Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground
4.1047 reviewsASHLEY, UT, USA
Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
The campground is fee-free during the peak season (May 15 - September 17). However, reservation service fees apply: $8 for online bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations.
About this campground
Tucked away in a secluded canyon along the shimmering waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground offers an exclusive wilderness escape that rewards the adventurous. Whether you arrive by boat across the crystal-clear reservoir or hike in through rugged terrain, you'll discover a peaceful sanctuary where modern amenities meet untamed beauty. Days here unfold with endless water adventures—from early morning fishing expeditions to afternoon water skiing sessions and sunset swims in the warm reservoir waters. Well-appointed sites feature sturdy cabanas for shade, picnic tables for lakeside meals, and campfire rings where stories flow as freely as the stars overhead. Despite its remote location, you'll find the comfort of flush toilets and fresh water hydrants throughout this thoughtfully designed waterfront retreat.
The campground is primarily designed for tent camping, as sites are tent-only and boat-in accessible. RV camping and other forms of lodging are not supported.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of the Wild West at Hideout Canyon, where the very walls that shelter your campsite once concealed the notorious Butch Cassidy and his Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. This dramatic landscape served as a natural fortress for outlaws evading the law, its maze of canyons and hidden alcoves providing the perfect refuge. Beyond its colorful outlaw past, the area tells even older stories through ancient Native American rock art etched into canyon walls, silent testimony to cultures that thrived here centuries before. The nearby Flaming Gorge Dam stands as a modern engineering marvel, creating the vast reservoir that transformed this desert canyon into a water recreation paradise. As you explore, you're walking through layers of history—from prehistoric peoples to frontier outlaws to the ambitious dam builders who reshaped this landscape in the 1960s.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate at Hideout Canyon creates a dramatic canvas of changing seasons that transforms your camping experience throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water sports, punctuated by spectacular afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the reservoir and clear into brilliant starlit evenings. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Winter's embrace brings a quieter magic to the canyon, with possible snowfall dusting the red rock walls and creating a stark, beautiful contrast against the deep blue reservoir. Spring awakens the canyon with wildflower blooms and warming temperatures, though visitors should always pack layers for the unpredictable mountain weather that can shift from sunshine to showers in moments.
ElevationPerched at 6,040 feet above sea level, Hideout Canyon occupies a sweet spot in the high desert where mountain and canyon ecosystems converge. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that keeps summer temperatures pleasantly cooler than the scorching valleys below, while winter brings a crisp, invigorating chill that transforms the landscape. The thin mountain air adds an extra dimension to physical activities—hikers will feel their hearts pumping a bit harder on steep trails, while the clarity of the atmosphere creates stunning visibility that can stretch for miles across the reservoir. Evening temperatures drop noticeably even in summer, making campfires not just atmospheric but genuinely warming as the sun dips behind the canyon walls.
Natural Features and SceneryHideout Canyon embraces visitors with towering sandstone cliffs that glow amber and crimson in the changing light, creating a natural amphitheater around the campground. Ancient pinyon pines and gnarled junipers dot the landscape, their twisted forms sculpted by centuries of wind and weather, offering pockets of dappled shade throughout the day. From most campsites, glimpses of Flaming Gorge Reservoir peek through the trees, its waters shifting from deep sapphire to brilliant turquoise as clouds drift overhead. The sparse high desert vegetation creates an open, airy feel that allows unobstructed views of the star-filled night sky, while the natural acoustics of the canyon walls carry the gentle lapping of waves and occasional call of canyon wrens throughout the campground.
Geological RegionHideout Canyon showcases millions of years of geological artistry carved into the Colorado Plateau, where ancient seas, windswept deserts, and powerful rivers have sculpted a masterpiece in stone. The campground nestles within layered sandstone cliffs that tell Earth's story in bands of red, tan, and cream, each representing different epochs when this land lay beneath oceans or stretched as vast sand dunes. At 6,040 feet elevation, the canyon supports a classic high desert ecosystem where hardy pinyon pines and aromatic junipers sink their roots into rocky soil, creating a sparse but beautiful forest that frames partial views of the sapphire reservoir below. The dramatic vertical relief of the canyon walls not only provides spectacular scenery but also creates diverse microclimates where desert plants thrive alongside water-loving species near the shoreline, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's incredible adaptability.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe trails connecting the docks to the campsites are gravel and steep, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. Accessibility standards are not met, and some visitors may require assistance.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized, accommodating up to two tents per site.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are relatively close together, and sound travels easily. One user mentioned being able to hear snoring from three different campsites.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor families with children, campsite 003 may be ideal due to its proximity to water and manageable paddle distance. Campsite 007 is noted for its scenic views and access to hiking trails.
