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Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Carmel Campground, near Manila, Utah, is a fantastic place to set up camp if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Tucked away in Ashley National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful escape with beautiful trees and a nearby creek that adds to the serene atmosphere.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors rave about the stunning night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and catching meteor showers. As one camper noted, “The night sky was amazing for meteor showers,” which speaks to the clear, dark skies you can expect here.

Outdoor activities abound, with hiking trails and fishing opportunities just a stone's throw away. The Sheep Creek Geological Loop is nearby, offering breathtaking views and access to trails that lead to caves and other natural wonders. One reviewer highlighted the vibrant Kokanee salmon spawning in the creek, adding a splash of color to the experience.

While the campground doesn’t have drinking water or showers, it does provide vault toilets and trash disposal, keeping things simple and straightforward. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and you’ll leave this beautiful area just as you found it. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Carmel Campground is a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

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Location

Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Meadow Park Dispersed Camping

Meadow Park Dispersed Camping

16 min away

Canyon Rim

Canyon Rim

20 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

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

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2023

Great location Great campground

Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you’ll enjoy this location day and night. The night sky was amazing for meteor showers.

Site7
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Justin B., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Justin B., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Justin B., August 24, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

Nicest of the Sheep Creek CGs

This campground was a pleasant surprise after the lower sheep creek CGs, there are actual large trees for shade! 14 sites all FF, $13/$6.50 senior. No water or cell signal. Has vault toilets and trash dumpster. Sheep creek is close adjacent but there are fishing restrictions.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Greg L., July 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Greg L., July 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Greg L., July 28, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2019

Carmel USFS campground

Heading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.

  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Glen B., October 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Glen B., October 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Glen B., October 7, 2019
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

This is an easy place to camp with amazing views.

So this is on the Sheep Creek canyon loop which is a 2 lane road all paved that goes through some of the most amazing views around. There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place. We camped here on the way to Flaming Gorge and it in an amazing place. The camp ground is nice they have outhouse style bathrooms and picnic tables and lots of trees and close to the creek so that is relaxing and helps you fall asleep fast at night. We stayed in June and there was lots of space and hardly no one on the road up the loop only saw a few other cars. This drive is worth going to go camping there. Red rocks and beauty all around.

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Great Backdrop

Easy access, paved road all the way up the canyon. Only a few sites that back up to the creek. Amazing sunset with the red canyon wall in the background. Intermittent cell service.

  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Connor B., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Carmel Campground - Ashley National Forest by Connor B., June 3, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carmel Campground located in Flaming Gorge?

Carmel Campground is located along the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, about 2 miles up the canyon when heading south from Manila, Utah on Highway 44. The campground sits within Ashley National Forest in a scenic canyon setting with striking red canyon walls. It's positioned near Sheep Creek and offers easy access via fully paved roads. This location provides a convenient base for exploring the Flaming Gorge area while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding geological features.

What amenities are available at Carmel Campground in Flaming Gorge?

Carmel Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and trash dumpsters. The campground features 14 first-come, first-served sites with trees providing good shade. While there is no drinking water available on-site, Sheep Creek runs adjacent to the campground. Each site is equipped for camping with standard features. The campground offers intermittent cell service, so connectivity may be limited. At $13 per night ($6.50 for seniors), the campground provides good value for its scenic location.

Do I need reservations for Carmel Campground in Utah?

No, reservations are not needed for Carmel Campground as all 14 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The $13 nightly fee ($6.50 for seniors) is paid on-site. Since this is a relatively small campground in a popular area, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. The campground's location within Ashley National Forest near numerous recreational activities makes it a sought-after destination.