Oak Creek Campground
4.108 reviewsNull
Oak Creek Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees for first-come-first-serve sites must be paid upon arrival through envelopes and pay tube onsite. Reservable tent sites should be booked at recreation.gov
About this campground
Escape to a serene mountain retreat where towering Ponderosa Pines create a natural cathedral above well-appointed single campsites. This pristine National Forest campground offers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and essential amenities, including fresh water sources and convenient pit toilet facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.
This is a small, rustic campground offering nine sites for primitive, tent, and RV camping in a scenic, high-elevation forest setting.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transitions of high-elevation camping, where crisp mountain mornings give way to sun-dappled afternoons, and evening temperatures remind you to pack that extra layer. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette, from spring's fresh emergence to autumn's golden transformation.
ElevationPerched majestically on the High Colorado Plateau, this elevated sanctuary offers the rare air and expansive vistas that only mountain camping can provide, where the thin atmosphere seems to bring you closer to the star-studded night sky.
Natural Features and SceneryWhile the ancient pines stand as silent sentinels, observant campers might spot telltale signs of the area's most elusive residents—black bears—though these magnificent creatures prefer to maintain their privacy, leaving only subtle traces of their passage through this mountain habitat.
Geological RegionNestled at an impressive 8,300 feet elevation on the Colorado Plateau, Oak Creek Campground commands breathtaking views across endless ponderosa pine forests. Your journey here follows the renowned Utah Highway 12, designated as a National Scenic Byway for its spectacular vistas and winding path through some of the American West's most stunning geological formations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites are suitable for tent camping and trailers less than 20 feet long. Some, like at the end loop, are noted to be tight for turning larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites provide a moderate level of privacy. "Spaces are level, large, and not too close together," as noted by Tim Eutin.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
16 days/15 night
Guests Allowed Per Site
Per site
Groups
No group camping facilities are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonMay - September
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst Come First Serve
Cancellation PolicyDeadlines or cancelation policies are not clear
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oak Creek Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and off-highway vehicle riding, along with opportunities to explore the nearby reservoirs and enjoy wildlife viewing. The campground’s proximity to the stunning sights of Capitol Reef National Park adds to its recreational appeal.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with day hikes accessible from the campground. Capitol Reef National Park, located approximately 30 miles away, also offers excellent hiking trails.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Oak Creek Reservoir and Lower Bowns Reservoir. Specific fish species were not mentioned.Boating
Boating is permitted at nearby reservoirs, but no details about docking facilities or the types of boats allowed were provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight. "Free-range cows roam freely," and user Bob Thompson shared experiences of observing a Golden Eagle and other wildlife during their stay.Winter Activities
No dedicated winter activities are mentioned. However, users have noted significant snow and cold conditions in shoulder seasons.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are possible at nearby Oak Creek Reservoir and Lower Bowns Reservoir. Specific details about facilities or rental options are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 24.7 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 service is Fremont River Ranger District at 138 South Main Street Loa, UT 84747 (Phone: (435) 836-2800).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay-August
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash and follow leave-no-trace principles. There is mention of a dumpster available on-site for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Oak creeks
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsThe Oak Creek Campground is 19.2 miles southeast of Torrey, Utah. Head east on UT-24 (main Street) for approximately one mile. Turn right (south) onto UT-12 for 18.1 miles. Turn left (east) on the Oak Creek Road (FR169) for approximately 450 feet. The Oak Creek Campground will be on the right (south) side of the road.
Roads are paved to the entry of Oak Creek Campground. Seasonal access is noted with operating months of May to September.Nearby places
Torrey, Utah: 19 miles, Boulder, Utah: 17 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be sourced from nearest populated areas Boulder or Torrey, Utah.
Camper Reviews
4.1
8 reviews
Oak Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is widely appreciated for its scenic beauty, tranquility, and basic amenities. Common themes in user reviews include the picturesque surroundings, the presence of wildlife, and the simplicity of the campground. However, some concerns about cold temperatures, tight site layouts, and limited amenities are also noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the peaceful environment and natural beauty of the campground. "One of the prettiest campgrounds I've ever camped at," notes Holly Gelardi. The creek running through the campground and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the cold temperatures, with Holly Gelardi remarking, "My Florida butt froze." Another common concern is the limited size of the sites, especially for larger vehicles, with Greg...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend preparing for cold weather, especially in the shoulder seasons, and bringing essentials due to the lack of on-site store facilities. Leash pets and pack bear-proof containers for...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The cold temperatures are a recurring theme in reviews, particularly early in the season. Snow and freezing conditions have been noted, making it essential for campers to be prepared for variable...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"I LOVED how the free-range cows just roamed all over freely," writes Holly Gelardi. "Oak Creek Campground is so peaceful and a treat for the eyes," says Bob Thompson, while user Greg D. Lind...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #6-9 are described as tent-only and reservable, but there are no specific comments about their quality or desirability.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews explicitly address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed, and owners are reminded to clean up after their pets. "Keep dogs from chasing, harassing, and disturbing wildlife," as advised in official guidelines.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025