Skull Creek

Star4.33
61 reviews
RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Season opens May 15 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land & Leisure 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
Skull Creek
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites are available free during peak season but a $15 fee is mentioned in user reviews. Reservation fees may apply, including $8...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-784-3445
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 61 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Skull Creek

RED CANYON COMPLEX, DUTCH JOHN, UT 84023, USA

Driving directionsLocated off Highway 44, just west of the junction of Highways 44 and 191 in the Flaming Gorge area, about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah.
The campground is located just off Highway 44. Roads within the campground are paved but reported to have potholes. Some reviews mention gravel roads in the campsite area.
Nearby places
Vernal, UT - approximately 35 miles north
Dutch John, UT - closest populated area, distance unspecified.
Nearby supplies
The nearest water sources are at Greendale and Lodgepole Campgrounds. Firewood can be purchased at Greens Lake Campground. Showers are available at Deer Run and Mustang Ridge Campgrounds for registered campers.

Best Time to Camp at Skull Creek

At Skull Creek, Mother Nature keeps things interesting with refreshingly cool temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat. Don't be surprised if you experience four seasons in a single day – morning sunshine might give way to afternoon hail, and yes, even light summer snow flurries have been known to dust the pines. These crisp mountain conditions and dramatically changing skies create an ever-shifting canvas that makes each visit unique.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; cooler shaded sites ideal for escaping heat; boating/fishing available nearby.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 17; aspen and pine setting suggests strong early-fall scenery, but season short.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; cooler temps and possible late-season snow/hail can affect activities early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season is May 15–Sept 17; winter season closed for reservations per overview.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from 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

Tucked away 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah, Skull Creek Campground offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude near the spectacular Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This hidden gem features 17 intimate single-family sites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings where memories are made under starlit skies. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with vault toilets and no drinking water (so come prepared!), it rewards visitors with tranquility and authentic wilderness experiences far from the crowds.
Skull Creek Campground provides options for tent camping and dry camping. There are no hookups available, emphasizing a primitive camping experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
By 11 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Skull Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, and camping.
HikingHiking opportunities include marked trails leading to Greens Lake and the Red Canyon Rim Trail, which is popular for wildlife watching and scenic views.
FishingFishing is available at Greens Lake, where rainbow and brook trout are common. Flaming Gorge Reservoir nearby also offers world-class fishing for trout species.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist primarily at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, though specific designated swimming areas are not mentioned.
BikingBike rentals are available at Red Canyon Lodge, and the trails around Greens Lake and Red Canyon Rim are suitable for biking.
BoatingBoating is available at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which supports various activities including canoeing, kayaking, and even water skiing.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with users reporting sightings of chipmunks, squirrels, deer, antelope, and moose. The Red Canyon Rim Trail is a recommended spot for observing wildlife.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (cows, moose, etc.), and challenging road conditions due to potholes reported by users.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Skull Creek

Reviews

4.3
61 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Skull Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
Show more
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

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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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." -...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Skull Creek? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Utah

Campgrounds
Ashley National Forest
Skull Creek