Sitting within Ashley National Forest at the edge of a large open meadow, Iron Springs Group Campground draws families and OHV groups who return season after season to claim the same sites. The campground runs from June through September and accommodates RVs up to 45 feet, though access roads can be rough, and at least one reviewer noted the roads had been freshly graded during a summer visit. Cattle are released into the surrounding area each season and have been known to wander into camp.
The layout includes two designated group areas, with the central site offering the most shade and the picnic tables. Greg L. notes "two vault toilets and a hand crank pump for water," though the pump's reliability has varied. Cell service is listed as available, but at least one camper reported no signal on-site. Groups regularly fit four or five trailers here alongside OHVs, and the large fire pit is a focal point. Firewood is available, and fires are permitted. Pets are welcome, and those traveling with animals can find pet-friendly campgrounds around Ashley National Forest across a range of settings.
The $25 nightly rate applies to the group sites, and reservations are available. No trash dumpsters are on-site, so campers pack out everything, including fire ash. Across the main road, a free dispersed camping area with its own vault toilets draws overflow crowds, particularly on summer weekends. Campers wanting a different configuration can look at Iron Springs Dispersed Camping Area just 0.2 miles north.
Description
Overview
Iron Springs Group Campground is located approximately 5 miles off U.S. Highway 191, along the Red Cloud Loop Scenic Backway at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Campers enjoy exploring local off-road trails. The Iron Springs Campground Group Sites include both the fenced-in area with picnic tables, and the areas immediately adjacent to site 1 and 2 with a quarter mile for overflow parking.*Please check the NEED-TO-KNOW section to see if drinking water is available at this location*
Recreation
Red Cloud Loop offers scenic driving on a maintained dirt road, providing miles of trails for ATVs, hikers and mountain bikers. The loop leads to numerous reservoirs and lakes, overlooks, historic sites and through forests and meadows. East Park and Oaks Park Reservoirs are less than 10 miles away. Both are stocked with catchable rainbow trout. A boat ramp is available at East Park; Oaks Park does not have a boat ramp. Brush Creek Caves are nearby, a popular destination for caving and geocaching.Don't forget to take a drive and visit the amazing Flaming Gorge Reservoir! There are lots of hikes and trail near the reservoir, horseback rides, guided fishing trips, ample birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, and a few local restaurants.
Facilities
The campground consists of two group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. Vault toilets are provided. Please check the "need to know" section to see if water is available. Picnic tables and campfire circles are located at each site. Large gravel parking areas are adjacent.
Natural Features
Iron Springs lies at the edge of a grassy meadow bordered by shady pines and aspens. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the meadow. Many small lakes and streams can be found in the vicinity.
Nearby Attractions
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir.Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; The adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits.The Green River below the dam provides spectacular rafting opportunities. A trip down the river offers unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art. The Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area offers dramatic canyons, densely forested backcountry areas, and vast networks of caves.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIron Springs Group Campground is located in Utah near Flaming Gorge
Directions
From Vernal, Utah: Travel north on U.S. Highway 191 for 20 miles. Turn northwest onto Forest Road 018/Red Cloud Loop and travel approximately 5 miles to the campground.
Address
355 N. Vernal Avenue
Vernal, UT 84078
Coordinates
40.7022222 N
109.5577778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 5 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 11 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 26 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 26 min from Salt Lake City, UT
