Gooseberry Reservoir
4.3327 reviews540 NORTH MAIN STREET
Quick Facts
8,400 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Open from June 12 to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,400 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Open from June 12 to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGooseberry Reservoir
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for standard non-electric sites are $10 per night during both peak and non-peak seasons. An $8 reservation fee applies for online...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(435)283-4151
What Campers Say
4.33
Recommended
Based on 27 reviews
46 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peaceful
"The Gooseberry Reservoir Campground is favored for its scenic location, peaceful environment, and access to recreational activities such as fishing and hiking. However, the lack of shade, limited amenities, and occasional issues with campsite cleanliness have been highlighted as drawbacks."
Fees & Passes at Gooseberry Reservoir
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights maximum per stay.
Cancellation: Cancellations can occur anytime before arrival for a $10 fee, but late cancellations (starting midni...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Gooseberry Reservoir
Summer brings warm days perfect for outdoor adventures, though mountain evenings remind you to pack that extra layer as temperatures dip. The true magic unfolds in September and October, when the surrounding aspens burst into a golden symphony that draws photographers and nature lovers alike. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland, though freezing temperatures and snow make this season better suited for day trips than overnight camping.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 12 to September 30 (peak season pricing applies).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from June 12 to October 31 each year. Reservations start June 25 and end October 31.
- Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.
About Gooseberry Reservoir
Escape to the tranquil mountain sanctuary of Gooseberry Reservoir Campground, where pristine waters meet alpine meadows at 8,400 feet. This hidden gem beckons those seeking solitude and natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for fishing in the reservoir's calm waters, paddling across its glassy surface, or exploring the surrounding trails by foot or bike. While the campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and no water or garbage services, the reward is an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Gooseberry Reservoir accommodates different camping styles, including sites for RVs and tents. Group camping and primitive camping options are not explicitly mentioned, and there are no cabins or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceWhile Gooseberry Reservoir itself stands as a testament to the quiet corners of the American wilderness, history buffs will appreciate the nearby Mammoth Guard Station, just a mile south. This historic outpost serves as a reminder of the early forest service rangers who once patrolled these remote mountain valleys.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days perfect for outdoor adventures, though mountain evenings remind you to pack that extra layer as temperatures dip. The true magic unfolds in September and October, when the surrounding aspens burst into a golden symphony that draws photographers and nature lovers alike. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland, though freezing temperatures and snow make this season better suited for day trips than overnight camping.
ElevationPerched at 8,400 feet in the heart of the mountains, Gooseberry Reservoir Campground offers that crisp, clean air that only comes with altitude. While the elevation creates breathtaking vistas and refreshing temperatures, visitors should take it easy their first day to acclimate—the thin air here is part of the authentic high-country experience that makes every sunrise feel more spectacular.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to a panoramic canvas where emerald meadows stretch toward mountain peaks dressed in cloaks of aspen, fir, and aromatic sagebrush. The campground's open meadow setting provides unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks while maintaining an intimate connection with Gooseberry Reservoir's peaceful shores. Visitors consistently marvel at the scenery, with one noting the 'stunning natural beauty' and another simply calling it 'a beautiful place, very quiet'—testament to nature's ability to inspire without words.
Geological RegionNestled within a pristine mountain valley, Gooseberry Reservoir Campground showcases the diverse ecology of high-altitude environments. The open meadow setting creates a natural amphitheater surrounded by slopes adorned with quaking aspens that dance in the breeze, stately fir trees standing sentinel, and hardy sagebrush painting silver-green brushstrokes across the landscape. This elevation creates a unique ecosystem where mountain and meadow merge beside the serene waters of Gooseberry Reservoir.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information is provided about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are noted for their spaciousness, accommodating both tents and RVs. Sites include long spurs suitable for larger RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites lack natural privacy barriers such as trees or vegetation, and the reviews suggest that sites are closely situated. Some users noted the absence of shade.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring your own shade due to lack of trees and prepare for wind. Campsites near the reservoir offer quick access to fishing but may have marshy shorelines.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is typically after 14:00 local time.
Check-out
Check-out is typically before 12:00 local time.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights maximum per stay.
Groups
No information on designated group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout lacks shade and has narrow campsites. 'All the stalls are narrow and tight together.'
