Lucerne Campground
4.12158 reviews5570 E Lucerne Valley Recreation Road, Manila, UT 84046
Lucerne Campground
$33.00 - $125.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$33.00
Hookup Site Fee$61.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$239.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $33 for standard non-electric sites to $125 for cabin electric sites. Group standard non-electric sites are $239 per night. Peak season rates apply from May 1 to September 19, while off-season rates are not available.
About this campground
Perched along the stunning shores of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Lucerne Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its impressive collection of nearly 140 thoughtfully designed sites. This recently transformed camping destination seamlessly blends modern comforts with wild beauty, offering everything from convenient electric hookups to welcoming shade cabanas. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day of water sports, or simply soaking in the reservoir views from your picnic table, Lucerne serves as your perfect basecamp for unforgettable adventures.
The campground offers a diverse range of accommodations, including standard electric and non-electric campsites, group sites, and apartment-style lodging.
Historical SignificanceYour Lucerne adventure extends beyond camping to include fascinating glimpses into human ingenuity and natural history. Just a short drive away, the impressive Flaming Gorge Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence, while its visitor center invites you to dive deeper into the area's rich heritage. Join guided tours that reveal the inner workings of hydroelectric power generation, explore exhibits showcasing local history, and discover how this remarkable landscape has shaped both the environment and the communities that call it home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the enchanting rhythm of high desert weather at Lucerne, where sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings under star-filled skies. From April through November, full water services enhance your camping comfort, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons in style. Be prepared for nature's dramatic flair—the area's signature winds sweep across the open landscape, adding an element of raw wilderness to your stay and reminding visitors of the untamed beauty that defines this region.
ElevationAt 6,100 feet above sea level, Lucerne Campground offers a refreshing escape into the crisp mountain air of the high desert. This elevated perch delivers delightfully cool nights perfect for campfire gatherings and restful sleep, while daytime temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor adventures. The altitude creates an invigorating atmosphere that energizes your activities and provides spectacular vantage points for watching the interplay of light and shadow across the reservoir below.
Natural Features and SceneryLucerne's high desert canvas paints a picture of rugged beauty, where silvery sagebrush stretches toward the horizon and hardy trees dot the landscape like nature's punctuation marks. While the terrain offers limited natural shade—making those shade cabanas especially welcome—it compensates with sweeping, unobstructed views of the jewel-toned Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Keep your camera ready for encounters with graceful pronghorn antelope that roam the area, their presence adding a touch of wild magic to your camping experience.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic high desert ecosystem surrounding Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Lucerne Campground showcases the raw beauty of this unique geological wonderland. The landscape tells an ancient story through its weathered terrain, where aromatic sagebrush carpets the ground and resilient trees stand as sentinels against the endless sky. This sparse yet stunning environment creates an authentic Western camping experience, offering unfiltered connections to the natural world and panoramic views that stretch to distant canyon walls carved by time and water.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAll sites in Loops A-D meet accessibility standards, and many sites are designed for ease of use, including paved areas and accessible amenities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating everything from tents to large RVs, with paved parking spurs and spacious layouts in loops like A-C. Loop D features smaller pads but includes covered picnic tables.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with most campsites described as well spaced. However, some users noted that sites can feel close together, particularly during peak season.
Total Campsites140 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop A sites offer more privacy and spacious pads. Loop D sites are praised for their covered picnic areas, ideal for hotter weather.
Best CampsitesLoops A and D are highly rated for their covered picnic areas and proximity to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 9:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 7:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 16 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single campsite allows up to 2 vehicles and 1 sleeping unit or 2 passenger vehicles.
Groups
The group site in Loop G accommodates large gatherings, with facilities such as pavilions and sufficient parking. Specific capacity details were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops (A through F) with varying amenities such as electric hookups and shade cabanas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from May 1 to September 19.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites may be available but are not guaranteed, particularly during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to midnight one calendar day before check-in for individual sites, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night’s recreation fee. For group sites, late cancellations apply within 14 days of 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.
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
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Lucerne Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities, with Flaming Gorge Reservoir providing opportunities for fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. The adjacent marina enhances these activities with boat rentals and other services. On land, wildlife viewing and enjoying the high desert landscape are also popular.
Fishing
Fishing in Flaming Gorge Reservoir is highly praised, with species such as kokanee and rainbow trout frequently caught. The adjacent marina offers fishing licenses and bait.Swimming
Swimming is available at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, though no specific details about designated areas or safety measures were provided.Boating
Boating is a key activity here, supported by the nearby marina, which offers rentals, fuel, and docking facilities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with reports of pronghorn, owls, and osprey visible within the campground. Several reviewers appreciated the opportunity to observe animals up close.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing, water skiing, and kayaking are popular, facilitated by the reservoir and marina.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at most sites. Firewood must be sourced locally.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated but are implied through user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsStrong winds can be hazardous for tents and camping equipment. Minimal natural shade increases exposure to heat.
Active alertsSeasonal water shortages may affect drinking water availability. Maintenance issues and closures of showers have been reported by users.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are in Manila, UT, approximately 4 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 19
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but some reviews mentioned the need to empty garbage personally or the inconvenience of not finding staff upon check-out. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly along Flaming Gorge Reservoir, with some campsites offering water views and access to nearby marina services.
Common complaintsUsers frequently mention maintenance issues such as broken facilities (e.g., toilets, showers), water shortages, and inconsistent availability of campground staff.
HostCampground hosts are available but reviews indicate varying levels of helpfulness and availability.
Campground Map
5570 E Lucerne Valley Recreation Road, Manila, UT 84046
Driving directionsFrom Manila, Utah: Follow Highway 43 for 2.6 miles to the state line, where Highway 43 becomes Wyoming Highway 530. Follow Wyoming 530 for 1.3 miles to Lucerne Valley Road/Forest Road 146. Continue on this road approximately 4 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located approximately 4 miles off Wyoming Highway 530 on Lucerne Valley Road/Forest Road 146. Seasonal closures may affect drinking water availability, which is only offered from April 1 through November 1.Nearby places
Manila, UT (approximately 4 miles, about 8 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Lucerne Marina provides boat rentals, fuel, slips, fishing licenses, bait, and groceries. Additional supplies can be found in Manila, UT.
Camper Reviews
4.1
158 reviews
Lucerne Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lucerne Campground has received mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights the scenic location, well-maintained facilities, and abundance of activities, while complaints focus on inconsistent maintenance, staff issues, and overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 158 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests have praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, proximity to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and the friendliness of some staff members.
Based on 158 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include inconsistent facility maintenance, limited shower hours, broken amenities, and unresponsive or rude staff. Issues with overcrowding and noise, especially from generators,...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking sites with electrical hookups, bringing shade structures due to minimal natural cover, and preparing for potential wind. Several reviews suggest bringing cash for on-site...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention high temperatures, overcrowding, and limited facilities, while off-season reviews highlight quieter conditions but occasional closures or reduced amenities.
Based on 158 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground was clean and in great shape. Staff was friendly and very helpful.'
2. 'Not a tent-friendly campground. The grass is watered every night.'
3. 'Showers were adequate with hot water...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop D received mixed reviews, with some appreciating the covered picnic tables and others citing broken amenities and poor maintenance. Sites in loops A-C are generally larger and more spaced out,...
Based on 158 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Users noted that all sites in Loops A-D meet accessibility standards. One reviewer appreciated the paved paths and ease of movement within the campground.
Based on 158 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but several complaints were made about owners not cleaning up after their dogs. The absence of leash enforcement was also noted.
Based on 158 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025