How much does camping cost at Skull Creek?

Camping fees at Skull Creek range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Skull Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Skull Creek 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 Skull Creek before I book?

Yes! Skull Creek has 11 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 Skull Creek?

Skull Creek is open May 15 to September 17. 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 Skull Creek?

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

Is there cell service at Skull Creek?

Cell phone service at Skull Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Skull Creek have?

Skull Creek has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Skull Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Skull Creek. 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 Skull Creek?

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

What activities can I do at Skull Creek?

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

Skull Creek

4.19

61 reviews

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Featured in:Hiking Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land & Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land & Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Skull Creek

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-784-3445Help.Ashley.DutchJohn@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Skull Creek

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Nearby places

Vernal, UT - approximately 35 miles north

Dutch John, UT - closest populated area, distance unspecified.

Weather at Skull Creek

Best Time to Camp at Skull Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access (campground open May 15–Sept 17), warm daytime temperatures for boating and swimming, and prime fishing and hiking conditions. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (18–26°C) with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (1–7°C); afternoons can bring brief thunderstorms, hail, or even isolated snow flurries at this elevation. Water activities (boating, swimming, reservoir fishing) and long daylight hours are at their peak, while the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 15–Sept 17; cool daytime highs, shaded sites and lots of activities make summer excellent.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 15 and closes September 17 for reservations. It operates as a dry campground during this period.

About Skull Creek

Skull Creek sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Ashley National Forest near Dutch John, operated by American Land & Leisure. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables amid scenic surroundings known for abundant wildlife and dark night skies. Visitors fish, hike, bike, boat, and watch for wildlife during the summer season.

Skull Creek Campground provides options for tent camping and dry camping. There are no hookups available, emphasizing a primitive camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access (campground open May 15–Sept 17), warm daytime temperatures for boating and swimming, and prime fishing and hiking conditions. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (18–26°C) with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (1–7°C); afternoons can bring brief thunderstorms, hail, or even isolated snow flurries at this elevation. Water activities (boating, swimming, reservoir fishing) and long daylight hours are at their peak, while the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits on a hillside blanketed in ponderosa pines and aspens, with enough shade and spacing between sites that campers note the privacy. Wildlife is abundant: deer, moose, pronghorn antelope, and yes, occasional wandering cattle that leave droppings on some sites. The famous red rock cliffs of Flaming Gorge frame the surrounding area, contrasting with the green forest. At night, the stars are striking at this elevation. Some sites have space for 8-man tents, and the forest floor blooms with wildflowers in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available at Skull Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Red Canyon Visitor Center offers interpretive displays and area information.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each single site allows a maximum of 2 vehicles, equating to one sleeping unit and a passenger vehicle or two passenger vehicles.

Groups

Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov and through the contact center.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 1 sleeping unit. Some sites have ample space for large tents, such as 8-man tents.

PrivacySites are described as "spread out nicely" and "private," with "plenty of shade and privacy," according to users.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 3 is spacious for large tents. Sites near the highway may experience road noise.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, and 3 can handle larger tents. Sites 4, 9, 13, 16, and 17 are first-come, first-served. Reviewers specifically called out these as worth trying.

Need help booking Skull Creek?

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

Water is NOT available on site. Please bring your own water. The nearest water sources are at Greendale and Lodgepole Campgrounds. No hookups available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Skull Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, and camping.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 at Skull Creek Campground. Vault toilets are provided, and reviews mention varying levels of smell depending on camper behavior and facility maintenance.

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 Skull Creek

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From Booking Sources

4.2

61 reviews

Satisfactory

Skull Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rustic charm, wildlife presence, and overall cleanliness of the campground. While many praised the privacy, shade, and peaceful environment, some expressed concerns about road noise, cattle roaming, and vault toilet maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic surroundings, abundant wildlife, clean vault toilets, and private campsites. "The stars were amazing at night," and the campground is described as...

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve the lack of water facilities, occasional road noise, cattle roaming through campsites, and vault toilet odors.

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 2, and 3 have ample space for 8-man tents. Site 003 is described as 'really close to the lake.' Vault toilets at sites 4 and 8 vary in cleanliness and odor level. Site-specific reviews...

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and hand sanitizer for the bathrooms. Consider camping at sites 4, 9, 13, 16, and 17 as they are first come, first serve. For showers, drive to Deer Run Campground. Arrive early...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight cooler temperatures and shaded sites during summer, making it ideal for escaping the heat. Occasional hail and snow are noted depending on the season, impacting hiking and outdoor...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Our family of 6 had a great time at this campground. It was so pretty and the stars were amazing at night." - Jessica L. "Beautiful campsite tucked away in the forest. Abundant wildlife around." -...

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not explicitly reviewed, but general usability and comfort were noted.

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews about pet policies or pet-friendly features are not mentioned.

Based on 61 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly high-elevation camping with fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a scenic forest setting.

Skip if

You need drinking water on-site, full hookups, or a campground without road noise and cattle activity.

Nearby Campgrounds

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT, 84023, USA

Greens Lake sits in Ashley National Forest near Dutch John, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by American Land & Leisure with tent sites, RV spaces, group camping, and cabins. The setting offers access to Flaming Gorge recreation and Red Canyon Lodge, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish for trout, paddle, hike trails through wildflower meadows, and watch wildlife in a quiet forest environment.