Hoop Lake Campground
3.7217 reviewsWasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY 82930
Hoop Lake Campground
$15.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$72.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$24 per night for single sites, $72 per night for group sites (30-person capacity), $15 for day use, and $10 per extra vehicle. Senior national parks passholders may receive discounts.
About this campground
Perched high in the pristine Uinta Mountains at 9,000 feet, Hoop Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. This remote alpine sanctuary centers around the shimmering waters of Hoop Lake, where anglers cast lines into crystal-clear depths, kayakers glide across mirror-like surfaces, and small boats explore hidden coves. Just beyond your tent flap, ancient trails wind into the legendary High Uintas Wilderness, inviting hikers and horseback riders to discover untouched backcountry that few ever experience.
Hoop Lake Campground caters primarily to tent camping and RV camping, with a mix of single campsites and one group site. Primitive camping facilities emphasize a nature-centric experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Hoop Lake bring that perfect mountain weather you've been dreaming of—warm sunshine that feels like a gentle embrace, punctuated by dramatic afternoon cloudbursts that roll through like nature's own symphony. The high-altitude sun bathes the landscape in golden light, while shaded groves offer cool refuges where temperatures drop noticeably. Be prepared for the fine mountain dust that dances in the air, a reminder of the wild, untamed character of this high-country haven.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Hoop Lake Campground sits in that rarified air where the sky seems closer and the stars shine brighter. This lofty perch means your body might need a day or two to adjust—take it slow, drink plenty of water, and let the thin mountain air remind you that you've truly escaped to somewhere special.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens create a natural cathedral around Hoop Lake Campground, their branches framing postcard-perfect views of the sapphire lake below. This is wild country where majestic elk bugle at dawn, deer step delicately through morning mist, massive moose lumber along the shoreline, and industrious beavers engineer their aquatic kingdoms. Every trail leading from camp promises new wonders as it climbs toward the High Uintas Wilderness, where alpine meadows burst with wildflowers and hidden lakes sparkle like scattered jewels.
Geological RegionThe Uinta Mountains cradle Hoop Lake Campground in their ancient embrace, a rare east-west running range that creates a unique high-altitude ecosystem. This timbered wonderland showcases classic alpine terrain where glacially-carved Hoop Lake reflects the surrounding peaks like a natural mirror. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, from the weathered granite peaks to the pristine mountain lakes that dot the wilderness. Trails from the campground serve as gateways into the High Uintas Wilderness, one of Utah's most treasured and protected alpine environments.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites vary in size but are generally smaller than advertised, with noted discrepancies. "Sites are SMALLER than what is posted in the reservation site" (Carrie Baker, 2020). "Site #2 listed as 85ft pull-through could not fit a 33ft trailer" (Carrie Baker, 2020).
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer varied privacy; some provide seclusion with lake views, while others are tightly packed. "We had a nice view of the lake and felt secluded from the other campsites" (Bob, 2020). However, "The campground is very tight and full of trees, not much room to get in and out" (Carrie Baker, 2020).
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid reserving sites based solely on online size descriptions, as many reviews report discrepancies.
Best CampsitesSite 24 offers seclusion and a lake view.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 2-night minimum on weekends
- 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- 8per single site
- 30 per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 30 people at a cost of $76 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground offers 44 single sites and 1 group site. The sites are densely surrounded by trees, and some loops may have challenging access due to tight turns and obstacles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 30, 2025, to September 1, 2025. First-come, first-served from June 21, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability from June 21 to September 1 during the open season.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee applies for cancellations. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours before arrival) forfeit the first night’s use fee.
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 Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, with an emphasis on lake-related and wilderness experiences. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing is a popular pastime, with trout being the most commonly caught species. Hiking opportunities are abundant, with access to Hoop Lake trailhead and the High Uintas Wilderness. "This off-the-beaten path area is a kind of recreationist's paradise, with boating and fishing in Hoop Lake, more fishing in nearby Beaver Meadow Reservoir, and trails galore" (Authoritative Source).
Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails accessible from the campground, including the Hoop Lake trailhead and routes into the High Uintas Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is available both in Hoop Lake and the nearby Beaver Meadow Reservoir. Commonly caught species include trout. "Fishing was fair this weekend...using worms" (Bob, 2020).Boating
Boating is allowed on Hoop Lake, but facilities are limited. There is no formal boat launch; however, small engine skiffs, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards were observed. "There is no real boat launch, but a few people managed to launch very small engine skiffs" (Bob, 2020).Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of birds, elk, deer, moose, and beaver. "There is plenty of sightseeing and wildlife watching for the numerous birds, elk, deer, moose, and beaver who frequent the area" (Authoritative Source).Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Generators must be turned off during these hours.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is in bear country, and food storage regulations must be followed. Roads leading to the campground can be challenging, particularly in Utah.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 14.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
The nearest emergency services, including a ranger station, are in Mountain View, WY, 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 29, 2026, to August 31, 2026.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. Campers must bring trash bags and remove all waste. "This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; bring trash bags" (Authoritative Source).
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shores of Hoop Lake, with access to fishing and kayaking.
Common complaintsMany complaints about the poor condition of roads leading to the campground, small and unlevel campsites, and inaccuracy of site sizes listed online.
HostHosts are noted to be friendly and helpful, often assisting campers with site adjustments and keeping facilities clean.
Campground Map
Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY 82930
Driving directionsFrom Mountain View, WY, take State Rt. 414 east 21.5 miles to Lonetree, WY. Just passed mile marker 122 on Rt. 414, turn right onto County Rt. 290 (oiled gravel) and go 0.9 miles to an intersection (County Rt. 291). Turn left onto Rt. 291 and go 5 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn right and go 2.8 miles to a "Y" intersection and Hoop Lake sign (Forest Rt. 078). Bear left at sign onto Rt. 078 and go 3.8 miles to another "Y" intersection. Bear right and go 0.3 miles to the campground.
The road access to Hoop Lake Campground is mixed. From Wyoming, the dirt road is in good condition, allowing for speeds of 25-30 mph with trailers. However, after crossing into Utah, the roads reportedly worsen with deep ruts and potholes, requiring reduced speeds of under 10 mph. Multiple reviews caution that the entrance from WY 414 is easy to miss and turning around for large rigs can be challenging.Nearby places
Mountain View, WY: 35 miles (approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Mountain View, WY, 35 miles away, is the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
3.7
17 reviews
Hoop Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews point to a mixed experience at Hoop Lake Campground. While the natural beauty and recreational opportunities are highly praised, issues such as inaccurate campsite size descriptions, rough access roads, and lack of water detract from the experience. "Hoop Lake is beautiful and fishing is always good" (Jeff Malan, 2024), but "The sizes listed on the sites are VERY inaccurate" (Scott B, 2021).
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
"The campground is beautiful" (Kylie Bassett, 2023). "Great for families to fish, kayak, and enjoy the beautiful scenery" (Christine H, 2020). "The camp hosts were amazing, very friendly and always...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Roads leading to the campground are very rough" (Jeff Malan, 2024). "Campsites were very small and unlevel" (Kylie Bassett, 2023). "No drinking water available" (Bob, 2020).
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as there is no potable water available. Use mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes are prevalent. Plan for rough roads, particularly in Utah. Smaller trailers are recommended due to...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest on weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday nights, and empties out by Sunday. Early seasons (May) may see facilities like toilets and water locked...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Vault toilets were clean" (Bob, 2020). "Camp hosts were amazing, very friendly and always taking care of the campground/campers" (Kylie Bassett, 2023). "Fishing was fair this weekend" (Bob, 2020).
Based on 17 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #2 and Site #23 are noted for size discrepancies. "Site #2 listed as 85ft pull-through could not fit a 33ft trailer" (Carrie Baker, 2020). "Site #23 says it will hold a 42 ft. trailer, but I...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Two dogs per campsite are allowed, but they must be on a leash not exceeding six feet and waste must be cleaned up immediately. Dogs are not allowed to disturb wildlife.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025