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Activities

Established Camping

Payson Lakes

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Campground Closed For Season: Gates are locked, no facilities (bathrooms, water, trash) are available, entry is prohibited and may result in citations. Campground will reopen in May 2025

Payson Lakes, near Salem, Utah, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its beautiful tree cover and proximity to the lake, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with regular stocking of Brook and Rainbow Trout. Families love bringing their kids here to fish, and many have reported catching their daily limit. The area also offers plenty of hiking trails, making it easy to explore the stunning scenery surrounding the lakes.

Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including well-maintained outhouses and paved roads throughout the campground. While some campers have mentioned that the water levels can be low at times, it doesn’t seem to deter anyone from enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. As one happy camper put it, “It’s a beautiful spot with lots of hiking and shade.”

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with plenty of outdoor activities, Payson Lakes is a solid choice. Just remember to arrive early on busy weekends, as it can get crowded. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, this campground has something for everyone.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Overview

Payson Lakes Campground is a local favorite, located just 12 miles from Payson, Utah. Visitors love the campground for its great fishing and canoeing opportunities, pretty scenery and close proximity to town.

Recreation

Payson Lakes offers great canoeing and kayaking. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Powerboats are prohibited.A popular day-use area is located on the shore of Big East Lake, with a small swim beach, picnic tables and flush toilets. A paved nature path begins at the parking area and circles the lake.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled in a forest of aspen, fir and pine trees at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Payson Lakes area is made up of McClelland, Box and Big East Lakes. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lakes.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100.

Nearby Attractions

The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, vibrant summer wildflowers and numerous trail opportunities. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, dense forests and colorful meadows. Devil's Kitchen Geological Area can be found along the loop. It offers a 1/2-mile round-trip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos.

Charges & Cancellations

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July 2018.

Fee Info

Cash, Check, or Scan & Pay (with recreation.gov app) 71 single sites - $29.00, capacity - 8 people + 1 vehicle 10 double sites - $58.00, capacity - 16 people__ + 2 vehicle 2 glamping sites - $111.00, capacity - 8 people (deposit required) + 1 vehicle 1 group site (A) - $285.00, capacity - 100 people + 20 vehicle 2 groups sites (B & C) - $200.00, capacity - 75 people + 15 vehicle Day Use - $15.00 Extra Vehicle - $10.00 per vehicle (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9.00 Payson Lakes Season Day Use Pass - $60.00

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Location

Payson Lakes is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 east, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel up the canyon to the campground.

Address

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
Salem, UT 84653

Coordinates

39.9297222 N
111.6419444 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2024

Very busy area, hard to get reservations

Stayed in 33B first night and 23C second night. C loop seems a little more sparse and spaced out. Outer loop seems better. Bathrooms very clean and well stocked. Sites mostly level. Pine and aspen, some spots more shaded than others. Easy walk to lake and there is a nice paved trail around it. Spotty cell service at road, none in campground. 

Food aside: Freeze-dried Pad thai with chicken, supplemented chicken (packet from Wal Mart) and it was very good with a bit of heat. Also added garlic powder (always).

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2022

Great place to camp but no atv’s are aloud.

Nice big shade trees. Close to town. On the website it says atv’s need to be registered in Utah so I understood you can ride there. I was wrong you can’t have atv’s in the campground.

Sitepayson lakes campground loop a
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Beautiful

It’s a beautiful spot with lots of hiking and shade. The water was pretty low and you had to slug through some nasty mud to get in, but it’s not a dealbreaker. The camp host was the sweetest lady ever! We will be coming back for sure!

Site11A
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Nikki W., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Nikki W., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Nikki W., July 8, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Great place for fishing

They regularly stock the lakes here with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. It is a fantastic place to bring your kids for fishing. It's only about 25 minutes up Payson Canyon, it has a great backwoods feel but includes good parking, close campgrounds and a paved path around the biggest of the Payson Lakes, Big East Lake. Every time I have fished here, I have caught fish and most times I catch my daily limit.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Kyler N., November 12, 2020
  • Good family time!
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Kyler N., November 12, 2020
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Nice Camp Ground

Overall it is a nice Camp ground. All the roads are paved. Outhouses were kept clean and stocked.

