off established sites and onto forest roads with more space.
Developed campgrounds along Fish Lake fill quickly on summer weekends and require reservations from mid-June through Labor Day. Sites at the lake work well for both tent campers and RVs up to about 35 feet, though longer rigs have limited turn radius on some loops. Higher-elevation forest roads close with snow, usually by late October, and reopen in late May or early June depending on winter snowpack. The forest sees reliable summer afternoon thunderstorms, so tents and awnings need to be staked properly.
Richfield is the closest resupply town and sits at the western edge of the forest. Cabin rentals close to Richfield are a reasonable alternative if forest campgrounds are full and you want a structure for a night. Cell service is limited throughout the forest interior.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"Mystic Hot Springs was such a fun and unique stop on our Utah adventure!"
"Just driving through, we heard about this place and have to come back! Makes you feel like you’re back in the 80’s just having a good time, away from all the stress and worries of the city."
$20 - $40 / night
"Castle Rock campground in Fishlake National forest is one of two campgrounds that serve Utah's Fremont Indian State Park, with both administration and reservations handled through the Utah State Park system"
"You are close to the Fremont Indian exhibit and trails. There is also a nice trail that leads up into the Fishlake National Forest. Lots to see! "
$15 / night
"Sites did not included a table, but there was plenty of room to set up outside. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There is a fishing pond that was also home to geese, ducks and other birds."
"They have RV spots, cabins and beautiful tent areas right next to the river. Also there's an ATVs rental nearby."
$35 - $100 / night
"The next morning, we woke up to snow on the ground and the nearby mountaintops."
"We spent a night in the pit house at the Sam Stowe campground, one of yhe most unusual accommodations in the Utah State Park system."
"Toilets and showers are just next to the tent sites. I arrived without reservation and ten minutes before office closing time, still was made feeling welcome."
"The park is in a great location for SxS trail access. Laundry room and showers onsite were clean and convenient. Highly recommend this place and definitely looking forward to coming back."
$8 / night
"Pick your camping location among the cottonwood trees or out in the open for full solar. No services other than pit toilets (which are still locked in early May). Quiet. Good birding."
"Beautiful view of the lake and mountains."
$43 - $119 / night
"Paiute Trail access right from the RV Park. Each site has a tree! The park is tucked in a beautiful canyon, and surrounded by mountains!"
"This is located just before you get to the city. There are some pretty strict rules with dogs, sewer lines, and washing UTVs/ATVs in your site."
$31 - $41 / night
"When you 1st drive in, you see a large red pole barn style building that serves as the office, store, and event area. There are also immaculate restroom/showers and an excellent laundry facility."
"We were up near Salt Lake City, we were waiting for WY to warm up a little and i wanted to get Starlink- but the area we were in was oversubscribed."
$30 - $250 / night
"Beautiful location with lots to do, fishing obviously, tons off riding on close by trails."
"There’s no toilets close by, it is primitive camping. There’s RV space but no hookups. Our dogs loved the area! The water is nice and clean."
$40 - $43 / night
"The Marysvale RV Park has a great location if your love to explore, they even have some great trail access from the campground! Check them out and share some pics of your stay!"
TravelerWe parked in the gravel area for the night. Easy on and off and flat. Lots of room. There a couple of spots further in that would have been fine but we didn’t want to level since it was just the night.
RangerThis place is awesome. So much to see. Incredible history. Was pretty empty place during a rainy October. The hikes were short to each panel. Highly recommend this state park even if you don’t camp.
TravelerEasy drive to get to camp area, about 15 miles up a paved road into beautiful national park. There are about 15 spots in the Aspens, we went all the way to end and camped against Cold Spring lake.
Area was pretty full in October with lots of people deer hunting.
GuideWe spent a night in the pit house at the Sam Stowe campground, one of yhe most unusual accommodations in the Utah State Park system. It is based on the type of houses that the Fremont natives who originally lived here lived in. Fortunately it has actual mattresses, not grass mats, so it is pretty comfortable.
The pit house has a double bed plus up to four singles, and has a space heater and fan. There is electricity for lights and outlets, but no fridge or microwave. There is a picnic table and fire pit.
Flush toilets and showers are a short walk away, as is the small camp laundromat.
GuideNice sites with plenty of distance between sites. They have goats and chickens. Washer and dryer's
TravelerHookups in the parking lot of a Love’s travel center. Cars and trucks come and go at all hours. Highway noise. Clean restrooms. $56 a night, electric only.
GuidePulled in at sunset had a fire ring along the water, facilities were clean and traffic died down by 10ish
GuideNice quiet area located not far from the main road, no 4x4 needed. Your Corolla willake in no worries. Easy access into NP. Highly recommend.
GuideGreat, quiet spot where you can camp right next to the water. Perfect for tent camping or RV. There is no service here though, we had to use our Starlink to get service.
Fishlake National Forest offers camping between 6,000-9,000 feet elevation, with dispersed sites primarily concentrated around Big John Flat, Elkhorn Loop, and Doctor Creek. The region's sagebrush terrain transitions to aspen forests and high-mountain lakes, creating distinct temperature variations between the valley floor and higher elevations. Summer nights can drop to the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach 80-90°F.
Access the Paiute Trail system: Marysvale RV Park provides direct access to the extensive trail network, which includes over 900 miles of designated routes. "The Marysvale RV Park has a great location if your love to explore, they even have some great trail access from the campground!" notes Jake C.
Explore Fremont Indian rock art: Sam Stowe Campground serves as an excellent base for viewing ancient petroglyphs. "Visited the various sites for Rock Art through the park. Great stuff. We were able to stream using Verizon," reports Wayne F., who stayed for two nights at Sam Stowe Campground — Fremont Indian State Park.
