Barker Recreation Area

Star4.35
26 reviews
PO BOX 246, ESCALANTE, UT 84726, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$20 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Augus...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Dixie National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Barker Recreation Area
$20.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual standard non-electric sites cost $20 per night during the peak season. Group sites range from $80 to $140 depending on the number of...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
435-826-5499
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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 26 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadewell-maintainedsites

"User sentiment is generally positive, with an average campground-specific rating of 4.22 out of 5. Reviews highlight the area's natural beauty, excellent fishing, clean facilities, and quiet atmosphere. Criticisms focus primarily on the challenging road conditions and inconsistent servicing of amenities."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 246, ESCALANTE, UT 84726, USA

Barker Recreation Area

PO BOX 246, ESCALANTE, UT 84726, USA

Driving directionsFrom Escalante, Utah, drive 2.5 miles west on Highway 12, then turn right at the North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker Recreation Area sign, onto Forest Road 149. Drive approximately 16 miles on FR 149. The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts.
Roads and parking spurs are gravel. "The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts." User reviews highlight the road's poor condition: "The road in was absolutely atrocious. It is not meant for motorhomes, travel trailers, or any vehicle you don't want to drive on washboard for 22 miles" (Clayton K). Another reviewer stated: "The road is not for the light-hearted, 16 miles of dirt road, with some switchbacks and 1000 feet of elevation change" (Alan Haywood).
Nearby places
Escalante - 2.5 miles west on Highway 12 (approximately 45 minutes by road). Nearby attractions include Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Anasazi State Park.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Escalante, Utah, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Barker Recreation Area

Summer days at Barker bring that perfect mountain recipe: crisp, invigorating air that fills your lungs, brilliant blue skies that stretch endlessly overhead, and comfortable temperatures that make both adventure and relaxation equally appealing. As visitor Clayton K enthusiastically noted, 'Loved the cool air and the outhouse was decently well kept' - a testament to both the refreshing climate and the campground's commitment to maintaining essential facilities even in this remote location.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in UT

Open May 23–Aug 31; peak season with pleasant temps, water availability and most activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Aug 31; fall bookings not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Partially open late spring (from May 23) with pleasant conditions but limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed out-of-season; winter access/services unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season: May 23 to August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to August 31. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.

About Barker Recreation Area

Tucked away in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, Barker Recreation Area offers a tranquil escape for those seeking solitude beneath towering aspens and fragrant spruce trees. This hidden gem features 13 intimate single-family sites and three spacious group camping areas, perfect for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Whether you're casting a line in pristine waters, paddling across mirror-like surfaces, exploring scenic trails on foot or horseback, this remote sanctuary promises authentic wilderness experiences far from the crowds.
Barker Recreation Area offers single-family and group campsites within its remote, forested setting. Primitive camping options are available at lakeside backcountry sites but are not explicitly part of the main campground layout.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. Maximum total stay within 30 days is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers diverse recreational opportunities, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Numerous trails connect to backcountry lakes with spectacular views. The Great Western Trail is prominent in the area, leading to nine fishing lakes surrounded by dense spruce and aspen forests.
HikingNumerous trails, including the non-motorized Great Western Trail, offer access to scenic views and backcountry fishing lakes. Trails are described as 'beautiful' and 'romantic' by users, although signage could be clearer according to one review: 'There are quite a few signs for the short trails, but we didn't always know the right way.'
FishingUpper Barker Reservoir is known for excellent fishing opportunities, hosting rainbow and brook trout. Stream fishing is also available in the surrounding area. User reviews confirm the abundance of fish: 'Saw lots of fish as I walked around the lake.'
BikingBiking trails are accessible within the recreation area, offering varied terrain and scenic routes. Information on trail difficulty or length is not specified.
BoatingNon-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking is permitted on Upper Barker Reservoir. Motorized boats are prohibited.
Wildlife viewingThe dense forests and reservoirs attract a variety of wildlife, including black bears, blue grouse, golden eagles, ducks, and wild turkey, making the area ideal for wildlife viewing. Summer wildflowers add to the natural beauty.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears; campers must use bear-proof lockers and keep campsites clean. The gravel road to the campground is steep and challenging.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available to ensure safety in black bear habitats.

Weather at Barker Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4
26 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Barker Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is generally positive, with an average campground-specific rating of 4.22 out of 5. Reviews highlight the area's natural beauty, excellent fishing, clean facilities, and quiet atmosphere. Criticisms focus primarily on the challenging road conditions and inconsistent servicing of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the beautiful setting, fishing opportunities, clean campgrounds, and well-maintained bear-proof lockers. The cool alpine air and shaded sites are frequently mentioned as...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions ('The road in was absolutely atrocious,' '16 miles of dirt road'), lack of trash collection, and occasional shortages of toilet paper.
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing fishing gear, preparing for a challenging drive, and being self-sufficient in terms of amenities like trash disposal and toilet paper. Carrying water is also suggested for...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate peak usage during summer months, correlating with the availability of drinking water and pleasant weather conditions. Visitors during off-season periods report less crowded campsites...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Wonderful subalpine mountain retreat for a short hike. Beautiful little lakes (reservoirs, actually), romantic meadows, streams, anything you could wish for.' - Hubert Schwarthoff - 'Great...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001: Highly rated for access to fishing spots and relaxation. Site 005: Enjoyed for quiet atmosphere and proximity to hiking areas. Site 006: Praised for cleanliness but noted lack of water...
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Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, but reviews do not provide additional insights into broader accessibility features.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews or complaints regarding pet policies are provided.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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