Paradise Guard Station

Star4.65
17 reviews
355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA
Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 30 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Vernal Ranger District, Ashley National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Paradise Guard Station
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for renting the cabin during the peak season (May 30 - October 31) is $50. The rate remains consistent for the cabin's rustic...
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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

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Provider
435-789-1181
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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"Guests generally praise the campground for its remote location, rustic charm, and natural beauty. Common themes include the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, issues like dry reservoirs and lack of water availability were noted."

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Campground Map

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Paradise Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Driving directionsFrom Vernal, travel west on Highway 121/Maeser-Lapoint Highway, toward Lapoint. After passing the landfill and descending the hill along the curved road, some houses come into view. While approaching Deep Creek Road, look for brown signs to Paradise Park Reservoir. Turn right (north) at Deep Creek Road (approximately 12.5 miles west of the Dry Fork Canyon Road junction with Highway 121). Continue north on Deep Creek Road for nearly 7 miles and watch for a fork in the road. Turn left (northwest) onto Paradise Park Road and continue approximately 8.5 miles, reaching the Ashley National Forest boundary. The paved road ends and turns to an unsurfaced road at the cattle guard. Paradise Park Road becomes Forest Road 104. Follow the road along the switchbacks and continue northwest for approximately 9.5 miles. The guard station will be visible on the left side, at the junction with Paradise Park Campground. Travel may require skiing or snowshoeing during winter months.
The initial roads are paved, but the last stretch (approximately 9.5 miles) is unsurfaced and includes switchbacks. Accessibility may be seasonal, requiring snowmobiles during winter months.
Nearby places
Vernal (25 air miles, approximately 30 miles driving, 1.5 hours by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be accessed in Vernal, Utah, approximately 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Guard Station

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define life at 10,000 feet. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, though evenings remind you of the elevation as temperatures dip into the crisp 40s—ideal for gathering around a campfire. Winter transforms Paradise into a snow-laden wonderland, where accessing your mountain retreat becomes part of the adventure, often requiring snowshoes or cross-country skis to navigate the peaceful, snow-covered landscape.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 30–Oct 31; summer offers ideal hiking and wildlife viewing though nights are chilly and storms possible.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

High-elevation fall is crisp and scenic with fewer crowds, but season is short and cooling quickly.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Site closed until May 30; early spring access limited and reservoirs may be low during runoff.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Nov 1–May 29; heavy snow and snowmobile access only make winter use difficult.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 30 - October 31; reserved start dates: June 21; closed season: November 1 - May 29.
  • Current Alerts: COVID-19 restrictions on cookware and silverware provided.

About Paradise Guard Station

Step back in time at Paradise Guard Station, where rustic mountain living meets modern adventure in the heart of Ashley National Forest. This historic cabin invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, offering a unique basecamp for exploring pristine alpine reservoirs, winding forest trails, and the untamed wilderness that has captivated visitors for over a century.
Paradise Guard Station offers a unique combination of cabin lodging and tent camping accommodations in a remote forest setting. RV camping is limited to one unit per site, and there are no hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is available starting at 11:00 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is specified as 12:00 AM local time on the day after the reservation ends.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a single reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Paradise Guard Station provides opportunities for numerous outdoor activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road trails. Visitors also enjoy wildlife viewing and stargazing in the remote setting. The nearby Paradise Park Reservoir supports fishing and canoeing, while Dead Lake, Mill Pond, and Julius Park Reservoir offer additional water-based activities.
HikingThe area offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 8.4-mile Deadman Lake Trail that begins at Paradise Campground. Trails vary in difficulty and feature scenic forest vistas and backcountry terrain.
FishingFishing is available at Paradise Park Reservoir, where rainbow and cutthroat trout can be found. However, user reviews note that the reservoir and nearby Julius Park Reservoir were dry during certain stays, affecting fishing opportunities.
BikingBiking trails are available and crisscross the surrounding area, offering moderate terrains suitable for recreational biking.
BoatingThe reservoir allows for canoeing and other boating activities, but users have noted water levels can be inconsistent.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with visitors spotting deer and coyotes in the area, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote location with limited cell service; rough and unsurfaced roads may pose travel challenges. Wildlife such as coyotes and deer are common.
Active AlertsCOVID-19 restrictions on cookware and silverware provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Paradise Guard Station

Reviews

4.7
17 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Paradise Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Guests generally praise the campground for its remote location, rustic charm, and natural beauty. Common themes include the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. However, issues like dry reservoirs and lack of water availability were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

"Amazing! Very remote and beautiful! 30 miles from the closest tiny town and way up in the mountains." "The stars were incredible." "We saw a bunch of deer in the evening and a bunch more in the...
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Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

"Paradise Park and Julian Park Reservoirs were both completely empty." "Had there been water available this would be a 5-star review."
Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra lighting as no electric lighting is provided; plan ahead for water needs as there is none on-site; call three days in advance to get the lock combination for the cabin.
Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews indicate chilly nights (40s Fahrenheit) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter access requires snowmobiles due to heavy snow and road closures.
Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to get away. Beautiful scenery." "Deer came into meadow, and very quiet." "IT WAS FAR UP! Hard on our car, but we had a great time!" "The stove kept the cabin warm at night." "We spent...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 001 in Loop PAGS is consistently praised for its privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to natural attractions. Users highlight the availability of firewood and the cozy cabin setup.
Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, enhancing the camping experience for pet owners.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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