How much does camping cost at Paradise Guard Station?

Camping fees at Paradise Guard Station range from $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paradise Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Paradise Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Paradise Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Paradise Guard Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station is open May 30 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Paradise Guard Station?

Fire policies at Paradise Guard Station: Campfire rings and grills provided; use caution due to remote forested area.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Paradise Guard Station have?

Paradise Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paradise Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paradise Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paradise Guard Station?

Popular activities at Paradise Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paradise Guard Station

4.65

17 reviews

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 30 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vernal Ranger District, Ashley National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 30 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vernal Ranger District, Ashley National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Paradise Guard Station

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for renting the cabin during the peak season (May 30 - October 31) is $50. The rate remains consistent for the cabin's rustic...

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-789-1181

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"Guests generally praise the campground for its remote location, rustic charm, and natural beauty. Common themes include the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, issues like dry reservoirs and lack of water availability were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Paradise Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Nearby places

Vernal (25 air miles, approximately 30 miles driving, 1.5 hours by car)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be accessed in Vernal, Utah, approximately 30 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Vernal, travel west on Highway 121/Maeser-Lapoint Highway, toward Lapoint. After passing the landfill and descending the hill along the curved road, some houses come into view. While approaching Deep Creek Road, look for brown signs to Paradise Park Reservoir. Turn right (north) at Deep Creek Road (approximately 12.5 miles west of the Dry Fork Canyon Road junction with Highway 121). Continue north on Deep Creek Road for nearly 7 miles and watch for a fork in the road. Turn left (northwest) onto Paradise Park Road and continue approximately 8.5 miles, reaching the Ashley National Forest boundary. The paved road ends and turns to an unsurfaced road at the cattle guard. Paradise Park Road becomes Forest Road 104. Follow the road along the switchbacks and continue northwest for approximately 9.5 miles. The guard station will be visible on the left side, at the junction with Paradise Park Campground. Travel may require skiing or snowshoeing during winter months.

The initial roads are paved, but the last stretch (approximately 9.5 miles) is unsurfaced and includes switchbacks. Accessibility may be seasonal, requiring snowmobiles during winter months.

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Guard Station

Summer offers the most accessible conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F at night. Trails open fully, wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and the alpine reservoirs are at their best for trout fishing and boating. Wildlife viewing peaks in the early mornings. Holiday weekends see moderate crowds. Winter buries the area in snow, turning access into an expedition that often requires snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer with warm days for hiking; nights dip to 40s and afternoon storms common.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 30 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 30 - October 31; reserved start dates: June 21; closed season: November 1 - May 29.
Current Alerts: COVID-19 restrictions on cookware and silverware provided.

About Paradise Guard Station

Paradise Guard Station sits at 10,000 feet in Ashley National Forest, a rustic cabin that sleeps up to eight people in a remote corner of the Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area. The cabin costs $50 per night (reservations open June 21), includes a vault toilet and fire ring, and comes with firewood. Cell service is unavailable. Expect a 30-mile drive from the nearest small town and plan to bring all your own water.

Paradise Guard Station offers a unique combination of cabin lodging and tent camping accommodations in a remote forest setting. RV camping is limited to one unit per site, and there are no hookups.

Historical Significance

A district ranger built Paradise Guard Station in 1922. A short hike from the cabin, stone foundations and rusted machinery mark what remains of the 1929 Bartlett Sawmill, which burned in 1940.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the most accessible conditions at this elevation. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F at night. Trails open fully, wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and the alpine reservoirs are at their best for trout fishing and boating. Wildlife viewing peaks in the early mornings. Holiday weekends see moderate crowds. Winter buries the area in snow, turning access into an expedition that often requires snowshoes or cross-country skis.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet, Paradise Guard Station offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath reminds you that you've left the ordinary world far below. This lofty elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round and that distinctive mountain atmosphere that makes colors seem more vivid and sounds carry differently through the thin air.

Natural Features and SceneryDense spruce-fir forest surrounds the cabin, opening into expansive meadows where Paradise Creek flows through ancient limestone formations. The area's geology is the real draw: cave networks wind beneath the surface, and dramatic canyons expose millions of years of rock history. Paradise Park Reservoir, Dead Lake, and Julius Park Reservoir sit nearby, though visitors have reported finding some reservoirs dry during certain periods. Wildlife is abundant. Guests regularly spot deer in early morning and at dusk, and the high elevation delivers exceptional stargazing with zero light pollution.

Geological RegionNestled within the remarkable Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area, Paradise Guard Station sits at the intersection of forest and geological wonder. Here, dense spruce-fir forests give way to expansive meadows, while Paradise Creek carves its path through ancient limestone formations. Below the surface, intricate cave networks wind through the earth, and dramatic canyons reveal millions of years of geological history—making this corner of Ashley National Forest a playground for both nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is available starting at 11:00 PM local time.

Check-out

Check-out time is specified as 12:00 AM local time on the day after the reservation ends.

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a single reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The guard station can accommodate between 4 to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with space for tents outside and parking for one RV or trailer. The spruce-fir forest provides natural privacy, and the remote location guarantees solitude.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations are not mentioned; advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled at any time before the arrival date; however, a $10 cancellation fee applies plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival).

AccessibilityThe campground lacks detailed information about accessibility features for disabled campers. The cabin and vault toilet may not meet ADA standards.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed for up to 8 occupants, with ample space outside for tent camping.

PrivacyThe site offers privacy due to its remote location and dense spruce-fir forest surroundings.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should bring extra lighting as the cabin has no electric lighting; bedding and cookware/silverware are also required.

Need help booking Paradise Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Paradise Guard Station provides opportunities for numerous outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road trails. Visitors also enjoy wildlife viewing and stargazing in the remote setting. The nearby Paradise Park Reservoir supports fishing and canoeing, while Dead Lake, Mill Pond, and Julius Park Reservoir offer additional water-based activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote location with limited cell service; rough and unsurfaced roads may pose travel challenges. Wildlife such as coyotes and deer are common.

Active AlertsCOVID-19 restrictions on cookware and silverware provided.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings and grills provided; use caution due to remote forested area.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours, but user reviews mention quiet and peaceful overnight conditions.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency contact is the Vernal Ranger District Office, reachable at (435) 789-1181, in Vernal, Utah, which is approximately 30 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo details provided about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are advised to plan for proper waste disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated near Paradise Park Reservoir (less than 60 acres), Dead Lake, and Julius Park Reservoir.

Camp HostManaged by the Vernal Ranger District. Contact: (435) 789-1181.

Weather at Paradise Guard Station

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

17 reviews

Top-Rated

Paradise Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Guests generally praise the campground for its remote location, rustic charm, and natural beauty. Common themes include the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, issues like dry reservoirs and lack of water availability were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

"Amazing! Very remote and beautiful! 30 miles from the closest tiny town and way up in the mountains." "The stars were incredible." "We saw a bunch of deer in the evening and a bunch more in the...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

"Paradise Park and Julian Park Reservoirs were both completely empty." "Had there been water available this would be a 5-star review."

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra lighting as no electric lighting is provided; plan ahead for water needs as there is none on-site; call three days in advance to get the lock combination for the cabin.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews indicate chilly nights (40s Fahrenheit) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter access requires snowmobiles due to heavy snow and road closures.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to get away. Beautiful scenery." "Deer came into meadow, and very quiet." "IT WAS FAR UP! Hard on our car, but we had a great time!" "The stove kept the cabin warm at night." "We spent...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 in Loop PAGS is consistently praised for its privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. Users highlight the availability of firewood and the cozy cabin setup.

Based on 17 reviews