Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area spans 91 miles across the Utah-Wyoming border with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 45-55°F at night. The area features multiple campgrounds with varying amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and several yurt camping options that provide protection from summer thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lucerne Campground offers direct access to some of the best fishing spots on Flaming Gorge. One camper noted, "Great campsite next to the lake. The staff was great and super helpful. Antelope and ground squirrels have made this place home."
Dam tours: Take the free dam tour, accessible from several campgrounds. At Cedar Springs Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Don't miss Red Canyon Overlook (40.8939814, -109.5641603) and check out the campgrounds nearby for other stays."
Water activities: Rent watercraft near Stateline Cove Campground for kayaking and paddleboarding. "Great kayaking and paddle boarding. Can camp within 40 yards of the water. Close to Manilla for gas and supplies," reports one camper.
Hiking trails: Explore the Red Canyon Loop Scenic Byway near East Park Campground for wildlife viewing. A camper shared, "Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose."
Yurt camping: Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations for those seeking shelter with comfort. East Park Campground provides yurt-style structures with solid floors and canvas walls, making it an ideal base for hiking and fishing excursions.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: East Park Campground visitors frequently spot wildlife. "When we arrived the campground was almost empty. There were a handful of folks fishing at the lake but overall it was a very quiet visit. Except for an unusually aggressive cow that decided to yell at my family for 15 minutes or so."
Clean facilities: Lucerne Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "The bathrooms were clean and well kept. No soap dispensers but there was a hand air dryer," mentions one visitor.
Privacy between sites: Cedar Springs Campground offers good site separation. A camper noted, "Nice National Forest campground with paved interior roads and sites. Most sites have privacy."
Convenient boat access: Campers at Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp and Campground appreciate the proximity to water. "This camp area is sectioned off of the very large sheep creek bay boat ramp parking. There are just 4-5 spots on blacktop for TTs and RVs," reports one visitor.
Yurt accommodations: For those interested in yurt camping at Flaming Gorge, Utah campgrounds like East Park offer elevated camping experiences with canvas structures providing more comfort than traditional tents while maintaining the outdoor experience.
What you should know
Water availability: Water systems at some campgrounds are unreliable. At East Park Campground, "Water supply is broken but they told us before we arrived so were able to adjust."
Rough access roads: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. At Green River Peninsula Camp, a camper warned, "Jug Hollow Road should be renamed: Rough Hollow Road! Had I known how bad it would get, I would not have made the journey with my 40' Toy Hauler."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have no connectivity. At Utah Forest Road 13, "Spotty Verizon and ATT service but still managed to be able to text and call as needed."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited services in early and late season.
Store availability: The nearest grocery store is 50 minutes from Manila. A KOA camper advised, "We enjoyed visiting the area. It's great for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking. There's a couple of restaurants in town and a gas station or two so pack what you need."
Tips for camping with families
Group sites: Iron Springs Group Campground accommodates multiple families. "Circle Camp as we have named it is a popular site and you're lucky to score it anytime during the summer months. As you can see from the pictures it has a nice big fire pit," shares a regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy watching the resident wildlife at Lucerne Campground. "The campground is 20 dollars a night, which is a bit more than some of the nearby campgrounds. Very nice hosts and some grassy spots for tents. The views of flaming gorge are great."
Activities for children: Utah Forest Road 13 dispersed camping provides ample exploration opportunities. "We loved camping here after visiting Flaming Gorge! The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue."
Yurt options for families: For families seeking the comfort of yurt camping in Flaming Gorge, Utah's East Park area offers sturdy canvas structures that withstand summer storms while providing a more controlled environment for children than traditional tents.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Cedar Springs has limited large RV spots. "Site 12 lists a 35' maximum length and it took us two tries to get in while gathering a crowd. But we fit with a few feet to spare parking our tow vehicle down by the camp host."
Hookup availability: Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA provides full-service sites. "Gravel lots with green grass. Quiet neighborhood. Minimal road noise. Typical amenities that a KOA has. We would stay here again."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "We stayed even though the rate for basically no services was $23. We had stayed the previous night at a forest service campground in the Black Hills that had cleaned baths and spigots that worked for only $10."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Our reservation got changed at the last minute from Buckboard WY to Lucerne and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The staff was super accommodating and friendly, and our campsite was absolutely gorgeous."
