Steinaker State Park Campground offers 31 sites for glamping near Neola, Utah, with both pit toilets and a flush toilet/shower building. Located approximately 5 miles north of Vernal, this park features a variety of accommodation options from tent sites to full hookup RV spots, with campsites situated among desert vegetation, shady cottonwoods, and sandy beaches. The paved road encircles the park, with some sites positioned for privacy while others are closer together.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Moon Lake Campground, visitors can explore multiple hiking paths, including trails that circle the entire lake. "I hiked all the way around the lake in a lil over 2 hours. For the most part it is an easy hike till you get to the far bank there you will encounter fallen trees and some steak inclines," notes a camper.
Fishing opportunities: The area offers productive fishing spots, particularly at Riverview Campground where the Yellowstone River provides excellent fly fishing access. "We showed up Labor Day weekend. Almost every spot along the river was taken, but once you were in your camp you could hardly tell neighbors were around. We didn't fish, but saw a couple of fly fishers catch 4 trout right in front of us," one visitor reports.
Mountain biking access: Forest roads near many campgrounds provide excellent mountain biking terrain. "We ended up staying on a abandoned logging road. But we were right across from the stream that leads to the lake," mentions a reviewer about Spirit Lake, showing how dispersed sites often connect to trail systems.
Boating and water recreation: The reservoir at Steinaker State Park Campground supports various water activities. According to a visitor, "There is a lake for fishing, swimming and water sports. There is a nice beach with pavilions and picnic sites."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Utah Forest Road 13, campers appreciate the well-spaced sites. "Well spaced sites, very private. Various sites to choose from, whether it's more wooded or open area. Didn't have anyone pass me throughout my 2 nights there, I went for 4th of July weekend," reports one satisfied camper.
Clean facilities: Swift Creek receives praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Loved this place will definitely go back. Spacious and not too crowded. Lots of hiking spots!" mentions a reviewer who gave the campground five stars.
Group camping options: For larger gatherings, Iron Springs Group Campground provides dedicated areas for group glamping near Neola. "This is my families favorite spot. The camp limit is 16 days and we pull our campers around this huge area when required. Circle Camp as we have named it is a popular site and your lucky to score it anytime during the summer months," shares one regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding forests offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "When we arrived the campground was almost empty. There were a handful of folks fishing at the lake but overall it was a very quiet visit. If you come here, make sure to take the time to drive Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway. Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose," recounts a camper at East Park.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs. I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open," warns one visitor.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping options in the Neola region operate seasonally. For example, Spirit Lake is typically accessible from mid-May through mid-September, with varying site conditions depending on the month.
Limited services: Many dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. "This campground is at end of the FS #18 paved road and then .7 mi of gravel. There are 20 sites, $10/$5 senior. No host on site. No cell signal, no water and no trash dumpsters," reports a camper at East Park Campground.
Water levels fluctuate: Lake levels can change throughout the season. "The lake has the bathtub look as it is drawn down," notes one reviewer, suggesting campers check current conditions before planning water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA offers numerous amenities for children. "The park was pretty full but the atmosphere was welcoming and calm. We visited at the height of the season and there were 20 plus kids in the play areas at all times, but the sound did not carry which was nice. The pool is expertly maintained and located right next to the laundry room."
Beach access: Some campgrounds offer sandy beach areas ideal for children. "This is a great recreation area close to the town of Vernal, about 5 miles out. There is a lake for fishing, swimming and water sports. There is a nice beach with pavilions and picnic sites," notes a Steinaker State Park visitor.
Educational opportunities: The region provides natural learning experiences about geology, wildlife, and ecology. "Steinaker State Park and Campground is located about five miles north of Vernal, UT. Make Steinaker your basecamp for the many mountain biking trails just up the highway, hiking (check out Moonshine Arch), fishing, and more."
Sites with shade: For summer camping with families, look for shaded sites. "Just stayed there one night. Nice, clean, campground in the cottonwood trees. There's a nice lake and some amazing geological features just north of the park," reports a camper at Steinaker.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Steinaker State Park offers various hookup levels. "The campground has full hook up spots, Electrical, a cabin you can rent and tent sites. There is a great group site that gives you access to the water and has a covered pavilion."
Pull-through sites: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "All sites have picnic tables and firepits with a grill. They have small sites, tent sites, many large pull through sites, and even one small cabin."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer dump facilities. "Campground of 31 sites, with pit toilets but also has a flush toilet/4 shower building. And dump station. Very pleasant cg around a smallish lake near Vernal, UT."
Site spacing: Some RV spots can be close together. "This is a great lil campground although I feel like they tried to cram alot of campsites right on top of each other. This campground is not for anyone that doesnt like to be seen cause most likely you'll have a neighbor right next to you, above you, or below you."
