Maple Canyon
4.6548 reviews540 NORTH MAIN STREET, EPHRAIM, UT 84627, USA
Maple Canyon
$5.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$5.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric sites are available for $10 per night during both reservable and first-come, first-served seasons. Walk-to tent sites are $10 per night. Group standard nonelectric sites are $40 per night during peak season and $20 during off-season. Lettered sites A-F are $5 per night and available first-come, first-served.
About this campground
Tucked away in a dramatic canyon where ancient conglomerate walls rise like natural cathedrals, Maple Canyon Campground has become a mecca for rock climbers from around the world. Here, beneath a canopy of maple trees, campers find themselves in an outdoor paradise where hundreds of climbing routes beckon from the surrounding cliffs. The campground strikes a perfect balance between wilderness solitude and climbing community, with well-maintained facilities and sites thoughtfully distributed throughout the shaded canyon floor.
The campground offers a mix of group and single-family camping sites. It is particularly known for its walk-to tent sites and its group site that can accommodate larger gatherings.
Historical SignificanceMaple Canyon's extraordinary conglomerate rock formations have written a unique chapter in climbing history, drawing adventurers from every corner of the globe to test themselves against its distinctive cobblestone walls. What nature spent millions of years creating has become one of North America's premier climbing destinations, where each route tells a story of geological wonder and human determination.
Weather and SeasonsOctober brings crisp mountain air to Maple Canyon, with daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable 50s before dipping into the 30s under star-filled nights. The canyon's signature dry, calm conditions make it ideal for outdoor adventures well into autumn. As winter approaches, a gentle blanket of snow transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though freezing temperatures mean the campground becomes the domain of only the hardiest souls.
ElevationPerched at 6,700 feet in Utah's high country, Maple Canyon offers the pure, thin air of true mountain camping. Visitors ascending from sea level should pace themselves during their first days, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude while taking in the spectacular surroundings that make any mild breathlessness worthwhile.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece in Maple Canyon, where massive conglomerate walls soar from 30 to 300 feet overhead, their ancient surfaces studded with countless holds that seem designed by a cosmic climbing architect. By day, thick groves of maple trees filter golden sunlight while offering glimpses of the sweeping Sanpete Valley and distant Wasatch Plateau. As darkness falls, the canyon transforms into a natural planetarium, where the absence of city lights reveals a glittering tapestry of stars. Wildlife thrives in this vertical wilderness, adding their voices to the canyon's natural symphony.
Geological RegionMaple Canyon carves its way through the heart of the Sanpitch Mountains, where millions of years of geological artistry have created one of nature's most unusual climbing venues. The canyon's signature conglomerate walls, formed from ancient river deposits compressed over eons, tower up to 300 feet above groves of native maple trees. This unique geological wonderland continues to captivate geologists and climbers alike with its distinctive cobblestone texture and dramatic vertical relief.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information is provided about accessibility features at this campground.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some being described as tight but others offering space to spread out. Walk-to tent sites require carrying gear a short distance.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some campsites are noted as closely spaced, while others provide more seclusion.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLettered sites A-F ($5 per night) are ideal for budget-friendly camping. Walk-to tent sites offer more privacy. Consider proximity to cliffs and trails when choosing a site.
Best CampsitesSites 2, 3, and 4 are recommended for tent camping due to walk-in access and added privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Flexible
- not specified.
Check-out
- Flexible
- not specified.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum consecutive stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity per site not specified.
Groups
The group site is available by reservation for $40 per night during peak season and $20 per night during the first-come, first-served season. It can accommodate multiple users, but specific limits on vehicles and individuals are not given.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall distributed campground with single-family and group sites. Walk-to tent sites require carrying gear a short distance.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 8 - October 18 (reservable), off-season first-come-first-served availability from October 19 - November 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available first-come, first-served during off-season, including lettered sites A-F and group sites when not reserved.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations also cost $10. Refunds are subject to facility manager discretion.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Maple Canyon Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, with world-class rock climbing being the primary draw. The area also features hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for biking and horseback riding. The scenic loop trails are particularly popular, offering panoramic views of the Sanpete Valley.
Hiking
The campground provides access to three steep scenic loop trails ranging from three to five miles. These trails lead to popular rock-climbing sites like the Pipe Dream tunnel and offer panoramic views of the Sanpete Valley and Wasatch Plateau.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Biking
Biking opportunities are available, though specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The canyon is home to a variety of wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter climbing and hiking activities may be possible, but no specific winter recreation offerings are detailed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire pits and grills.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh cliff area cautions, especially for children; road conditions may become hazardous when wet; theft of camping gear noted in reviews.
Active alertsRoad construction causing muddy and hazardous conditions when wet, as reported in reviews.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest emergency services are in Moroni, approximately 15 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 8 - October 18.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. A user review suggests the campground could benefit from the addition of trash and recycling receptacles.
Proximity to water featuresNo notable water features on-site.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention crowded campsites, dust from roads, and occasional lack of toilet paper.
HostMixed reviews about host availability and behavior. Some reviewers praise them as helpful and welcoming, while others report unresponsive or strange behavior.
Campground Map
540 NORTH MAIN STREET, EPHRAIM, UT 84627, USA
Driving directionsFrom Fountain Green, Utah, head south on West Side Road for 7 miles to Freedom Road in Freedom. Turn right onto Freedom Road and watch for Maple Canyon signs. Travel 3 miles northeast of Freedom to the campground. From Moroni go 9 miles west, following the signs for Maple Canyon.
Accessible by all passenger vehicles. Roads and parking spurs are dirt. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to road conditions.Nearby places
Freedom (3 miles), Moroni (approx. 9 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest food, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Moroni, Utah.
Camper Reviews
4.7
48 reviews
Maple Canyon is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Maple Canyon Campground is highly regarded for its stunning natural beauty and world-class rock climbing opportunities. While the facilities are minimal, they are generally well-maintained. Some users highlight challenges such as closely spaced campsites, lack of water, and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the well-maintained campsites, and the incredible climbing opportunities. Common sentiments include: 'The bathrooms were the cleanest...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted issues such as crowded or closely spaced campsites, noisy roads, lack of trash receptacles, and the absence of potable water. One reviewer mentioned: 'No water. Never coming back.'
Based on 48 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water and firewood, as neither is available on-site. Additionally, planning ahead is crucial during peak climbing season as sites fill up quickly.
Based on 48 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak climbing season sees crowded conditions, and campsites are often fully booked. Fall is highlighted for its stunning colors and cooler temperatures, while some reviews note challenges with road...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Wonderful campground, beautiful rocks and fantastic climbing.' (Konnor Kenneweg, 2023)
- 'Beautiful canyon and the Disneyworld of sport climbing.' (Josh S, 2019)
- 'Pot toilets were clean. Would...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Campsite 001: Reviewer expressed logistical difficulties due to road construction.
- Campsite 007: Multiple reviewers praised the site for its spacing and cleanliness.
Based on 48 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address the experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews detailing pet-related experiences.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025