BLM sites and a state park campground give Mona more camping depth than its size suggests. Yuba State Park sits on Yuba Reservoir and draws boaters and anglers who want water access in the central Utah corridor. primitive camping near Mona covers the no-reservation BLM options if you want fewer neighbors and no nightly fee. Developed sites at Yuba have restrooms and fire rings; some loops have hookups for RVs.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons here. Summer heat at the reservoir's elevation stays manageable but afternoon winds come up most days. The boat ramp is the main draw, so sites closest to water fill fastest on weekends.
$27 - $270 / night
"Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut. "
"There is a lake close by within walking distance with a paved trail all around it. The water was low and pretty gross when we went at the end of the summer. I stayed at B23."
"Spots were full but they let us park in the parking lot for the night and gave us full access to showers and laundry. Great showers that were clean and nicer than some hotels."
"Walking path around a field."
$20 - $30 / night
"Close to everything, clean, quiet, and reasonably priced for full hookup. Has late drop box which was convenient."
"We pulled in after a long drive and found a cheap place to spend the night. This place is older and not very fancy. The staff was nice and helpful."
$26 - $51 / night
"This place was shady and nice all around. The camping spots were spread out okay."
"stream right next to campsite"
"Would go again this place had such beautiful trees and wildlife love to experience the outdoors great location."
"This canyon offers different hiking trails and camping sites, with picnic tables."
$92 - $127 / night
"It also has individual sites but you must park your car and walk in to your campsite. There are flush toilets and the bathrooms are well kept."
$26 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
$10 - $40 / night
"You are WALKING distance from sport climbs of all grades. Verizon service just outside the campground, where the pavement ends we parked at a turnout."
"There are a lot of campsites and all are right next to climbing areas. The maple leaves in the fall are fantastic."
"Access to lots of pretty places to run around and explore. Great places for kids to play. Lots of tall pine trees. I definitely recommend!"
TravelerThere are a few spot where you can drop off Skyline Rd and camp near a little stream. This one has the best combination of closeness to the highway, but having no street noise. There was a lot of tweaker trash, but I filled a few garbage bags and have it looking good again. It’s perfect for a van or very small RV, but I wouldn’t bring anything bigger down the side road.
ScoutDrove all the way out here and not allowed to park overnight
ScoutThis is a great campground if you’re looking for somewhere simple to stay for a weekend. You’re not able to make reservations but it doesn’t seem very popular so you’re most likely to find a spot if you go early enough. It costs $10 if you stay for 3 days, but it allows you to use the America the Beautiful pass if you have it. There’s a 4 mile hike if you keep following the road down if you’re looking for something else to do.
ScoutWould go again this place had such beautiful trees and wildlife love to experience the outdoors great location.
ScoutI stayed in site 17 no hookups. Quiet and peaceful
TravelerThis campsite has 5 spot. No water or electric hook up. Pack in pack out policy
GuideThere are mountain views on every side, lake to one side, and wetlands and fields with cows on the other. Very clean, nice campground host. Only 2 showers but they were clean. Airport nearby but it didn’t bother us. Walking trail next to the campground and a paved pier to walk down as well. It seriously blows my mind that so many people had bad things to say about this place, we really enjoyed it!
GuideJust a little gun fire in the distance but other than that it's beautiful.
ScoutWe couldn’t get over how scenic this RV Park was. It was small and peaceful. We don’t need all the frills, we are looking for surrounding beauty and this sure hit the mark! We don’t know if we’ll ever find another one as beautiful as we thought this one was. Some reviews almost made us pass on this RV Park because they said it was not level but we had no problem, it wasn’t near as bad as we were expecting from others reviews. It definitely would be helpful for there to be much larger signs. It was difficult finding it. The signs are so small you can barely see them but that was the only negative about our experience there. Gorgeous and well maintained.
Dispersed camping sites near Mona, Utah offer elevation variations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet across the Nebo Loop Road area. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during daytime hours while dropping to 40-50°F overnight at higher elevations. Primitive campsites along canyon roads often require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall when dirt roads become rutted.
Fishing at multiple elevations: Maple Lake Campground provides fishing opportunities in a mountain setting at higher elevation than the Payson Lakes area. "This is one of my favorite spots. Lots of trees with large sites spaced apart," notes a visitor to Maple Lake Campground.
Rock climbing access: Maple Canyon offers conglomerate rock formations with sport climbing routes for various skill levels. "You are WALKING distance from sport climbs of all grades. If you are interested in geology, this place is worth at least a hike. Some canyons have pictographs too!" explains a camper at Maple Canyon.
