Paiute Campground
02 reviews138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747
Paiute Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
The campground charges $10 per day, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
About this campground
Perched at 8,800 feet in Utah's high country, Paiute Campground welcomes adventurers with 48 spacious, pull-through sites that accommodate everything from solo travelers to large RV caravans. Each paved campsite opens onto sweeping panoramic vistas across an endless sagebrush sea, where the horizon stretches uninterrupted beneath vast western skies. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple—vault toilets and seasonal potable water—the real luxury here is the boundless space and breathtaking views that make every sunrise and sunset an unforgettable spectacle.
Paiute Campground accommodates RV camping and offers pull-through sites. Tent camping is not well-suited due to the rocky, sagebrush environment.
Historical SignificanceFish Lake stands as a remarkable geological wonder—a natural cold-water lake cradled within an ancient graben, where the earth literally dropped away between parallel faults millions of years ago. This unique formation has created one of Utah's most pristine mountain lakes, a geological time capsule that continues to fascinate scientists and nature lovers alike with its crystal-clear waters and the story of the land's dramatic past written in its very foundation.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through the first snowfall, Paiute Campground experiences the full drama of high-elevation weather. Summer days bring perfect 70-76°F temperatures that invite endless outdoor exploration, while crisp mountain evenings remind you to pack that extra layer. As autumn arrives, the temperature swings become more pronounced, and by winter, the thermometer plunges into the teens as snow blankets this alpine landscape, transforming it into a pristine winter wonderland that closes the campground until spring's return.
ElevationAt 8,800 feet above sea level, Paiute Campground offers a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevated perch provides natural air conditioning during summer months and spectacular star-gazing opportunities through the crystal-clear mountain atmosphere. Visitors should take time to acclimate and stay hydrated, as the altitude can be challenging for those arriving from lower elevations—but the reward is access to some of Utah's most stunning high-country landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine camping in nature's amphitheater, where endless waves of silver-green sagebrush roll toward distant peaks cloaked in dark spruce and shimmering aspen groves. Without a single tree to obstruct your view, Paiute Campground offers 360-degree panoramas that showcase the raw beauty of Utah's high desert. The nearby Johnson Valley Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire set among the sage, while the surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop that shifts from purple shadows at dawn to golden alpenglow at dusk.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Fishlake National Forest of central Utah, this 8,800-foot sanctuary represents the quintessential high-desert ecosystem where sagebrush steppes meet mountain majesty. The campground serves as your gateway to exploring both Johnson Valley Reservoir and the geological marvel of Fish Lake, all while being surrounded by the characteristic landscapes that define Utah's elevated interior—a place where ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain of extraordinary beauty and ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. There is no additional information on accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground offers pull-through sites, which are paved and can accommodate RVs. No specific dimensions are provided.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are located in an open sagebrush landscape with no tree cover. Privacy between sites is minimal as they are separated by sage and grass.
Total Campsites47 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights. After that, campers must relocate at least 5 road miles away.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout features 47 paved, pull-through campsites separated by sagebrush and grass. The layout provides expansive views but limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May to around mid-September.
Walk-in AvailabilityYes, all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Paiute Campground provides various recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and scenic activities. Visitors can access trails leading to Tasha Creek and enjoy fishing at the nearby Johnson Reservoir and Fish Lake.
Hiking
Hiking trails connect the campground to nearby Tasha Creek and other areas. The Lakeshore Trail offers sections ranging from 3 to 8 miles, accommodating foot and horse traffic.Fishing
Fishing is available at Johnson Valley Reservoir and Fish Lake. Common fish include rainbow trout, splake, lake trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout.Biking
Biking is permitted on certain trails like the Lakeshore Trail, accommodating mountain bikes.Boating
Boating is permitted with power and non-powered boats. Johnson Valley Reservoir has a free boat ramp, and Fish Lake offers additional boating facilities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned. The campground is open until snow closes the road.Water Sports
Power boating is allowed. Water temperatures make activities like water skiing less appealing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but subject to local fire restrictions. Campers are required to extinguish fires completely before leaving the site.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsDense sagebrush and rocks may present challenges for pitching tents. Wildlife encounters are possible given the high-desert location.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13 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
Fremont River Ranger District Office (Address: 138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747, Phone: (435) 836-2800). Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm. Closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning campers must take all trash with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Johnson Valley Reservoir (500 acres) and near Fish Lake (2,500 acres), both of which provide recreational opportunities like boating and fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites and absence of any tree cover.
Campground Map
138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747
Driving directionsFrom Loa, UT, take State Rt. 24 west 12.7 miles to Fish Lake and State Rt. 25 signs. Turn right at signs onto Rt. 25 and go 16.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground. Alternatively, travelers coming from Richfield, Utah should head east on UT-118 N/E 300 N 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 10.0 miles and continue onto FR640 for 6.0 miles before turning left into the campground entrance.
Road access is good with paved parking aprons available. However, seasonal snow closures may affect accessibility. The campground is accessible via major roads but requires taking forest roads for the final stretch.Nearby places
Loa (29 miles, 35 minutes), Richfield (49 miles, 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Private resorts near Fish Lake provide limited groceries, bait, boat and slip rentals, and showers. Additional supplies may be available in Loa, Utah, approximately 29 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Paiute Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer mixed feedback. Many appreciate the views and proximity to Johnson Reservoir, but some criticize the lack of privacy and tree cover.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"The views are great, and you are right next to Johnson Reservoir."
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
"The camping areas are very close together." "Do you like camping 10' from your neighbor? Then this is the place for you. Why anyone would willingly camp here is beyond me."
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Plan for limited privacy and no tree cover. Bring your own firewood and be prepared for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from May to mid-September. Reviews do not provide specific seasonal trends.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The views are great, and you are right next to Johnson Reservoir." "Do you like camping 10' from your neighbor? Then this is the place for you."
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility information is minimal, with a mention of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. Visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets and ensure they do not disturb wildlife.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025