Joes Valley Reservoir serves as a central camping destination near Mount Pleasant, Utah, situated in the Manti-La Sal National Forest at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. The area features several campgrounds around the reservoir's turquoise waters, with temperatures ranging from cool 40°F nights to warm 70-80°F days during the peak season. Most camping options remain accessible from mid-May through late October, with some roads becoming impassable during winter months due to snow.
What to do
Fishing the reservoir: Joes Valley Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with both shore fishing and boat access. "I found Joe's Valley reservoir on a Facebook group and I hadn't ever heard of it. After seeing the pictures, my family decided to give it a shot and we were not disappointed. The drive up along the river is so beautiful," shares Shad G., who appreciates the variety of water activities available.
Mountain biking local trails: The area surrounding Ponderosa Campground provides access to numerous mountain biking paths through forested terrain. "Have been going to this campground every year for nearly 60 years. Things have definitely changed, but still enjoy my visits there," notes Lynn T., highlighting the long-standing appeal of the area for outdoor recreation.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife. "In the early morning deer frequent the meadow between the sites and the lake. Even had a few doe right in the sites!" reports Derek E. about his experience at Gooseberry Creek Campground, located about 20 miles from Mount Pleasant.
What campers like
Lake access: Gooseberry Creek Campground provides convenient water access that campers consistently mention in reviews. "Super close to the lake which I loved. Great fishing and water activities you can do," states Becky J., highlighting the proximity to water recreation.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at certain campgrounds. "Our site (23) was wide and deep and had lots of trees. We enjoyed the privacy as we couldn't see sites on either side, and we were far enough back that we couldn't see the site across the road," explains Mary S. about her experience at Joes Valley Reservoir.
Dark night skies: The limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The sky was so dark you could see thousands of stars," notes Ashlee W. about her stay at Painted Rocks Campground, emphasizing the quality of night sky viewing in the area.
What you should know
Varying noise levels: Some campgrounds near Mount Pleasant experience significant noise from recreational vehicles. "This is not the type of place for a quiet camping experience, but I didn't expect that at a reservoir campground with nearby OHV trails," explains Mary S. at Joes Valley Reservoir, setting appropriate expectations for potential visitors.
Water level fluctuations: Painted Rocks Campground — Yuba State Park and other reservoir-based camping areas experience significant water level changes throughout the season. "The lake is not accessible at this time due to low water level, but the view in all directions is beautiful," reports Ben, highlighting how drought conditions affect accessibility.
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "This is a no frills Forest Service campground with vault toilets and drinking water. Be prepared to take your trash home because there are no dumpsters," advises Mary S., providing practical information about what to expect.