Bowery Creek Campground
4.6519 reviewsState Route 25, Fishlake National Forest, UT
Bowery Creek Campground
$15.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type. Single sites are $15 per day, double sites are $30 per day, and triple sites are $45 per day. Group sites range up to $65 per day.
About this campground
Perched beside the shimmering waters of Fish Lake in the heart of Utah's Fishlake National Forest, Bowery Creek Campground offers an alpine escape where paved roads wind through breathtaking lake views. Here, anglers cast their lines at dawn, boats glide across pristine waters, and hikers disappear into trails that promise adventure around every bend. This high-altitude haven combines the convenience of modern camping with the raw beauty of central Utah's wilderness.
Bowery Creek Campground offers single, double, and triple campsites designed to accommodate varying group sizes. The campground has 40 combined sites, with no designated RV or tent-specific areas. Equestrian camping is not allowed.
Historical SignificanceFish Lake holds the distinction of being Utah's largest natural mountain lake, a geological marvel that has captivated visitors for generations. This cold-water jewel fills an ancient down-faulted valley, or graben, creating an ecosystem that supports unique aquatic life and has served as a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts since the early days of Utah's settlement. The lake's ecological significance extends beyond its size, representing a pristine alpine environment that remains largely unchanged through the centuries.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Bowery Creek unfold with gentle warmth that gives way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire stories. Those who venture here in mid-May discover a hidden gem—crisp mountain air, star-filled nights, and an almost private paradise with few other souls around. The shoulder seasons reward early arrivals with peaceful solitude and the kind of quiet that only exists when nature has the stage to itself.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Bowery Creek Campground places you among the clouds, where the air is crisp and thin, and the views stretch endlessly across the Utah landscape. This lofty perch rewards visitors with naturally cool temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, though the altitude may leave newcomers catching their breath as they adjust to the mountain air. The elevation creates a unique environment where alpine meadows meet sky, and every sunrise feels closer to heaven.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a tapestry of sagebrush-dotted hillsides, where stately aspens whisper in the breeze and ancient cottonwoods provide welcome shade. This diverse landscape offers both sun-drenched openings and cool, wooded retreats, allowing campers to choose their perfect spot. Beyond the campground, Fish Lake mirrors the sky while meadows painted with wildflowers give way to forests of spruce, pine, and the famous quaking aspens that turn the mountainsides golden each fall.
Geological RegionBowery Creek Campground rests within the magnificent Fishlake National Forest, where sagebrush hillsides meet the sky at 9,000 feet. This remarkable landscape showcases Utah's largest natural mountain lake, a geological wonder formed in an ancient graben valley. The surrounding tapestry of aspen and cottonwood forests creates a living gallery that changes with the seasons, while the underlying geology tells a story millions of years in the making, from volcanic activity to glacial carving that shaped this high-altitude paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCoin-operated wheelchair-friendly showers are accessible at the nearby Mackinaw campground. Roads and parking spurs are paved, which may aid accessibility.
Sites SizeAuthoritative sources indicate that sites vary in size. User reviews suggest smaller sites may not accommodate large trailers. "A lot of the sites seemed to be pretty small so if you have a large trailer than a double is the way to go."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is described as fair by authoritative sources. Campsites are nestled under mature aspen trees or in fields of grass and sage, but some user reviews suggest that not all areas offer consistent shade or seclusion. "Not a lot of shade on the lower part of the campground. The upper loops had more."
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor more shade, choose upper loop sites. Double sites are recommended for larger trailers.
Best CampsitesCampsites #34 and #35 are noted for their privacy and suitability for large trailers. Site #31 offers excellent lake views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
:Maximum of 8 people per site according to standard practices, though not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group sites are available, including double and triple options. Some user reviews note the benefits of larger sites for families or larger trailers: "We stayed at two of the double sites which are at the top #34 and 35."
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out on a hillside with a mix of shaded and open sites. Roads and parking spurs are paved.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 23 through September 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, but fill patterns and specific numbers are not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy details provided; reservations are managed via Recreation.gov.
