Fishing and kayaking draw most visitors to Panguitch Lake Campground, a Forest Service site set within a ponderosa pine forest along the southwestern edge of Panguitch Lake in southern Utah. The campground runs from late May through September and divides into two distinct sections with notably different experiences. Sites on the north side feature a paved camp road, good spacing between neighbors, tall pines overhead, and elevated sightlines toward the lake from the northeastern area of the loop. The south side has a packed-dirt road with uneven, closely spaced sites that tend to feel more cramped.
Anglers come specifically for the trout fishing. The lake also draws paddlers, and a general store sits close enough to the campground that picking up extra firewood takes only minutes. A camp host is on-site and reviewers describe the restrooms as clean and well-stocked. Water is available at taps throughout. No pets are permitted, which is worth knowing before arrival.
The campground accommodates RVs up to 99 feet and is listed as big rig friendly, though tent campers should be aware that some sites lack level ground. Reservations are available, and rates run from $23 to $92 per night depending on site type. Bryce Canyon and Zion are both roughly an hour's drive from the area, making this a reasonable base for day trips. Those planning a longer stay around the region can also browse campgrounds near Dixie National Forest for additional options. Nearby alternatives include Panguitch Lake Resort and Panguitch Lake Adventure Resort, both less than a mile away. This campground works best for anglers, paddlers, and RV travelers who want direct access to the lake.
Description
Overview
Panguitch Lake Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Panguitch, Utah. Some of the state's largest rainbow trout are fished from the lake each year, and aptly so; "Panguitch" comes from the Paiute word meaning "big fish." Visitors also enjoy canoeing and exploring the Panguitch Lake OHV Trail System.
Recreation
Panguitch Lake offers great fishing for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout. Canoeing and kyacking are a popular activity. Two public boat ramps are located on the lake, one on the south shore and the other on the north shore at Wildlife Point. The Markagunt OHV trail system at Panguitch Lake offers 300 miles of routes and trails. Other activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting.
Facilities
The campground is located on both the north side and the south side of the highway. The Panguitch lake north is the larger of the two, with single and double campsites and three group sites. The south side is strictly for tent camping (no reservations). Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hook-ups available so please fill your tanks at the dumpstation just east of the campground prior to setting up. A horseshoe pit and a volleyball court are on-site, though campers must provide their own net and ball. An amphitheater near the Panguitch group site is available upon request. The campground road and parking spurs are paved. Accessible sites area available on the north side of the campground. No OHV access in or out of the campground including street legal, all OHV's must be trailered.
Natural Features
The lake is situated high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8,400 feet. A forest of ponderosa pines covers the campground, which lies on a hillside about a quarter-mile above the lake. Deer and elk are often seen in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Panguitch Lake has two public boat landings and is less than 5 minutes from the campground. Great fishing from both a boat and the shore or just hanging out on the beach is enjoyed by many! Panguitch Lake Campground is just 14 miles from Cedar Breaks National Monument, with hiking trails, guided tours, wildflower walks, star gazing and awesome views of the Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. Just outside Cedar Breaks is the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area, where hikers will find 10 miles of trails and the Twisted Forest, a stand of ancient bristlecone pine. Bryce Canyon National Park is 30 minutes away, with breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking and horse ridng opportunities.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The Dixie National Forest enters Stage 2 fire restrictions June 26, 2026. This means no campfires or charcoal anywhere on the forest, including developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Gas-powered stoves are allowed. Check the Website for Updates.
Due to current weather conditions, water levels may drop without warning and affect the availability of drinking water at this location. As a precaution, please bring all the drinking water you will need.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPanguitch Lake is located in Utah near Brian Head
Directions
From Panguitch, Utah, take Highway 143 southwest 14 miles. Campground is on the north side of the highway.
Address
CEDAR CITY RANGER DISTRICT, 1789 N WEDGEWOOD LANE
Cedar city, UT 84721
Coordinates
37.7025 N
112.6561111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- 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
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 7 min from Provo, UT
- 3 hrs 12 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 4 hrs 36 min from Flagstaff, AZ
