Moon Lake Guard Station
4.7515 reviewsPO BOX 981, 85 WEST MAIN STREET, DUCHESNE, UTAH 84021
Quick Facts
8,000 ftPrice
$60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
ElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,000 ftPrice
$60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
ElectricShowers
Get DirectionsMoon Lake Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $60 during the peak season (July 26–July 28, 2025). Additional fees may apply, such as reservation fees ($8 online,...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider435-738-2482sgiles@fs.fed.us
What Campers Say
4.75
Top-Rated
Based on 15 reviews
50 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlocationlake
"User reviews emphasize the natural beauty, seclusion, and amenities of Moon Lake Guard Station. The Guard Station cabin offers a private and quiet experience, separate from the main campground. Cleanliness is frequently praised, as are the opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities."
Fees & Passes at Moon Lake Guard Station
$60/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 3 nights per visit.
Cancellation: Changes to a reservation incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made 14 days or fewer before check-in date r...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Ashley National Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Moon Lake Guard Station
Experience the perfect mountain climate where summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and evenings call for campfire stories under star-filled skies. The high elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, keeping temperatures pleasantly cool even during peak summer months. Afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and leaving behind that distinctive fresh mountain scent. As darkness falls, the crisp mountain air reminds you to grab an extra layer—these are the nights that make memories, wrapped in blankets with hot cocoa in hand.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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
- Peak Season: July 26–July 28, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open for reservations July 26–July 28, 2025.
About Moon Lake Guard Station
Escape to the tranquil Moon Lake Guard Station, where modern comfort meets wilderness adventure at 8,000 feet in the Uinta Mountains. This historic outpost transforms your camping experience with unexpected luxuries—electricity, flush toilets, hot showers, and a cozy wood stove—while serving as your personal basecamp for exploring the pristine two-mile-long Moon Lake. Cast a line into crystal-clear waters, launch your boat for a sunset paddle, or step directly onto trails leading into the legendary High Uintas Wilderness. Here, the conveniences of home blend seamlessly with the raw beauty of one of Utah's most spectacular alpine settings.
Moon Lake Guard Station is a unique accommodation option featuring a cabin for up to 4 guests. No tent or RV camping is allowed.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of Forest Service history at Moon Lake Guard Station, where generations of wilderness rangers once kept watch over these pristine mountains. This authentic outpost has evolved from a remote guardian post into a cherished gateway for adventurers seeking the untamed beauty of the High Uintas Wilderness. For decades, families and outdoor enthusiasts have passed through these doors, each adding their own chapter to the station's story. Today, you become part of this continuing legacy—a tradition of conservation, exploration, and deep connection with one of the West's last great wilderness areas.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect mountain climate where summer days invite endless outdoor adventures and evenings call for campfire stories under star-filled skies. The high elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, keeping temperatures pleasantly cool even during peak summer months. Afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through, painting dramatic skies and leaving behind that distinctive fresh mountain scent. As darkness falls, the crisp mountain air reminds you to grab an extra layer—these are the nights that make memories, wrapped in blankets with hot cocoa in hand.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,000 feet above sea level, Moon Lake Guard Station offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the everyday world feels wonderfully distant. This elevation creates a natural sanctuary where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool, wildflowers bloom in vibrant succession, and panoramic vistas of the High Uintas Wilderness stretch to the horizon. Here, you'll breathe easier, sleep deeper, and wake to mornings where clouds drift at eye level and the alpine glow paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering lodgepole pines create natural cathedrals, golden aspen groves dance in the breeze, and stately Douglas firs stand sentinel over hidden meadows bursting with wildflowers. The crown jewel of this 8,000-foot paradise is Moon Lake itself—a shimmering alpine mirror reflecting the surrounding peaks and endless sky. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem where morning might bring elk grazing in nearby meadows, afternoon could reveal a moose wading through marshy shallows, and evening often features the haunting call of loons across the water. Rugged trails beckon in every direction, promising discoveries around each bend—from secret fishing spots to breathtaking overlooks where the world spreads out below in layers of green forest and gray granite.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic southern slopes of the Uinta Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a high-altitude wonderland unlike anywhere else in the American West. At 8,000 feet, Moon Lake nestles in a glacier-carved basin surrounded by diverse forests of lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, and Douglas fir—each species telling its own story of adaptation and survival. This unique landscape represents millions of years of geological artistry, where east-west running ridges create a rare orientation that captures moisture and supports an incredibly rich ecosystem. The result is a photographer's paradise where every season paints the mountains in different hues, from spring's tender greens to autumn's fiery golds.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 4 guests and allows parking for 2 vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe Guard Station is separated from the main campground, providing a private and secluded experience.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe secluded location of the Guard Station, away from the main campground, offers privacy and easy access to Moon Lake. Consider walking to trails and lake areas for optimal views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Guests must call the District Office three days prior to their visit to confirm lock combination.
