G
Gaela O.
Guide
GuideRed Wash Rd Dispersed
Agree maybe a little sketchy
Felt more like a place to stop for day fishing. Maybe kids pulling off to drink beers.
We are going to try it….. tired and don’t feel like more driving.
Camping near Flaming Gorge, UT
179 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles the Utah-Wyoming border in the northeast corner of Utah, with the reservoir and surrounding Ashley National Forest land giving access to a wide range of campground types. Developed campgrounds around the gorge have vault toilets, defined sites, and in some cases water hookups and electric service at full-hookup sites. Flaming Gorge's no-fee dispersed sites cover the no-fee BLM and national forest spots for campers who prefer primitive setups without a reservation.
Most developed campgrounds in the recreation area book through recreation.gov, and summer sites fill quickly from July through August when reservoir activity peaks. Boat-in sites exist along the shoreline and offer a different kind of access from road-accessible campgrounds. RV sites with hookups are at several campgrounds in the area, but check maximum length restrictions before bringing a large rig, as some loops have tight turnarounds. Horse camping with corrals is available at selected forest sites. What's available for camping near Vernal covers the developed and dispersed options to the south if gorge sites are booked out during peak season.
Elevation around the reservoir runs between 6,000 and 8,000 feet depending on location, so summer nights are cool and early fall can turn cold fast. The water and fishing draw heavy use in July and August. Spring and early fall are quieter and have better campsite availability.
Best Campgrounds near Flaming Gorge (179)
1. Spring Creek Road Dispersed - Flaming Gorge
"Easy access from the main highway, lots of spots to camp right on the waters edge."
"Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area."
2. Cedar Springs Campground
"We were right next to the camp host and next to the bathrooms with running water and hot showers. The campground is a short walk or drive to the marina."
"This campground is located right up the road from the marina. Loved being able to be close to the water but have such a private, wooded site. Can be busy and would recommend a reservation vs walk-in."
from $42 - $82 / night
Check Availability3. Mustang Ridge Campground
"The Red Canyon along the flaming gorge is AMAZING! GREAT fly fishing! Site 29 had 2 tables, views of Ashley Forest, and privacy. Very good campground with showers."
"Its $25 a night so for me a lil pricey but then when I walked my dog around the park I can see why it cost that much. There were like 6 bathroom facilities a boat dock and even shower facilities."
from $230 / night
Check Availability4. Deer Run Campground
"Potable water and a dump station are located just down the road, for a fee of $6 you can dump and refill your tank. This campground is very close to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir."
"Anyway, it's not far from the Flaming Gorge Dam. There were only two sites still available when we got there. They do take reservations so most sites were reserved."
from $42 - $82 / night
Check Availability5. Firefighters Campground
"A nice clean & quite campground with a great view of Flaming Gorge from the site we stayed at. Flush toilets, no showers, & no electricity but did have access to running water."
"Very peaceful and the Flaming Gorge area in general is a natural wonder."
from $34 / night
Check Availability6. Red Canyon
"Amazing views of Flaming Gorge resivore. We saw big horn sheep right by camp. The look out is within walking distance and it is close to the trailhead to the loop trail."
"The canyon and Flaming Gorge reservoir views awesome. You are approximately 1,700 ft above bottom of the gorge. We came up on a Sunday. Half the sites were available."
from $33 / night
Check Availability7. Navajo Cliffs
"Free, dispersed camping in the beautiful Flaming Gorge! The drive in is beautiful, the camping is beautiful...don’t miss it. No services, but just a dirt road to get there."
"Don’t take 318 from CO and into Utah in the dark. Lesson learned. Nice quiet place to spend the night, can see stars if the weather is good."
8. Canyon Rim
"We just got back from a weekend RV camping at Canyon Rim campground in Flaming Gorge UT. We absolutely LOVED it! Quite, peaceful, well maintained, new fire pits, very clean toilets."
"While Flaming Gorge doesn’t have the glamour of its relatively close neighbors it makes a marvelously and interesting stopover on the way to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone."
from $33 / night
Check Availability9. Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping
"We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! It was definitely worth the drive down because it loops us back up to I-80 on the western side of the gorge."
"This was one of my favorite finds during my trip through Utah earlier this summer. We were checking out Flaming Gorge and, predictably, all the campgrounds were booked full."
10. Greendale - Ashley National Forest
"I always stay at Greendale Family CG when visiting Flaming Gorge area because there is a store, gas station and restaurant within walking distance."
