Pole Creek Lake Campground
03 reviewsPole Creek Lake Campground, Ashley National Forest, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah
Pole Creek Lake Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
$5/night for a single unit campsite.
About this campground
Nestled high in the alpine wilderness at 10,000 feet, Pole Creek Campground offers an enchanting escape into a pristine forest of towering lodgepole pines and majestic Engelmann spruce. This mountain sanctuary, accessible via the winding Forest Road #117 that culminates in an intimate loop, places you just a leisurely five-minute stroll from the crystalline waters of Pole Creek Lake. Here, anglers cast their lines for prized rainbow trout while surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas that seem to stretch endlessly into the Colorado sky.
Pole Creek Lake Campground offers primitive camping with 18 combined sites. The campground is suited for tent camping and backpacking.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high-altitude haven into a refreshing retreat from the heat below, with crisp mornings starting around 35°F and pleasantly warm afternoons reaching 70°F. The dry mountain air and predominantly clear skies create perfect conditions for stargazing and outdoor adventures during the peak camping season. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the landscape in snow and creating frigid conditions that transform the campground into a serene, frozen wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, Pole Creek Campground invites you to experience the rare beauty of Colorado's alpine ecosystem. This lofty elevation delivers refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while treating visitors to spectacular panoramic views and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this rarified mountain air. The thin atmosphere creates brilliantly clear nights perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and offers a natural respite from summer heat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanting wilderness where ancient Engelmann spruce reach skyward alongside stately white firs and slender lodgepole pines, creating a natural cathedral of evergreen beauty. This dense forest canopy filters golden sunlight by day and frames a brilliant tapestry of stars by night. The serene woodland setting provides a peaceful soundtrack of whispering pines and native birdsong, while the nearby lake adds the gentle lapping of mountain waters to nature's symphony.
Geological RegionCrowning the summit of Pole Creek Mountain within the vast Ashley National Forest, this campground occupies a spectacular geological perch where ancient volcanic and sedimentary forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem, where weathered peaks and pristine forests combine to create one of Colorado's most scenic high-altitude camping destinations. This protected wilderness area preserves the timeless character of the American West in its purest form.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground includes 18 combined sites with 18 picnic tables and 16 grills. Parking aprons are made of dirt.
Sites PrivacySites are described as having good privacy due to the spacing between them, according to user feedback.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the lake may offer better views.
Best CampsitesSpecific recommendations are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site is not specifically mentioned in authoritative sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutStretching along Forest Road #117 and ending in a small loop, the campground is spacious and provides good privacy between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 17 through September 3.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information regarding walk-up or first-come-first-served sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is mentioned.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include fishing at Pole Creek Lake, wildlife viewing, picnicking, hiking, and biking. The lake is a five-minute walk from the campground, offering opportunities to catch rainbow trout.
Hiking
Trailheads for both hikers and ATVs are located nearby. Lakes within hiking distance offer additional opportunities for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is available at Pole Creek Lake, which is five acres in size. Rainbow trout are the featured species.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available with trailheads located near the campground.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and observing scenic plants in the Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but subject to any seasonal fire restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is rocky, making tent pitching challenging. Wildlife, including bears, is present. Food storage safety is critical.
Weather forecast
48
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 9.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (9.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Duchesne, UT, which has police stations and hospitals.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 17 - September 3.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are provided, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresPole Creek Lake is 5 acres and is located a five-minute walk from the campground.
Common complaintsSome campers reported picnic tables being worn and needing paint. Others noted the rocky ground being difficult for tent camping.
Campground Map
Pole Creek Lake Campground, Ashley National Forest, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah
Driving directionsFrom Roosevelt Utah, take Highway 121 north to Uinta Canyon, about 25 miles. From Uinta Canyon take Forest Road #117 up Pole Creek Mountain to Pole Creek Campground about 11.5 miles. Forest Road #117 is steep and winding in places.
The campground is accessible via steep and winding Forest Road #117, requiring careful driving due to challenging terrain.Nearby places
Neola (~15 miles), Roosevelt (~25 miles).
Nearby supplies
Duchesne, UT is the nearest location for supplies, including groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and an RV waste station.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Pole Creek Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, privacy of sites, and proximity to Pole Creek Lake as major positives. Common issues include rocky terrain, which can make setting up tents challenging, and the basic nature of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the well-maintained vault toilets, fire rings with grates, and picnic tables. The proximity to Pole Creek Lake and hiking opportunities also receive positive mentions.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
The rocky terrain is frequently mentioned as a challenge for setting up tents. Additionally, one user noted that 'tablets need painted little wrough to set and eat,' suggesting some maintenance...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend exploring the hiking trails to nearby lakes and being prepared for the rocky terrain. Practicing bear-safe food storage is advised as this is bear country.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from mid-June to early September. The weather during this period tends to be suitable for outdoor activities, but users should check current conditions for...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Camping location is one of my favorites. Pohl Lake is near along with a great running creek.' 2. 'This was a really nice place to tent camp. The site features well maintained pit toilets, fire...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not mentioned in the reviews; however, the general spacing and privacy of sites are noted.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned in the information provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025