How much does camping cost at Paiute Campground?

Camping fees at Paiute Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Paiute Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Paiute Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Yes, all sites are first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Paiute Campground?

Paiute Campground is open Open seasonally from May to around mid-September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paiute Campground?

Paiute Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Paiute Campground have?

Paiute Campground has 47 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Paiute Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paiute Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paiute Campground?

Paiute Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paiute Campground?

Popular activities at Paiute Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paiute Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Paiute Campground?

Fire policies at Paiute Campground: Campfires are permitted but subject to local fire restrictions. Campers are required to extinguish fires completely before leaving the site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

5 reviews

138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

47 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Paiute Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $10 per day, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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USFS

Provider

highcountryrec@gmail.com

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews offer mixed feedback. Many appreciate the views and proximity to Johnson Reservoir, but some criticize the lack of privacy and tree cover."

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Campground Map

138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747

Paiute Campground

138 South Main Street, Loa, UT 84747

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Paiute Campground

Summer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs hover around 70-76°F, but nights drop into the 30s and 40s even in July and August. The campground opens in May and closes at first snow. Boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are all accessible once the season starts. Weekends in midsummer see the most visitors, though with nearly 50 sites, crowding isn't usually a problem. Seasonal potable water is available when the campground is open. By late fall, temperatures swing wider and snow arrives, shutting down access until spring.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–mid‑Sept; summer days 70–76°F and abundant outdoor activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally from May to around mid-September.

About Paiute Campground

Paiute Campground sits at 8,800 feet in Fishlake National Forest with 47 paved pull-through sites designed for RVs. Fees run $10 per night. The open sagebrush setting means big views of Johnson Valley Reservoir and surrounding peaks, but zero privacy between sites and no shade whatsoever.

Paiute Campground accommodates RV camping and offers pull-through sites. Tent camping is not well-suited due to the rocky, sagebrush environment.

Historical Significance

Fish Lake formed in an ancient graben, where the earth dropped between parallel faults millions of years ago. The geological event created one of Utah's rare natural cold-water lakes.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs hover around 70-76°F, but nights drop into the 30s and 40s even in July and August. The campground opens in May and closes at first snow. Boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are all accessible once the season starts. Weekends in midsummer see the most visitors, though with nearly 50 sites, crowding isn't usually a problem. Seasonal potable water is available when the campground is open. By late fall, temperatures swing wider and snow arrives, shutting down access until spring.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies an open sagebrush landscape with no tree cover. Silver-green sage and grass stretch in every direction, broken only by views of Johnson Valley Reservoir and the forested ridges beyond. At this elevation, spruce and aspen cover the distant mountains, but the campground itself sits in classic high-desert terrain. The lack of trees means 360-degree views. You'll see straight across to Fish Lake's surrounding peaks and watch weather systems roll in from miles away.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutAll 47 sites are paved pull-throughs separated by sage and grass. Privacy is minimal. No trees, no barriers, just open ground between neighbors.

Walk-in AvailabilityYes, all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. There is no additional information on accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground offers pull-through sites, which are paved and can accommodate RVs. No specific dimensions are provided.

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

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Picnic tables

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDense sagebrush and rocks may present challenges for pitching tents. Wildlife encounters are possible given the high-desert location.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but subject to local fire restrictions. Campers are required to extinguish fires completely before leaving the site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesFremont 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.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning campers must take all trash with them when they leave.

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.

Weather at Paiute Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited 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 5 reviews

What Campers Love

"The views are great, and you are right next to Johnson Reservoir."

Based on 5 reviews

Common 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 5 reviews