Flaming Gorge spans 91 miles with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the day. Summer high temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while dropping to 45-55°F overnight. Many RV camping areas near Flaming Gorge operate seasonally from April through October, with limited services available during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Dinosaur exploration: Visit Dinosaur National Monument while staying at Outlaw Trail RV Park, located just 6 minutes from the Quarry Visitor Center. "This place was awesome. Play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas. laundry and bathroom/shower very clean. And staff was great to work with."
Hiking trail access: The trails near Pine Forest RV Park connect to both the Firefighters Memorial and Flaming Gorge overlook. "The pasture area has formal trails that lead through the national forest to the Firefighters Memorial one direction and a Flaming Gorge overlook the other direction."
Water recreation: Red Fleet State Park provides excellent swimming and water sports options. "Great for swimming, fishing, boating, water sports, and Kayaking. Sites are located close to each other but isn't too bad as long as its not during a special event."
What campers like
Shade coverage: Fossil Valley RV Park offers mature trees that provide essential shade during hot summer months. "Park has lots of really big shade trees which would be a HUGE plus during hotter summer months. Sites were good with the grading of gravel pull through's and back ins with grassy areas with a picnic table that's kept in great shape."
Lake access: Sheep Creek Bay Campground provides direct boat ramp access for water enthusiasts. "This is a sectioned off section of the parking lot at the boat ramp where 4ish rvs can park/camp. While the camping isn't much, it is right at the boat ramp/launch which is super convenient."
Clean facilities: RV campers consistently note the clean facilities at Outlaw Trail RV Park. "Clean, modern laundry. $2/wash and $2/40 min of dryer. Clean restrooms. Showers 0.25 cents for 7 minutes. Level gravel sites."
What you should know
Water taste concerns: Some campsites have issues with water quality despite filtration. A camper at Vernal RV Resort noted: "The biggest complaint that I had about the sites was the taste of the water. We had to buy bottled water because we couldn't stand the taste of the tap water even though it went through a filter."
Limited shade at newer parks: Red Fleet State Park Campground has minimal natural shade. "My suggestions are to take some kind of extra shade. There are not a lot of trees for shade. Also lots of ice to keep food cool."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), most campgrounds fill quickly. At Outlaw Trail RV Park, rates run about "$49 for 30Amp hookup/water/sewer" and reservations are essential during summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Unique accommodations: Red Fleet State Park Campground offers teepee rentals for a memorable family experience. "We rented a TeePee site. It was fun for the kids to sleep in a TeePee. There was a small table with a roof over it. The was also a grill box that we set our gas stove on top of for cooking."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "Play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas" are available at Outlaw Trail, making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Educational opportunities: Nearby dinosaur tracks provide learning experiences. "Besides the wonderful scenery, our absolute favorite part of this campground is the ability to rent kayaks and kayak over to see the dinosaur footprints."
Tips from RVers
Leveling needs: Site conditions vary significantly at Pine Forest RV Park. "Our site was level but 56 next to us had to use levelers on their utilities side to level."
Service placements: Pay attention to utility hookup locations. At Little America RV Park, "The campsites set wide and long but the services are placed strangely. In addition, there are trees planted that block the path to parking near them. We had to use extra long sewer hose, water hose, and electrical cord."
Grocery planning: Limited shopping options require planning. "Their market area has a good variety of items to include condiments, charcoal briquettes, bread/buns, hotdogs, lunch meat and salad etc. at decent prices. We bought a small mayonnaise and vinegar in Dutch John that cost $9 so like other reviews said, best to bring these type of items with you."