Soak in thermal springs: Mystic Hot Springs offers 24/7 access to mineral pools with temperatures ranging from 98-110°F. "Amazing Hot Springs was perfect. Just a short walk from the camping spot up to the hot spring that is open 24/7. Would recommend this to anyone as the perfect weekend getaway," shares Leigh-Anne H.
Proximity to water recreation: At Otter Creek State Park, campsites are situated within yards of the reservoir. "Great sites for all types of camping. Good facilities. Beautiful location with lots to do, fishing obviously, tons off riding on close by trails," says Brett C. about Otter Creek State Park Campground.
Unique accommodations: For alternatives to traditional tents or RVs, Mystic Hot Springs offers converted buses and cabins. "Stayed in an old bus turned into cute little camp spot. Stayed here in the dead of winter and was very comfy and cozy. Bus had heated blankets and was thoughtfully set up," reports Leigh-Anne H. about Mystic Hot Springs.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature resident wildlife. "Ducks, geese and some stunning peacocks running around. It was a great experience and cant wait to go back!" notes Thomas B. about his stay at Mystic Hot Springs.
Elevation considerations: Camping in Fishlake National Forest means preparing for significant temperature fluctuations due to elevation changes between 6,000-9,000 feet. Nights can be surprisingly cold even in summer months.
Dispersed camping regulations: Free camping is available in select areas like Piute State Park. "No one here but us. Beautiful view of the lake and mountains," reports Katie about her boondocking experience at the park.
ATV restrictions and rules: Some campgrounds have specific regulations for off-road vehicles. "There are some pretty strict rules with dogs, sewer lines, and washing UTVs/ATVs in your site. However, the camp is very clean so it appears the rules are working," explains Shad G. about South Forty RV Park.
Opt for sites with shade: Castle Rock Campground provides ample tree coverage for protection from summer heat. "Sites are very private with trees blocking view of other people. There's a cute little creek and a nice trail in the back!" shares Tean B. about their experience at Castle Rock Campground — Fremont Indian State Park.
Consider educational opportunities: Fremont Indian State Park has interpretive displays suitable for children. "The campground is very nice. It is gravel with fire pits and tables. There are also tipis that can be rented. You are close to the Fremont Indian exhibit and trails," notes connie C.
Book cabins for shoulder season visits: For spring or fall trips with unpredictable weather, consider cabin options. "We were going to pitch a tent but it was so late we got a cabin instead. We were right next to the river. Super grateful for the wonderful night sleep before hitting the road again," writes Lisa D. about her stay at Sevier River RV Park.
Reserve pull-through sites: Many campgrounds offer convenient pull-through options. "Sites are gravel, level and well maintained. Most are pull through. Hookups are in excellent condition," reports Richard &. about Sevier River RV Park.
Consider site assignments: Some parks assign specific sites rather than allowing selection. "The only thing I didn't love is that you don't get to reserve a specific site. They assign one to you when you arrive," notes Shad G. about South Forty RV Park.
Check for tent camping options: RV parks often accommodate tent campers as well. "I spent a night at a tent site here. There were all 5 Sites available. Toilets and showers are just next to the tent sites," reports Iris A. about Lizzie & Charlies RV-ATV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to camp in Fishlake National Forest?
Late summer to early fall (August-October) is the ideal time to camp in Fishlake National Forest when temperatures are moderate and the aspen trees begin their spectacular color display. At Forsyth Reservoir, campers enjoy pleasant weather beside a charming mountain lake during this period. Fall camping at Doctor Creek offers a peaceful experience with fewer crowds and stunning yellow aspen trees in the famous Pando grove. Summer (June-July) brings warmer days perfect for fishing and water activities, though higher elevations stay cooler than surrounding areas. Spring can be wet with lingering snow at higher elevations, while winter brings cold temperatures and limited access to many campgrounds due to snow closure.
Do I need reservations for camping at Fish Lake in Utah?
Reservations are highly recommended for camping at Fish Lake, especially during the peak summer season and weekends. Doctor Creek campground, located near Fish Lake, can be reserved through the recreation.gov system, which helps secure your spot in this popular area. For a different experience near Fish Lake, LeBaron Reservoir Campground doesn't have a camp host, so advance reservations are particularly important during busy periods. If campgrounds are full, there are dispersed camping options in the surrounding Fishlake National Forest areas. For the best chance at securing your preferred site, make reservations up to six months in advance for summer visits, particularly for holiday weekends. Last-minute campers might have better luck during mid-week or shoulder season visits.
Where are the best campgrounds in Fishlake National Forest?
Fishlake National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds across its diverse landscape. Castle Rock Campground is exceptionally clean and well-maintained with gravel sites featuring fire pits and tables, plus access to hiking trails leading into the forest. For a more secluded experience, LeBaron Reservoir Campground offers incredible views and spotless facilities, though reservations are recommended during busy periods. Other excellent options include Adelaide Campground (tucked in the hills near Kanosh with creek access), Forsyth Reservoir (simple lakeside camping with 3-4 sites and a bathroom), and Doctor Creek (located near Fish Lake with boat ramp access). Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like vault toilets, while some provide drinking water and more developed facilities.
What amenities are available at Fish Lake campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Fish Lake offer varied amenities to enhance your stay. Adelaide Campground features clean facilities with two bathrooms within short walking distance of all sites, plus large open areas for recreation and a creek running nearby. Forsyth Reservoir provides more basic amenities with vault toilets and limited sites in a peaceful setting. Most Fish Lake area campgrounds include standard picnic tables, fire rings or pits, and vault toilets. Some campgrounds offer drinking water during the main season, but availability varies. Boat ramps are accessible at several locations for fishing and water recreation. While most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, hook-ups are generally not available at Forest Service campgrounds. Cell service is limited throughout the area, so plan accordingly for a more disconnected experience.
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