Lodgepole At Flaming Gorge
ASHLEY
Lodgepole At Flaming Gorge
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates display $0.00 during the peak season, however, reviews mention charging full rates despite closed amenities. Late cancellation fees...
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Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$23.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider435-889-3000comments@AmericanLL.com
About this campground
Nestled high in the mountains at 8,000 feet, Lodgepole Campground offers a tranquil escape among whispering aspens and towering lodgepole pines near the stunning Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This mountain retreat features 35 thoughtfully designed sites, where campers can choose between the convenience of reservable spots (sites 1-22) or the spontaneous adventure of first-come, first-served camping (sites 23-35). Smooth paved roads wind through the forest, leading to spacious parking spurs that make settling in effortless. Visitors consistently praise the campground's naturally shaded sites that provide cool relief on warm summer days, while the surrounding forest creates intimate, private spaces perfect for reconnecting with nature and loved ones.
Lodgepole Campground provides options for tent camping, group camping, and RV camping. Sites are a mix of reservable (1-22) and first-come, first-served (23-35).
Historical SignificanceThe nearby Flaming Gorge Dam stands as both an engineering marvel and a gateway to the region's rich past. Guided tours reveal the fascinating story of this massive structure while offering breathtaking views of the emerald waters below. Along the ancient banks of the Green River, mysterious Native American petroglyphs tell stories spanning centuries, while hidden canyons whisper tales of outlaws who once sought refuge in these remote lands. The area's history unfolds like pages in a book, from indigenous peoples who first called this land home to the adventurous spirits who later carved out lives in this rugged frontier.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through late September, Lodgepole Campground transforms into a high-altitude haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer brings the magic of mountain camping, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. While the elevation can surprise visitors with occasional snow flurries even in warmer months, most days feature brilliant blue skies that showcase the region's dramatic landscape. The crisp mountain air and ever-changing weather patterns create an authentic wilderness experience that reminds campers they're truly immersed in nature's grandeur.
ElevationPerched at 8,000 feet in the heart of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, this high-altitude sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure, while the elevation provides stunning vantage points across the surrounding wilderness. Here, where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter, campers experience the true majesty of Utah's high country.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of quaking aspens and stately lodgepole pines creates a natural amphitheater around each campsite, their branches forming a verdant canopy overhead. In summer, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers - Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine dancing in the mountain breeze. This vibrant ecosystem attracts an enchanting cast of wildlife characters: graceful mule deer stepping delicately through morning mist, magnificent moose browsing in nearby meadows, and playful squirrels chattering their gossip from branch to branch. Each day brings new natural wonders to discover in this mountain paradise.
Geological RegionLodgepole Campground sits within the spectacular Ashley National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of breathtaking beauty surrounding Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The region tells a story written in stone - from the dramatic red rock canyons that give Flaming Gorge its name to the limestone cliffs adorned with prehistoric rock art along the Green River. Dense forests of aspen and lodgepole pine cloak the mountainsides, their roots anchored in soil that has witnessed millions of years of Earth's evolution. This remarkable convergence of forest, water, and stone creates a geological wonderland that captivates geologists and casual observers alike.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. Only one vault toilet is available for the entire campground, and paved roads provide some accessibility. However, the lack of running water and operational flush toilets may pose challenges for individuals with specific needs.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and well-suited for both RVs and tents. Some sites are paved.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some sites are close together, suitable for group camping, while others are secluded.
Total Campsites35 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 32 is recommended for its tranquility and distance from the highway. Sites within 1-22 are considered noisier due to proximity to U.S. Highway 191.
