Baker Dam Recreation Area provides camping options in Veyo, Utah at 3,700 feet elevation with access to a small reservoir for fishing. Sites have fire rings and vault toilets but no potable water. High daytime temperatures from May through September can exceed 95°F, dropping by 30-40 degrees at night. Weather patterns create strong afternoon winds in spring and early summer.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Baker Dam Recreation Area offers a small reservoir where anglers can fish, though success varies seasonally. "Fishing was slow but we had fun," notes one visitor at Baker Dam, mentioning it's a good spot during spring and fall seasons.
Rock climbing: Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon features steep climbing walls along a river valley where you can "camp almost directly at the base of your climb." The site offers a unique camping experience for climbers with "individual camping spots along a river valley with steep climbing walls."
Crawdad fishing: Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon provides opportunities to catch crawdads in the river. "Crawdading in the river is available. Bring a bucket or get one at the concessions," explains a visitor, making it a popular activity for families and children.
Hiking trails: Red Cliffs Campground connects to multiple trail systems with relatively easy access. "There are tons of trails that are super easy to get to," reports a camper. According to another visitor, "Apparently, you can hike through the slots to see petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks."
What campers like
Natural shade: Crackfoot Campground in Dixie National Forest offers sites with natural tree cover that provides relief from summer heat. "This tent only portion of Pine Valley was great. A fully shaded and cool compared to St George," reports a camper who appreciated the temperature difference.
Wildlife viewing: Crackfoot Campground offers opportunities to observe wildlife in a natural setting. "Cows and deer walk through the sites, it was really cool," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the animal encounters. Another camper reported a more exciting sighting: "Saw a mountain lion while out on a stroll in the campground, which was exciting."
Water features: Snow Canyon State Park Campground offers scenic views and unique landscapes. A recent visitor noted, "My kids had a blast in the sand dune area," highlighting family-friendly natural features. The park combines dramatic rock formations with desert environments.
Quiet alternatives to busy parks: Red Cliffs Campground provides a more peaceful option compared to busier destinations. "Nice location - not too far from Zion, but much quieter! Beautiful drive in," notes a camper who preferred the tranquility. Another visitor confirms this: "Not a lot of people camp here which is great. I've never had a hard time finding a camping spot here."
What you should know
Water availability: Many campgrounds near Veyo have limited or no drinking water. At Baker Dam, there's "no water on site so make sure you bring your own." Similar situations exist at other sites, requiring campers to pack in their water supply.
Campground access hours: Quail Creek State Park Campground and other state parks enforce strict gate closing hours. "This is a nice spot and we enjoyed our stay... Not being from Utah, the hours limiting when you can come and go from the campground were annoying... You actually can't get in if they're closed," warns a visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Baker Dam experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. "This place gets hot during the summer but in the fall and spring it is a great getaway," explains a camper who learned when to visit for comfort.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds like Red Cliffs have changed their policies recently. "Reservations only as of 2021 (this cg used to be all FF). 11 sites, vault toilets, dumpsters, water spigots scattered around," explains a camper noting the transition from first-come, first-served to reservation systems.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon features a developed swimming area with amenities. "Features a fully finished spring-fed pool, concession area, flushable toilets and hot showers," mentions a visitor, describing the facilities that make it family-friendly.
Kid-friendly activities: Westside Campground — Sand Hollow State Park offers beach access and water recreation. "Sand Hollow State Park Camping is such a good time. The summer nights by the beach camping out with your people and your dogs is one of my favorites," shares a camper who enjoys the family atmosphere.
Privacy considerations: Some campgrounds have limited separation between sites. At Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon, a visitor notes, "My only complaint is the privacy. We got the largest site and people walked through our camp constantly. Rock climbers and crawdad fishers."
Family safety: Several campgrounds have potential hazards to watch for. "There are a ton of red ants, though—not too bad since we haven't been bitten, but yeah, a little gross," warns a camper at Red Cliffs, pointing out minor concerns for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Snow Canyon State Park Campground has variable site sizes that affect RV parking. "The non-hookup sites are MUCH better than the ones with hookups. The hookup sites are VERY narrow (some as little as 10 feet wide) and difficult to pull into," advises an RV camper who learned this firsthand.
Access limitations: Clearance restrictions may affect larger RVs at some campgrounds. At Red Cliffs, "You have to go under the interstate thru two narrow concrete tunnels, they are 11.9 high, so be careful, many large RVs, 5th wheels, Class As will not fit!!" warns a visitor who observed the height constraints.
Leveling challenges: Sand Hollow State Park requires leveling equipment at some sites. "We had to raise one side 6 inches to get sorta level," reports an RVer describing the unlevel conditions, suggesting campers bring adequate leveling blocks.
