How much does camping cost at Payson Lakes?

Camping fees at Payson Lakes range from $27.67-$305/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Payson Lakes first-come first-served or reservation?

Payson Lakes 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 Payson Lakes before I book?

Yes! Payson Lakes has 17 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 Payson Lakes?

Payson Lakes is open May 08 to October 11. 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 Payson Lakes?

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

Can I have a campfire at Payson Lakes?

Fire policies at Payson Lakes: Extra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Payson Lakes have?

Payson Lakes has 71 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Payson Lakes?

Yes, pets are allowed at Payson Lakes. 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 Payson Lakes?

Payson Lakes offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Payson Lakes?

Popular activities at Payson Lakes include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Payson Lakes

4.18

165 reviews

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salem, UT, 84653

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$27.67 - $305/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

71 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$27.67 - $305/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

71 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Payson Lakes

$27.67 - $305.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Large Group: $272.27; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $191.04; Glamping Tent: $106.23; RV NONELECTRIC: $27.67; S&P Double:...

Standard Site Fee$31.00

Premium Site Fee$119.00

Group Site Fee$305.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

SPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT 801-798-3571 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com

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Campground Map

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salem, UT, 84653

Payson Lakes

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salem, UT, 84653

Nearby places

Payson (12 miles), Spanish Fork (22 miles), Provo (30 miles)

Weather at Payson Lakes

Current alerts(12)

Campground Etiquette and Rules Gates open at 7am, close at 10pm Quiet Hours are 10pm-6am No generators after 10pm Camping is allowed only within the designated space provided.
Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest For more info, call Spanish Fork Ranger District at 801-798-3571 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100 Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah To reserve a site call…
Dogs or Domestic Pets Owners must -Control dog by leash not to exceed six feet (6’) at all times -Clean up dog feces immediately -Limit two dogs per site Do not allow dogs to -Threaten or attack people/animals -Interfere with people, vehicles, or property -Cause damage to…
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood within 10 miles of your destination and burning it on-site. For more info click here

Best Time to Camp at Payson Lakes

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest opportunity to use the lake and trails — expect cool, comfortable high-elevation weather with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) and nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s °F (2–7 °C). This is peak season for fishing, boating, swimming, wildflower meadows and long alpine hikes, with most facilities and access fully open. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan midweek visits or arrive early for quieter lakeside campsites; be prepared for late-af Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Review signal strongly positive for early September; fewer campers and nice weather make fall appealing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, to October 11, 2025.

About Payson Lakes

Payson Lakes sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, operated by Utah Recreation Company. The mid-sized campground serves tent campers, RV users, and groups who come for fishing, swimming, and hiking among wildflower meadows and mountain lakes. Reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though campsites run small and the lakes can drop in summer.

Payson Lakes Campground offers a variety of camping options, including individual tent and RV sites, double sites, group camping areas, and glamping sites. The diversity of site types accommodates a wide range of camping preferences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest opportunity to use the lake and trails — expect cool, comfortable high-elevation weather with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) and nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s °F (2–7 °C). This is peak season for fishing, boating, swimming, wildflower meadows and long alpine hikes, with most facilities and access fully open. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan midweek visits or arrive early for quieter lakeside campsites; be prepared for late-af Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAspens, firs, and pines blanket the slopes around three nearby lakes: McClelland, Box, and Big East. Deer browse at dawn. Squirrels chatter. Raptors circle overhead. Summer brings wildflower meadows and clear mountain water for kayaking and swimming. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area spreads out to the south, accessible via the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Drought has dropped water levels in recent years, leaving muddy shorelines in places.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available, but there are two glamping sites and several group sites that cater to larger groups. Some user reviews mentioned yurts, which may be an additional glamping feature.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Two-night minimum on weekends
three-night minimum on holiday weekends.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy for individual sites: 8 people.

