Dutch John Draw Campground
3.9011 reviewsPO BOX 279, MANILA, UT, 84046, USA
Dutch John Draw Campground
$230.00 - $230.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$230.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group site fee is $230 per night during peak season (May 10 to September 14); no booking available outside peak season.
About this campground
Nestled in a tranquil cove along the shimmering waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Dutch John Draw Campground offers an intimate group camping experience where up to 50 friends and family can gather under Western skies. This secluded retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its prime location for launching boats at dawn, casting lines into the deep blue waters, and cooling off with afternoon swims. Here, your group can claim this peaceful corner of the reservoir as your own private basecamp for adventure.
Dutch John Draw Campground is exclusively a group camping site, accommodating up to 50 people. It is suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers.
Historical SignificanceThe mighty Flaming Gorge Dam stands as a testament to human engineering just a short drive away, where visitors can journey into the heart of the hydroelectric plant and explore fascinating exhibits chronicling the area's transformation. Below the dam, the Green River corridor whispers ancient stories through Native American petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, while tales of outlaws and pioneers echo through the rugged landscape that once served as their hideaway.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Dutch John Draw transforms into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite water play and cool evenings call for campfire stories. Summer brings reliably dry conditions with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor living. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings hint at the changing seasons, while winter wraps the landscape in snow and solitude, with temperatures that remind visitors why this is truly a warm-weather destination.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet above sea level, the campground offers a natural respite from summer's heat, where mountain breezes sweep across the reservoir to create perfectly tempered days and refreshingly cool nights that invite deep, restful sleep under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryThis peaceful cove sanctuary sits where the high desert meets the vast expanse of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, creating a dramatic backdrop of sapphire waters against red rock formations. Ancient pinyon pines stand as sentinels across the landscape, their twisted forms casting dappled shade while leaving plenty of open sky for stargazing. From nearly every corner of the campground, sweeping water views remind you that you've discovered one of the reservoir's most picturesque hidden gems.
Geological RegionDutch John Draw occupies a spectacular perch in one of Flaming Gorge Reservoir's most serene coves, where 6,000-foot elevations meet crystal-clear waters. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, with weathered pinyon pines clinging to rocky outcrops and panoramic views that showcase the dramatic marriage of water and stone that defines this remarkable high desert oasis.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has a large pavilion for shelter and flat areas suitable for tents, but no specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 50 people, with ample space for tents, RVs, and trailers. Specific site dimensions were not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a private and secluded setting, with scenic views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. However, some users noted concerns about unauthorized access due to an unlocked gate.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring your own water supply; reserve early due to high demand.
Best CampsitesOnly one group site available; reviews vary on its condition.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Begins at 2 PM
Check-out
By 11 AM
Stay Limit
Up to 16 nights per visit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 people
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 people, with ample space for multiple tents, RVs, and trailers. Specific details about vehicle limits were not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group site with gravel parking spurs and a large picnic shelter.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 10, 2025 to September 14, 2025; closed outside peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not specified; site gate is locked, requiring host check-in for access.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the arrival date; $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days prior to arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 no-show fee and forfeit first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Dutch John Draw Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The private boat dock and proximity to Flaming Gorge Reservoir enhance the experience for water-based activities.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted and convenient due to the private dock and access to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Specific fish species were not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is available in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. However, some user reviews noted challenges with accessing the dock due to high water levels.Boating
The campground features a private boat dock for campers, facilitating activities such as boating, canoeing, and water skiing. A larger boat ramp is located less than two miles away at Mustang Ridge.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the hydroelectric plant and dam, with additional exhibits on area history at the visitor center.Winter Activities
Winter activity details for the campground were not provided.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing, water skiing, and paddleboarding are feasible due to the campground’s direct access to Flaming Gorge Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed; use caution to prevent spreading pests by using local firewood.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo water is available; campers must bring their own. Steep gravel road access presents challenges during rain. Flies are reported as common; overgrown weeds create difficult navigation to the dock.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services in Manila or Flaming Gorge Dam (specific details unavailable).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 to September 14 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but reviews indicate inconsistent service. Some visitors reported overflowing trash bins for several days.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Flaming Gorge Reservoir with a private dock and nearby boat ramp.
Common complaintsLimited toilet paper and unclean bathrooms noted in multiple reviews; full trash bins. Dock access issues during high water levels. Poor road maintenance and steep inclines caused damage to vehicles.
HostHosts are stationed at nearby Cedar Springs or Deer Run campgrounds for gate access; their presence is limited during stays, according to reviews.
Campground Map
PO BOX 279, MANILA, UT, 84046, USA
Driving directionsThe campground is located 2 miles north of Flaming Gorge Dam on U.S. Highway 191. Turn west onto Forest Road 695 and travel a mile to the site.
Accessed via a well-maintained gravel road; parking spurs within the site are also gravel.Nearby places
Manila: null
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Manila (specific details unavailable).
Camper Reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Dutch John Draw Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dutch John Draw Campground are mixed. Many visitors praised the scenic views, private dock, and spacious pavilion, while others raised concerns about maintenance, access, and management.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the campground’s private dock, clean vault toilets (in some cases), and spacious group site with a covered pavilion and grill. Several users emphasized its suitability for...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor maintenance (e.g., overflowing trash bins, dirty toilets), difficult access due to overgrown roads and steep inclines, and issues with the dock during high water...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water as none is available on-site. Checking in with the hosts for gate access is necessary. Visitors advised being cautious with trailers due to challenging road...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight maintenance issues and access challenges during peak summer months, especially concerning overflowing trash and unmaintained roads. Conditions may improve in early or late summer...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The dock was great. Great spot to spend any amount of time at.' (2020-09-21) 2. 'Excellent group campsite with a covered pavilion, adjacent floating dock, lots of tent and RV sites and the...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews for site 1 in loop DUTC frequently mention the private dock and large pavilion as highlights. However, issues such as overflowing trash bins, dirty bathrooms, and difficult road access are...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns were not directly noted, but some users mentioned challenges for older visitors due to overgrown trails and the need to wade through water to access the dock.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-related amenities or issues were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025