Mountain biking: Trails near Ponderosa Campground accommodate both beginners and experienced riders with loop options ranging from 2-10 miles. "The roads are well maintained and there are two loops that are a popular spot for kids to ride their scooters and bikes around," mentions one visitor.
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds offer respite from summer valley heat. "This was shady and nice all around. The camping spots were spread out okay. Some spots were closer than others and this wasn't too far off the road but after 8 we couldn't hear any cars come down," reports a visitor to Ponderosa Uinta.
Easy highway access: For travelers passing through on I-15, convenient stops provide full hookups. "We just needed to spend the night and this was perfect. Clean, simple, easy," states a camper at Rollin' Home RV Park.
Privacy at primitive sites: Dispersed camping areas along Nebo Loop Road offer more seclusion than established campgrounds. "It can get crowded but there is plenty of space. Bathroom was nice just no TP which was fine for us we had some. Mountain view and if you can get close there is a stream," shares a camper from Nebo Loop Road.
Seasonal accessibility: Most forest service campgrounds operate from late May through early September, with some closing earlier depending on weather. "I camped here in late September and the daytime high was 75 and fell to 29 overnight. Campground sites are along the creek. Lots of deer and turkeys in the area," notes a visitor to Ponderosa.
Water availability varies: Not all sites provide potable water, especially at dispersed locations. "There is no water at the campsites. You have to go to the camp host and they have a water spigot there to get water," explains a camper at Maple Lake.
Limited cell service: Reception becomes increasingly spotty at higher elevations. "No cell service. Closest cell reception is top of canyon (via hike) or where concrete road ends at mouth of canyon," reports a visitor at Maple Canyon.
Road conditions: Some access routes require appropriate vehicles. "Dirt road in, off the hwy, was a bit rutted, but we made it okay in van. Took our chances on a FCFS spot, #8 which looked fairly level but was not."
Protected swimming areas: Non-motorized lakes provide safer environments for children. "I slept like a baby! The views and the coolness of the canyon were just incredible," notes a first-time camper at Bear Canyon.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting times. "It has a ton of wildlife to see. So much to do, including hiking and hanging out in the creek. It's very beautiful and peaceful. There are a ton of bugs so bring lots of bug spray."
Kid-friendly bike paths: Several campgrounds feature paved or packed dirt loops. "The campground was super pretty, but definitely not my favorite. The sites were super close together and there were neighboring dogs barking for most of our stay."
Pull-through accessibility: Some RV parks offer large, level sites for easier maneuvering. "Long wide Pullthrough, with grass dividers. 2 service centers to pick from make setting up easy. Beautiful views if you pick your spot wisely," explains a visitor to Jones High Country RV Park.
Overnight convenience: RV parks near I-15 provide quick on/off access for travelers. "There are not many, if any places in this area to pull in to. We lucked out and found this one after unsuccessfully driving in circles trying to find other parks in the area that apparently don't exist."
Water pressure considerations: Bring regulators for full hookup sites. "Water pressure high, use regulator. No pool or playground if you need to entertain kids. No shade trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Mona Lake camping areas?
Camping areas around Mona Lake (Reservoir) offer limited amenities. The most developed option is Jones High Country RV Park near Nephi, which provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those seeking basic facilities, Miner's Canyon Dispersed offers lakeside sites but lacks formal amenities and sometimes has trash issues. Most camping around Mona is primitive, so campers should bring their own water, portable toilets, and pack-out trash systems. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty depending on your location. Fire rings are typically present at established sites, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
What fishing opportunities are available at Mona Reservoir?
Mona Reservoir offers good fishing opportunities, particularly for perch, rainbow trout, walleye, and channel catfish. While not Utah's premier fishing destination, it provides a convenient option for anglers in Utah County. For a more reliable fishing experience near the area, consider Payson Lakes which is known as a great fishery especially for children and youth. Alternatively, Yuba State Park with its Oasis Campground provides access to Yuba Reservoir which offers better fishing conditions. The best fishing at Mona is typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Shore fishing is accessible, but a small boat provides better access to productive areas.
Where can I camp at Mona Reservoir in Utah?
For camping at Mona Reservoir, consider Rollin Home RV Park which provides convenient access to the reservoir with drive-in sites. Another option is dispersed camping at Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping in the nearby area. If you're looking for established campgrounds close to Mona, Cottonwood Campground outside of Nephi is a free option, though it's more basic with just one pit toilet. Most camping around Mona Reservoir is primitive, so come prepared with all necessary supplies including water. The area is especially popular with ATV enthusiasts and anglers.
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