Groups

Group sites include picnic and serving tables, grills, and campfire circles, with capacities ranging from 75 to 100 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and the associated mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads and parking spurs. A paved nature trail circles Big East Lake, and some user reviews highlighted accessibility for wheelchairs, including one person who described the trail as fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Site SizeThe campground offers a variety of sites, including single (for up to 8 people), double (up to 16 people), group sites (up to 100 people), and glamping sites. However, some users mentioned that the site dimensions are often smaller than advertised, especially for larger RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary within the campground. Many users noted that sites are close together, but the dense tree coverage provides some seclusion. Some reviewers found the proximity to neighbors problematic due to noise.

Total Campsites71 campsites

Recommended SitesSite B08 is noted for its spacious layout with two tent pads, while site C11 is criticized for its uneven driveway and low-hanging tree branches.

Best CampsitesGroup sites B and C get frequent mentions for their proximity to Box and Payson Lakes, plus access to flush toilets and cooking areas. Single and double sites vary widely in size. Some reviewers warn that larger RVs won't fit advertised dimensions.

Need help booking Payson Lakes?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Payson Lakes Campground offers a range of amenities designed to cater to both individual and group campers. It features single and double sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. For groups, there are three designated group sites, equipped with picnic and serving tables, grills, Dutch oven cooking surfaces, campfire circles, water spigots, and cement site pads. The roads and parking spurs are paved, and the campground is managed by on-site hosts. Firewood is available for purchase. A mix of flush and vault toilets are available, along with paved parking areas. Drinking water is accessible during the peak season.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Big East Lake's day-use area includes a small swim beach and picnic tables. A paved trail encircles the lake, making it accessible for easy walks and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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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

4.2

165 reviews

Satisfactory

Payson Lakes is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Payson Lakes Campground are mixed, with many praising the beautiful natural setting, clean facilities, and attentive camp hosts. However, some users mentioned challenges, such as cramped campsites, noise from neighboring campers, and lake water levels affected by drought.

Review Summaries

Based on 165 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 165 reviews.

Loop BLoved
Sites in Loop B were often noted for their shade and proximity to wildlife, while some in Loop C were described as smaller but well-maintained.
C11Issues noted
Reviewers mentioned specific challenges with certain sites, such as C11, which is described as having a steep driveway and being unsuitable for larger trailers.

What Campers Love

Commonly mentioned positives include the well-maintained facilities, clean and odor-free bathrooms, helpful hosts, and a variety of recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing. The scenic...

Based on 165 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include noisy neighbors, algae blooms in the lake, muddy conditions along the shores, and sites being smaller than advertised. Issues with overcrowding and enforcement of quiet...

Based on 165 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade and chairs for the lake areas. Consider visiting outside of peak times to avoid overcrowding. Be cautious about site sizes, especially if using larger RVs. Bring water shoes for...

Based on 165 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Many reviews note that the campground can be crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Winter visitors highlighted the area's serene beauty but noted limited activities. Drought conditions have...

Based on 165 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were the cleanest and best smelling camping bathrooms I've ever experienced." "Our camp hosts Jim and Judy were amazing; they made sure everything was perfect!" "The lake is beautiful,...

Based on 165 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer noted that the paved trail around Big East Lake is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for visitors with mobility challenges.

Based on 165 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but owners are required to keep them on leashes not exceeding six feet. Some visitors complained about dogs barking at night, disrupting the camping experience.

Based on 165 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want maintained facilities and lake access for fishing or swimming in a high-elevation forest setting.

Skip if

You need large campsites, 24-hour gate access, or guaranteed high water levels in the lakes.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.6

(20)

Payson Lakes Guard Station

FR 017, Payson, UT 84651

Payson Lakes Guard Station sits high in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Payson, Utah, where alpine meadows and aspen groves frame a historic cabin retreat. Utah Recreation Company operates this small, secluded property popular with families seeking privacy and fall color. Guests hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife between the overnight gate closures.