Manila sits at an elevation of 6,348 feet near Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah. The area combines red rock canyons with forested mountains and provides year-round camping options. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months, with significant elevation changes between sites requiring proper preparation.
What to do
Kayaking the reservoir: Spring Creek Road Dispersed campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "Easy enough drive on a dirt road for a couple miles. Really gorgeous area with lots of privacy. I pulled into the first spot I saw with a fire ring, but probably could have gotten closer to the water if I kept driving," notes camper Kelda C.
Exploring caves and geological formations: The Sheep Creek Geological Loop near Carmel Campground offers unique rock formations and cave exploration. "There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place," shares Brad B.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to spot antelope, bighorn sheep, and eagles. "Antelope wander around the park all day and the water is crystal clear," reports Sara about Lucerne Campground, while another camper mentioned spotting an eagle's nest at Jug Hollow.
What campers like
Direct waterfront access: Navajo Cliffs provides shoreline camping with reservoir views. "Free BLM camping. There are tons of sites, most right on the water. Basically you can camp anywhere you want. Big rigs are all over the place," explains Doug W.
Clean facilities: The Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This KOA was a welcome stop after the long hot time we had in the Arches area. The showers were excellent and again, clean and well maintained like the rest of the facilities," notes Bruce P.
Private camping spots: Jug Hollow Road Dispersed Camp offers secluded areas. "The entire area is dispersed camping with spots on hills overlooking the lake or down shoreside. The entire area is accessible for camping," reports a reviewer who added, "The bugs weren't too bad either."
Salmon viewing: When timing allows, visitors can observe the Kokanee salmon spawn in Sheep Creek. At Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping, one camper found "a spot next to a stream" and noted "very few campers in the area, all quiet and respectful."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites varies significantly. At Spring Creek Road Dispersed, "The dirt road was in good condition and easy to drive on. We did have to open a gate and it was really hard to open," reports Conni M.
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "Wind off the lake can be furious. Try to find a spot further in, especially if you are tent camping," warns a Jug Hollow camper.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. According to one KOA visitor, "They do close middle of Oct for the winter. Water is .40c/gallon."
Limited supplies: Manila has basic services but major shopping requires planning. "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. The closest grocery store is 50 mins away," notes a KOA camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Mustang Ridge Campground offers designated swimming areas. "Great walking access to the swimming beach. Also convenient water and bathroom access for site 67," notes Erin S.
Boat ramp proximity: Sheep Creek Bay Campground provides easy lake access. "If you are in an RV with a boat and enjoy blacktop camping, this is the place to be. Close to the boat ramp, easy access," explains Lisa W.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Manila: Most campgrounds welcome pets with varying accommodations. At Forest Road 13, campers found "well spaced sites, very private. Various sites to choose from, whether it's more wooded or open area."
Insect awareness: Specific sites experience seasonal insect activity. "Amazing, gorgeous spot...however you cannot be outside without swarms of gnats and mosquitoes overtaking you," warns a Navajo Cliffs visitor during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: The KOA offers sanitary services for a fee. "They charge $15 to dump if boondocking nearby. Water is .40c/gallon," reports Mark from KOA Manila.
Navigating dirt roads: For Utah Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping, approach with appropriate vehicles. "The road is bumpy but it's nothing a regular passenger car shouldn't be able to handle," notes a visitor who added that "The camp sites are spacious and each one is far enough from each other that peace and quietness was never an issue."
Avoiding muddy conditions: Weather significantly impacts site access. "Lots of expansive soil. Impassable when wet. Our 2 wheel drive van got stuck in muck. Jeep pulled it out luckily," warns Margaret T. about Jug Hollow.
Generator considerations: Some campgrounds permit generators while others restrict them. At Jug Hollow, one camper noted "it was extremely noisy with all of the power equipment on and near the lake, including ATVs, generators, speed boats."
Ranger