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 12 to October 31 each year. Reservations start June 25 and end October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov, via the app, or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews suggest sporadic overuse of reserved sites from non-reserved users.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can occur anytime before arrival for a $10 fee, but late cancellations (starting midnight one calendar day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee and loss of the first night’s fees.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gooseberry Reservoir Campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around the reservoir and the surrounding trails. These include fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle riding. Boating is limited to hand-powered watercraft and does not include a boat ramp.
Hiking
The Great Western Trail runs adjacent to the campground, offering opportunities for hiking. Reviewers appreciate the scenic views and nearby trails.Fishing
The reservoir is popular for fishing, with opportunities to catch cutthroat and rainbow trout. User reviews are divided; one camper noted, "Fishing wasn't all that," while another called it "fantastic."Biking
The Great Western Trail offers opportunities for biking, though further details about difficulty or terrain are not provided.Boating
Canoeing is permitted, limited to hand-powered boats only. No boat ramp is available.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently mention the peaceful environment and occasional wildlife sightings, such as fish jumping in the lake.Winter Activities
Snow-related activities like playing in the snow were mentioned by one reviewer. No formal winter recreational opportunities are listed.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to canoeing, and paddleboarding was mentioned in user reviews.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings; visitors are encouraged to burn local firewood to prevent tree pests.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative content.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to leeches in the lake, strong winds due to lack of shade, and encounters with sheep and their guard dogs in the campground. Some user reviews also mention complaints about sheep herders and dogs, saying, 'The problem being their dogs...could not let our own dogs out...without 4 large white dogs charging and barking.'
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Weather at Gooseberry Reservoir
17
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Ephraim, Utah, approximately 35 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 12 to September 30 (peak season pricing applies).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all garbage. This lack of service has been mentioned by reviewers as a drawback, particularly when trash from prior visitors was left at the sites.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to Gooseberry Reservoir, notable for fishing and canoeing. The reservoir is open only to hand-powered watercraft; no boat ramp is available.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of shade, narrow campsites, and disturbances from sheep herds and their guard dogs. One review mentions, 'The campground was in terrible shape. Broken tables and garbage all around.'
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
540 NORTH MAIN STREET
Driving directionsFrom Fairview, Utah, travel north about a mile on Highway 89, to the junction with Highway 31. Travel east on Highway 31 for about nine miles, to the junction with Forest Development Road 124. Go north on Forest Development Road 124 for three miles, to the campground.
A well-maintained dirt road leads to the campground, providing relatively easy access for cars and RVs alike. However, user reviews mention variability in road conditions: 'The well-maintained dirt road was the worst. Wash board, ruts and very large rocks. I watched as my trailer bounced all over the place.'Nearby places
Fairview: ~10 miles (~15 minutes)
Ephraim: ~35 miles (~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Fairview (~10 miles) and Ephraim (~35 miles), including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
27 reviews
Gooseberry Reservoir is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Gooseberry Reservoir Campground is favored for its scenic location, peaceful environment, and access to recreational activities such as fishing and hiking. However, the lack of shade, limited amenities, and occasional issues with campsite cleanliness have been highlighted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the peaceful and scenic environment, describing it as "beautiful" and "relaxing." The fishing and easy access to the reservoir were commonly appreciated. One user noted, "We always...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints frequently focus on the lack of shade and trash collection. Reviewers also mentioned the narrow spacing of sites and occasional overcrowding due to non-campers parking in reserved areas....
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own shade due to the lack of trees. Preparing for colder nights and packing out garbage are crucial. Visitors also suggested reserving sites well in advance.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall (September to early October) is highly recommended for leaf-peeping and cooler weather. One reviewer highlighted this as "ideal for the leafs changing color." Summer reviews often touch on the...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The reservoir is beautiful. Fishing was fantastic. We had the best time!" "Quiet campground. It's sparse so bring your own shade." "No cell service either." "We love Gooseberry Reservoir, one of my...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 006: Criticized as "not true" that every site has a reservoir view. Site 004: Noted for being in poor condition, with broken tables and trash. Site 007: Praised for its spaciousness and...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed experiences with pets. Some reviewers noted issues with sheep dogs being aggressive toward their pets, which limited their ability to let their pets roam freely.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement