Trout Creek Guard Station

Star4.45
18 reviews
355 N Vernal Ave, VERNAL, UT 84078, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

9,364 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ashley National Forest Vernal Ranger District 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
Trout Creek Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $60.00 during all peak seasons. No booking is available during out-of-season months of November, April, and May....
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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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(435) 789-1181wcivish@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

Most mentioned

location

"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."

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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

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.
The road begins paved but transitions to gravel after approximately 9 miles. It may be difficult to navigate during inclement weather or winter months, as snowmobile access may be required in winter.
Nearby places
Vernal, UT - 21 miles (approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest gas stations, grocery stores, and camping supplies are located in Vernal, UT, approximately 21 miles away. Visitors should bring everything they need due to the remote location.

Best Time to Camp at Trout Creek Guard Station

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Trout Creek. Summer days unfold with warm sunshine perfect for outdoor adventures, while winter blankets the forest in snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—though be prepared for a more primitive experience as amenities become limited. Spring and fall paint the landscape in stunning transitions, though these shoulder seasons fall outside the reservation window.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm months invite hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and wildflowers; summer reviews positive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens and forest setting imply strong fall color and scenic value.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Property closed in April and May; spring access/amenities are limited and variable.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 6% in UT

Described as a snow-sports paradise (XC skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling) though amenities are reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 - October 31, December 1 - March 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round except November, April, and May. Operable amenities vary seasonally.
  • Current Alerts: From mid-September to mid-June, amenities such as running water and refrigerator are shut off. Propane stove and wood-burning stove remain functional.

About Trout Creek Guard Station

Step back in time at Trout Creek Guard Station, where a charming red cabin from 1934 awaits your mountain escape. Perched at the edge of a pristine meadow in Ashley National Forest, this historic retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience that changes with the seasons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-sports paradise, while warmer months invite exploration on foot or bike, with wildlife encounters and natural beauty at every turn.
Trout Creek Guard Station offers primitive camping in a cabin setting, reflecting its historical function as a ranger guard station.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 12:00 PM
Check-out
Before 12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum 16 nights per visit
  • maximum 16 nights within a rolling 30-day window.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingNumerous hiking trails crisscross the area, offering routes to nearby reservoirs, lakes, forests, and overlooks. The trails are suitable for varying skill levels.
FishingFishing is available at nearby reservoirs and smaller lakes. Specific fish species are not mentioned.
BikingMountain biking trails are available and provide scenic views of the area. Trails are well-maintained and suitable for off-road biking.
Wildlife viewingThe meadow and surrounding forest are rich with wildlife. User reviews describe sightings of elk and coyotes.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, unpredictable winter weather, and remote location challenges. Mice inside the cabin were noted by reviewers as an issue.
Active AlertsFrom mid-September to mid-June, amenities such as running water and refrigerator are shut off. Propane stove and wood-burning stove remain functional.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Trout Creek Guard Station

Reviews

4.5
18 reviews
Recommended
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,...
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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...
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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...
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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.' -...
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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

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are available.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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