Best CampsitesCampsites 003, 007, and 014 have received positive mentions for location, views, and overall experience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 16 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two tents are allowed per campsite.
Groups
No group sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are close together, near the shores of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and include cabanas, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak Season: May 15 - September 17; Off Season: September 17 - May 15 (no booking available).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via their mobile app, the contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is indicated due to the remote boat-in/hike-in nature of the campground.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with potential loss of reservation fees and first night's recreation fee for late cancellations. Late cancellations occur starting at midnight one calendar day before a scheduled check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of recreational activities, including boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. Activities are centered around the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, providing scenic views and opportunities for water-based and land-based recreation.
Hiking
Hikers can use the Hideout/Carter Creek Trailhead on Dowd Mountain off Forest Road 094. One reviewer highlighted a wonderful hike behind the campground with stunning views of the bay.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, but specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided in the source materials.Swimming
Swimming is available and described as a popular activity, with water temperatures averaging around 75°F during the summer according to one user review.Boating
Boating is a primary method of accessing the campground, and activities like water skiing and canoeing are popular. Each site has access to a shared dock. However, user reviews note issues with dock maintenance, including tilting and unsafe conditions.Water Sports
Activities such as water skiing and canoeing are available, leveraging the reservoir’s calm waters.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to burn locally-sourced firewood to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours are From 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep trails from the boat dock to campsites may pose challenges, especially during water fluctuations. Drinking water may not always be safe, as indicated by user reviews.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 17.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. However, some reviews mention issues with trash management, including unsupervised children stealing toilet paper, which may imply poor oversight.
Proximity to water featuresFlaming Gorge Reservoir is directly accessible for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention inconsistent camp host availability, lack of cleanliness in restrooms, dock issues, and water safety concerns.
HostUser reviews provide mixed feedback about camp hosts. Some describe helpful and friendly hosts while others indicate poor management or absence.
Campground Map
ASHLEY, UT, USA
Driving directionsFrom Manila, Utah: Take State Route 44 southeast for 7 miles. Turn northeast onto Forest Road 092, and continue to Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp. Once on the water, travel 2 miles southeast to reach the campground.
The campground is only accessible by boat or hiking-in. Visitors typically use the Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp for boating access or hike via the Hideout/Carter Creek Trailhead on Dowd Mountain from Forest Road 094. Roads leading to these points are paved, but the trails from the docks to the campsites are gravel and steep, with changes depending on water level fluctuations.Nearby places
Manila, Utah (7 miles by road to Sheep Creek Bay Boat Ramp)
Nearby supplies
Lucerne Valley Marina is a few miles away by boat, offering gas, boat slips, fishing licenses, bait, and groceries at a small general store.
Camper Reviews
4.1
47 reviews
Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.9. While many praise the location's scenic beauty, peacefulness, and unique boat-in access, others report dissatisfaction with the maintenance of facilities, absence of camp hosts, and reservation management issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlight the picturesque location, peaceful atmosphere, and direct access to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Specific comments include: 'Perfect for a quiet camping trip!' and 'Hideout is the...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include locked or unclean restrooms, lack of camp hosts, and issues with the dock’s safety and maintenance. One user noted: 'The bathrooms were locked somehow on our last day...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra water as the campground’s water supply has been unreliable. Ensure reservations are confirmed as users have reported discrepancies. Consider visiting in the off-season for a quieter...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most active season, but it also sees the most complaints regarding facility maintenance and water shortages. Off-season visits benefit from cooler temperatures and fewer campers.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The scenery is amazing. My friends and I call it, The Green Lake Powell.' 2. 'The gravel trails are steep and change each year depending on water fluctuations.' 3. 'We love this campground and...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Positive reviews often mention campsites like #001, #003, and #014 for their views and proximity to the reservoir. Negative reviews highlight reservation and maintenance issues, such as at site #005...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground's steep gravel trails from the dock to the campsites make accessibility difficult for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025