"Dusty dirt road adjacent to the CG that goes to a over RV park may be an issue for sites close to that side. Dumpster on site. Cell signal good."
from $33 - $173 / night
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Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 6 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 6 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 12 min from Provo, UT
Recent Camping Photos near Flaming Gorge, UT
142 Photos of 179 Flaming Gorge Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Pine Forest RV Park
Cedar Springs Campground
Deer Run Campground
Mustang Ridge Campground
Skull Creek
Arch Dam Campground
Canyon Rim
Road #839 Dispersed Camping
Forest Road #838 Dispersed Camping Area
Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area-NFS Antelope Flat Campground
Northeast Utah BLM Land
Recent Reviews near Flaming Gorge, UT
704 Reviews of 179 Flaming Gorge Campgrounds
Erich B.
RangerGravel Pit Rd - Dutch John
Near the Green River - Dutch John
These sites are right off highway 191 - take the Gravel Rd turn as you head north out of Dutch John. There is a large site on your right as you turn off the highway but if you drive down another couple hundred feet on your left is a group of 5 sites. Relatively level in the midst of trees. There is broken glass strewn about so be careful. Highway noise but it dissipates as the later it gets.
- Erich B.Ranger
Dripping Springs Campground (UT)
Lost reservation
They double booked my site. Bathrooms were closed with running water but pit toilets were available. Unfortunately people were using the backside of the bathroom buildings to do their business. A fire went through here a few years back so it’s pretty open. A short drive to the river.
- Erich B.Ranger
FR542 Dutch John
Dutch John Close
Dispersed camping off of FR542. You don’t need four wheel drive but a higher clearance vehicle is probably needed. Space for 2 to 3 vehicles. About 10 minutes out of Dutch John. All sites have a slope to them so be ready to level. It has a good view and a little higher elevation than the town.
- IIsaac M.
TravelerCanyon Rim
Not quite primitive camping done right
This small campground is great, well placed potable water spigots, bathrooms, and a centrally located dumpster made sanitation and cleanup easy as pie. Now the real reason to visit, the views are spectacular. Seriously some of the most beautiful canyon views I have ever seen. All sites are an easy walk to the views, and honestly perfectly spaced for privacy.
Christina W.GuideBLM Wyoming
Remote BLM with epic views
We took a leap of faith and ventured off on BLM roads in search of a campsite when our family was DONE driving for the day. While this wasn’t marked on the map we ended up at a stunning spot with sweeping vistas. On the drive up we passed a large flat grassy area on the left that was already occupied by campers.
We made it to our location in a 1972 Chevy truck with Alaskan Camper but a larger or lower clearance vehicle would struggle.
Christina A.
ScoutNorth of Dinosaur CR16 - Dispersed Site
Beautiful View
Gorgeous view on the UT/CO line! Doesn't look like you're going to have a view on your way up, but then it opens up and its beautiful!
- RRichard K.Traveler
Grizzly Ridge Meadow Dispersed Area
Peaceful place
Access to multiple sites 1 mile from the highway on a well maintained dirt road. Very quiet while we were there. Nice open meadow amongst trees. Definitely would return.
- JJames A.Traveler
Rock Spring KOA
Spot 5 is nice right next to pool and office
Great place to stay. Got everything but work out area
Guide to Flaming Gorge
Dispersed camping near Flaming Gorge, Utah provides opportunities for lakeside accommodations without developed facilities. Located at 6,100 feet elevation, the area features red canyon walls contrasting with the blue-green reservoir waters. Temperatures can range from freezing at night in spring and fall to 90°F in summer, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing access from shore: At Cedar Springs Campground, you're positioned for convenient reservoir fishing. "We caught lots of fish and crawfish from the shore at the marina and the kids all had fun," reports Brad B., who stayed at Cedar Springs Campground.
Hiking the Canyon Rim Trail: This trail connects multiple campgrounds in the Red Canyon area. "The Canyon rim trail runs through the CS, just jump on and it's about 1 mile to the Red Canyon Visitor Center," notes Allison Z. from Canyon Rim, who also spotted bighorn sheep wandering through the campground.
Boat rentals for lake exploration: The marina offers various watercraft options. "We took advantage of several different boats available to rent and spent the day enjoying the fantastic views of Flaming Gorge from the water," shares Timothy T. from Deer Run Campground.
What campers like
Free waterfront camping: Spring Creek Road dispersed camping allows direct water access. "Great walking access to the swimming beach. Also convenient water and bathroom access for site 67," explains Erin S. at Mustang Ridge Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report unexpected animal sightings. "We saw big horn sheep right by camp. The look out is within walking distance and it is close to the trailhead to the loop trail," shares Brad B. who visited Red Canyon campground.
Shower facilities: Unlike most forest service campgrounds, some sites offer this amenity. "CLEAN toilets both pit and flush. CLEAN Showers free to campers. Quiet. Paved level pull in campsite," notes Jeff G. about Deer Run Campground, where showers are free for registered campers but cost $4 for non-campers.
