How much does camping cost at Elkhorn Campground?

Camping fees at Elkhorn Campground range from $16-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elkhorn Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkhorn Campground 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 Elkhorn Campground before I book?

Yes! Elkhorn Campground has 6 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 Elkhorn Campground?

Elkhorn Campground is open June 15 to September 20. 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 Elkhorn Campground?

Elkhorn Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elkhorn Campground have?

Elkhorn Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elkhorn Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Elkhorn Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Elkhorn Campground?

Popular activities at Elkhorn Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elkhorn Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elkhorn Campground?

Fire policies at Elkhorn Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.60

11 reviews

138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA

Featured in:Hiking Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$16 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from June 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Fishlake National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$16 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from June 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Fishlake National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Elkhorn Campground

$16.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-836-2811

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA

Elkhorn Campground

138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA

Nearby places

Loa (20 miles northeast, approximately 30-40 minutes drive).

Weather at Elkhorn Campground

Current alerts(3)

Click here for more info about the Fishlake National Forest
Off-road vehicles are allowed only for entering and exiting the campground
This campground has both reservable and first come, first served sites

Best Time to Camp at Elkhorn Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — long daylight, profuse wildflowers, and reliably warm daytime highs (typically 60–75°F / 16–24°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). This is when the high plateau lakes are ice-free and fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are at their peak; expect daily afternoon showers/storms that cool the air and keep the meadows lush. Crowds are moderate (busiest on July–August weekends), roads and the campground are fully accessible (open June 15–Sept 20), Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 15–Sept 20; pleasant daytime temps, shade and wildflowers, but afternoon storms common.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 15 to September 20 for reservations.

About Elkhorn Campground

Elkhorn Campground sits high in the Fishlake National Forest near Loa, Utah, offering alpine access for tent and group campers. Operated by Fishlake National Forest, this small site features vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for summer hiking and mountain biking amid wildflower meadows and crisp mountain air.

Elkhorn Campground provides group camping accommodations and individual campsites. It is primarily suitable for tent camping and includes vault toilets, gravel roads, and gravel parking spurs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — long daylight, profuse wildflowers, and reliably warm daytime highs (typically 60–75°F / 16–24°C) with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). This is when the high plateau lakes are ice-free and fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are at their peak; expect daily afternoon showers/storms that cool the air and keep the meadows lush. Crowds are moderate (busiest on July–August weekends), roads and the campground are fully accessible (open June 15–Sept 20), Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThousand Lake Mountain rises behind the campground, a 9,300-foot plateau scattered with alpine lakes that justify the name. The geology here is volcanic in origin, carved by glaciers and erosion into a landscape that shifts with the seasons. Dense aspen groves share the slope with pine and spruce. Summer brings wildflowers to the mountain meadows. The alpine lakes nearby are ice-free in warm months, reflecting the surrounding forest and sky.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges were mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no details about cultural or educational programs at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 15 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group site accommodates up to 75 people.

Groups

The campground features one group site that accommodates up to 75 people. It includes amenities like large tables, grills, Dutch oven cooking surfaces, and a fire ring with benches.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes amenities for large gatherings. Individual sites were described as close together, suitable for tents.

PrivacySpaces are close together," according to AJ Gilbert's review. The campground offers limited privacy between sites.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site G1 is praised for being clean and spacious, accommodating up to 75 people. Sites near the entryway feature scenic views.

Best CampsitesThe group site (G1) gets consistent praise for its size and clean vault toilets. It's designed for large gatherings and can handle up to 75 people. Individual sites are closer together, which matters more for privacy-seekers than groups.

Need help booking Elkhorn Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elkhorn Campground offers vault toilets, drinking water during the camping season, gravel roads, and gravel parking spurs. The group site includes features like large tables, grills, Dutch oven cooking surfaces, and a fire ring with benches. The Elkhorn Ranger Station is located across a meadow from the campground. "The campground was in great shape" as noted by a user, and summer wildflowers enhance the surrounding meadow.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Elkhorn Campground provides diverse recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and off-roading. "Miles of trails, including the Great Western Trail, crisscross the area," offering excellent outdoor opportunities. Alpine lakes near the campground enhance fishing and scenery opportunities.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Cell Coverage"No cell service," noted one user review from Byron B, although another review by Scott Massed mentioned "1-2 bars of 4G Verizon can be found within walking distance of the campsites."

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

3.6

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Elkhorn Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall user sentiment for Elkhorn Campground is positive, with an average campground-specific rating of 4.6. Common themes include the scenic location, clean facilities, and suitability for group gatherings.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its scenic views, clean vault toilets, and suitability for group camping. "We really loved the group site! It was big, had clean vault toilets, and was in a beautiful...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of cell service and exposure to weather conditions. "No cell service," noted Byron B, and AJ Gilbert highlighted proximity to weather risks: "Seems a chance of rain almost...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

G1 group site received positive reviews for its size, cleanliness, and scenic location. "We really loved the group site!" said Maria M. Byron B also noted positive experiences at G1.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

AJ Gilbert advises checking weather forecasts thoroughly due to elevation-related weather risks: "Make sure you're certain of perfect weather before setting up here. Check weather many times before...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences varied seasonally, with high satisfaction during summer months due to pleasant shade from trees and abundant wildflowers. Weather risks like rain and exposure to wind were noted...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

AJ Gilbert: "Elevation seemed to be 9000+. Campground is relatively covered by trees and requires a $12 self-pay fee." Maria M: "We really loved the group site! It was big, had clean vault toilets,...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not discussed in user reviews.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and related experiences were not mentioned in the provided sources.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a small, scenic group site in the alpine zone with clean facilities and summer trail access.

Skip if

You need widely spaced tent sites or guaranteed water availability outside peak season.

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Campgrounds

Fishlake National Forest

Elkhorn Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Elkhorn Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><strong>Overview</strong><br />Elkhorn Campground is 20 miles northeast of Loa, Utah, on the scenic Thousand Lake Mountain at approximately 9,300 feet. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails on foot, bike, or off-road vehicle use.<br /><br /><strong>Facilities</strong><br />The campground has one group site that can accommodate up to 75 people and up to 10 vehicles, with large tables, grills, dutch oven cooking surfaces and a fire ring with benches. Single Sites are available on first-come first-serve basis.Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Elkhorn Ranger Station is just across a meadow from the site.</p><p><strong>Natural Features</strong><br />Thick stands of aspen, pine, and spruce trees cover the campground, offering pleasant shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant in the surrounding meadow.</p><p><strong>Recreation</strong><br />Miles of trails, including the Great Western Trail, crisscross the area, offering excellent hiking, biking and off-roading opportunities. Numerous sparkling alpine lakes provide great fishing and scenery.</p><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>

Open Season: June – Season closed by snow