Spirit Lake Campground

Star4.41
43 reviews
Forest Rt. 001, Spirit Lake Campground, Manila, UT
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

10,170 ft

Price

$15 - $22/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Ashley National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Spirit Lake Campground
$15.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee is $15 per day for campsites, increasing to $22 in 2025. Fees must be paid in cash or check only. Group and premium site fees are not...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 43 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglake

"User reviews praise Spirit Lake Campground for its serene environment, natural beauty, and variety of activities. Common highlights include fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. However, some users note limitations such as lack of privacy and the absence of modern amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Rt. 001, Spirit Lake Campground, Manila, UT

Spirit Lake Campground

Forest Rt. 001, Spirit Lake Campground, Manila, UT

Driving directionsFrom Wyoming: Take Highway 414, turn right (south) at the McKinnon Junction up through Sols Canyon, Forest Road 221. Turn right on Forest Road 001; follow the dirt road to the campground. From Vernal, Utah: Take Highway 191, which turns into Highway 44. Shortly past the Dowd Mountain overlook, turn left onto Forest Road 218. Turn onto Forest Road 221 heading west, until you reach Forest Road 001; turn left and follow the dirt road to the campground. In Manila, UT, at the intersection of State Rt. 43 (Main St.) and State Rt. 44, take Rt. 44 south 13.2 miles to Spirit Lake and Sheep Creek Geological Loop signs (Forest Rt. 218). Turn right after signs onto Rt. 218 and go 3.1 miles to Deep Creek/Spirit Lake sign (Forest Rt. 221). Turn left after sign onto Rt. 221 and immediately bear left, staying on Rt. 221, and go 10.8 miles to Spirit Lake sign (Forest Rt. 001). Turn left after sign onto Rt. 001 and go 6.2 miles to campground.
Roads leading to the campground consist of dirt and gravel. Forest Routes 221 and 001 are single-lane dirt roads, requiring careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Manila (approximately 33.3 miles), Vernal, Utah (approximately 45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Potable water and showers are available for a fee at Spirit Lake Lodge. The lodge also offers trail rides, boat rentals, and a café for meals. Grocery supplies are available in Manila, Utah, approximately 33 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Spirit Lake Campground

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes with her mercurial moods. Summer visitors should pack for all seasons, as temperatures can swing dramatically from crisp mornings in the mid-20s to pleasant afternoons reaching the low 70s. Mountain weather arrives swiftly and without warning—one moment you're basking in sunshine, the next you're reaching for rain gear as clouds roll in. Strong alpine winds and surprise snow flurries even in July remind visitors they're truly in the high country.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Open Jun 15–Sep 17; summer is favored for mild temps and full access to activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only through Sept 17, so fall access is limited and weather cools quickly.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens June 15; spring is generally too snowy/closed for regular camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for winter; extreme cold and snow make winter camping impractical here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - September 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 15 through September 17.

About Spirit Lake Campground

Nestled among towering conifers at a breathtaking 10,170 feet, Spirit Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This rustic haven sits alongside the pristine waters of Spirit Lake, where summer days unfold with the gentle splash of fishing lines, the crunch of hiking boots on mountain trails, and the thrilling glimpse of wildlife emerging from the forest shadows. While modern amenities are limited to vault toilets—with no running water or garbage service—the campground's raw beauty and peaceful solitude more than compensate for its primitive nature.
Spirit Lake Campground offers a mix of tent camping, combined RV/tent sites, and access to nearby rustic cabins.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in information not provided.
Check-out
Check-out information not provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration of 16 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Spirit Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding High Uinta Wilderness provides stunning scenery and opportunities for exploration.
HikingTwo notable trails are accessible from the campground: Spirit-Tamarack Trail (#024) spans 5 miles and supports hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking; Browne-Spirit Lake Trail (#017) covers 15 miles and is suitable for hiking and horseback riding.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant at Spirit Lake, with rainbow trout being the main catch. User reviews mention that certain lures and flies yield better results. Nearby lakes offer additional fishing opportunities, accessible via hiking.
BikingThe Spirit-Tamarack Trail (#024) accommodates mountain biking, with a 5-mile stretch featuring varying terrain.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, including kayaking and pedal boating. Power boats are restricted to electric motors.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose are frequently spotted in the area. User reviews highlight early morning sightings of moose near cabins and hiking trails.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include sudden weather changes, wildlife like bears and moose, and challenging road access.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Spirit Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
43 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Spirit Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Spirit Lake Campground for its serene environment, natural beauty, and variety of activities. Common highlights include fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. However, some users note limitations such as lack of privacy and the absence of modern amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the natural beauty, helpful camp hosts, clean facilities, and proximity to Spirit Lake Lodge for additional services. Activities such as fishing and hiking are frequently mentioned...
Show more
Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of water and garbage services on-site, close proximity of campsites, noise from OHVs, and cash-only payment policies.
Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during summer months, bringing appropriate gear for high-altitude weather variability, and using specific fishing lures for better results. They also advise bringing cash...
Show more
Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most favored season for camping at Spirit Lake, offering mild temperatures and access to activities like fishing and boating. Winter months are less conducive due to extreme cold and...
Show more
Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely love this place, every year we visit this area fishing, hiking and camping. It’s super clean and everyone around is helpful." - Michael McBride."Spirit lake has always been a favorite...
Show more
Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are limited; however, users describe some sites as being too close together, impacting privacy.
Based on 43 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 43 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and dogs must be kept on a leash. User reviews note that cabins permit pets for an extra fee.
Based on 43 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Spirit Lake Campground? 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
Spirit Lake Campground