Dean Gardner Campground
04 reviewsPine Valley Recreation Area, East on Forest Route #035, Pine Valley, UT
Dean Gardner Campground
$19.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.00
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 sites cost $19 per day, while double sites cost $38 per day. Discounts are available for 'America the Beautiful' pass holders for single sites only.
About this campground
Dean Gardner Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 21 single campsites and 3 double sites nestled alongside the serene Pine Valley Reservoir. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes complete with picnic tables, fire pits, and dedicated tent pads, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Nearly a third of these coveted spots rest along the water's edge, where glimpses of the shimmering reservoir peek through a natural privacy screen of towering trees, offering both seclusion and scenic beauty.
Dean Gardner Campground offers single and double campsites for tent camping, with no RV-specific sites or pull-throughs beyond two paved parking aprons. The campground does not cater to group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the nearby Whipple Trailhead, where echoes of the past linger in the mountain air. Just a short distance from camp, history buffs can discover the remnants of a 1860s keg factory, a fascinating relic from when this remote wilderness buzzed with frontier industry. These historic touchstones add layers of intrigue to your outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsFrom early May through late September, Dean Gardner transforms into a high-country paradise where crisp mountain air and endless blue skies create ideal camping conditions. The dry climate means you'll wake to golden sunrises and spend evenings under star-filled skies. As autumn fades, winter wraps the campground in a blanket of snow and frigid temperatures, making this truly a warm-season destination where summer memories are made.
ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet above sea level, Dean Gardner Campground delivers a refreshing escape from desert heat. This lofty elevation brings naturally cooler temperatures that make summer camping a pleasure, while spectacular mountain vistas unfold in every direction. Here, the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and promises of adventure on nearby peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa pines and graceful deciduous trees create a living cathedral above Dean Gardner Campground, their branches filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled glow. Expansive grassy meadows invite morning yoga sessions or afternoon games, while the melodic Middle Fork of the Santa Clara River sings nearby. This landscape, sculpted by snow-fed waters and dotted with wilderness trails, offers endless opportunities for exploration and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionDean Gardner Campground sits like a jewel within the pristine Pine Valley Wilderness, where ancient Ponderosa pines and deciduous giants stand sentinel over the sparkling Pine Valley Reservoir. The Middle Fork of the Santa Clara River carves through this dramatic landscape, creating a geological wonderland where water, stone, and forest converge. This protected wilderness setting ensures that every visit feels like a journey into an untouched natural sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly paved walking trail follows the Santa Clara River. Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites accommodating up to 8 people for single sites and up to 16 people for double sites.
Sites PrivacyMinimal privacy due to open and grass areas; some campsites border Pine Valley Reservoir but views are obscured by trees.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve sites bordering Pine Valley Reservoir early; they are high in demand. Avoid late spring if relying on snow-fed rivers for water activities.
Best CampsitesCampsites bordering Pine Valley Reservoir are considered desirable but may lack unobstructed views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified in authoritative content.
Check-out
Not specified in authoritative content.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days per season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single sites allow up to 8 people
- double sites allow up to 16 people.
Groups
Group sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single loop with paved roads and parking aprons. Sites include picnic tables with level concrete pads and designated gravel tent pads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 11 through September 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited sites available on a first-come-first-serve basis due to high demand. 'Camping très agréable mais il n’y a pas beaucoup de place alors n’hésitez pas à réserver à l’avance.' (User review by Florent LGN).
Cancellation PolicyFor the latest cancellation policies, visit Recreation.gov.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Dean Gardner Campground include horse riding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Nearby trails such as Whipple, Brown's Point, and Gardner Peak lead into Pine Valley Wilderness area. The Pine Valley Reservoir offers fishing for rainbow trout and has a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Boating (non-motorized) is permitted. User experiences emphasize the beauty of the area and the starry skies. One review noted: 'So gorgeous, great walks, bike rides, fishing, beautiful starry skies.'
Hiking
There are 18 trails available, including Whipple (6 miles, foot only), Brown's Point (4 miles, foot and horse), and Gardner Peak (3 miles, foot only). Trails lead into the Pine Valley Wilderness area.Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout is available in Pine Valley Reservoir. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is provided.Biking
Bike riding opportunities are available nearby, though specific trail details are not provided.Boating
Boating is allowed but limited to non-motorized watercraft. The reservoir spans approximately 5 acres.Winter Activities
Information about winter recreation is unavailable.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are permitted at Pine Valley Reservoir. Power boating and water skiing are prohibited.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only within developed fire pits. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal dryness may result in dry snow-fed rivers during late spring thaw. Wildlife interactions are possible due to proximity to wilderness.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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 St. George, UT, approximately 45 minutes away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May through September.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage disposal service is provided; campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Pine Valley Reservoir, which spans approximately 5 acres.
Common complaintsMinimal privacy due to open and grassy layout. 'Open and grass areas give this campground a spacious feeling but minimal privacy.' (General comments).
HostCamp hosts are described as 'great,' 'helpful,' and responsible for keeping the campsite clean (User reviews by Ashley Hume and Sharyl Gamble).
Campground Map
Pine Valley Recreation Area, East on Forest Route #035, Pine Valley, UT
Driving directionsFrom Veyo, UT, take State Rt. 18 north 6 miles to the Pine Valley sign (Pine Valley Rd.). Turn right onto Pine Valley Rd. and go 8.2 miles to the 'T' intersection and Pine Valley Recreation Area sign (Main St.). Turn left and go 1.5 miles to the Pine Valley Recreation Area's entrance gate. In 0.1 miles past entrance gate, turn right and follow directions to the campground. NOTE: The Pine Valley sign and turn off of State Rt. 18 onto Pine Valley Rd. are not well marked. Watch closely for sign.
The roads leading to the campground include a paved interior road and campsite parking aprons that are mostly level. Seasonal closure applies; open from Early May through Late September.Nearby places
St. George (approximately 37 miles, 45-minute drive)
Central (approximately 7 miles, 15-minute drive)
Pine Valley (approximately 3 miles, less than 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are found in St. George, approximately 37 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Dean Gardner Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the Dean Gardner Campground for its cleanliness, beautiful scenery, and friendly camp hosts. Comments highlight the starry skies, convenient trails, and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include cleanliness of campsites, approachable camp hosts, beautiful views, and availability of hiking and biking trails. One user described it as 'Our most...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints have been documented in the user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend reserving campsites in advance due to limited availability. One reviewer stated: 'Camping très agréable mais il n’y a pas beaucoup de place alors n’hésitez pas à réserver à l’avance.'
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews were overwhelmingly positive regardless of the season, with emphasis on cleanliness during peak camping months. However, no explicit seasonal distinctions were made by users.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Our most favorite place to camp!!! So gorgeous, great walks, bike rides, fishing, beautiful starry skies and the camp hosts are always so nice and keep the campsites so clean!' - Ashley Hume. 2....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are unavailable, though comments indicate that campsites are clean and well-maintained.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are positively highlighted, such as the wheelchair-friendly paved walking trail and accessible fishing pier.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times; no additional reviews related to pets were provided.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025