Iron Mine
4.4247 reviewsPO BOX 981, DUCHESNE, UT 84021
Iron Mine
$10.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates range from $10 to $16 for standard nonelectric sites, and $25 for group sites during peak season. A $10 service fee applies for reservation changes or cancellations. Late cancellations may incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's fee.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the breathtaking North Fork Drainage along Highway 35, Iron Mine Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its enchanting aspen forest canopy and the gentle murmur of the North Fork Duchesne River nearby. This well-appointed mountain retreat accommodates everyone from solo adventurers to large groups, with thoughtfully spaced single, double, and group sites. Each campsite comes complete with sturdy picnic tables and traditional campfire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Wind your way through the campground on peaceful dirt roads and intimate spurs that preserve the natural landscape while providing easy access to your perfect camping spot.
Iron Mine Campground accommodates a wide range of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate at Iron Mine creates a dynamic canvas of weather throughout the camping season. Summer visitors discover delightfully cool evenings—August nights can be surprisingly crisp, perfect for cozying up around the campfire with a warm beverage. When afternoon thunderstorms roll through the canyon, they transform the landscape into a symphony of fresh pine scents and glistening aspen leaves, washing away trail dust and painting the forest in vibrant greens. Early and late season adventurers should come prepared for potential snow dustings that transform this woodland sanctuary into a pristine wonderland.
ElevationPerched at 7,400 feet above sea level, Iron Mine Campground offers the perfect mountain escape where crisp, clean air invigorates your senses. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning during summer months, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. The rolling, hilly terrain adds character to each campsite and creates natural privacy between neighbors. At this altitude, afternoon rain showers are nature's way of keeping the forest lush and the wildflowers blooming.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 7,400 feet into Utah's mountain wilderness, Iron Mine Campground immerses visitors in a living tapestry of quaking aspens that shimmer gold in autumn and whisper secrets in summer breezes. Towering subalpine firs, stately lodgepole pines, and ancient spruce trees create a multi-layered forest cathedral overhead. Come July and August, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers—Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine dance in meadow clearings. The surrounding canyon walls frame spectacular vistas that shift from misty morning panoramas to sunset-painted cliff faces, while the North Fork Duchesne River provides a soothing soundtrack to your mountain adventure.
Geological RegionIron Mine Campground rests on the southern slopes of northeastern Utah's majestic Uinta Mountains, one of the few major mountain ranges in North America that runs east to west. This unique geological positioning creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems within a compact area. The campground's location showcases the Uintas' signature blend of ancient rock formations clothed in verdant aspen groves, with darker evergreen forests of subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann spruce painting the higher elevations. The North Fork Duchesne River has carved its course through these mountains over millennia, creating the dramatic canyon landscape that cradles today's campground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Sites SizeSites include single, double, and group options. Single sites accommodate 8 people, 1 vehicle, 1 RV/trailer, and 1 tent. Double sites accommodate 16 people, 2 vehicles, 2 RV/trailers, and 2 tents. Group site allows up to 32 people, 4 vehicles, 4 RV/trailers, and 3 tents.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews provide varied feedback on privacy. While some campers appreciate the spacing and shade provided by trees, others mention that some sites are clustered closely together.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 007 is recommended for privacy. Avoid campsite 001 if leveling a trailer is a concern. Bring a saw for processing fallen firewood. Cows and cow pies may be present.
Best CampsitesCampsite 007 is noted for privacy. Campsite 001 has challenges (unlevel and near the road). Group sites are highly praised for large gatherings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites: 8 people, 1 vehicle, 1 RV/trailer, 1 tent. Double sites: 16 people, 2 vehicles, 2 RV/trailers, 2 tents. Group sites: 32 people, 4 vehicles, 4 RV/trailers, 3 tents.
Groups
The group site supports up to 50 people and is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. User reviews praise it as a favorite spot for large gatherings and family trips.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced with varying levels of shade and sun exposure. Dirt roads connect the campground loops.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason Opens: May 23, 2025; Season Closes: September 2, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not explicitly provided in the source materials.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee applies to changes or cancellations. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur an additional fee, including forfeiting the first night's use fee. On-site personnel may have limited ability to address cancellations after check-in.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron Mine Campground offers ample recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV trails, and fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, including access to trails leading to the Granddaddy Lake region of the High Uintas via Grandview Trail. Users describe trails nearby as scenic and engaging, suitable for various skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in the North Fork Duchesne River, known for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. User reviews highlight the serene fishing environment and abundant opportunities.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available near the campground, catering to riders of varying experience levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include local critters and occasional cow sightings. User reviews mention the presence of beavers by the river and 'brave' ground critters.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly outlined, but the campground closes during the colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided. Visitors must use fallen dead trees for firewood and avoid bringing outside firewood.
- Quiet hours are not defined in the source materials.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; visitors should prepare accordingly, although no bears were sighted in reviews. Cows occasionally wander into campsites, and cow pies may need to be relocated. Fallen trees are present and require a saw for processing.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 located in Duchesne, Utah, approximately 28 miles away, including medical facilities and law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 2, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, though user reviews mention occasional issues with overflowing dumpsters during peak times.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the North Fork Duchesne River, offering fishing opportunities and scenic water views.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include dirty water spigots, unsanitary vault toilets, and occasional overcrowding. Some sites are reported to be unlevel, making trailer setup challenging.
HostReviews indicate no visible host, which led to unregulated behavior like pellet gun usage. Rangers or hosts may be contacted when issues arise.
Campground Map
PO BOX 981, DUCHESNE, UT 84021
Driving directionsFrom Duchesne, Utah: Take Highway 87 north to the junction with Highway 35. Turn west on Highway 35 towards Tabiona and continue approximately 28 miles to the campground in the North Fork Drainage. From Highway 40, turn north on Highway 208 to Tabiona, then proceed northwest through Hanna to the North Fork Drainage.
Roads and parking spurs are dirt. The campground can be accessed via Highway 35, which is paved up to the vicinity of the North Fork Drainage. Some reviews indicate unpaved roads for sections near the campground, requiring careful navigation.Nearby places
Tabiona (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Duchesne, Utah, approximately 28 miles away. Visitors may need to bring essential gear as nearby shops are limited.
Camper Reviews
4.4
47 reviews
Iron Mine is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Iron Mine Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic beauty, privacy in certain sites, and various outdoor activities. Complaints primarily focus on the cleanliness of vault toilets, occasional overcrowding, and lack of a camp host.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, and the spaciousness of sites. Families often enjoy the peaceful environment and proximity to...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include dirty vault toilets, dusty conditions, occasional overflow of dumpsters, and lack of a camp host to enforce rules. Some users also mention difficulties with leveling trailers in...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a saw for fallen trees as firewood, prepare for rain, and bring extra chairs and hammocks for relaxation. Consider sites with better shade and avoid certain sites like Site 001 due to leveling...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Visitors recommend coming during warmer months for optimal camping conditions. August nights can be cold, and summer rains help settle the dust. Fall offers fewer bugs but colder temperatures.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Wonderful campground, nice neighbors." "Bathrooms are dated, worn, and not clean." "We love this campground and will likely visit it again." "Fishing, hiking, and 4x4 trails nearby." "Vault toilets...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001: Difficult leveling, next to road with traffic noise. Site 8: Incorrectly labeled as pull-through, better suited for small RVs. Site 007: Private and shaded, but campers noted safety...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility features are addressed in reviews or official materials.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and the campground is dog-friendly. User reviews describe dogs enjoying the open spaces and natural surroundings.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025