Beaver, Utah sits at approximately 5,900 feet elevation in southwest Utah, where the Tushar Mountains meet the Great Basin Desert. Camping options range from developed sites with full amenities to dispersed locations on national forest land. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer days reaching 90°F while nights can drop below 50°F even in July and August.
What to do
Fishing at local reservoirs: Kents Lake Campground provides access to trout fishing opportunities. "An incredible, breath taking, spotless campsite. Bathrooms and water available. Camp hosts are very friendly. Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake. Great fishing for all angler skills," notes one camper at Kents Lake Campground.
Stargazing away from light pollution: The high elevation creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. At Anderson Meadow Campground, visitors report exceptional stargazing. "We love the high elevation and the view it gives of the stars at night," mentions one regular visitor.
Mountain biking on local trails: Beaver Canyon Campground offers bike rentals for exploring nearby trails. "They also have bike rentals which were super cool! I've been here in May and in September," reports a camper who enjoyed the amenity.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At Little Cottonwood Campground, a visitor appreciated that "I enjoyed all the natural greenery and shrubbery that grew in between the sites. I could not see our neighbors and it felt secluded."
Clean facilities: Campground hosts maintain facilities well. "They have VERY clean bathrooms with showers. There is a restaurant on site that has the best homemade tortilla chips and salsa," reports a visitor to Beaver Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to see local wildlife. At Anderson Meadow Campground, a camper reported, "One time we even had a deer stroll through the campground not 20' from our site."
What you should know
Weather patterns: Mountain elevations mean rapid temperature changes. "May was still pretty cool weather up there. I had a 15-degree bag with an insulated pad and it was okay. The nighttime temps were in the lower 30's," reports a camper at Beaver Canyon Campground.
Road conditions to remote sites: Some campgrounds require traveling on rough roads. At Anderson Meadow Campground, a visitor advised "Bit of a drive to get there, high clearance vehicle is ideal."
Reservation requirements: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly in peak season. "We arrived around 11pm, and only had 1 option...next to the vault toilet and road," noted one camper about Little Reservoir Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "I have T-mobile and my service was spotty on the campground itself. If I walked out and towards the town, just off the property I had a signal," reported a visitor to Beaver Canyon Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with kid-friendly amenities: Beaver KOA offers recreational facilities for children. "Kids loved the pool and the playground! Tent pitching mostly on gravel. Hookups have multiple options," shares a family traveling with three children.
Visit local attractions: The area has family-friendly destinations within driving distance. "The town of Beaver is very peaceful and is home to the Creamery. Its a great place to get the best ever cheese and ice cream...yum!" notes a camper at Beaver KOA.
Watch for wildlife but maintain distance: Wildlife sightings enhance family camping experiences. At Anderson Meadow, a visitor mentioned, "This is bear country and although we've never had a problem we have been lucky enough to see a mother and her cubs strolling through the meadow."
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Many campgrounds accommodate RVs with level pads. At Minersville Lake Park, an RVer noted, "We had a pull through site with electricity for $25. Lots of on leash dog walking available."
Seasonal water availability: Water systems may be winterized during colder months. "Nice stop on your way through Utah. Pull through sites for RVs. Electricity but no water in March," reports an RVer at Minersville Lake Park.
Watch road grades to mountain campgrounds: Some access roads have steep sections. Regarding Kents Lake, a camper advised, "I will warn you that the dirt road up to the campground is pretty steep and long so make sure you put it in a low gear and go slower to avoid overheating if you are pulling a heavy load."