Fishing draws most visitors to Mackinaw Campground, and Fish Lake delivers. The campground sits within Fishlake National Forest, where the lake shoreline trail runs just across the road from camp, and the marina is an easy walk from most sites. Anglers who can get a boat on the water report the best results, though bank fishing is accessible as well. At high elevation, temperatures drop noticeably even in summer, so packing layers makes sense regardless of the forecast.
Aspen trees cover much of the campground, which creates shade and good hammock-hanging opportunities but does limit lake views from some sites. Reviewers note that despite the hilly terrain, most sites sit reasonably level. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit, and drinking water stations are distributed throughout. The bathrooms have flush toilets and stay clean according to multiple visitors. There are no garbage dumpsters on site, so campers need to pack out their trash.
Bowery Creek Rec Site sits nearby and is sometimes preferred for its more open lake views, though during busy periods both campgrounds fill quickly. Reservations through recreation.gov are available and worth securing in advance. Larger rigs should note that some interior roads run tight. Erik J. highlights the on-site camp host as especially resourceful in a pinch. No pets are permitted. Capitol Reef National Park makes a reasonable day trip from camp for those looking to extend their itinerary.
Description
Overview
Mackinaw Campground is located next to Fish Lake and the Fishlake Scenic Byway in central Utah at an elevation of 9,000 feet. 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 also enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and splake. Boating, canoeing, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities. The 5-mile Pelican Canyon Trail begins next door at Bowery Creek Campground. 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 extends around the eastern side of the lake. Hikers are rewarded with stunning lake views after climbing 900 feet in elevation.
Facilities
The campground contains four group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills are provided. Several single-family sites are available as well. Most sites have lake views. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Three resorts are located in the Fish Lake Basin, offering camping and fishing supplies, RV parks with hookups, cabin and boat rentals, marinas, gas, restaurants, groceries, laundry facilities and showers. The resorts are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Natural Features
The campground sits on a sagebrush-covered hillside above the valley floor and offers views of Fish Lake. Aspen trees forest the site, providing partial shade.
Nearby Attractions
Johnson Valley Reservoir is just north of Fish Lake, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMackinaw is located in Utah near Fremont
Directions
From Highway 24 northwest of Loa, Utah, take Highway 25 northeast 9 miles to the campground.
Address
138 South Main, PO BOX 129
Loa, utah, UT 84747
Coordinates
38.5555556 N
111.7161111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
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
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 34 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 59 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 5 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 46 min from Grand Junction, CO
