Baker Dam Campground

3.96

252 reviews

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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Baker Dam Campground

$12.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Non-electric sites cost between $12 and $24 per night. Passes like America the Beautiful (Senior, Access, and Golden Age) offer a 50% discount on...

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-688-3200BLM_UT_St_George_Mail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 252 reviews

125 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"Reviews for the Baker Dam Campground are mixed, with users praising its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and opportunities for relaxation. However, complaints about maintenance, lack of potable water, and noisy neighbors are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Baker Dam Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Interstate 15 Exit 6, head north on Bluff Street (State Route 18). Travel 24 miles and turn right onto the Baker Dam Reservoir Road. Continue .6 miles and turn right into the recreation area.

Access roads within the campground and day use area are graded gravel. The gravel roads may have uneven surfaces and potholes, which might be challenging for Class A RVs or larger vehicles as noted in user reviews.

Nearby places

Veyo is nearby, but exact distances are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Veyo has a Family Dollar store nearby for basic supplies. Exact distances are unspecified.

Best Time to Camp at Baker Dam Campground

Experience the dynamic personality of mountain weather at Baker Dam, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring arrives with crisp, invigorating air perfect for hiking, while autumn wraps the campground in a tapestry of golden light and cool breezes. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for fishing and exploring, though evening winds often sweep through until around 9 PM, creating a natural air conditioning that makes for comfortable sleeping under the stars. The area typically enjoys clear skies and moderate temperatures during peak season, with dry conditions that make it an ideal basecamp for your outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Popular in summer but reviews cite high temperatures and bugs as downsides.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as favorable with crisp air and scenic hikes; generally positive seasonal notes.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for crisp air and good hiking conditions; positive seasonal mentions.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Open year-round; reviewers note quiet, uncrowded winter visits and proximity to snowy areas.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: null

About Baker Dam Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Pine Valley Mountains, Baker Dam Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and waterfront adventure. Since its establishment in the early 1980s and thoughtful expansion in 1994, this recreation area has become a cherished destination where anglers cast their lines into the shimmering reservoir, bird enthusiasts spot migrating waterfowl, and adventurers set out to explore the surrounding trails and public lands. Whether you're seeking the thrill of landing a trophy trout or simply yearning for a peaceful escape among the junipers, Baker Dam offers an authentic high-country experience.

Baker Dam Campground offers basic camping options suitable for tents and RVs. Sites are available by reservation only, and the campground does not support first-come, first-served camping.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of mountain weather at Baker Dam, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Spring arrives with crisp, invigorating air perfect for hiking, while autumn wraps the campground in a tapestry of golden light and cool breezes. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for fishing and exploring, though evening winds often sweep through until around 9 PM, creating a natural air conditioning that makes for comfortable sleeping under the stars. The area typically enjoys clear skies and moderate temperatures during peak season, with dry conditions that make it an ideal basecamp for your outdoor adventures.

ElevationPerched at an impressive elevation of over 6,500 feet, Baker Dam Campground offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. This high-altitude sanctuary provides naturally cooler temperatures year-round, creating an alpine-like environment where the air is crisp and clean. The elevation not only offers relief from summer heat but also provides stunning vantage points for panoramic views and creates ideal conditions for both relaxation and recreation.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking vistas of the Pine Valley Mountains reflected in the tranquil waters of the reservoir, where rainbow and brown trout create ripples across the mirror-like surface. The campground is embraced by a natural amphitheater of aromatic junipers and scattered groves of mountain trees that provide both shade and character to your camping experience. This aquatic oasis serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds and waterfowl, transforming the area into a living gallery of wildlife. The interplay of mountain peaks, shimmering water, and high desert vegetation creates a landscape photographer's dream and a naturalist's paradise.

Geological RegionSituated within the diverse Pine Valley Ranger District, Baker Dam Campground sits at the crossroads of multiple ecosystems where Forest Service lands meet BLM-managed territories. This unique position at 6,500+ feet elevation creates a fascinating geological tapestry where high mountain environments transition into riparian corridors along the nearby Santa Clara River. The open-water reservoir carved into this mountainous terrain represents a harmonious blend of natural geology and human engineering, creating new habitats while preserving the rugged character of the Pine Valley Mountains. This convergence of ecosystems makes the area a geological and ecological treasure trove for those who appreciate the complex beauty of the American Southwest.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Stays are limited to 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each permit allows only two vehicles per campsite.

Groups

No specific details about group camping options are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spaced out with junipers and small trees providing privacy. Some sites have uneven terrain or tight turn radii.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping is not permitted. All sites must be reserved online or through the call center.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and the first night's use fee may be forfeited for late cancellations. No-shows are charged a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets and graded gravel access roads. Specific details about accessibility for people with disabilities are not provided.

Site SizeCampground sites are described as spacious, with room for trailers and multiple tents depending on the site.

PrivacySites have a moderate level of privacy due to natural vegetation like juniper trees separating them. One user mentioned, 'The relatively private aspect of the sites...shielded from each other by junipers.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and shade, choose sites like 12 or those shielded by junipers. Avoid sites with uneven terrain or tight turn radii if using a large vehicle or trailer.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Baker Dam Campground can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, bird watching, hiking, and picnicking. The nearby reservoir is annually stocked with rainbow and brown trout, offering opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Walking trails offer views of the reservoir and a chance to spot migratory birds like eagles and herons.

HikingHiking opportunities are available along the Overlook Trails and nearby public lands. The trails are described as short but scenic, particularly for birdwatching and photography.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the adjacent Baker Dam Reservoir, which is stocked annually with rainbow and brown trout. Some reviews describe the fishing as 'mediocre' due to high activity.

Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is a highlight, with opportunities to see eagles, herons, and other waterfowl near the reservoir and on trails. Migratory and year-round birds benefit from the area's riparian habitat.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWatch for thorns and cockleburs as reported in user reviews. Raccoons may visit campsites at night.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Firewood collection is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided via large dumpsters located at the campground. However, some users noted issues with overflowing dumpsters during their stay.

Water FeaturesThe campground is within walking distance of Baker Dam Reservoir.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate that there is no consistent camp host presence despite being advertised.

Weather at Baker Dam Campground

Reviews

4.0

252 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Baker Dam Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for the Baker Dam Campground are mixed, with users praising its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and opportunities for relaxation. However, complaints about maintenance, lack of potable water, and noisy neighbors are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 252 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments frequently mention the campground's quiet and private atmosphere, proximity to the reservoir, and opportunities for activities like stargazing and fishing. A user noted, 'On a night...

Based on 252 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, poorly maintained vault toilets, overflowing dumpsters, and the absence of a camp host to enforce rules. One user lamented, 'Practically useless...

Based on 252 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing potable water, sturdy tent stakes due to occasional wind, and obeying generator quiet hours. Firewood must be brought in as collection is prohibited.

Based on 252 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular year-round, but summer reviews highlight issues with high temperatures and bugs, while winter reviews note the campground's quiet and uncrowded appeal. Spring and fall are...

Based on 252 reviews

Camper Quotes

Users have shared a variety of insights: 'Trash everywhere in our reserved spot,' 'The area was also nice. Very clean spot,' and 'This was so fun! Site 12 is our favorite.'

Based on 252 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific experiences vary. Site 12 stands out for its privacy and spaciousness, while other sites are critiqued for being uneven or difficult to back trailers into. One user described Site 12 as...

Based on 252 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the campground's graded gravel roads and vault toilets suggest basic accommodations for mobility.

Based on 252 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Several users noted issues with unleashed dogs causing disturbances. For instance, one camper stated, 'There was a family next to us with 2 aggressive dogs not...

Based on 252 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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