Dispersed camping options surround Hanna, Utah at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The area's high alpine setting means temperatures can drop below 40°F even during summer nights. Campgrounds typically operate from late May through September, with some higher elevation sites not opening until July due to snowpack.
What to do
Fishing in alpine lakes: Washington Lake Campground provides access to multiple fishing spots within short hiking distance. "We hiked to Shadow Lake, Rock Lake, Azure Lake, and Haystack lake. Beautiful scenery and the weather was perfect," notes a camper at Washington Lake Campground.
River access: Camp alongside the Duchesne River at Aspen Campground for easy fishing and wading. "There are several reservable sites at Aspen, many of which border the Duchesne River. There is a fence between the campground and the river with a couple access points that can be a little tricky to find since the vegetation is rather thick," explains a visitor at Aspen (UT).
Paddling opportunities: Bring kayaks or paddleboards to Trial Lake for calm water recreation. "This is a very nice site even if it is a little busy. The scenery was beautiful, the fishing was good, and it would've been a perfect place to paddleboard or kayak if we would've had them," states a camper.
What campers like
Seclusion at higher elevations: Mill Hollow campsites provide relative isolation at 8,800 feet. "8800 ft of elevation—escape the heat. Great fishing. Site 5 is my favorite, just a short walk to the reservoir," shares a visitor at Mill Hollow.
Wildlife viewing: Aspen Grove Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "We were lucky enough to spot moose (a safe distance away - i used a zoom lens to capture) the last time we were there. The campground is usually fairly empty mid-week in the fall, unless it's hunting season!" explains a camper.
Camp host quality: Many campers note the exceptional maintenance at Lost Creek Campground. "The camp host did an excellent job of daily cleaning and stocking of the campground," reports a visitor at Lost Creek Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds maintain reliable water sources throughout the season. "While camping lakeside to get away from the crowds of the developed campground may be a good idea in spring, the dry winter has left this beautiful area as more of a puddle than a lake/reservoir," notes a Trial Lake visitor.
Weather extremes: High elevation camping means unpredictable conditions. "We went over 4th of July weekend 2 years ago and it was beautiful on the first 2 days the last day however it started to hail and snow. Yes, in July," warns a Lost Creek camper.
Bugs can be intense: Prepare for biting insects during summer months. "The bugs were pretty bad. Gnats that would bite and leave some pretty big welts. Bring plenty of bug spray," advises a visitor at Moon Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Washington Lake features paved roads suitable for families with younger children. "Great RV campground in the high Unitas. Roads and spaces are paved. This is dry camping, however as there are no hook-ups. The vault toilets are clean," notes a visitor.
Extra insulation for sleeping: Pack warm sleeping bags even in summer due to temperature drops. "Elevation is high so you may get summer thunderstorms," warns an Alexander Lake camper. "70s during the day, 40s at night," adds another camper describing summer conditions.
Multiple bathroom facilities: Lost Creek offers larger toilet facilities than other area campgrounds. "Both the pit toilets and the bear-proof dumpsters are much larger here than at the other campgrounds in the Uintas we've seen, but this is one of the larger campgrounds as well," explains a camper.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Hanna offer dry camping only. "We stayed in site #27. It was very quiet with lots of trees. Other than the site on the other side of the road there is plenty of space between the next sites," explains a Lost Creek visitor.
Road access concerns: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "You must have high-clearance 4WD to get to these sites. Also like one of the other reviewers states, this does not mean that you'll be one of few campers at the lake," notes a visitor at Alexander Lake Backcountry.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking glamping in Hanna, Utah, several sites offer unique accommodations. "We had reserved a site in the middle of the campground and didn't like the lack of privacy or proximity to the bathroom, so we ended up moving to site 25 which was FCFC. That site was perfect. It was large and the river ran right behind it," reports a visitor about the glamping-friendly amenities at Aspen Campground.