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
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Fish Lake is renowned for its 20-40 pound Mackinaw lake trout, and anglers also fish for rainbow trout, splake, perch, and Kokanee salmon. Hiking trails such as Pelican Canyon and Lakeshore National Recreation Trail provide opportunities for exploration.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the five-mile Pelican Canyon Trail, which starts within the campground and ascends to Fish Lake Hightop at an elevation of 11,633 feet. Another popular route, Lakeshore National Recreation Trail, extends around the eastern side of Fish Lake, rewarding hikers with stunning views after climbing 900 feet in elevation.Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Fish Lake, famous for its large Mackinaw lake trout weighing 20-40 pounds. Anglers can also catch rainbow trout, splake, perch, and Kokanee salmon. User reviews corroborate the fishing quality: "Love this place... great fishing on the lake."Boating
Boating at Fish Lake includes both motorized and non-motorized options. Primitive boat ramps are scattered throughout, and private resorts offer free ramps and boat rentals. User reviews praise the convenience of access: "Loved the boat rentals."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at Bowery Creek Campground, enhanced by the natural features of the area, including sagebrush hillsides and forested regions with aspen and cottonwood trees. User quotes: "Great campground for access to Fishlake and the surrounding area."Winter Activities
The campground is not operational during winter months, as its open season is limited to May-September. Therefore, no winter activities are available.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating are featured activities. User reviews highlight the accessibility of boat ramps and rentals.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Campers are advised to follow fire restrictions and extinguish fires fully.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh elevation (8,800-9,000 feet) may pose risks like altitude sickness. Wildlife encounters are possible, so proper food storage is advised.
Active alerts: None reported at the time of the source materials.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14.1 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 Loa, Utah, which is 12.7 miles away. The Fremont River Ranger District office in Loa provides additional assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited to shared dumpsters located on the road between Bowery and Mackinaw campgrounds. "There were no garbage cans in the campground. We had to drive ours out to the road to a shared dumpster between Bowery and Mackinaw campground."
Proximity to water featuresLocated across the street from Fish Lake, the campground provides easy access to this 2,500-acre lake.
Common complaintsReviews note limited shade in lower loops, no garbage cans (requiring visitors to use dumpsters near Mackinaw Campground), and occasional wind.
HostHosts David and Carol are highly praised for their friendly and helpful demeanor. They maintain clean restrooms and tidy sites.
Campground Map
State Route 25, Fishlake National Forest, UT
Driving directionsBowery Creek Campground is 42.3 miles east of Richfield, Utah. Head east on UT-118 N/E 300 N toward N 100 E for 0.8 miles. Continue straight onto UT-119 E for 8.8 miles. Turn right onto UT-24 E for 23.1 miles then turn left onto UT-25 N for approximately 9.6 miles. There are two entrances to the campground on the north side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and has two entrances on the north side of the road. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are paved, ensuring easy accessibility.Nearby places
Richfield (42.3 miles, approximately an hour's drive)
Loa (12.7 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearby privately operated resorts within the Fish Lake Recreation Area offer basic supplies such as groceries, bait, and boat rentals. Loa, 12.7 miles away, is the nearest town with a wider range of supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.7
19 reviews
Bowery Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Bowery Creek Campground as a peaceful and scenic destination with clean facilities and friendly camp hosts. Positive feedback includes remarks on the lake views, fishing quality, and accessibility to hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive highlights include the beauty of the aspen trees, clean restrooms, potable water, and proximity to Fish Lake. User reviews consistently praise the camp hosts for their helpfulness and...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include limited trash facilities requiring trips to shared dumpsters, weak cell phone reception, and lack of on-site hot showers. One user experienced a double booking conflict at a group...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommended tips include reserving larger sites for trailers, arriving early in the season for peace and quiet, and bringing firewood and food supplies as nearby amenities may shut down after Labor...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal reviews suggest quieter experiences early in the season (May) and towards the end (post-Labor Day). Peak summer months see increased activity and potential reservations conflicts.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms with running water were cleaned every morning," "Not a lot of shade on the lower part of the campground; the upper loops had more," "The camp hosts here (Dave and Carol) are angels," "It...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #34 and #35 are highlighted as favorable double sites in user reviews. Spot 31 is noted for its killer views of the lake.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews note clean flush toilets and paved roads/spurs. The nearby Mackinaw campground offers coin-operated wheelchair-friendly showers.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed but must be leashed. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policies but emphasize cleaning up after pets and controlling them around wildlife: "Keep dogs from chasing, harassing, and...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025