Gooseberry Creek Campground
4.3312 reviews540 NORTH MAIN STREET
Gooseberry Creek Campground
$10.00 - $40.00 / 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$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $10 per night for standard nonelectric sites to $40 per night for group sites. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or additional charges.
About this campground
Tucked away on an aspen-covered hillside overlooking the pristine Gooseberry Reservoir, this hidden gem sits at 8,500 feet where solitude meets spectacular scenery. Far from the crowds, Gooseberry Creek Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to experience authentic mountain camping with both intimate standard sites and spacious group areas. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort, the pack-it-out policy helps preserve this untouched wilderness for future generations.
The campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including group and individual sites. The emphasis is on a natural, serene environment with basic facilities.
Weather and SeasonsFrom June through September, Mother Nature graces this high-altitude haven with her gentlest touch. Crisp mountain mornings greet campers with temperatures hovering around 22°F, while afternoons warm to a comfortable mid-40s—perfect sweater weather for hiking and exploring. The Wasatch Plateau's famously dry summer climate means you'll enjoy mostly clear skies with only occasional mountain breezes and rare sprinkles of rain or snow, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures and campfire conversations.
ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet where the air is crisp and clear, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. The elevation gifts visitors with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys, while the thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath. Here, you'll find yourself literally above the everyday, where cooler temperatures and stunning alpine views create the perfect backdrop for your mountain getaway.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in a picturesque valley atop the majestic Wasatch Plateau, the campground immerses visitors in a living postcard of mountain beauty. Quaking aspens dance in the breeze, their leaves creating nature's own symphony, while towering fir trees stand sentinel over the landscape. In summer, the understory erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers scattered among sage-scented meadows. The crown jewel, Gooseberry Reservoir, mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities just moments from your tent.
Geological RegionThe campground rests in a serene valley carved into the ancient Wasatch Plateau, where millions of years of geological forces have created a natural amphitheater of beauty. This high mountain ecosystem showcases nature's perfect balance—groves of shimmering aspens give way to stately fir forests, while open meadows of native sagebrush and grasses paint the landscape in subtle hues. During summer months, delicate wildflowers add splashes of color to this timeless geological canvas, creating an ever-changing tapestry of mountain splendor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were highlighted in the source materials or user reviews.
Sites SizeSite sizes are generally spacious but may be difficult to access for trailers longer than 25 feet. User reviews mention that the sites are 'spacious,' but some described difficulties for larger RVs and trailers.
Sites PrivacySites provide a moderate level of privacy, with some reviews noting ample space between campsites. However, one review mentioned that 'sites aren't very private.'
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend smaller trailers or tents due to limited maneuvering space. Late July and August may bring deer flies, so insect repellent is advised.
Best CampsitesSites 8 and 9 received specific mentions as being scenic or suitable for certain camping setups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not explicitly stated for individual sites.
Groups
Group sites are available and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. User reviews, such as those from Scott C., highlight the group site's 'amazing view of the valley leading into the reservoir.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a circular layout among groves of aspen trees, with sites well-spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 8th to September 30th during peak season reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online or via their app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome additional campsites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but visitors are encouraged to book ahead.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night’s fee. Group reservations have a late cancellation policy that applies starting 14 days before the scheduled check-in date. Individual reservations have a late cancellation window starting 1 day before check-in. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee.
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
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. Gooseberry Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing, with rainbow and cutthroat trout being popular catches. The nearby Great Western Trail offers hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle riding. Additionally, the area is known for its serene natural beauty and opportunities to observe starry night skies.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available via the nearby Great Western Trail, though there are no trails directly within the campground. User reviews highlight the trail's proximity as a recreational asset.Fishing
Fishing is a significant draw at Gooseberry Reservoir, where cutthroat and rainbow trout are commonly caught. One user noted, 'The price is only $10 a night to have running water and a nearby vault toilet,' emphasizing the site's value for fishing enthusiasts.Biking
Biking trails are accessible via the Great Western Trail, which offers opportunities for varying skill levels.Boating
Gooseberry Reservoir supports canoeing and possibly other non-motorized boating activities. User reviews did not provide further detail.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is likely, given the campground's natural setting. One review mentioned the area is 'quiet, peaceful, serene, and amazing,' ideal for nature enthusiasts.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specified for this campground, though its higher elevation may offer potential for snow-related recreation.Water Sports
Besides canoeing, no additional water sports are documented.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and exposure to the elements due to high elevation.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
The nearest emergency services are likely located in the nearby towns of Fairview or Ephraim, Utah, which have basic healthcare, police, and fire services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 8th - September 30th
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site. Campers must pack out all their trash, as stated in official information and reiterated in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Gooseberry Reservoir, which is suitable for fishing (cutthroat and rainbow trout) and canoeing. A nearby creek is also accessible, though it requires a 20-minute scramble down a hillside.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted that sites are not very private and that the reservoir lacked fish presence during their visit. Trash collection is not provided, requiring visitors to remove their waste.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
540 NORTH MAIN STREET
Driving directionsFrom Fairview, Utah, travel north about a mile on Highway 89 to the junction with Highway 31. Travel east on Highway 31 for about nine miles to the junction with Forest Development Road 124. Go north on Forest Development Road 124 for one mile to the campground.
A well-maintained dirt road leads to the campground, providing relatively easy access for cars and RVs alike.Nearby places
Fairview, UT (approximately 10 miles, about 20 minutes driving time)
Ephraim, UT (approximately 15 miles, about 25 minutes driving time).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Fairview or Ephraim, Utah, where visitors can find groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
12 reviews
Gooseberry Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment trends positively, with the campground frequently described as clean, quiet, and scenic. A majority of reviews praise the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to Gooseberry Reservoir.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, serene and quiet atmosphere, proximity to the reservoir for fishing and canoeing, and the scenic aspen grove setting.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of garbage facilities, no hiking trails directly within the campground, limited accessibility for larger RVs, and occasional presence of deer flies during summer months.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing their own trash bags due to the lack of garbage facilities, packing water for personal use, and preparing for colder nights given the 8,500-foot elevation.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer as the most popular season, with highlights including wildflowers and good weather. Late summer may bring deer flies, which some campers noted as a nuisance.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Amazing views down to Gooseberry Reservoir.' - Nina K. 2. 'We enjoyed the group site.' - Jeremy U. 3. 'Gooseberry Campground is a small, yet beautiful little campsite nestled in the Manti-La Sal...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 9 is highlighted for its views and proximity to Gooseberry Reservoir. Group site GS4 is noted for its excellent valley views.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly discuss accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews addressing pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025