How much does camping cost at Paradise Guard Station?

Camping fees at Paradise Guard Station are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paradise Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Paradise Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Paradise Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Paradise Guard Station has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station is open May 22 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Paradise Guard Station have?

Paradise Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paradise Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paradise Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paradise Guard Station?

Paradise Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paradise Guard Station?

Popular activities at Paradise Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paradise Guard Station

4.65

17 reviews

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Top 20% in UTSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

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

Book on Vernal Ranger District, Ashley National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Vernal Ranger District, Ashley National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Paradise Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-789-1181

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Paradise Guard Station

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Paradise Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Nearby places

Vernal (25 air miles, approximately 30 miles driving, 1.5 hours by car)

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.

Weather at Paradise Guard Station

Current alerts(4)

Call the District Office at (435) 789-1181 three business days prior to a reserved visit to confirm lock combination. District Office closed Saturday and Sunday. COMBINATION REQUIRED to enter guard station. (some combo locks used have an off-set number entry line.
Click here for more information on the Ashley National Forest, or call (435) 789-1181
Off-road vehicles are allowed only on authorized roads, trails and routes as identified on the Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Travel Map
Wheeled vehicle traffic is allowed access to Paradise Guard Station from approximately June 1 to October 31; snowmobile is the only viable access from approximately December 1 to March 31.

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible trails, open alpine reservoirs, and stable weather at 10,000 ft: daytime highs are usually in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Hiking, trout fishing and boating on the high lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountain biking are all at their peak, and wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and dusk. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (reservations begin June 21) and be mindful of occasional late-af Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in UT

Best season: trails accessible, reservoirs open, stable weather (day highs mid-60s to 70s°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to 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.

About Paradise Guard Station

Paradise Guard Station sits at 10,000 feet in the Ashley National Forest, 30 miles from Vernal. This remote alpine retreat offers a historic cabin and primitive sites surrounded by high-elevation reservoirs, wildflower meadows, and backcountry trails managed by the Vernal Ranger District. Visitors come for trout fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in a landscape where deer are common and night skies deliver exceptional stargazing.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible trails, open alpine reservoirs, and stable weather at 10,000 ft: daytime highs are usually in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Hiking, trout fishing and boating on the high lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountain biking are all at their peak, and wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and dusk. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends (reservations begin June 21) and be mindful of occasional late-af Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation10000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense spruce-fir forest surrounds the cabin, opening into expansive meadows where Paradise Creek flows through ancient limestone formations. The area's geology is the real draw: cave networks wind beneath the surface, and dramatic canyons expose millions of years of rock history. Paradise Park Reservoir, Dead Lake, and Julius Park Reservoir sit nearby, though visitors have reported finding some reservoirs dry during certain periods. Wildlife is abundant. Guests regularly spot deer in early morning and at dusk, and the high elevation delivers exceptional stargazing with zero light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe guard station acts as a primitive cabin rental that can accommodate up to 8 people. It includes twin bunk beds for four occupants, but no linens, pillows, or bedding are provided. Level parking is provided for one RV or camp trailer, and ample tent camping space surrounds the cabin. A wood-burning stove is available for heating.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a single reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The guard station can accommodate between 4 to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground lacks detailed information about accessibility features for disabled campers. The cabin and vault toilet may not meet ADA standards.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed for up to 8 occupants, with ample space outside for tent camping.

PrivacyThe site offers privacy due to its remote location and dense spruce-fir forest surroundings.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should bring extra lighting as the cabin has no electric lighting; bedding and cookware/silverware are also required.

Best CampsitesSite 001 is the only option. Reviews consistently mention its quiet, remote location and scenic setting. The cabin itself is cozy and clean, with a firewood shed to the north. Guests note there's no electric lighting inside, so bring headlamps or lanterns. You'll need to call three days ahead to get the lock combination.

Need help booking Paradise Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Paradise Guard Station offers a rustic camping experience with minimal amenities. The cabin accommodates between 4-8 people, with twin-size bunk beds for four occupants. There is ample space outside for tent camping and level parking for one RV or camp trailer. Notably, the cabin is locked, requiring guests to call the Vernal Ranger District office three days prior to arrival to obtain the combination code. The cabin lacks modern conveniences such as a sink, stove, oven, refrigerator, or plumbing. There is no water available, but a vault toilet is accessible year-round. A wood-burning stove is provided for heating, along with a combination campfire ring and grill outside. During COVID-19 restrictions, cookware and silverware are not provided, and guests are requested not to leave supplies behind.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Paradise Guard Station

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple backcountry trails incl. the 8.4-mile Deadman Lake Trail starting at the campground.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing is a highlight; deer common and coyotes observed in evenings.

Fishing3.5/5

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking is cited; trails crisscross area offering moderate terrain.

Boating3.0/5

Reservoir allows canoeing/boating but users note low/empty water levels at times.

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking possible on reservoir, but water levels can be inconsistent.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Dramatic canyons, limestone formations, meadows, wildlife and dark skies create great photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. A vault toilet outside the cabin serves campers year-round.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Paradise Guard Station

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.7

17 reviews

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...

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

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

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...

Based on 17 reviews