Paiute Campground

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3 reviews
Paiute Campground

Quick Facts

8,800 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

48 campsites

Season

Operates seasonally;...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

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Paiute Campground
No fees available
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsscenerywater

"Reviewers are split: some appreciate the great views and proximity to Johnson Reservoir, while others strongly dislike the layout and lack of natural cover. The most consistent feedback is that campsites are very close together, making the campground feel crowded and exposed."

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Best Time to Camp at Paiute Campground

Perched at 8,800 feet elevation, Paiute Campground experiences true mountain seasons that shape your camping experience. During the regular operating season, full services including water are available, but as autumn arrives and temperatures drop, water is shut off for the shoulder seasons. Winter transforms the landscape with substantial snowfall that can make the campground inaccessible, so plan your visit accordingly and come prepared for the crisp, cool mountain air that defines high-elevation camping.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Best
Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Operates seasonally; drinking water and pit toilets provided during the regular operating season. Water is shut off during shoulder seasons and campground access is limited by snow.

About Paiute Campground

Nestled at 8,800 feet in Utah's Fishlake National Forest, Paiute Campground offers 48 spacious pull-through sites alongside the shimmering waters of Johnson Reservoir. Whether you're planning a large group gathering or seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, this secluded haven delivers easy access to exceptional boating, fishing, and high-country hiking adventures.
Paiute Campground offers 48 pull-through, single-family campsites adjacent to Johnson Reservoir; described as suitable for large groups or individual campers seeking a secluded experience.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,800 feet elevation, Paiute Campground experiences true mountain seasons that shape your camping experience. During the regular operating season, full services including water are available, but as autumn arrives and temperatures drop, water is shut off for the shoulder seasons. Winter transforms the landscape with substantial snowfall that can make the campground inaccessible, so plan your visit accordingly and come prepared for the crisp, cool mountain air that defines high-elevation camping.
ElevationAt 8,800 feet above sea level, Paiute Campground sits on a gently sloping, sagebrush-dotted hillside that spreads across the valley floor, offering that perfect balance of open sky views and mountain proximity.
Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite rests on a picturesque sagebrush hillside where the valley floor meets the mountain, surrounded by a diverse tapestry of aspen groves, pine forests, and stately cottonwoods that rustle in the breeze. Johnson Reservoir sparkles just steps from camp, while the legendary Fish Lake lies nearby, beckoning anglers and boaters alike. Venture onto the Pelican Canyon Trail or the scenic Lakeshore National Recreation Trail, and you'll discover hidden meadows bursting with wildflowers and dense forest corridors where wildlife thrives and the mountain air carries the scent of pine and sage.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of Fishlake National Forest in central Utah, the campground occupies a classic high-desert valley floor where sagebrush-covered hillsides meet alpine forests, creating a distinctive landscape shaped by volcanic activity and ancient lake beds.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityRoads and parking spurs are paved.
Sites Size48 pull-through sites; all sites are single-family; paved parking spurs.
Sites PrivacyDescribed as suitable for large groups or individual campers seeking a secluded experience.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAll sites are single-family pull-through sites and are suitable for large groups or individual campers; roads and parking spurs are paved.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layout48 pull-through, single-family sites with paved roads and paved parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOperates seasonally; drinking water and pit toilets provided during the regular operating season. Water is shut off during shoulder seasons and campground access is limited by snow.

Amenities available

Potable water

Activities you can enjoy

Activities focus on lake-based recreation and nearby trails. Fish Lake and Johnson Valley Reservoir provide boating and fishing opportunities, and several hiking trails begin or are accessible from the campground.
Hiking
Several trails are nearby including the 5-mile Pelican Canyon Trail (climbs to the 11,633-foot Fish Lake Hightop) and the Lakeshore National Recreation Trail which ascends about 900 feet on the eastern side of Fish Lake. A non-motorized trail from the campground leads toward Tasha Creek.
Fishing
Fish Lake (2,500 acres) is noted for large Mackinaw (lake) trout (reported 20–40 pounds) and also supports rainbow trout and splake. Johnson Valley Reservoir nearby also offers fishing opportunities.
Swimming
Swimming is listed as a popular activity on Fish Lake; scuba diving is also noted.
Boating
Boating and canoeing are popular on Fish Lake; Johnson Valley Reservoir nearby also offers boating opportunities.
Winter Activities
Campground access is limited by snow (no specific winter activities described).
Water Sports
Boating, canoeing, scuba diving
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsCampground access can be limited by snow due to high elevation; water is shut off during shoulder seasons.

Weather at Paiute Campground

35
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 40%
Wind: 9.5 mph
Clear sky

Weather History
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Johnson Reservoir; near Johnson Valley Reservoir and Fish Lake.

Campground Map

Paiute Campground
Driving directions29 miles north of Loa, Utah on Highway 25, adjacent to Johnson Reservoir at 8,800 feet elevation.
Located on Highway 25
Nearby places
Loa, UT — 29 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Paiute Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are split: some appreciate the great views and proximity to Johnson Reservoir, while others strongly dislike the layout and lack of natural cover. The most consistent feedback is that campsites are very close together, making the campground feel crowded and exposed.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlight the scenic setting and views, noting that the campground sits right next to Johnson Reservoir, which is appealing for people wanting to be near the water and enjoy the scenery.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviewers mention that the campsites are extremely close together, with little separation or privacy between neighbors. One reviewer also criticizes the lack of trees, making the campground...
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Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared for minimal privacy due to campsites being very close together and limited tree cover. This campground may be best suited for those who prioritize being right next to Johnson Reservoir...
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Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views are great and you are right next to Johnson resivor my only complaint is the camping areas are very close together." "Do you like camping 10' from your neighbor? Do you like campgrounds...
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Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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