Greens Lake
4.1636 reviewsRED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT, 84023, USA
Greens Lake
$0.00 - $114.00 / 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$114.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites cost $114/night during peak season. Standard nonelectric sites are listed as $0/night, but may incur additional fees not reflected in the base rate.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Greens Lake, where paddle-powered adventures await and mountain trails beckon through forests of towering lodgepole and ponderosa pines. This peaceful retreat combines waterfront serenity with alpine beauty, as aspens whisper in the breeze and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant summer hues. Whether you're gliding across the mirror-like lake surface or exploring winding paths through the forest, Greens Lake Campground serves as your gateway to authentic mountain experiences.
Greens Lake Campground primarily facilitates tent and RV camping. It includes individual campsites and one group site accommodating up to 40 people. Cabins are available nearby at Red Canyon Lodge.
Historical SignificanceJourney through layers of time at this gateway to the legendary Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Ancient peoples once traversed these lands, leaving behind mysterious rock art that still adorns canyon walls—silent testimonies to civilizations past. Later, notorious outlaws found refuge in the rugged terrain below what would become Flaming Gorge Dam, their stories now woven into the fabric of Western lore that permeates this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain haven into an outdoor paradise, with azure skies stretching endlessly above and warm, dry days perfect for lakeside relaxation and trail exploration. As autumn approaches, crisp air carries the scent of pine while aspens burst into golden flames. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the landscape in pristine snow and creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and stark beauty.
ElevationPerched at 7,400 feet where the air is crisp and pure, this high-altitude sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. The elevation creates an ideal microclimate where morning mist dances across the lake, afternoon temperatures remain pleasantly cool, and evening stars shine with exceptional brilliance in the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 7,400 feet, where earth meets sky, Greens Lake sparkles like a jewel amidst a crown of lodgepole and ponderosa pines. Quaking aspens add their shimmering presence to the forest tapestry, while dramatic cliffs provide breathtaking vantage points overlooking the azure expanse of Flaming Gorge Reservoir below. Come summer, the landscape erupts in a botanical celebration as wildflowers carpet the meadows in waves of purple lupine, golden balsamroot, and scarlet paintbrush.
Geological RegionDiscover a landscape sculpted by eons of natural forces within the magnificent Ashley National Forest. Here, ancient red canyon cliffs rise like sentinels above the sapphire waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, their stratified layers telling stories millions of years in the making. The campground itself rests in a natural amphitheater where lodgepole and ponderosa pines have taken root among the rocky outcroppings, while graceful aspens find purchase in protected groves. Summer brings an explosion of wildflowers that soften the rugged terrain with delicate blooms.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed. However, proximity to Red Canyon Lodge and its amenities may assist certain visitors.
Sites SizeUser reviews described sites as spacious and accommodating for RVs or trailers. Some sites were noted for limited shade or uneven ground.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary between campsites. Reviews highlighted that while some sites are well-spaced and offer seclusion, others are clustered too closely, limiting privacy.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site #9 if seeking lake access as it is in the inner loop. Site #8 is ideal for proximity to water. Bring noise-cancelling headphones during summer due to loud nights.
Best CampsitesSites #7 and #8 are nearest the lake and recommended for lake views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
By 11 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity is 2 vehicles per single site (1 sleeping unit + 1 passenger vehicle or 2 passenger vehicles).
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 40 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are dispersed under pine trees and include group and individual sites. Some are near the lake while others are in a loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 to September 17, reservable starting June 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available but not guaranteed.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes like adding/removing nights or switching campsites are free of charge under certain conditions.
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.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of activities are available within and near Greens Lake Campground, offering recreational opportunities for diverse interests. Campers can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Flaming Gorge Reservoir expands this range with water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Hiking
The Red Canyon Rim Trail is accessible from the nearby visitor center and offers scenic hikes. Trails are described as easy, with spectacular canyon views and proximity to Flaming Gorge.Fishing
Fishing at Greens Lake is catch-and-release via permission from Red Canyon Lodge. The lake hosts rainbow and brook trout, and a $5/day fee applies due to its private ownership.Biking
Bike rentals are available at Red Canyon Lodge. Trails like the Red Canyon Rim Trail offer easy biking routes.Boating
Non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Greens Lake. Rentals for paddleboards and canoes are available at the nearby Red Canyon Lodge.Wildlife viewing
Greens Lake Campground is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, with sightings of deer and bighorn sheep commonly reported.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not described in the provided information.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are available at Greens Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated rings only. Visitors are encouraged not to move firewood to prevent tree pests.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotholes in campground roads, rocky campsites, and intense sun (limited shade). Wildlife such as Bighorn Sheep are present.
Active alertsReports of water system issues and potential noise from construction.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5 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 are not specifically mentioned; no hospital, police station, or ranger station is noted near the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 to September 17.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available for waste disposal on-site, but no recycling facilities were specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on Greens Lake, which is designated for non-motorized watercraft. Flaming Gorge Reservoir is 1 mile away.
Common complaintsComplaints about potholes, unlevel campsites, lack of host management, reservation system errors, and broken water lines.
HostReviews indicate inconsistent host presence and management issues during past seasons.
Campground Map
RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT, 84023, USA
Driving directionsLocated on Forest Road 095/Red Canyon Road off Highway 44, approximately 40 miles north of Vernal, Utah.
Forest Road 095/Red Canyon Road is accessible from Highway 44, but the campground loop road is noted as patchy with potholes, which may be challenging for smaller cars as per user reviews.Nearby places
Dutch John (null miles), Vernal (40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available at Red Canyon Lodge across the lake, which has a store and gift shop.
Camper Reviews
4.2
36 reviews
Greens Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Greens Lake Campground generally receives positive reviews for its peaceful environment and scenic location near Greens Lake and Flaming Gorge. Key themes include its proximity to Red Canyon Lodge, the suitability of its sites for RVs and tents, and recreational opportunities like hiking and canoeing. However, issues with site reservations, noise levels, and infrastructure (e.g., potholes and bathroom maintenance) have also been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's beauty and relaxing atmosphere, availability of water spigots and vault toilets, and proximity to Red Canyon Lodge and Flaming Gorge. Many reviews highlighted the...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include inaccurate site maps, reservation mishaps, poorly maintained vault toilets, potholes on the campground loop road, and noise during summer months. Some reviewers also reported...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend reserving lakeside sites such as #7 and #8 for best water access. Bringing noise-canceling headphones, extra water containers, and good hiking shoes were also suggested. The...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but can be crowded and noisy. Many reviews noted the need for shade during intense sunlight. Off-season camping is less mentioned likely due to limited water availability...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The walk to the lake is gorgeous!!! About 200 yards.' - Mary K
'Cell signal was good for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile.' - Untethered Nomad
'Requires reservation online.' - Dav Wink
'Sites scattered under...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #009 is inaccurately marked as being near water but is within the interior loop. Sites #7 and #8 are closer to the lake. Group sites and individual sites have varying levels of privacy and space.
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are limited, but proximity to Red Canyon Lodge and its amenities may benefit visitors with certain needs.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related amenities were not explicitly discussed in the provided materials.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025