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Shady Dell Campground — Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest

Shady Dell Campground sits within Wasatch National Forest along the Mirror Lake Highway corridor, where the US Forest Service maintains roughly 20 sites in a forested loop with a paved drive and paved pads. The campground runs $25 to $51 per night depending on site type, with a double site available for larger groups. Reservations are accepted, though first-come spots have been available later in the season. Dogs are welcome, and multiple reviewers noted other campers bringing pets as well.

Water access is a consistent draw here. Several sites sit close to a small river running through the campground, and site placement relative to that water varies noticeably. Some sites include nearby water faucets; others do not, so it's worth checking when booking. Shade is heavy throughout, provided by the dense conifer canopy. The campground is also close to Highway 150, and one reviewer noted highway traffic noise as a factor, particularly for lighter sleepers.

"Very pleasant, would have picked a spot right on the nice little river," notes Josie B. Vault toilets are on-site and generally kept clean, though conditions can shift during warm afternoons. Generator noise has been an issue in the past, with quiet hours posted at the entrance from 10pm to 6am. Free-range cattle have also been reported moving through the campground during drier years.

Anglers and hikers use Shady Dell as a base for the broader Uintas, though some trailheads and lakes require additional driving. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Duchesne Tunnel Campground roughly a mile to the east.

Fee Info

Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay (with recreation.gov app) 17 single sites - $29.00, Capacity - 8 people + 1 vehicle 1 double site - $57.00, Capacity 16 people + 2 vehciles Day use - $15.00 Extra vehicle - $10.00 per vehicle (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9.00

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This Campground is CLOSED for the 2026 camping season, and the gates are locked. We will reopen for 2027 camping on approximately May 14, 2027.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsShady Dell Campground is located in Utah near Kamas

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

In Kamas, UT, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 (Main St.) and State Rt. 150 (Center St.), take Rt. 150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) east 17 miles to the campground sign. Turn right at the sign into the campground.

Address

UT-150
Kamas, UT 84036

Coordinates

40.590114 N
111.015751 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Shady Dell Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

43%
29%
14%
14%
0%

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the excellent shade and paved sites near a pleasant creek. Some campers noted concerns about highway noise and occasional cattle, though most found it a solid base for Uintas exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find photos of Shady Dell Campground before visiting?

You can find photos of Shady Dell Campground on The Dyrt's campground page, which showcases the campsite layout, surrounding landscape, and amenities. The USDA Forest Service website for Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest also provides official images. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often contain recent visitor photos tagged with the campground name. For the most current visual information, check recreation.gov which may have both official and user-submitted photos of individual campsites and the general area.

What amenities are available at Shady Dell Campground in Utah?

Shady Dell Campground offers paved drive loops and campsites, fire pits, and clean vault toilets. Water faucets are available near some sites, like site 10. The campground features approximately 20 sites, with some situated along a nice river. While not heavily wooded throughout, the campground does have trees along the roadside providing some shade. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities, making this a more rustic camping experience in the Uintas.

What do visitor reviews say about Shady Dell Campground?

Shady Dell Campground receives positive feedback for its cleanliness, especially the well-maintained vault toilets. Campers particularly enjoy sites along the river, with site 10 mentioned as having perfect shade and morning sun. The location serves as a good base for accessing various hiking trails in the Uintas, though it's noted to be somewhat distant from specific trailheads and lakes. Families appreciate the car camping convenience. Some mention traffic noise due to proximity to the highway and occasional wildlife encounters, including cows wandering through the area. The nearby "fairy forest" is highlighted as a unique attraction worth exploring.

Where exactly is Shady Dell Campground located in Utah?

Shady Dell Campground is located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in northeastern Utah. It sits along Highway 150 (also known as the Mirror Lake Highway), positioned between Kamas and Evanston. The campground is situated in the western Uinta Mountains, with the Provo River flowing nearby, though a bit further away compared to other campgrounds like Soapstone. This location makes it a convenient staging area for exploring the broader Uintas region, with various trailheads accessible by car.