Christmas Meadows Campground

Star4.35
38 reviews
FR111, Evanston, UT, 82930
Christmas Meadows Campground
$15.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $29.00 per single site (capacity 8 people, 1 vehicle). Day use fee is $15.00. Extra vehicle costs $10.00 per day, and trailhead...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$29.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com

About this campground

Perched at 8,800 feet in the heart of the Uinta Mountains, Christmas Meadows Campground offers an intimate alpine escape with just 11 thoughtfully spaced sites. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, perfect for starlit dinners and marshmallow roasting. The campground's dirt roads wind through a landscape of lodgepole pines and quaking aspens, while vault toilets and seasonal drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude among the peaks.
Christmas Meadows Campground offers camping options for tents and small trailers. It is primarily tailored to single-family camping.
Historical SignificanceChristmas Meadows sits along the legendary Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, a historic route that has long served as the gateway to the High Uintas Wilderness. This corridor has witnessed centuries of human passage, from indigenous peoples following seasonal hunting grounds to modern adventurers seeking the same untamed beauty. The byway itself tells the story of the American West, connecting visitors to one of the nation's most ecologically significant alpine regions.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a temperate paradise, with pleasant days hovering between 70-85°F—ideal for hiking and relaxation. Mountain weather keeps you on your toes, though, as afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain. Come winter, deep snows blanket the landscape, closing access roads and transforming the area into a pristine, unreachable wonderland that sleeps until spring's return.
ElevationAt 8,800 feet above sea level, Christmas Meadows places you in the rarified air of true alpine country. This lofty perch rewards visitors with sweeping mountain vistas and naturally air-conditioned summers, where even the hottest valley days give way to cool, comfortable nights. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where wildflowers bloom later, stars shine brighter, and every breath reminds you that you've truly escaped to the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its commanding position on a gentle knoll, the campground overlooks the sprawling Christmas Meadows below, where Stillwater Fork meanders through emerald grasslands. Lodgepole pines stand sentinel while aspens shimmer in the breeze, their dappled shade offering respite from the mountain sun. Summer brings an explosion of wildflowers—Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine—that transform the meadows into nature's own impressionist painting, creating an ever-changing canvas of color against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Geological RegionThe Uinta Mountains cradle this campground in their ancient embrace, showcasing a unique east-west oriented range that defies North American geological norms. These peaks tell a billion-year story written in stone, where glacial valleys meet pristine meadows and dense forests of lodgepole pine and aspen create a living mosaic. This is quintessential alpine terrain, where every vista reveals the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable landscape over millennia.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as reasonably spaced, accommodating tents and small trailers. Each site includes a fire ring and a picnic table.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer some privacy, though some reviewers mentioned that they could hear noise from nearby sites. One user commented that the 'sites are well spaced,' while another noted that the campground is 'quiet and clean.'
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites along the river are ideal for scenic views and shade. Site #11 is recommended for privacy as it only shares one side with another site.
Best CampsitesSite #11 is praised for privacy and views of surrounding hills and peaks.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
No information provided on maximum consecutive stay limits.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per single site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites mentioned at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 11 single-family sites arranged in a semi-circle layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13 to September 1 (reservable season). From September 2 to September 20, sites are first-come, first-served.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is from September 2 to September 20, but sites cannot be guaranteed without in-person arrival.
Cancellation PolicyA $10.00 service fee applies for any reservation change or cancellation. Late cancellations may result in forfeiture of the first night's use fee plus the service fee. No refunds are available for Scan-and-Pay transactions.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Christmas Meadows Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities, with trails such as the Christmas Meadows Trail starting just outside the campground. Other hiking trails lead to alpine lakes in the nearby Uinta Wilderness. Fly-fishing on Stillwater Fork is a favorite activity, with brook and cutthroat trout being the primary catches. Biking and wildlife viewing are other notable activities.
Hiking
The Christmas Meadows Trail, located near the campground, is widely used for hiking and horseback riding. Additional trails in the area offer access to alpine lakes and scenic viewpoints, with one reviewer describing these trails as 'great for day hikes.'
Fishing
Fly-fishing is a common activity along the Stillwater Fork, which is accessible from the campground. Brook and cutthroat trout are the main fish species found here. However, one reviewer noted 'poor fishing,' stating they didn't see a single fish in three days.
Biking
Biking is available in the surrounding area. Some trails connect to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, providing extensive routes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings, including moose and deer, are common. One reviewer mentioned seeing these animals directly from their campsite.
Winter Activities
The campground is not explicitly noted for winter activities.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this location.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood is sold by the host.
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsBear activity requires food to be securely stored, and failure to comply may result in fines or removal from the site. The uneven, rocky access road is difficult for low-clearance vehicles.

Weather forecast

24
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 9.6 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are accessible in Evanston, Wyoming, 36 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 13 to September 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but the campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. One user review noted that there is no trash service because the operator cannot bring the truck down the rough road to the campground.
Proximity to water featuresSituated above Stillwater Fork, which provides opportunities for fly-fishing and scenic views.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include very buggy conditions, expensive fees, and a rough access road.
HostCamp hosts are reported as helpful and friendly, with positive mentions of host Clark. Hosts sell firewood and enforce cleanliness rules.

Campground Map

FR111, Evanston, UT, 82930
Driving directionsFrom Evanston, Wyoming, take Highway 150 south for 32 miles. Turn east on Christmas Meadows Road and travel 4 miles to the end of the road and the campground.
The road access includes a 4-mile dirt road that is described as rocky and not recommended for low-clearance or small vehicles. It includes narrow sections and protruding rocks, making it difficult to traverse without high-clearance vehicles.
Nearby places
Evanston: 36 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Evanston, Wyoming, located 36 miles from the campground.

Camper Reviews

4.4
38 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Christmas Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the natural beauty, peaceful location, and cleanliness of Christmas Meadows Campground. Many comments highlight the friendly and attentive host and the well-maintained facilities. However, some reviews criticize the rough road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Cleanest pit toilet I have ever seen.' - 'Friendly camp host.' - 'Beautiful views of the meadows and mountains.' - 'Direct access to hiking trails.' - 'Quiet and serene environment.'
Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'The road to the campground is rough and rocky.' - 'Poor fishing experience.' - 'Sites are too close together for some users.' - 'High camping fees.' - 'No camp host available during certain...
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Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Use a high-clearance vehicle due to the rough road conditions. - Bring extra firewood as availability may vary. - Prepare for quick weather changes and bring rain gear. - Consider camping in the...
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Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for camping, with visitors noting pleasant temperatures and opportunities for wildlife viewing. However, bugs and the rocky road are recurring issues during this...
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Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This is my favorite place to camp every year. It is beyond beautiful.' - 'The bathrooms were amazing, and the meadows and rivers were beautiful.' - 'The road into the campground is fairly bad,...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 011: Well-spaced, offers privacy with only one shared side. Vault toilets nearby. Some users noted it was on a slope, making trailer leveling challenging. Site 008: Praised for its beauty and...
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Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users generally found the campground pet-friendly, but some reported issues with barking dogs disrupting the peace.
Based on 38 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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