How much does camping cost at Gooseberry Reservoir?

Camping fees at Gooseberry Reservoir range from $10-$33.97/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gooseberry Reservoir first-come first-served or reservation?

Gooseberry Reservoir accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gooseberry Reservoir before I book?

Yes! Gooseberry Reservoir has 24 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gooseberry Reservoir?

Gooseberry Reservoir is open June 12 to October 31. 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 Gooseberry Reservoir?

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

How many campsites does Gooseberry Reservoir have?

Gooseberry Reservoir has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gooseberry Reservoir?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gooseberry Reservoir. 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 Gooseberry Reservoir?

Gooseberry Reservoir offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gooseberry Reservoir?

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

Gooseberry Reservoir

Q: Can I have a campfire at Gooseberry Reservoir?

Fire policies at Gooseberry Reservoir: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.99

70 reviews

540 NORTH MAIN STREET

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$10 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from June 12 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$10 - $33.97/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from June 12 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Gooseberry Reservoir

$10.00 - $33.97 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(435)283-4151

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Campground Map

540 NORTH MAIN STREET

Gooseberry Reservoir

540 NORTH MAIN STREET

Nearby places

Fairview: ~10 miles (~15 minutes)

Ephraim: ~35 miles (~40 minutes)

Weather at Gooseberry Reservoir

Current alerts(2)

Click here for more information on the Manti-La Sal National Forest
Drinking water and trash collection are not available at the campground; please pack out all garbage

Best Time to Camp at Gooseberry Reservoir

Best season: fall. Fall offers the campground's signature draw: golden aspen color against the reservoir and crisp, clear mountain air. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nights commonly dipping to near or below freezing (20–35°F) in September and October—perfect for vivid photography, hiking, and still-productive trout fishing when water is calm. Crowds are generally lighter than peak summer, though weekends during peak color (late Sept–early Oct) can be busier; bring warm layers and be aware that some big‑ Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late Sep–early Oct highlighted as best: golden aspens, crisp days and calm water for leaf-peeping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 12 to October 31 each year. Reservations start June 25 and end October 31.

About Gooseberry Reservoir

Gooseberry Reservoir sits at high elevation in the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Ephraim, Utah. This National Forest Service campground offers a handful of tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables along a small alpine reservoir. Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and boating in a quiet mountain setting, though shade is limited and occasional livestock grazing can disrupt the experience.

Gooseberry Reservoir accommodates different camping styles, including sites for RVs and tents. Group camping and primitive camping options are not explicitly mentioned, and there are no cabins or glamping facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the campground's signature draw: golden aspen color against the reservoir and crisp, clear mountain air. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nights commonly dipping to near or below freezing (20–35°F) in September and October—perfect for vivid photography, hiking, and still-productive trout fishing when water is calm. Crowds are generally lighter than peak summer, though weekends during peak color (late Sept–early Oct) can be busier; bring warm layers and be aware that some big‑ Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOpen meadows surround the reservoir, framed by slopes thick with quaking aspens, fir trees, and sagebrush. The 8,400-foot elevation creates a mountain-meets-meadow ecosystem where views stretch unobstructed across the water to distant peaks. Reviewers consistently mention the scenery: "stunning natural beauty" and "a beautiful place, very quiet." The lack of trees means you'll see everything, but there's nowhere to hide from the sun or neighboring campers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations or equivalent facilities are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights maximum per stay.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov, via the app, or through the contact center.

Site SizeCampsites are noted for their spaciousness, accommodating both tents and RVs. Sites include long spurs suitable for larger RVs.

PrivacyThe sites lack natural privacy barriers such as trees or vegetation, and the reviews suggest that sites are closely situated. Some users noted the absence of shade.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesBring your own shade due to lack of trees and prepare for wind. Campsites near the reservoir offer quick access to fishing but may have marshy shorelines.

Best CampsitesCampsite 007 gets mentioned most often for its space and lake access. One reviewer notes: "Camping spots are spacious. We camp right along the reservoir.

Need help booking Gooseberry Reservoir?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vault toilets are provided, but no water or garbage service is available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Gooseberry Reservoir Campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around the reservoir and the surrounding trails. These include fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle riding. Boating is limited to hand-powered watercraft and does not include a boat ramp.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is not available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all garbage. This lack of service has been mentioned by reviewers as a drawback, particularly when trash from prior visitors was left at the sites.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

70 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Gooseberry Reservoir has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Gooseberry Reservoir Campground is favored for its scenic location, peaceful environment, and access to recreational activities such as fishing and hiking. However, the lack of shade, limited amenities, and occasional issues with campsite cleanliness have been highlighted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 70 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 70 reviews.

Site 007Loved
Site 007: Praised for its spaciousness and serenity.
Site 006Mentioned
Site 006: Criticized as "not true" that every site has a reservoir view.
Site 004Issues noted
Site 004: Noted for being in poor condition, with broken tables and trash.
Site 001Issues noted
Site 001: Proximity to the lake is convenient, but campers noted issues with sheep and dogs.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the peaceful and scenic environment, describing it as "beautiful" and "relaxing." The fishing and easy access to the reservoir were commonly appreciated. One user noted, "We always...

Based on 70 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently focus on the lack of shade and trash collection. Reviewers also mentioned the narrow spacing of sites and occasional overcrowding due to non-campers parking in reserved areas....

Based on 70 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own shade due to the lack of trees. Preparing for colder nights and packing out garbage are crucial. Visitors also suggested reserving sites well in advance.

Based on 70 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall (September to early October) is highly recommended for leaf-peeping and cooler weather. One reviewer highlighted this as "ideal for the leafs changing color." Summer reviews often touch on the...

Based on 70 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The reservoir is beautiful. Fishing was fantastic. We had the best time!" "Quiet campground. It's sparse so bring your own shade." "No cell service either." "We love Gooseberry Reservoir, one of my...

Based on 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 70 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences with pets. Some reviewers noted issues with sheep dogs being aggressive toward their pets, which limited their ability to let their pets roam freely.

Based on 70 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly fishing and boating access in a high-elevation setting with spectacular fall foliage.

Skip if

You need shaded sites, consistent site maintenance, or a campground free from livestock disturbances.

Nearby Campgrounds

540 N. Main, Ephraim, UT 84627, USA

Mammoth Cabin sits in the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Ephraim, offering U.S. Forest Service cabins at high elevation with access to Gooseberry Reservoir and the Arapeen OHV trail system. The cabins come with hot showers, flush toilets, and kitchens, and are positioned across meadows where elk, deer, and eagles are commonly spotted. Summer brings warm days and cool nights ideal for campfires, boating, and biking the surrounding trails.