How much does camping cost at Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Pole Creek Lake Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pole Creek Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pole Creek Lake Campground 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 Pole Creek Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Pole Creek Lake Campground has 17 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 Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Pole Creek Lake Campground is open June 17 - September 3.. 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 Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Pole Creek Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Pole Creek Lake Campground: Campfires are permitted but subject to any seasonal fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pole Creek Lake Campground have?

Pole Creek Lake Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pole Creek Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Pole Creek Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Pole Creek Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pole Creek Lake Campground

3.25

8 reviews

Pole Creek Lake Campground, Ashley National Forest, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pole Creek Lake Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$5/night for a single unit campsite.

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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USFS

Provider

1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pole Creek Lake Campground, Ashley National Forest, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah

Pole Creek Lake Campground

Pole Creek Lake Campground, Ashley National Forest, Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Utah

Nearby places

Neola (~15 miles), Roosevelt (~25 miles).

Nearby supplies

Duchesne, UT is the nearest location for supplies, including groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and an RV waste station.

Weather at Pole Creek Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pole Creek Lake Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions. Mornings start cold, around 35 to 45°F, while afternoons warm into the 65 to 75°F range. July and August bring the most reliable weather for fishing, biking Forest Service roads, and hiking to nearby lakes. The campground opens June 17 and closes September 3. Snow covers the area the rest of the year, making access difficult or impossible. Crowds stay light even in peak season due to the remote location and primitive amenities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-June–early Sept; summer temps (35–75°F) and July–Aug best for fishing/biking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 17 - September 3.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 17 through September 3.

About Pole Creek Lake Campground

Pole Creek Lake Campground sits at 10,000 feet in Ashley National Forest, a short walk from its namesake lake. The campground has 18 sites spread along a dirt road loop, with fees at $5 per night. Open mid-June through early September, it attracts campers looking for high-altitude solitude and rainbow trout fishing.

Pole Creek Lake Campground offers primitive camping with 18 combined sites. The campground is suited for tent camping and backpacking.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Mornings start cold, around 35 to 45°F, while afternoons warm into the 65 to 75°F range. July and August bring the most reliable weather for fishing, biking Forest Service roads, and hiking to nearby lakes. The campground opens June 17 and closes September 3. Snow covers the area the rest of the year, making access difficult or impossible. Crowds stay light even in peak season due to the remote location and primitive amenities.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, Pole Creek Campground invites you to experience the rare beauty of Colorado's alpine ecosystem. This lofty elevation delivers refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while treating visitors to spectacular panoramic views and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this rarified mountain air. The thin atmosphere creates brilliantly clear nights perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and offers a natural respite from summer heat.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested bench on Pole Creek Mountain, with lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and white fir providing shade and spacing between sites. Pole Creek Lake sits a five-minute walk away, ringed by weathered peaks and mountain meadows. At this elevation, the air stays crisp even in summer, and clear nights offer unobstructed views of the Milky Way. The surrounding terrain is rocky, typical of high-alpine zones where glacial forces shaped the landscape.

Geological RegionCrowning the summit of Pole Creek Mountain within the vast Ashley National Forest, this campground occupies a spectacular geological perch where ancient volcanic and sedimentary forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem, where weathered peaks and pristine forests combine to create one of Colorado's most scenic high-altitude camping destinations. This protected wilderness area preserves the timeless character of the American West in its purest form.

Scenic ViewsAlthough parts of the campground offer views of Pole Creek Lake, its lakeshore is a short five-minute walk away.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is not specifically mentioned in authoritative sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites follow a dirt road that ends in a small loop. The spacing provides good privacy between sites, though the rocky ground can make tent setup tricky. Each site has a picnic table and most have grills, with vault toilets scattered through the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information regarding walk-up or first-come-first-served sites.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground includes 18 combined sites with 18 picnic tables and 16 grills. Parking aprons are made of dirt.

PrivacySites are described as having good privacy due to the spacing between them, according to user feedback.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake may offer better views.

Need help booking Pole Creek Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include fishing at Pole Creek Lake, wildlife viewing, picnicking, hiking, and biking. The lake is a five-minute walk from the campground, offering opportunities to catch rainbow trout.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is rocky, making tent pitching challenging. Wildlife, including bears, is present. Food storage safety is critical.

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 provided. Vault toilets are available and described by users as 'well-maintained pit toilets.'

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pole Creek Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, privacy of sites, and proximity to Pole Creek Lake as major positives. Common issues include rocky terrain, which can make setting up tents challenging, and the basic nature of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the well-maintained vault toilets, fire rings with grates, and picnic tables. The proximity to Pole Creek Lake and hiking opportunities also receive positive mentions.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

The rocky terrain is frequently mentioned as a challenge for setting up tents. Additionally, one user noted that 'tablets need painted little wrough to set and eat,' suggesting some maintenance...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not mentioned in the reviews; however, the general spacing and privacy of sites are noted.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend exploring the hiking trails to nearby lakes and being prepared for the rocky terrain. Practicing bear-safe food storage is advised as this is bear country.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from mid-June to early September. The weather during this period tends to be suitable for outdoor activities, but users should check current conditions for...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Camping location is one of my favorites. Pohl Lake is near along with a great running creek.' 2. 'This was a really nice place to tent camp. The site features well maintained pit toilets, fire...

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned in the information provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and anglers who want high-alpine quiet on the cheap. At $5/night with good site spacing in the lodgepole pines and a five-acre trout lake a short walk out, this punches far above its price. July and August are the reliable window.

Skip if

Rocky ground is the consistent complaint here, so hammock campers or anyone relying on standard tent stakes will fight the terrain. No potable water on-site means hauling everything in, and the nearest supplies are a 25-mile drive to Duchesne.

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Uinta Canyon Campground sits along the Uinta River in Ashley National Forest, offering 24 tent sites in a young Ponderosa pine grove at 7,600 feet. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it costs just $5 per night and provides vault toilets and picnic tables. The river flows close to some sites, and the High Uintas Wilderness trailheads are nearby.

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Ashley National Forest

Pole Creek Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Pole Creek Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Pole Creek Campground is located atop Pole Creek Mountain in a scenic lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce forest, elevation 10,000 feet. Pole Creek Lake is a five-minute walk from the campground, offering pretty views and rainbow trout fishing. Trailheads for both hikers and ATVs are nearby.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 10,000 ft. The campground, located above Pole Creek Lake, stretches out along Forest Rt. 117 through a dense stand of Engelmann spruce, White fir, and Lodgepole pine and ending in a small loop. Although the lake can be seen from parts of the campground, it is about a five minute walk to the lakeshore. The campground is very rocky making it a challenge to pitch a tent on some camp sites. Privacy is good between sites. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open June 17 through September 3

Facilities

Pole Creek Lake is 5 acres. Hiking: None Fishing: Rainbow trout

Water activities

Pole Creek Lake is 5 acres.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt. An RV waste station is available for no fee at the Phillips 66 gas station located at the west end of US Rt. 40 in Duchesne, UT.

Directions

In Neola, UT, at the intersection of 2000 West and 9000 North (State Rt. 121), take 9000 North (Rt. 121) east 5.3 miles to a "T" intersection (County Rt. 2734). Turn left at intersection onto Rt. 2734 and go 12.6 miles to Elkhorn Loop Rd/Pole Creek Lake sign. Turn left at sign onto dirt road and go 14.1 miles to a Pole Creek Lake sign at a "Y" intersection. Bear left and go 0.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

National Forest: Ashley National Forest
Ranger District: Duchesne/Roosevelt
Elevation: 10000
Rate: $5 per day
Maximum Stay: 16
Open Season: May