Fishing draws most visitors to Baker Dam Recreation Area, where a reservoir sits within reach of the campsites and anglers can work the water without much of a drive. The fishing runs slow by some accounts but remains a consistent draw, and the reservoir also gives dogs and kids a reason to wander down to the water's edge. Worth noting: a blue-green algae warning was posted at the reservoir in October 2025, so check current conditions before letting pets near the water. The campground sits on BLM land outside Veyo, Utah, at an elevation that provides some relief from the heat of St. George during summer months.
Sites are spread out, most are wide enough for trailers, and several reviewers confirm the vault toilets are cleaned regularly and kept in good condition. No potable water is available on site. Bring everything you need. Cell service is listed as available, and trash service is provided. Weekends tend to fill up, while Monday through Thursday the campground often runs nearly empty, making midweek stays a practical option for those who prefer more space between neighbors. One wildlife note worth flagging: at least one camper has reported seeing a mountain lion while walking through the campground.
"Fishing was slow but we had fun," notes Mikai P., which captures the general tone here. This is a functional, low-cost base camp well-suited to those staging trips toward Zion or exploring camping near BLM Land — St. George Field Office. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Veyo Pool & Crawdad Canyon a few miles to the southwest.
Description
Overview
In the early 1980s, the Baker Dam Recreation Area was developed to take advantage of the recreational opportunities provided by the reservoir. Increased public demand led to an expansion of the recreation area in 1994 that included enlarging the campground and adding a day use section. Today, the recreation area serves as a base camp to enjoy not only the reservoir, but adjacent public lands as well. Please protect your resources by acting responsibly and following the rules.
Recreation
Baker Dam Reservoir is known for its cold water game fish. It is annually stocked by the UDWR with rainbow and brown trout. Migratory and year-round birds enjoy the reservoirs open water and the Santa Clara Rivers riparian habitat. View birds at the reservoir as well as along the Overlook Trails. Look for Eagles, Gray Flycatchers, Herons, and other waterfowl. Hunting is permitted on public lands in accordance with Utah state laws and regulations outside of recreation area. There are opportunities to hunt for deer, quail, and rabbit. Keep off highway vehicles on existing roads and trails. OHVs may travel on BLM managed lands and the Dixie National Forest on existing roads and trails; however, OHV use is not permitted within the recreation area. Please be informed of all laws and regulations relating to OHVs.
Facilities
Access roads within the campground and day use area are graded gravel. Both the campground and day use area have accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits with grills. Each campsite has RV or vehicle parking and a tent pad. Trash collection is provided. Water and electrical hookups are not available. Campsites are reservation only at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Fees Interagency Annual, Access, and Senior Passes are honored for day use fees only. All fees collected at this site are used to fund operations, improvements, and repairs at the recreation area. Camping Restrictions Stays are limited to 14 days. To protect the areas natural resources and to minimize impacts to private property, camping is prohibited on BLM managed lands within one mile of the recreation area. Private Property Much of the reservoirs shoreline is private, but is open for public access. Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace
Natural Features
Pine Valley Ranger District abuts BLM managed lands to the north and east. The Forest provides fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting. Cooler temps prevail with elevations reaching over 6,500 feet in the Pine Valley Mountains.
Nearby Attractions
Snow Canyon State Park. Pine Valley Recreation Area.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations: When reservation is cancelled a $10.00 cancelation fee is charged. This cancellation fee is in addition to the non-refundable reservation service fee. Late Cancellations: When a reservation is cancelled on the day before or the day of arrival the $10.00 cancellation fee will be charged and the first night use fee will be forfeited (not to exceed the total paid for the orginal reservation). No Shows: If a customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date a $20.00 service fee charged and will forfeit the first night's user fee.
Fee Info
Fees: A non-refundable service fee is charged for all reservations. This service fee is $9.00 for reservations made through call center (877-444-6777) and $8.00 for reservations made through recreation.gov. Passes: America the Beautiful: Senior, Access, and Golden Age Passes receive 50% off the nightly camping fee (for passholder's site only). Must have pass onsite to receive this discount.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBaker Dam Recreation Area is located in Utah near Central
Directions
From Interstate 15 Exit 6, head north on Bluff Street (State Route 18). Travel 24 miles and turn right onto the Baker Dam Reservoir Road. Continue .6 miles and turn right into the recreation area.
Coordinates
37.377428 N
113.64368 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/4/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/4/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/4/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 26 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 6 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 19 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 4 hrs 37 min from Flagstaff, AZ