Check-out
Required check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 3 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 4 people allowed to stay overnight in the Guard Station cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe Guard Station is separated from the main campground, approximately 100 yards up a dirt road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations July 26–July 28, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or by contacting the call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in availability is mentioned; reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to a reservation incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made 14 days or fewer before check-in date result in forfeiting the first night's use fee plus a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than one day before check-in) forfeit the entire fee. On-site personnel may be unable to assist with late cancellations or modifications.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Moon Lake Guard Station offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. The proximity to Moon Lake allows for canoeing, motor boating, and fishing for a variety of fish species. Nearby trails provide access to the High Uintas Wilderness, offering backcountry fishing and scenic hikes.
Hiking
Several trails originate near Moon Lake, including the Lake Fork Trail and Brown Duck Mountain Loop, which offer access to alpine lakes and backcountry fishing. The Fish Creek Trail climbs from 8,200' to 10,400' over 5.6 miles, providing a challenging hike.Fishing
Moon Lake is stocked annually with tiger and rainbow trout, and anglers can also fish for cutthroat and brook trout, kokanee salmon, splake, and Arctic grayling.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available, and the lake is also suitable for recreational water activities.Biking
Biking is allowed on certain trails, which is noted as unique by users.Boating
Boating options include canoeing and motor boating. Moon Lake Resort offers small engine boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, which are often seen near the Guard Station.Winter Activities
No specific details provided about winter activities.Water Sports
The lake supports non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, and motorized water activities like jet skiing and water skiing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are not allowed at the Guard Station.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and high-altitude exposure. The cabin has a history of mouse infestations, with poison packages found under the sink. Guests should exercise caution if bringing pets.
Weather at Moon Lake Guard Station
20
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available in Duchesne, UT, approximately 32 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 26–July 28, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to clean the cabin before leaving, but no details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresMoon Lake is adjacent to the Guard Station, offering fishing, canoeing, and motor boating opportunities.
Common complaintsSeveral reviewers noted issues with mouse infestations at the cabin, with one finding multiple dead mice during their stay. Complaints also mention the use of poison, which may pose risks to pets.
HostReviewers praise camp hosts Shar and Todd for their friendliness and exceptional service. Hosts maintain clean facilities and offer valuable guidance.
Campground Map
PO BOX 981, 85 WEST MAIN STREET, DUCHESNE, UTAH 84021
Driving directionsFrom Duchesne, Utah take State Hwy 87 north for 15.5 miles. Turn North on Hwy 134 toward Mountain Home, then continue north to the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 131. Follow road 131 for five miles to the Moon Lake Campground. Go straight into Moon Lake Campground and take Lower Campground Loop, just past site #44 and Yield sign turn right. Park in assigned parking spots as you approach cabin. The cabin is about 32 miles from Duchesne on paved roads although some spots have pot holes.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, although some spots contain potholes. The final approach to the cabin is straightforward, following a marked route through Moon Lake Campground.Nearby places
Duchesne, UT: 32 miles (approximately one hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Moon Lake Resort nearby offers small motorized boat rentals and a store with essential supplies. Additional amenities can be found in Duchesne, UT, 32 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
15 reviews
Moon Lake Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the natural beauty, seclusion, and amenities of Moon Lake Guard Station. The Guard Station cabin offers a private and quiet experience, separate from the main campground. Cleanliness is frequently praised, as are the opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cleanliness of facilities, the private and secluded location of the Guard Station, and the variety of recreational opportunities available nearby. The lake is described...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative reviews mention issues with mice in the cabin and concerns about the use of poison to control them. Some guests also noted that fishing success was inconsistent.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bedding, linens, and pillows, as these are not provided. Consider bringing mouse traps to address potential rodent issues. Pack appropriate gear for hiking and fishing.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is noted as the most popular season for visits, with warm weather and active recreational opportunities. However, it can rain frequently during this time.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The beds are in good condition, but bring your own bedding." - John H.
"The Guard Station cabin is separated from the main campground, providing a peaceful and private stay." - John H.
"Moon Lake is...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews related to individual campsites other than the Guard Station cabin.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must stay off furniture and be leashed when outside. Some concerns were raised about potential exposure to poisoned mice.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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