Fishing, cave exploration, and wildlife watching draw campers to Carmel Campground, a small Forest Service site at the entrance to the Sheep Creek Geological Loop in Ashley National Forest. The loop road is fully paved, making access straightforward for most vehicles, and the campground's 14 first-come, first-served sites sit beneath large trees that provide genuine shade. A handful of sites back directly up to Sheep Creek, though note that fishing restrictions apply along this stretch of water.
Cell service is unreliable here, and the campground has no potable water on-site, so arriving with a full tank is essential. Vault toilets and a trash dumpster are available. Fees run $13 per night, or $6.50 with a senior pass. In fall, Kokanee salmon spawn in the creek, adding an unusual wildlife viewing opportunity to the visit. Bighorn sheep have been spotted grazing in fields farther up the loop road.
The surrounding canyon walls are red rock, and the loop road passes geological formations, caves hikers can explore on foot, and open sightlines toward the canyon rim. Navajo Cliffs sits less than a mile east for campers who want a nearby alternative, and pet-friendly campgrounds around Ashley National Forest are worth checking if this site is full on arrival. As Greg L. notes, it's "a pleasant surprise" compared to lower campgrounds on Sheep Creek, largely because of the tree cover.
Description
This developed campground has interpretive displays which help you appreciate the magic of the surrounding area. Nearby Activities: Sheep Canyon Geological Area, just west of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, features stunning scenic panoramas, framed by colorfully-striated cliffs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCarmel Campground is located in Utah near Manila
Directions
Drive 3 miles south of Manila, Utah on UT-44 and turn right on Forest Service Road 218, Sheep Creek Geological Loop Road. Head west for 6 miles to the Palisades Picnic Site.
Coordinates
40.9309647 N
109.73237618 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/1/26
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)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 32 min from Ogden, UT
- 2 hrs 40 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 12 min from Logan, UT