What you should know
Water systems maintenance: Water availability varies throughout the season. "Note that the water system was not functioning as of 6-2021 and that means all the flush Restrooms and the RV dump are closed. Welcome to portapotties for restrooms," reports Greg L. from Firefighters Campground.
Insect considerations: Some lakeside areas have significant insect populations. "Amazing, gorgeous spot...however you cannot be outside without swarms of gnats and mosquitoes overtaking you," warns Cyndee F. about Navajo Cliffs camping.
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance booking. "We came when sites were first come, first served. Found a nice site with asphalt pad and shaded fire pit and table," notes Susie at Deer Run, but most sites now require reservations, especially during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Look for designated swimming areas away from boat traffic. "There is a shower house and free for campers but $5 for non campers. Plus is the close adjacent Sunny Cove day use swim beach area. No motorized, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes only, very nice for families," advises Greg L. about Mustang Ridge.
Campsite privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer better spacing. "Our site was a pull-thru that accommodated our 32 ft truck/trailer combo with just enough space for an additional vehicle. The site provided enough space for a tent nicely nestled among the trees," notes Bill S. from Mustang Ridge.
Activities for children: Nearby attractions keep kids engaged. "Sense a little girl this reservoir has been our family's favorite. Cliff diving, rock carving, craw dad hunting, large fish catching, waverunner breaking, rock climbing to name a few!" shares Christie W. about activities near Spring Creek Road Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary significantly. "This is a large campground and there are 68 sites in a couple confusing loops. Roads are all two way but are narrow and campsites are close tucked along these narrow roads," warns Greg L. about Mustang Ridge.
Campsite selection for larger rigs: Only certain campgrounds accommodate big RVs. "Newer of the three campgrounds on the Red Canyon road. This CG is better suited to groups and larger RVs and TTs. Roads and vault toilets are in better shape," advises Greg L. about Canyon Rim campground.
Turnaround availability: Some dispersed areas have limited maneuvering space. "I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open. This area is best suited to overlander tent and truck camper types," cautions Greg L. about Forest Road 13 dispersed camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area?
Where are the best campgrounds in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area?
Flaming Gorge offers diverse camping experiences across its expansive recreation area. Red Canyon stands out with its spacious sites, water hookups, and stunning reservoir views, plus opportunities to spot bighorn sheep nearby. For those seeking excellent facilities, Firefighters Campground provides clean, quiet sites with flush toilets and running water, all within minutes of Flaming Gorge resort's amenities. Other highly-rated options include Greens Lake for spacious, well-kept sites with nearby trails, and Cedar Springs for its proximity to the water. On the Wyoming side, dispersed camping offers more solitude with waterfront access, though you'll need to bring adequate shade and water supplies.
Are there private campgrounds near Flaming Gorge with amenities like pools?
Are there private campgrounds near Flaming Gorge with amenities like pools?
While most campgrounds around Flaming Gorge are public, there are a few private options with enhanced amenities. Pine Forest RV Park offers a more developed camping experience with electrical hookups and easy check-in, though it doesn't specifically mention a pool. For additional amenities, Greendale - Ashley National Forest campground, while public, provides convenient access to a store, gas station, and restaurant within walking distance. Most private accommodations near Flaming Gorge focus on basic comfort amenities rather than recreational facilities like pools. For swimming, most visitors take advantage of the reservoir itself rather than campground pools. Call ahead to verify current amenities as they may change seasonally.
What are the differences between tent camping and RV camping at Flaming Gorge?
What are the differences between tent camping and RV camping at Flaming Gorge?
At Flaming Gorge, tent campers generally enjoy more site options but fewer amenities. Cedar Springs Campground offers both tent and RV camping with clean bathrooms, though sites can be somewhat close together. Tent campers appreciate group sites with multiple picnic tables and ample space for multiple tents. RV campers have more limited options but better amenities at locations like Pine Forest RV Park, which offers electrical hookups and more developed facilities. Many tent campers enjoy the flexibility of dispersed camping areas with more privacy and natural settings, while RVers typically need to stick to established campgrounds with appropriate access roads and parking areas. Road conditions to some campgrounds can be challenging for larger RVs.
Can you camp on the beach at Flaming Gorge Reservoir?
Can you camp on the beach at Flaming Gorge Reservoir?
Yes, beach camping is possible at Flaming Gorge, particularly in designated dispersed camping areas. Flaming Gorge NRA Dispersed on the Wyoming side offers opportunities to camp near the shoreline, though be prepared for ATV noise and potentially dusty conditions. The payoff is direct water access for recreation. Antelope Flat Campground provides beautiful views of the lake with nearby boat ramp access, though it requires navigating a 4-mile dirt road. When beach camping, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, be aware of water level fluctuations, and check local regulations as some shoreline areas may have seasonal restrictions to protect natural resources.
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