the dyrt
Standard (tent/RV)
Tent Cabin
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Equestrian
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About
Payson Lakes
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.
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.
Facilities
This large campground contains single and double sites with picnic tables and campfire rings. Three group sites are also available, equipped with picnic and serving tables, grills, dutch oven cooking surfaces, campfire circles, water spigots and cement site pads. Group sites are in an area separate from single sites and the day-use area.
Vault toilets are provided near Group Site A; flush toilets are provided between Group Sites B and C. Vault toilets are provided in the single and double site loops. Campground hosts are on-site and firewood is available for purchase. Roads and parking spurs are paved.
78 single sites - $23.00, capacity - 8 people
10 double sites - $46.00. capacity - 16 people
1 group site (A) - $220.00, capacity - 100 people
2 groups sites (B & C) - $155.00, capacity - 75 people
Day Use - $9.00
Extra Vehicle fee - $9.00
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.
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.
ADA Access: N
Sites
117
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Reservable
Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Toilets
Trash Available
Water Hookups
Contact
Location
Payson Lakes
is located in
Utah
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.
10 Reviews of Payson Lakes
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.
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.
Beautiful and crowded
Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites.
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.
Beautiful. Family friendly.
Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids.
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
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.
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.
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…
Nice reservoir, non-motorized boating, fish
Forested campsites in mountains. A few campsite loops. Can get crowded and noisy. Bears. Fire rings and picnic tables.
