How much does camping cost at Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Camping fees at Big Lake Cua Dispersed range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Lake Cua Dispersed first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Lake Cua Dispersed operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This dispersed camping area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Lake Cua Dispersed before I book?

Yes! Big Lake Cua Dispersed has 1 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 Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Big Lake Cua Dispersed is open June to October. 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 Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Big Lake Cua Dispersed does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Fire policies at Big Lake Cua Dispersed: Campers must follow local fire restrictions and fully extinguish campfires before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Lake Cua Dispersed. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Big Lake Cua Dispersed offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Lake Cua Dispersed?

Popular activities at Big Lake Cua Dispersed include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Lake Cua Dispersed

5 reviews

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Utah

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open from June to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open from June to Oc...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Lake Cua Dispersed

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This is a no-fee dispersed camping site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(435) 896-9233

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Big Lake Cua Dispersed

115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701

Nearby places

Richfield, Utah: 27.9 miles

Greenwich, Utah: 29.8 miles

Nearby supplies

Richfield, Utah, located about 27.9 miles away, provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Driving directionsBig Lake Dispersed camping is located about 21 miles south and east of Richfield Utah, along the Monroe Mountain Road FR068. From Richfield head east on 300 North (UT-118) 1 mile. Continue straight onto UT-119 east for 4.2 miles. Turn right into Glenwood for 1 mile and turn left at Center Street. Travel east for 0.4 miles where Center Street turns right and becomes Fish Hatchery Road (UT-263). Continue for 3.4 miles and turn left onto Monroe Mountain Road (FR068). Continue on FR068 for 11 miles and turn right onto FR080 for 0.5 miles.

Access involves paved roads transitioning to unpaved forest service roads. Seasonal closures may apply, particularly outside June to October when the campground is open.

Weather at Big Lake Cua Dispersed

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake Cua Dispersed

Summer is the most reliable window. Mid-July through August brings daytime highs around 55–75°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and occasional early-June mornings near freezing. Wildflowers peak in mid-summer. Access runs June through October, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, and September and October introduce frost and colder nights. Pack warm layers year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (mid-Jul–Aug) offers mild days, peak wildflowers and reliable fishing; site open then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to October. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June to October.

About Big Lake Cua Dispersed

Big Lake Cua Dispersed sits in an alpine meadow at 9,300 feet in Fishlake National Forest, offering primitive camping near Big Lake reservoir. The only amenity is a vault toilet. Sites scatter among aspens and conifers along Forest Road 080, attracting campers who bring everything they need and value solitude over services.

Big Lake Dispersed Camping is categorized as a primitive camping area, providing primarily natural surroundings with minimal amenities. Its focus is on dispersed camping rather than developed campground facilities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most reliable window. Mid-July through August brings daytime highs around 55–75°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and occasional early-June mornings near freezing. Wildflowers peak in mid-summer. Access runs June through October, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, and September and October introduce frost and colder nights. Pack warm layers year-round.

ElevationAt 9,300 feet, this lofty perch places you among the clouds where the air is thin, pure, and invigorating. The high elevation creates a natural refrigerator effect, keeping temperatures refreshingly cool even during summer's peak while offering panoramic vistas that stretch for miles across the surrounding wilderness. Here, you'll experience the unique sensation of camping above much of the world, where weather patterns unfold below and stars shine with extraordinary brilliance.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-altitude basin carved by volcanic activity and glacial sculpting, now covered in aspen groves, conifers, and wildflower meadows. Big Lake anchors the landscape, drawing elk at dawn and osprey in the evenings. The meadow's gentle contours contrast with the rugged terrain beyond. Aspens and conifers provide shade at most sites, and the elevation creates long sightlines across native grasses.

