Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground
3.619 reviewsWasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY, 82930
Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground
$5.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $5 for trailhead overnight parking per vehicle to $100 per night for the largest group site accommodating up to 50 people and 10 vehicles.
About this campground
Perched at an impressive 9,000 feet in the clouds, Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground serves as your gateway to alpine adventure in the High Uintas Wilderness. This intimate mountain retreat features seven secluded campsites nestled among towering evergreens, where the pristine waters of Hoop Lake lap gently at the shoreline just steps from your tent. Whether you're casting a line for trout at dawn, launching your kayak into mirror-smooth waters, or setting off on horseback to explore wilderness trails, this high-altitude haven offers the perfect blend of accessibility and backcountry solitude.
The campground accommodates single and group camping setups but is best suited for tent camping and small RVs due to the lack of modern amenities.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Hoop Lake bring a delightful mountain climate where sunshine plays hide-and-seek with puffy clouds, creating an ever-changing canvas overhead. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through, leaving everything fresh and glistening. As darkness falls, the temperature drops significantly—a reminder that you're camping nearly two miles above sea level—making evenings perfect for campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground offers a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp and thin, and the views stretch endlessly across the mountain landscape. This lofty perch means visitors should take time to acclimatize, drinking plenty of water and taking it easy on the first day. The elevation rewards campers with cooler temperatures even in summer, brilliant night skies unmarred by light pollution, and that invigorating feeling of being on top of the world.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a cathedral of towering pines and firs, this timbered sanctuary opens to reveal stunning vistas of Hoop Lake's sapphire waters. The campground pulses with wildlife activity—majestic elk graze in nearby meadows at dusk, while moose wade through marshy areas and beavers industriously work the water's edge. Deer pick their way delicately through the campsites, and the morning air rings with birdsong from countless species. This peaceful mountain ecosystem offers photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing tableau of Rocky Mountain beauty.
Geological RegionHoop Lake Trailhead Campground sits majestically in northeastern Utah's high country, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks and pristine alpine lakes. This 9,000-foot timbered paradise lies near the renowned Flaming Gorge area and kisses the Wyoming border, serving as a scenic launching point into the legendary High Uintas Wilderness. The surrounding forest-clad mountains and crystalline lake create a postcard-perfect setting that epitomizes the rugged beauty of the American West's most spectacular high-elevation terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not mention specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as small and unlevel, with some sites being significantly smaller than advertised. For instance, one user noted that their reserved site listed as 85 feet could not accommodate a 33-foot trailer.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer varying levels of privacy, with some offering seclusion and lake views, but others are described as tightly packed and less private.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid large rigs as most sites cannot accommodate trailers over 20 feet. Bring leveling blocks due to uneven terrain. Site #24 offers lake views but may require additional maneuvering.
Best CampsitesSite #24 is noted for its pull-through configuration and lake view but requires leveling due to uneven terrain.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per single site is 8 people.
Groups
There are two group sites with a capacity of 30 people each and one group site accommodating up to 50 people. A maximum of five vehicles are allowed for the smaller group sites and ten for the larger one.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 7 single sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Group sites are available separately. Campground layout includes two sections with access to the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 30 - September 1. First-come, first-served availability begins June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov online or via its app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability begins June 20. Walk-up sites cannot be reserved online or by phone.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled the day before or on the arrival date. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Campers can access boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing directly from the site. The area provides easy access to the High Uintas Wilderness, making it a paradise for hikers and backpackers.
Hiking
The campground is conveniently located near the Hoop Lake Trailhead, granting access to numerous trails in the High Uintas Wilderness. Visitors can choose from a range of hiking options suitable for varying skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight, with Hoop Lake offering opportunities to catch trout using various methods, including bait fishing with worms. Nearby Beaver Meadow Reservoir also provides additional fishing options.Boating
Hoop Lake allows non-motorized water activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake does not have a formal boat launch, but some campers managed to launch small-engine skiffs.Wildlife viewing
The campground is a hotspot for wildlife observation, with sightings of elk, deer, moose, and various bird species frequently reported in the area.Winter Activities
No information on winter activities was provided, as the campground is likely closed during the winter season.Water Sports
The lake supports non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for $9.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsChallenges include rough road conditions leading to the site, unlevel campsites requiring leveling equipment, and the need for mosquito repellent. The area is bear country, requiring secure food storage to avoid wildlife encounters.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2.4%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight 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
Closest hospital: Evanston Regional Hospital, Evanston, WY (Approx. 45 miles). Police station: Evanston Police Department, Evanston, WY. Ranger station: Evanston/Mountain View Ranger District, Evanston, WY.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 30 - September 1.
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Campers are expected to bring and manage their own trash bags as there are no waste disposal facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresHoop Lake is within walking distance, providing fishing and boating opportunities. Beaver Meadow Reservoir is also nearby.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include poorly maintained roads leading to the campground, unlevel campsites, small site sizes, and lack of drinking water facilities. Some reviewers noted rusted fire pits and erosion issues.
HostCamp hosts have been consistently praised for their friendliness and maintaining clean facilities, including vault toilets.
Campground Map
Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY, 82930
Driving directionsFrom I-80, take the exit for Fort Bridger. Follow WY 414 past Mountain View, then take Forest Roads to the campground. Be cautious as the turnoff from WY 414 to Hoop Lake can be easy to miss, and the next available turnaround for large rigs is miles down the road. Towards the campground, road conditions worsen, especially after crossing into Utah, where speeds under 10 mph are recommended.
The road access includes Wyoming dirt roads in fair condition (25-30 mph travel speed recommended with trailers) but worsens after crossing into Utah with poorly maintained roads requiring speeds below 10 mph. The campground is accessible but challenging for large vehicles due to narrow turns and uneven surfaces.Nearby places
Evanston: Approx. 45 miles, 1 hour drive
Mountain View: Approx. 30 miles, 45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Evanston, WY, approximately 45 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
3.6
9 reviews
Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting and peaceful atmosphere but also emphasize several drawbacks, such as the rough access roads, unlevel campsites, and lack of potable water. Many visitors praised the clean vault toilets and friendly camp hosts, while others criticized the high fees relative to the minimal amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciated the stunning lake views, natural beauty, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. The friendly and hardworking camp hosts received consistent praise for maintaining the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints included the rough access road, unlevel campsites, and the discrepancy between advertised and actual site sizes. Some campers found the fees too high for the limited amenities...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, leveling blocks for RVs, and mosquito repellent. Arrive early if visiting on weekends to secure a spot if not reserved. Be prepared for dusty conditions and pack out all trash.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest on weekends, with sites filling up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays but becoming quieter by Sunday. Visitors during the shoulder seasons may encounter closed facilities,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campground was nearly full Friday and Saturday night. And completely empty Sunday night.' - Bob
2. 'The campsites were very small and unlevel.' - Kylie Bassett
3. 'The toilets were locked and...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is listed as 85 feet but could not accommodate a 33-foot trailer, according to one user. Site 24 offers a lake view but may be challenging to navigate for larger RVs due to rocks and stumps.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but rules include keeping them on a leash no longer than six feet and limiting two dogs per campsite. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025