How much does camping cost at Aquarius Ranger Station?

Camping fees at Aquarius Ranger Station are $90/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Aquarius Ranger Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Aquarius Ranger 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 Aquarius Ranger Station before I book?

Yes! Aquarius Ranger Station has 8 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 Aquarius Ranger Station?

Aquarius Ranger Station is open May 22 to September 18. 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 Aquarius Ranger Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Aquarius Ranger Station?

Fire policies at Aquarius Ranger Station: Firewood for campfire ring and wood burning cook stove not provided; please plan accordingly.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Aquarius Ranger Station have?

Aquarius Ranger 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 Aquarius Ranger Station?

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

What amenities are available at Aquarius Ranger Station?

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

What activities can I do at Aquarius Ranger Station?

Popular activities at Aquarius Ranger Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Aquarius Ranger Station

4.04

23 reviews

P.O BOX 129 138 SOUTH MAIN ST

Top 20% in UTSummer

Stargazing

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open between May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open between May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Aquarius Ranger Station

$90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $90.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

435-836-2811

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Campground Map

P.O BOX 129 138 SOUTH MAIN ST

Aquarius Ranger Station

P.O BOX 129 138 SOUTH MAIN ST

Nearby places

Loa (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Bicknell (30 minutes for supplies such as ice)

Weather at Aquarius Ranger Station

Current alerts(9)

Absolutely no pets allowed in the Ranger Station.
All campers are encouraged to follow the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive and follow CDC guidance found at the links below. https://coronavirus.utah.gov/stay-at-home/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/guidance-list.html?Sort=Date%3A%3Adesc “Be…
Click here for more information on the Fishlake National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Best Time to Camp at Aquarius Ranger Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest high‑country experience: warm sunny days (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (30–45°F) make hiking, fishing, and alpine lake swimming comfortable while wildflowers and meadows are at their peak. Trails and access roads are reliably open between late June and mid‑September, and the ranger station and cabin are available for groups, so you’ll have full access to facilities and trailheads. Crowd levels are moderate — busier on July and August weekends but still far quieter Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in UT

Best season: warm days (60–75°F), full access to hiking, fishing, meadows and stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open between May 22, 2025 and September 18, 2025.

About Aquarius Ranger Station

Aquarius Ranger Station sits high in Fishlake National Forest near Loa, offering a historic cabin and small campground above 10,000 feet. The U.S. Forest Service operates this remote alpine outpost with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike, fish nearby streams, and bike forest roads under dark skies ideal for stargazing.

Aquarius Ranger Station accommodates a variety of camping styles, including cabin lodging and space for tents and RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest high‑country experience: warm sunny days (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (30–45°F) make hiking, fishing, and alpine lake swimming comfortable while wildflowers and meadows are at their peak. Trails and access roads are reliably open between late June and mid‑September, and the ranger station and cabin are available for groups, so you’ll have full access to facilities and trailheads. Crowd levels are moderate — busier on July and August weekends but still far quieter Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Aquarius Plateau's mixed forests of pine, spruce, and quaking aspen surround the station, with alpine lakes and wildflower meadows scattered across Boulder Mountain. Summer brings color to the high-country meadows. Views stretch across sagebrush valleys below. Cattle sometimes wander through. The setting sits near Capitol Reef National Park but feels entirely removed from it, the kind of seclusion people mention first in their reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin at Aquarius Ranger Station sleeps 4 people and is equipped with a double bed and a set of bunk beds. It includes propane appliances, a wood stove, and some basic utensils, but linens and bedding are not provided. Pets are not allowed inside, and smoking is prohibited.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 6 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum allowed is 20 guests
4 inside the cabin and 16 camped outside.

Groups

The station accommodates up to 20 people, which includes space for multiple tents and RVs. It is suitable for family reunions or large groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe facility accommodates up to 20 people, with space for 2-3 RVs and multiple tents outside. Reviews describe the area as spacious, suitable for group activities.

PrivacyThe campground is secluded and away from populated areas, providing solitude and privacy. User reviews highlight its peaceful environment.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring mosquito repellent. Ensure your tent/trailer can handle washboard roads. Prepare for no running water in the cabin’s sink and heater.

Need help booking Aquarius Ranger 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

Aquarius Ranger Station offers a rustic and unique camping experience at an elevation of 8,700 feet. Facilities include a two-room cabin with a maximum capacity of 20 people (4 inside the cabin and 16 outside in tents or RVs). The cabin is equipped with propane appliances, a wood stove, solar lighting, and basic utensils, although guests are advised to bring their own. A vault toilet is available adjacent to the cabin, along with picnic tables and a campfire circle. Potable water is accessible both inside the cabin and via an outside hydrant. The site does not provide electricity, a refrigerator, or RV hookups, and firewood must be brought by visitors.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Aquarius Ranger Station

Aquarius Ranger Station provides a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, trail riding, hunting, and stargazing. The area is known for its solitude and picturesque natural surroundings.

Hiking4.0/5

Adjacent to Great Western Trail and numerous high‑country trails on Boulder Mountain.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing at Pine Creek Reservoir <1 mile plus Cook and Miller Lakes and other Boulder Top lakes.

Biking3.5/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Site is high elevation and closed to public in winter; snow/low temps make winter use challenging.

Water Sports2.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Alpine meadows, fall aspens, wide views and exceptional night sky offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFirewood for campfire ring and wood burning cook stove not provided; please plan accordingly.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, so visitors must bring garbage bags to dispose of waste responsibly.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate that cell phone service is "hit or miss," with better coverage in the morning and at night, though T-Mobile and Verizon users may struggle to make calls.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.0

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Aquarius Ranger Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its secluded location, cleanliness, and suitability for stargazing and group activities. Complaints center around maintenance issues, lack of hot water, and difficulty finding the site due to poor signage.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the cabin's cleanliness, cozy atmosphere, and scenic views. "Cabin was clean and had a great time" (Scott C, 2023). "Beautiful area. Secluded and away from it all" (Robert H, 2019)....

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor directions to the site, lack of hot water, and maintenance issues inside the cabin. "The stove is filthy and greasy" (Certified Appraiser, 2021). "No water going to the...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews praise campsite 01 within the AQRS loop for cleanliness and spaciousness. Complaints include maintenance issues and lack of hot water.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra cleaning supplies, firewood, and water containers. "Be prepared for cool nights and a few cattle wandering in" (Shane D, 2021). Multiple users advise checking road...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for its warm days and cool nights, with visitors enjoying hiking, fishing, and stargazing. Winter may offer solitude but could be challenging due to snow and low temperatures.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Aquarius is a unique place to unplug from the everyday and reconnect with nature" (Steven W, 2020). "The quiet of the Awapa Plateau nourishes an overstimulated body" (Annie B, 2020). "Even the...

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin, and no reviews discuss pet-related experiences.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Aquarius Ranger Station

$90.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $90.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-836-2811

Go if

You want a secluded high-elevation base camp for hiking and fishing with cabin rental options.

Skip if

You need paved access roads or expect spotless cabin amenities like working water heaters.

Nearby Campgrounds

138 SOUTH MAIN ST., LOA, UT, 84747, USA

Sunglow Campground sits at 7,200 feet in Fishlake National Forest, a short drive from Capitol Reef National Park near Bicknell. This small Forest Service campground offers flush toilets, potable water at each site, and a quiet base for exploring red-rock canyons and high-country trails. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and proximity to Capitol Reef, though shade is limited and the setting is exposed.