Established Camping
Skull Creek
Skull Creek, near Dutch John, Utah, is a scenic campground tucked away in the Ashley National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With spacious, shady sites, it’s an inviting place to set up camp and unwind under the trees.
The campground is known for its large fire pits, ideal for cozy evenings spent roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. While there’s no drinking water or electric hookups, visitors appreciate the vault toilets and trash disposal, making it manageable for those who come prepared. One camper noted, “The sites were shady and spacious,” which adds to the overall comfort of the experience.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Skull Creek is a gateway to stunning landscapes and recreational activities. The nearby Flaming Gorge offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking, ensuring you’ll have plenty to explore during your stay. Some campers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, mentioning that it’s less crowded than neighboring campgrounds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
While the access road can be a bit tight for larger RVs, the beautiful surroundings and the chance to connect with nature make it worth the trip. Whether you’re camping with family or friends, Skull Creek provides a welcoming environment to enjoy the great outdoors.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Ashley National Forest
Overview
Skull Creek Campground is located about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah near Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on local trails and boating, fishing and swimming on the reservoir.
Recreation
Red Canyon and Greens Lake are nearby. Canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout are popular activities at Greens Lake. The Red Canyon Rim Trail is a great place for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. The Red Canyon Visitor Center offers interpretive displays and area information. Red Canyon Lodge is situated on the shore of Greens Lake. Canoe and bike rentals, horseback riding, a restaurant and gift shop are available.
Natural Features
Skull Creek lies in a hillside forested with ponderosa pines and aspens near Flaming Gorge Reservoir at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The campground is partially shaded. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
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.
Reservation Info
This campground does have some first come first serve sites. Reservations for reserved sites must be made at least 4 days in advance. This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) This campground does have a few first come, first served sites. However, it is recommended to make a reservation a head of time to ensure a spot.
Garbage dumpster is available. There is NO WATER available at this campground. There is a fee to use the dump stations that are located at Antelope Flat, Deer Run, Firefighters, and Lodgepole. Showers are located at Deer Run and Mustang Ridge for campers with proof of camping registration.
Firewood is available to purchase at the Greens Lake Campground. Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Location
Skull Creek is located in Utah
Directions
Located off Highway 44, just west of the junction of Highways 44 and 191 in the Flaming Gorge area, about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah.
Address
RED CANYON COMPLEX
Dutch john, UT 84023
Coordinates
40.8627778 N
109.5269444 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobilePoor
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 53 min from Ogden
- 3 hrs 1 min from Salt Lake City
- 3 hrs 7 min from Grand Junction
- 3 hrs 12 min from Provo