Geological RegionThis remarkable camping destination sits within a vast alpine meadow system carved by ancient geological forces at 9,300 feet elevation. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and soil, where volcanic activity and glacial sculpting created this high-altitude basin now cloaked in aspen groves and coniferous forests. The meadow's gentle contours contrast dramatically with the rugged terrain beyond, creating a natural sanctuary that feels both intimate and infinite.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the meadow, nearby trees, and Big Lake are available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping stay limit is 16 days, 15 nights. After that, campers must relocate at least 5 road miles away.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits are mentioned for dispersed camping.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed sites scatter across the meadow near Forest Road 080, with spacing that varies. Most sit among aspens and conifers for natural shade and some privacy, but the open meadow means you'll see other campers.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis dispersed camping area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not available.

AccessibilityThe site is dispersed and designed to minimize human impact on the environment. Accessibility options are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeMost dispersed campsites are located near aspen and conifer trees, providing natural shade. The exact sizes of the campsites are not detailed in available information.

PrivacyThe natural layout of the campsites among trees offers a level of privacy, but the dispersed nature of the campground suggests that spacing may vary. Specific privacy levels per site are not documented.

Amenities available

Big Lake Dispersed Camping provides minimal facilities focused on a primitive and natural camping experience. Key amenities include a single vault toilet near the reservoir, with no available potable water, electricity, picnic tables, or sewer hookups. This location prioritizes maintaining its natural environment, as evidenced by restrictions like using existing sites and packing out trash. "At this campground, the only thing that is there is a pit toilet," says one user review. Another confirms this, stating it is a "USFS primitive campground, no services, pit toilet."

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Big Lake Dispersed Camping offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, emphasizing self-sufficiency and connection to nature. Activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, and OHV riding on designated trails. These activities align with the area's focus on preserving its natural state.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife presence and seasonal snow risks. Following bear-proof food storage protocols is advised.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Fire PolicyCampers must follow local fire restrictions and fully extinguish campfires before leaving.

Emergency ServicesSupervisors Office & Richfield Ranger District, 115 East 900 North Richfield, UT 84701, Phone: (435) 896-9233.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are not provided on-site. Campers are required to pack out all trash to maintain the natural environment and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Big Lake Reservoir, which offers fishing opportunities.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Big Lake Cua Dispersed has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is positively reviewed for its natural beauty and serenity, though the lack of facilities is a recurring theme. Users appreciate the fishing opportunities and the scenic location, but caution about the limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic beauty of the large meadow at 9,300 feet elevation, proximity to Big Lake for fishing, and the shade provided by aspen and conifer trees. Visitors emphasize the...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint centers on the lack of amenities, as noted in reviews highlighting the absence of water, electricity, and other services.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The reviews do not provide specific details about individual campsites.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are encouraged to bring their own water, firewood, and all necessary supplies due to the lack of on-site services. Adherence to Leave No Trace principles is also recommended.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from June to October, and reviews do not indicate significant differences in experience across this period. Seasonal weather trends or activity changes are not specifically...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "At this campground, the only thing that is there is a pit toilet." 2. "USFS primitive campground, no services, pit toilet." 3. "A fun little dry campground next to a large reservoir with good...

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews discussing accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The pet policy requires dogs to be leashed at all times, and users are instructed to clean up after their pets. No specific positive or negative reviews about the pet policies are included.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Self-sufficient campers who fish or want elk and osprey sightings at dawn will find this hard to beat. Pack in all water and firewood, claim a site among the aspens off FR 080, and you've got a free alpine base camp through October.

Skip if

No water, no hookups, no reservations, and 28 miles to the nearest supplies in Richfield. Campers who need even basic services should look at a developed Forest Service site before making the drive.

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Campgrounds

Fishlake National Forest

Big Lake Cua Dispersed

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Big Lake Cua Dispersed sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><img alt="People fishing on the edge of Big Lake Reservoir." class="float-left margin-right-2" max-width="650px" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3844719.jpg" width="60%" /></p><p>Big Lake is located in a very scenic large meadow at an elevation of over 9,300 feet.  Most dispersed camp sites are found near aspen and conifer trees for shade.  There is a vault restroom near the reservoir north of Forest Road 080.  Big Lake can be a great fishing opportunity, plus there is wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, and OHV riding on designated routes.  Please pack-out what you pack-in.  Camping stay limit is 16 days.  </p>

Open Season: June – October