Within Fishlake National Forest, Paiute Campground provides a base for anglers targeting the nearby trout waters. The USDA Forest Service facility features paved roads and sites with fire pits, tables, and water hookups for RVs up to 35 feet. Sites typically remain quiet and uncrowded, though the infrastructure shows its age according to recent visitors.
Fish Lake sits close by, offering both shore fishing and boat rentals for those pursuing trout in the high mountain setting. Campers seeking additional forest sites outside Fishlake National Forest will find several alternatives within the broader recreation area.
Description
Overview
Paiute Campground is 29 miles north of Loa, Utah, on Highway 25 adjacent to Johnson Reservoir at 8,800 feet elevation. With 48 pull-through camp sites, Piute campground is ideal for large groups or individual campers looking for a secluded experience. Paiute Campground is located near Johnson Valley Reservoir in the Fishlake National Forest of central Utah. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring local trails.
Recreation
Fish Lake is Utah's largest natural mountain lake, covering 2,500 acres. It is famous for its 20-40 pound Mackinaw lake trout. Anglers alos enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and splake. Boating, canoeing, swimming, and scuba diving are popular activities. The 5-mile Pelican Canyon Trail begins near by. It leads through meadows and dense forests of spruce, pine and aspen as it climbs to the 11,633-foot Fish Lake Hightop. The popular Lakeshore National Recreation Trail exteds around the eastern side of the lake. Hikers are rewarded with stunning lake views after climbing 900 feet in elevation.
Facilities
All sites in the campgroung are single-family sites. Pit toilets and drinking water are provided during regular operating season. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Water is shut off during shoulder seasons. Campground acess is limited by snow.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 8,800 feet on a sagebrush-covered hillside on the valley floor, offering sweeping views of the Aspen, Pine and Cottonwood forest.
Nearby Attractions
Johnson Valley Reservoir is near by, offering fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors enjoy hiking the non-motorized trail from the campground to nearby Tasha Creek and beyond.
Fee Info
This is a first come first serve campground. Sites cannot be reserved on Rec.gov. However thus far campground has never been full.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPaiute Campground — Fishlake National Forest is located in Utah
Directions
Piute Campground is 29 miles north of Loa, Utah, on Highway 25 adjacent to Johnson Reservoir at 8,800 feet elevation. With 48 pull-through camp sites, Piute campground is ideal for large groups or individual campers looking for a secluded experience.
Coordinates
38.617479 N
111.653015 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 23 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 29 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 38 min from Grand Junction, CO
