Uinta Canyon Campground
4.577 reviewsUinta Canyon Campground, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah
Uinta Canyon 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
Single-unit camping fee is $5 per night.
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About this campground
Nestled within a peaceful grove of young Ponderosa pines, Uinta Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle rush of the Uinta River provides a natural soundtrack to your mountain retreat. This charming single-loop campground in Ashley National Forest creates the perfect balance between accessibility and wilderness immersion, with the river's crystalline waters flowing just steps from your campsite.
The Uinta Canyon Campground is a versatile site that accommodates tent camping and group gatherings. It features one designated tent site and 23 combined sites, making a total of 24 campsites.
Historical SignificanceServing as a gateway to the legendary High Uintas Wilderness, this campground holds special significance for outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike. The location represents decades of forest stewardship and provides crucial access to one of Utah's most pristine wilderness areas, where ancient geological formations and untouched ecosystems tell the story of the American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of mountain seasons at Uinta Canyon, where crisp winter mornings can dip to a bracing 10°F, transforming the landscape into a frosted wonderland. As summer arrives, the campground becomes an outdoor paradise with comfortable highs reaching 76°F—perfect for hiking, fishing, and riverside relaxation. The region's characteristically dry climate means more sunny days to explore and fewer weather interruptions to your adventure plans.
ElevationPerched at 7,600 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer months. This elevation treats visitors to expansive vistas of the surrounding peaks while creating ideal conditions for stargazing under pollution-free skies. The thinner air adds a touch of alpine magic to every sunrise and sunset.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's single loop winds through a cathedral of young Ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating a sensory experience unique to this elevation. The sparse understory maintains an open, airy feel while still providing privacy between sites. Wildlife encounters are part of the magic here—curious deer often wander through camp at dawn and dusk, reminding visitors they're sharing this special place with the forest's original inhabitants. The ever-present murmur of the Uinta River adds a meditative quality to the entire experience.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of Ashley National Forest along the pristine Uinta River corridor, this campground showcases the unique geology of the High Uintas—one of the few major mountain ranges in North America that runs east to west. The surrounding landscape of young Ponderosa pine forests represents nature's resilience and renewal, while the proximity to High Uintas Wilderness offers endless opportunities to explore ancient rock formations, glacial valleys, and alpine lakes that define this remarkable region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not seem to have specific accessibility features. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeCampsites appear to be of standard size, offering space for tents and vehicles, but specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced sufficiently to provide good privacy despite minimal understory vegetation. Some sites are adjacent to the Uinta River and offer added ambiance.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 nights.
Groups
Group camping is not specifically mentioned, but one user review recounts a small family reunion at the site: "...ended up as a small family reunion/campout."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle-loop campground layout with 24 sites. Some camp sites are adjacent to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsNone; walk-up availability only.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up is permitted for all sites; no advanced reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is available; therefore, no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Uinta Canyon Campground offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking in a serene natural setting. The nearby Uinta River provides fishing opportunities for brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, and the High Uintas Wilderness trailhead is close by for more adventurous outings.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity here, especially in the Uinta River, which is known for brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter-specific activities at this campground.Water Sports
There are no mentions of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must comply with bear country regulations for safety.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity necessitates safe food storage practices. Roads are dirt and rocky, posing a challenge for vehicles.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.00% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight 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
Ranger station in Duchesne, UT; Phillips 66 gas station with RV waste station located at the west end of US Route 40 in Duchesne.
Good to know
Peak season datesOpen during peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities. Campers are likely expected to follow a pack-in, pack-out policy.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to the Uinta River, popular for fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews point to cleanliness issues with bathrooms: "My only wish is that the bathrooms were cleaned more often."
Campground Map
Uinta Canyon Campground, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah
Driving directionsFrom Roosevelt, Utah, travel north on Utah Highway 121 for 10 miles to Neola, Utah. Continue north through Neola, Utah on North Uintah Canyon Highway for 12 miles. Continue north on Forest Road 118 and travel for approximately 3 miles to the Uinta Canyon Campground.
"NOTE: Last 0.7 miles are narrow, dirt and rocky." Roads leading to the campground include paved highways and unpaved narrow dirt paths.Nearby places
Roosevelt: 10 miles (approximately 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Phillips 66 gas station in Duchesne provides some camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Uinta Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene location and affordability. Common themes include its natural beauty, the sound of the river, and opportunities for family gatherings. Some users expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the campground's scenic views, tranquility, and affordability. For example: "Love camping here! A great value for such a beautiful place!" Other positive reviews mentioned...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint among users concerned the cleanliness and maintenance of the vault toilets. One user stated, "My only wish is that the bathrooms were cleaned more often."
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Safe food storage is also recommended as the area is bear country.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, aligning with summer weather conditions conducive to camping.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Amazing views and very clean campgrounds." "One of my favorite camping and hiking spots." "Our camping trip was so nice. Deer came right up to us."
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not highlighted in user reviews, but some sites near the river are noted for their ambiance.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns are not directly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pets or pet policies.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025