Elkhorn Campground
05 reviews138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA
Elkhorn Campground
$16.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation Use Fee is $16 for individual sites during peak season (June 15 - September 20). Group sites cost $60 per night during peak season. Additional reservation fee of $8-$9 may apply depending on booking method.
About this campground
Nestled high in the Fishlake National Forest at 9,300 feet, Elkhorn Campground offers a tranquil escape into Utah's pristine wilderness. Just northeast of the charming town of Loa, this mountain retreat beckons adventurers with both intimate individual sites and a spacious group camping area. Here, rustic gravel roads wind through towering stands of pine, spruce, and quaking aspen, leading to shaded camping spots where the only sounds are birdsong and wind whispering through the evergreens. It's the kind of place where modern worries fade away and the simple pleasure of a campfire under star-filled skies takes center stage.
Elkhorn Campground provides group camping accommodations and individual campsites. It is primarily suitable for tent camping and includes vault toilets, gravel roads, and gravel parking spurs.
Weather and SeasonsThe sweet spot for camping at Elkhorn runs from June through September, when wildflowers paint the meadows and warm days give way to crisp mountain evenings. As seasoned camper AJ Gilbert notes, afternoon showers are practically a daily ritual here—nature's way of keeping the forest lush and the air crystal clear. These brief mountain storms often roll through, leaving behind that distinctive scent of rain on pine and refreshingly cool temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather in your tent.
ElevationPerched at 9,300 feet above sea level, Elkhorn Campground offers a true alpine experience where the air is thin, crisp, and refreshingly cool even on summer's warmest days. This lofty elevation means you'll trade scorching valley heat for comfortable temperatures that rarely climb above the 70s, making it an ideal retreat when lower elevations sizzle. The high-altitude setting also rewards visitors with spectacular night skies unmarred by light pollution and panoramic views that stretch for miles across the rugged Utah landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where dense canopies of aspen leaves shimmer like nature's own disco ball, catching and reflecting every ray of sunlight. Beneath towering pines and spruce that have stood sentinel for decades, summer wildflowers carpet the forest floor in splashes of purple lupine, golden sunflowers, and delicate columbines. The campground's proximity to pristine alpine lakes adds another layer of magic—imagine morning mist rising off mirror-smooth water while you sip coffee, or afternoon fishing expeditions where the biggest challenge is choosing which stunning vista to face while casting your line.
Geological RegionThousand Lake Mountain serves as Elkhorn's dramatic backdrop, a geological wonderland within the greater Fishlake National Forest that truly lives up to its name. Though perhaps not quite a thousand, the numerous alpine lakes scattered across this 9,300-foot plateau sparkle like sapphires set in emerald meadows. This unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of life, from ancient groves of interconnected aspen clones to pristine mountain meadows that burst with color each summer. The interplay of volcanic geology, glacial carving, and millions of years of erosion has created a landscape that feels both timeless and ever-changing with the seasons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the sources provided.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes amenities for large gatherings. Individual sites were described as close together, suitable for tents.
Sites Privacy"Spaces are close together," according to AJ Gilbert's review. The campground offers limited privacy between sites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup site G1 is praised for being clean and spacious, accommodating up to 75 people. Sites near the entryway feature scenic views.
Best CampsitesGroup site G1 is highly rated for its size and cleanliness, according to user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 15 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group site accommodates up to 75 people.
Groups
The campground features one group site that accommodates up to 75 people. It includes amenities like large tables, grills, Dutch oven cooking surfaces, and a fire ring with benches.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains a group site that accommodates up to 75 people, along with 5-8 individual spots.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 15 to September 20 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground has reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Details for walk-up site availability are not specified.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days for group site bookings) incur forfeiture of the first night's fees.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Elkhorn Campground provides diverse recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and off-roading. "Miles of trails, including the Great Western Trail, crisscross the area," offering excellent outdoor opportunities. Alpine lakes near the campground enhance fishing and scenery opportunities.
Hiking
"Miles of trails, including the Great Western Trail, crisscross the area," providing options for hiking enthusiasts. No specific trail difficulties or lengths are provided.Fishing
Numerous sparkling alpine lakes near the campground provide great fishing opportunities. No specific fish species are mentioned.Biking
The trails around the campground are suitable for biking, contributing to recreational diversity.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned for Elkhorn Campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsThe road leading to the campground is narrow and steep, posing risks for RVs or trailers. Weather can be variable, with rain and wind being common.
Active alertsDrinking water supply is shut down for the season.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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, approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 15 - September 20.
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information is available about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresNumerous sparkling alpine lakes nearby provide fishing and scenic opportunities.
Common complaintsSome users find spaces close together for tents. Drinking water is unavailable during certain times.
HostHost information is not explicitly provided.
Campground Map
138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA
Driving directionsFrom Loa, Utah, travel northeast on U-72 for 12 miles. Turn east on Forest Road 206 and travel 8 miles to the campground. The dirt road is narrow, steep and single-lane in some places.
The road to Elkhorn Campground includes paved sections and an 8-mile dirt road (Forest Road 206) that is narrow, steep, and single-lane in some places, posing navigation challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Loa (20 miles northeast, approximately 30-40 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available at Loa, Utah, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Elkhorn Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall user sentiment for Elkhorn Campground is positive, with an average campground-specific rating of 4.6. Common themes include the scenic location, clean facilities, and suitability for group gatherings.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its scenic views, clean vault toilets, and suitability for group camping. "We really loved the group site! It was big, had clean vault toilets, and was in a beautiful...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include lack of cell service and exposure to weather conditions. "No cell service," noted Byron B, and AJ Gilbert highlighted proximity to weather risks: "Seems a chance of rain almost...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
AJ Gilbert advises checking weather forecasts thoroughly due to elevation-related weather risks: "Make sure you're certain of perfect weather before setting up here. Check weather many times before...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences varied seasonally, with high satisfaction during summer months due to pleasant shade from trees and abundant wildflowers. Weather risks like rain and exposure to wind were noted...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
AJ Gilbert: "Elevation seemed to be 9000+. Campground is relatively covered by trees and requires a $12 self-pay fee." Maria M: "We really loved the group site! It was big, had clean vault toilets,...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
G1 group site received positive reviews for its size, cleanliness, and scenic location. "We really loved the group site!" said Maria M. Byron B also noted positive experiences at G1.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related experiences were not mentioned in the provided sources.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025