Lilly Lake Campground
4.4156 reviewsUT-150, Kamas, UT 84036
Lilly Lake Campground
$28.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
Campsites cost between $28.06 and $31.00 depending on season and reservation method. Day use fee is $15.00. Extra vehicles are charged $10.00 per vehicle. Firewood is available for $9.00.
About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet elevation, Lilly Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high-altitude escape. This mountain sanctuary connects you with a pristine trio of alpine lakes, where morning mist dances across crystal waters and the day's possibilities stretch endlessly before you. With thoughtfully paved campsite access making arrival effortless, you'll find yourself immersed in a wilderness playground perfect for casting a line into mirror-still waters, paddling beneath towering peaks, or discovering hidden trails that wind through ancient forests.
Lilly Lake Campground offers traditional camping options, including tent and RV sites. There are no group campsites, cabins, or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceJourney along the storied Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and step back in time at the weathered Historical Tie Hack Cabin, where the ghosts of hardy loggers who once harvested railroad ties from these mountain forests seem to linger in the timber walls. This scenic corridor weaves together tales of pioneering spirits, indigenous heritage, and the rugged individuals who carved out lives in these demanding but beautiful mountains, offering modern travelers a chance to connect with the rich tapestry of human history woven throughout this landscape.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here tells its own dramatic story, with summer days unfolding in comfortable 65-75°F temperatures that invite exploration and outdoor adventures. As darkness falls, the mercury dips to a crisp 40-50°F, perfect for gathering around crackling campfires and stargazing through crystal-clear mountain air. Nature keeps things interesting with occasional summer thunderstorms that roll through the peaks and early or late-season snowflakes that dust the landscape, reminding visitors of the raw beauty and unpredictability of high-altitude camping.
ElevationAt 10,000 feet above sea level, Lilly Lake Campground sits in rarified air where the sky seems closer and every breath reminds you of your lofty perch among the clouds. This dramatic elevation creates an invigorating high-altitude environment where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and your body works a little harder. First-time high-altitude visitors should take it easy for the first day or two, allowing time to acclimate to the thinner air while savoring the extraordinary views that come with camping nearly two miles above sea level.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape painted by nature's finest brush, where stately Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine stand sentinel over meadows exploding with summer wildflowers in every hue imaginable. The campground's crown jewels are its pristine alpine lakes, their surfaces reflecting sky and forest in perfect symmetry, creating postcard-worthy scenes at every turn. This is a place where elk might wander past your tent at dawn, where the evening alpenglow transforms granite peaks into glowing monuments, and where the raw beauty of the Rockies reveals itself in intimate, unforgettable moments.
Geological RegionNestled within the ancient Uinta Mountains, one of the few major ranges in North America that runs east to west, Lilly Lake Campground sits amid a geological wonderland millions of years in the making. These peaks tell Earth's story through exposed rock faces and glacially carved valleys, while dense forests of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine carpet the slopes in emerald green. Summer transforms the understory into nature's garden, with wildflowers painting splashes of color between the trees, while pristine alpine lakes fill basins carved by long-vanished glaciers, creating the perfect high-mountain ecosystem for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed accessibility features are mentioned for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeEach campsite can accommodate up to 8 people and 1 vehicle. Reviews suggest some sites are tight for RVs and trailers, with limited space for tow vehicles.
Sites PrivacyMany reviewers appreciated the privacy offered by the campsites, with one noting that the campsites 'feel like they have good privacy.'
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakeside sites for better views; inside loop sites offer quieter settings.
Best CampsitesSites 1 and 9 are highlighted for their proximity to the lake and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy per site is 8 people per single site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site is 8 people per single site.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPaved campground with 14 single sites arranged in a loop, some offering direct lake access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13, 2025 to September 01, 2025 (reservable), first-come-first-served until September 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited during peak season and generally fills quickly.
Cancellation PolicyCancelling prior to arrival requires a $10 fee. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) forfeit the first night fee. No refunds for no-shows.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lilly Lake Campground is surrounded by three lakes—Lilly Lake, Lost Lake, and Teapot Lake—offering abundant recreational opportunities. Activities include hiking, fishing, and canoeing. The forested environment and proximity to scenic byways also enhance the outdoor experience.
Hiking
Numerous trails are accessible from the campground, with one user review recommending the 'Crystal Lake loop' trail. The hikes in the area vary in difficulty and offer scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with species like Tiger trout and rainbow trout available. One reviewer noted, 'We caught 20 fish in one afternoon.'Boating
Canoeing is highlighted as an available activity in the area. Small boats and inflatables can be launched from the marshy shoreline.Wildlife viewing
The dense forest and lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available in the broader Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest area, though not specific to the campground.Water Sports
Canoeing and fishing are the primary water-based activities available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated rings; fireworks and firearms prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear Country regulations apply. High-altitude location may cause breathing difficulties for some visitors.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate rain
Precipitation: 3.5000000000000004%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (3.50% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain
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
Bear River Ranger Station near Evanston provides emergency support. Hospitals and police stations can be accessed in Kamas and Evanston.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 to September 01, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, meaning campers must bring trash bags and remove all waste. Overflowing bins have been noted as a problem when no camp host is present.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Lilly Lake, Lost Lake, and Teapot Lake, offering fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Common complaintsNegative reviews mention lack of drinking water (spigots not functioning), unclean restrooms, and challenges for RV parking.
HostCamp hosts have received mixed reviews; some visitors praise their helpfulness while others report issues like unavailability.
Campground Map
UT-150, Kamas, UT 84036
Driving directionsIn Kamas, UT, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 (Main St.) and State Rt. 150 (Center St.), take Rt. 150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) east 27 miles to the campground sign. Turn left into the campground.
The campground can be accessed through the paved Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, which offers direct access to the site. Roads are generally well-maintained, but high-altitude driving conditions may pose challenges for some visitors.Nearby places
Kamas (27 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Evanston (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies, including firewood ($9), are available at Lost Creek, Trial Lake, and Washington Lake Campgrounds. Groceries and fuel can be sourced from Kamas, 27 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
56 reviews
Lilly Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Lilly Lake Campground receives mixed reviews. Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty, fishing, and helpful camp hosts (when present). However, common complaints include the lack of potable water, issues with vault toilet cleanliness, and problems with campsite reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers often highlight the 'beautiful views,' 'peaceful environment,' and 'excellent fishing opportunities.' Many appreciate the camp hosts, describing them as 'kind and understanding.'
Based on 56 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most frequent complaints include a lack of drinking water ('The website states there is drinking water available...but neither spigot works'), unpleasant-smelling vault toilets, and overcrowding...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water ('bring all water needed for your stay') and preparing for high-altitude conditions, which some visitors find challenging. Sites near the lakes are...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most reviewed season, with visitors enjoying the warm days and cool nights. However, bugs and marshy areas are noted by some.
Based on 56 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'What a beautiful view. The shoreline is very marshy and muddy.' 2. 'The fishing is dynamite. It's a small little campground, which is nice not having a ton of people around.' 3. 'The public...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Noted for its proximity to the vault toilet with odor issues. Site 8: Praised for its short walk to the lake. Site 9: Described as 'very nice' despite being on the inner loop.
Based on 56 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 56 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed and controlled at all times. 'Limit two dogs per campsite.'
Based on 56 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025