Best CampsitesReviews frequently mention sites further from the highway as quieter, such as site 32, which offers more shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site are not explicitly stated. Reviews mention 2 vehicles per site, including campers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 35 sites, with sites 1-22 reservable and sites 23-35 first-come, first-served.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 to September 19, reservable from June 24 through September 19 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, or contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground has first-come, first-served sites (sites 23-35). There is no guarantee of availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Additional policies apply for group sites or cabins.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Lodgepole Campground enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Popular options include fishing, hiking, and water-based sports. The campground's proximity to Flaming Gorge makes it an ideal spot for boating and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking trails nearby offer varied difficulty levels and scenic views. The Canyon Rim Trail is highly recommended for its 'jaw-dropping views' and accessibility.Fishing
Fishing at Flaming Gorge Reservoir includes opportunities for catching lake, brown, and rainbow trout. The area is described as a 'world-class fishing destination'.Swimming
While there is no designated swimming area within the campground, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers swimming opportunities.Boating
Boating activities include canoeing, kayaking, and jet skiing on Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Cedar Springs Marina, located 10 miles away, provides additional services.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, hawks, moose, and small mammals. The area is described as a good spot for birdwatching.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter months, and no winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports like water skiing and scuba diving are popular at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, located 10 miles away.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available from the host for $7 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMultiple reviews mention highway noise, mice, and mosquitoes as nuisances. The absence of running water, flush toilets, and a dump station has been problematic since drought conditions began.
Active alertsSewage dump and drinking water are not currently available. Guests are advised to bring self-contained supplies.
Weather forecast
31
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are likely in Vernal, Utah, 26 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 24 through September 19
Trash and recyclingTrash services are limited; one dumpster is located near the entrance of the campground. Some reviewers reported inconsistent trash collection.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located 10 miles from Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Nearby Cedar Springs Marina provides boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints focus on the lack of water, closed flush toilets, limited vault toilets, highway noise, and unchanged fees despite reduced amenities.
HostCamp hosts received mixed reviews, ranging from 'super accommodating' to 'rude and unhelpful.' Hosts maintain cleanliness and sell firewood, typically for $7 per bundle.
Campground Map
ASHLEY
Driving directionsFrom Vernal, Utah, travel north on U.S. Highway 191 for 26 miles. From Manila, Utah, travel south on Utah Highway 44 for 28 miles to U.S. Highway 191 and travel 9 miles to the campground. From Rock Springs, Wyoming, take I-80 west toward Green River about 6 miles to the junction with U.S. 191/Flaming Gorge Road. Take U.S. 191 south for about 83 miles, passing through Dutch John.
Access is via paved roads, including U.S. Highway 191 and Utah Highway 44. Highway noise from U.S. 191 is mentioned in several reviews, along with trucking traffic.Nearby places
Vernal: 26 miles, Rock Springs: 83 miles, Manila: 37 miles (including 9 miles from Utah Highway 44 to the campground)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are likely available in Vernal or Rock Springs.
Camper Reviews
3.5
57 reviews
Lodgepole At Flaming Gorge has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lodgepole Campground receives mixed reviews. While many appreciate the scenic setting and large campsites, others are frustrated by the lack of running water and operational facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic setting with aspen and pine trees. Large and well-designed campsites. Clean and well-maintained vault toilet. Friendly and attentive camp hosts. Excellent cell phone signal.
Based on 57 reviewsCommon Concerns
No running water or flush toilets for over three years. Insufficient sanitation facilities for the number of campers. Road noise from nearby Highway 191. Mice infestations reported by some campers.
Based on 57 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and sanitation supplies. Avoid sites close to Highway 191 to minimize noise. Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience. Use bug spray to manage mosquitoes.
Based on 57 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the peak camping season, but the lack of water and operational facilities has been a consistent issue. Fall offers pleasant weather and fewer bugs.
Based on 57 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Vault toilet is clean and well-maintained, but not enough for the number of campers.' - Sarah Holden
2. 'This used to be the best campground in the area with shade, working toilets, and a dump...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1-22 are reservable, while sites 23-35 are first-come, first-served. Site 32 is noted for its quiet and shaded location.
Based on 57 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited due to the lack of water and flush toilets. Paved roads provide some mobility, but facilities are insufficient for those with special needs.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 57 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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