How much does camping cost at Trout Creek Guard Station?

Camping fees at Trout Creek Guard Station range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Trout Creek Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Trout Creek 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 Trout Creek Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Trout Creek Guard Station has 12 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 Trout Creek Guard Station?

Trout Creek Guard Station is open January 01 to December 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 Trout Creek Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Trout Creek Guard Station have?

Trout Creek 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 Trout Creek Guard Station?

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

What amenities are available at Trout Creek Guard Station?

Trout Creek Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trout Creek Guard Station?

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

Trout Creek Guard Station

4.45

18 reviews

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Top 18% in UTSummer

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,364 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,364 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Trout Creek Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. 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) 789-1181wcivish@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Trout Creek Guard Station

355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA

Nearby places

Vernal, UT - 21 miles (approximately 40 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Vernal, travel north on U.S. Highway 191/Vernal Avenue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 020/018; a paved parking lot with a restroom is located at this intersection. Follow paved Forest Road 020 northwest approximately 9 miles. The pavement ends and the road turns to gravel after the East Park Campground junction. Continue on gravel Forest Road 020 (locally called White Cloud Loop after pavement ends) approximately 10 miles. Trout Creek Park will be in the foreground and Trout Creek Guard Station will be visible to the northwest. Turn right (north) to Trout Creek Guard Station (red building). If you reach the intersection with Forest Road 018 (Red Cloud Loop), you have gone too far.

Weather at Trout Creek Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

A maximum of 12 people are allowed within the guard station complex per reservation
Click here for more information on the Ashley National Forest, or call (435) 789-1181
Level parking is provided for a maximum of two RVs or camp trailers; no hookups are available
No trash collection is provided; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility

Best Time to Camp at Trout Creek Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible trails, warm daytime weather, and peak alpine wildflower displays — ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Expect warm sunshine with daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to mid‑70s°F (15–24°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C), so you can comfortably explore high‑elevation routes without deep snow. Trail and meadow conditions are at their best, fishing streams run well, and crowds are moderate (this is a remote guard-sta Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April, May, November

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in UT

Best/reliable season; trails snow-free, wildflowers peak and fishing streams run well.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Trout Creek Guard Station

Trout Creek Guard Station sits in the high alpine backcountry of Ashley National Forest near Vernal, offering a historic cabin rental managed by the Vernal Ranger District. The remote setting attracts visitors seeking solitude, stargazing, and access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing trails. Guests should come prepared for primitive conditions, including vault toilets, no hot water, and the self-sufficiency required at elevation.

Trout Creek Guard Station offers primitive camping in a cabin setting, reflecting its historical function as a ranger guard station.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible trails, warm daytime weather, and peak alpine wildflower displays — ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Expect warm sunshine with daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to mid‑70s°F (15–24°C) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C), so you can comfortably explore high‑elevation routes without deep snow. Trail and meadow conditions are at their best, fishing streams run well, and crowds are moderate (this is a remote guard-sta Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April, May, November

Elevation9364 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits at the edge of a meadow ringed by pine and aspen. Deer graze near the site, and elk move through at dawn and dusk. The surrounding forest opens to wildflower meadows in summer. From here, you can reach the Ashley-Karst National Geologic Recreation Area, where underground cave systems have formed over millions of years. The elevation keeps temperatures cool year-round.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin accommodates up to 4 people on twin bunk beds and has room for additional cots or air mattresses. No linens or bedding are provided. It is a primitive lodging experience that reflects the station’s historical heritage.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 16 nights per visit
maximum 16 nights within a rolling 30-day window.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 12 people allowed within the guard station complex per reservation.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThere is level parking available for two RVs or camp trailers, though no hookups are provided. Accessibility information specific to disabilities is not mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin can sleep 2-4 people and has sufficient space for extra cots or air mattresses. Outdoor space includes a fireplace and seating area.

PrivacyThe cabin is described as remote and secluded, surrounded by conifers and offering serene silence. Privacy is highly rated by users.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing extra bedding or camp pads due to poor bed quality. They advise chopping firewood for the next guest and bringing battery-powered lighting and water.

Need help booking Trout Creek 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

Level parking is provided for a maximum of two RVs or camp trailers; no hookups are available

Potable water

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can enjoy a variety of recreational activities that vary by season, including hiking, biking, off-road trails, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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 Trout Creek Guard Station

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From Booking Sources

4.5

18 reviews

Recommended

Trout Creek Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the rustic charm, serene surroundings, and unique experience of staying at Trout Creek Guard Station. The average sentiment rating is high, indicating strong positive feedback despite minor complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests love the scenic and secluded location, the wood stove, and the opportunity for star gazing. Many appreciate the historical and primitive aspects of the cabin.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Users have noted issues with the beds, unreliable solar lights, lack of running water during winter, and occasional mice. Maintenance updates, such as installing reliable carbon monoxide detectors,...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin (site 001) is often praised for its serenity and charm but criticized for old and insufficient bedding. Guests also mentioned occasional wildlife concerns and mice.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, bedding, and cookware. It's customary to leave chopped wood for the next visitors, and cleaning thoroughly before leaving is highly...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months receive positive feedback for hiking and wildlife viewing, while winter months are praised for snow-related activities. However, winter visitors report limited amenities and...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Cozy, quaint, and pretty remote... this place is a hidden gem!' - Cody Eldridge 2. 'The barn full of wood to chop was fantastic.' - Trent Grover 3. 'A beautiful, fun, remote rustic cabin.' -...

Based on 18 reviews

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Go if

You want a secluded high-elevation cabin experience with stargazing and trail access, and you're comfortable with primitive amenities and bringing your own supplies.