Kings Creek

Star4.39
35 reviews
Kings Creek
$26.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates vary by site type: Standard Nonelectric sites cost $26. Group RV Area Nonelectric costs $60-$120 depending on group size. Group...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$176.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
801-226-3564

About this campground

Perched high in the Colorado mountains, Kings Creek Campground beckons adventure seekers with its perfect blend of motorized thrills and natural tranquility. Here, the rumble of ATVs on the renowned Fremont ATV Trail and the legendary Great Western Trail mingles with the whisper of wind through towering ponderosa pines. Just below, Tropic Reservoir sparkles invitingly, its waters calling to boaters, paddlers, and anglers alike. Whether you're drawn to the extensive network of hiking and biking trails or simply want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, this well-appointed retreat offers modern comforts—including flush toilets and fresh drinking water—amid the raw beauty of the high country.
Kings Creek Campground provides a range of camping options, including standard nonelectric sites, group RV sites, and group tent-only areas.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Kings Creek into an outdoor paradise, with crystal-clear skies and pleasantly moderate temperatures gracing the mountaintop from May through September. While winter brings a pristine blanket of snow to this elevated landscape, creating a wonderland for those prepared for the cold, most visitors find the warm season ideal for experiencing all the campground has to offer. The typically dry climate means more days under brilliant blue skies, perfect for both trail adventures and lakeside relaxation.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 8,000 feet above sea level, Kings Creek Campground sits majestically atop the Colorado Plateau, where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and every sunrise feels like a personal invitation to adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the soft golden light filtering through a cathedral of ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun. Kings Creek Campground cascades down a gentle hillside, each site tucked thoughtfully among these forest giants that overlook the shimmering expanse of Tropic Reservoir below. In summer, vibrant wildflowers paint the forest floor in splashes of purple, yellow, and crimson, creating nature's own welcome mat. Visitors consistently marvel at the seamless blend of forest and water, where hiking trails disappear into sun-dappled groves and emerge at spectacular viewpoints that showcase the raw beauty of the Colorado high country.
Geological RegionRising from the ancient Colorado Plateau—a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making—Kings Creek Campground occupies a privileged position at 8,000 feet, where the earth's dramatic history is written in stone and forest. This elevated perch on the hillside above Tropic Reservoir offers campers a front-row seat to the plateau's grandeur, surrounded by the stately ponderosa pines that have claimed these heights as their own.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground has been noted for its accessibility, as it is located on a well-maintained gravel road with good access for both cars and RVs. Specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not detailed.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with some reviews highlighting 'roomy and well-equipped' sites with nearly level pads.
Sites PrivacyThe group area is isolated from the main campground, offering enhanced privacy. Individual campsites are also noted to provide a good amount of space between each site.
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing sites closer to the lake for better accessibility to water features.
Best Campsitesnull

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during any visit. 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
The group area includes two group sites with a large covered pavilion and privacy, accommodating 1-25 people for $60 or up to a maximum of 120 people for $150, depending on the site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a loop format with sites distributed among towering pines.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 23 - September 15 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll individual sites are managed on a first come, first served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before check-in date. Fees include a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. For group sites, late cancellations apply 14 calendar days or fewer before 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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kings Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and ATV riding. It is especially popular among ATV enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Fremont and Great Western Trails. Tropic Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing and water-based activities.
Hiking
Access to numerous hiking trails is available from within the campground. Popular nearby hikes include Chimney Rock (1.5 miles) and Kings Canyon (1 mile).
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Tropic Reservoir, with anglers targeting brook, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. The East Fork Sevier River nearby also offers excellent fishing opportunities.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground. The trails are suitable for varying skill levels and are located in scenic areas.
Boating
Boating and canoeing are popular activities at Tropic Reservoir. A boat ramp is located less than 0.5 miles from the campground.
Wildlife viewing
The campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities, with visitors often spotting birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed; however, a user noted that the road to the campground was impassable due to snow during the off-season, which may limit winter accessibility.
Water Sports
Visitors are encouraged to bring water gear such as kayaks or paddleboards for non-motorized water sports on Tropic Reservoir.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Daily fees are charged for extra vehicles. Only local firewood is allowed to prevent pest spread.
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and uneven terrain. Review mentions gravel setup for tents being rough.
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

45
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 25%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 10.5 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23 - September 15.
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not appear to have trash and recycling facilities, as one review mentioned the absence of garbage bins.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on the west side of Tropic Reservoir. "Beautiful lake nearby," according to user reviews.
Common complaintsSome complaints include rough gravel ground for tents and lack of soap in bathrooms. "There were no garbage bins (that we saw)," per one review.
Host"Darren, the camp host, was particularly helpful and friendly... thanks to people like Darren that we are able to enjoy the beauties of the outdoors."

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Panguitch, Utah, travel 7 miles south on Hwy 89 to Scenic Hwy 12. Travel Hwy 12 for 11 miles to East Fork Road. Travel East Fork Road 7 miles to Tropic Reservoir and Kings Creek Campground. Turn immediately after the sign for the campground, and continue .5 miles to the campground located on the west side of Tropic Reservoir.
The campground can be reached via a well-maintained gravel road with good access for cars and RVs alike. However, one user review mentions, 'prepare for the absolutely atrocious dirt road on the way in. If you don’t have a Jeep or a 4-wheel drive vehicle, it’ll be tough.' Another review states, 'Nice quiet place to camp...easy walk to the nice lake for a cool dip.'
Nearby places
Bryce Canyon National Park is 12 miles away. Dixie, UT is the nearest city.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews

4.4
35 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kings Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Kings Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising its proximity to Bryce Canyon, natural beauty, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities. However, some complaints were raised about maintenance issues and a rough dirt road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors enjoyed the scenic location, access to ATV trails, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. Many highlighted the availability of flush toilets, fire pits, and proximity to Tropic Reservoir...
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Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback included poor maintenance of some facilities (e.g., unusable toilets, peeling picnic table paint), the rough dirt road leading to the campground, and the absence of trash bins.
Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing water shoes, kayaks, or paddleboards for water activities. They also advise preparing for the dirt road with a suitable vehicle.
Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months when ATV and water activities are most popular. Winter visits are rare due to snow impeding access.
Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Darren, the camp host, was particularly helpful and friendly.' (Craig Rasmussen, 2020) 2. 'Plenty of spots available. It was $10.50 with the America the Beautiful National Parks pass.' (Ryan...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group B-Tent was praised for being spacious and well-suited for activities. Specific complaints about maintenance were also directed at this group site.
Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no detailed feedback from users with disabilities; however, the well-maintained gravel road facilitates access, even for RVs.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, and one reviewer mentioned bringing their dog to escape fireworks on the 4th of July.
Based on 35 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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