Manila, Utah sits at 6,300 feet elevation on the northern edge of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, experiencing warm summers and cold winters with moderate snowfall. The camping season typically runs from late April through mid-October, with late summer offering the most stable weather conditions. Cell service coverage improves dramatically as visitors move closer to the town center.
What to do
Fishing access and boat rentals: At Sheep Creek Bay Campground, campers have immediate access to the reservoir. "This area is on the west side of the reservoir so you have plenty of hiking opportunities heading west up into the forests," notes one visitor. Another adds it's "somewhat protected from the storms and it's a very quiet place!"
Explore historic sites: The region offers opportunities to visit nearby historic locations. At Outlaw Trail RV Park, one camper mentioned they used it as "a good launching pad for day trips!" While at Fort Bridger RV Camp, a visitor suggested "check out the nearby Fort Bridger Museum" during your stay.
Hiking trails: Many campgrounds provide trail access directly from camp. A Pine Forest RV Park visitor mentioned, "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." These paths offer moderate difficulty with rewarding views of the reservoir.
What campers like
Convenient location: Vernal RV Resort provides access to both water recreation and off-road adventures. One camper noted, "We had easy access to some of the OHV trails in the area" and appreciated their premium site that "was right along the river, and it was a gorgeous view."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of rv parks in Manila, Utah and surrounding areas. A visitor at Pine Forest RV Park observed, "The bathrooms and showers were immaculate, cleaned three or four times a day." Another camper appreciated the "super clean restroom, shower, and laundry facility."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite being near popular recreation areas, many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. A Fossil Valley RV Park camper noted, "If you get a space towards the back of the Park the road noise mentioned by others isn't an issue," while another praised the "big shade trees and lots of grass."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some Manila area camping facilities have issues with water taste. A camper at Vernal RV Resort mentioned, "We had to buy bottled water because we couldn't stand the taste of the tap water even though it went through a filter."
Campsite spacing differences: Site spacing can vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. One Fossil Valley visitor noted that "sites are very close together" while another mentioned "sites are close together or I would rate this a five!"
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal changes and occasional extreme conditions. At Little America RV Park, a camper mentioned hearing "noise from the idling big rigs right next to the campground," suggesting engine noise from temperature regulation can be an issue in certain weather.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play spaces for children. A visitor at Outlaw Trail RV Park praised the "play set, tons of grass, sand volleyball, tether ball, picnic/grilling areas" that make it "kid/pet friendly."
Recreation options: Families should consider proximity to activities when choosing a campground. Pine Forest visitors appreciated being "able to walk over to the Flaming Gorge Resort cafe, very convenient for a little lunch without cooking," providing easy meal options for families.
Safety considerations: Some campsites have hazards families should know about. A Pine Forest visitor cautioned about the "open pasture (watch out for cow and dog poop)" near certain sites, suggesting parents monitor young children in these areas.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: Some rv parks near Manila, Utah have strict check-in procedures. One Fort Bridger RV Camp visitor warned, "The sign said 'NO SELF PARKING, DO NOT CALL AFTER HOURS!'" emphasizing the importance of arriving during office hours.
Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific site numbers when possible. A Pine Forest RV Park camper advised, "Sites 18-21 actually had the biggest yard area and were the best sites in our opinion," while noting some sites required levelers.
Navigation challenges: The roads approaching certain campgrounds can present difficulties for larger rigs. In Outlaw Trail RV Park, one visitor described it as "just a big gravel lot with hook ups spaced throughout," suggesting easier navigation than more remote options, making it "convenient spot to start a day" exploring the area.