There is a lake close by within walking distance with a paved trail all around it. The water was low and pretty gross when we went at the end of the summer.

I stayed at B23. On the website it says can fit a 24ft RV or 24ft trailer. I was a little sceptical about that because of you can fit a 24ft trailer there and a truck, then why couldn't you fit a bigger RV? I called and asked they said yes you could fit a 24ft trailer with a truck to pull it. In the end I decided not to bring a trailer and I am glad I didn't, because I could see fitting a 24ft trailer, maybe, not certainly not both a truck and trailer.

  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Brent T., September 8, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2020

Beautiful Lake And Beautiful Tree Cover

Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut. 

Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe. Also the lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake. 

We definitely recommend it.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by James B., June 9, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Remote, Quiet and Beautiful

Located in National Forest at 8,000 ft with lots of sites, many of them pull through with fire rings. Lots of trees for privacy and, when we were there 8/25 - 8/27, were the only ones other than the camp hosts. Brought bikes and there were ample riding areas. A couple miles up the hill at 9,000 ft the views are truly spectacular. Continuing over the 38 mile scenic highway is well worth the drive with sheer drop offs demanding full attention ending in Nephi.

Site14C
Month of VisitAugust
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Reviewed May. 15, 2019

Great place to get away from the city.

One of my favorite summer get away spots. Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time.

Nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and in the trees. This campground can be hard to find a spot on busy weekends because it is so close to town. Amazing mountain views and fun for the whole family.

Reviewed Mar. 2, 2019

Beautiful and crowded

Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by David C., March 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by David C., March 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by David C., March 2, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

nice local campground

Stayed here at the end of the camp season. It’s a nice campground, but the spots are a little confusing. First, their normal campsites are really small. We’d actually accidentally set up residence in a double spot without knowing it. So that was unexpected, given the spots are kind of pricey already (normally it’s $23/night, but the doubles were $46/night). And although we only had 6 people (limit for a single site is 8), we also had to pay an additional $8 for the extra car. Besides that, it’s nice that they allow pets.

  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Sheila M., August 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Sheila M., August 11, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2018

Beautiful. Family friendly.

Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2018

Sunrise Glory

This campground is beautiful! The sunrise is spectacular, especially when you wait for it out by the lake! It’s a wonderful place and is family friendly! 10/10, would camp again

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Just one night

This campground is amazing! Don’t miss the sunrise over the tree line on the lake. It was pretty full when we got here(it was a holiday weekend) but we off roaded a little bit and found a beautiful little haven. we brought our dog who herded deer through our campsite twice, the kids loved it. Highly suggest coming here and hike the grotto because it’s a short hike and so close to the campground.

  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Veronica S., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Veronica S., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Veronica S., June 14, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2018

Beautiful!

This place is beautiful! it is nice to have a lake to walk to for fishing, playing, or just admiring. each campsite really only has room for 1 or 2 tents. it does havw running water and a hole in the ground bathroom to use. i would be back again, the only real complaint is that it feels too pricey. one night is $23 and an additional vehicle is $8.

  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Shantelle P., May 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Shantelle P., May 29, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2017

Pretty, but not my favorite spot

This campground was super pretty, but definitely not my favorite. The sites were super close together and there were neighboring dogs barking for most of our stay. I don't think I'll be back...

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Paige J., August 24, 2017
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Paige J., August 24, 2017
  • Review photo of Payson Lakes by Paige J., August 24, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Payson Lakes have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Payson Lakes has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Payson Lakes?

    Payson Lakes allows vehicles up to 71 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Payson Lakes?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Payson Lakes, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Payson Lakes have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Payson Lakes does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Payson Lakes?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Payson Lakes?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Payson Lakes. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Payson Lakes, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Payson Lakes?

    There are 146 campsites at Payson Lakes and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts