Gates Lake Cua Dispersed

Star4.22
13 reviews
115 East 900 North, Richfield, UT 84701
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open for camping fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Fishlake National Forest site

Official Website
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Gates Lake Cua Dispersed
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a free camping area with no fees for dispersed camping.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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USFS
Provider
435-896-9233
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

8 Google reviews

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the area and its suitability for dry camping. The Fourth of July tends to be crowded with visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

115 East 900 North, Richfield, UT 84701

Gates Lake Cua Dispersed

115 East 900 North, Richfield, UT 84701

Driving directionsGates Lake is located about 29 miles southeast of Salina, Utah. In Salina at the junction of Main Street and State Street, head south on State Street for approximately 2 miles until you reach I-70. Turn left (east) onto I-70 east-bound from Salina for approximately 6.5 miles. Exit I-70 at Gooseberry Road (Exit 63) and then turn right (south) on the paved Gooseberry Road #640 for 18.4 miles. Turn right on FR040 for 2.4 miles.
The road to Gates Lake (FR040) can be rough and is not recommended for trailers. The final 2.4 miles are likely unpaved and may require capable vehicles.
Nearby places
Salina, Utah (29 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be obtained from Salina, the closest town, approximately 29 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Gates Lake Cua Dispersed

Summer arrives late but gloriously at Gates Lake, transforming the landscape into a temperate paradise perfect for outdoor adventures. From June through October, visitors enjoy crisp mornings that warm to comfortable afternoons, ideal for fishing and trail exploration. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop, creating a photographer's dream. Winter transforms this high-altitude sanctuary into a snow-locked wonderland, with extreme cold and heavy snowfall making the area inaccessible to all but the most intrepid winter explorers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; summers described as 'glorious' though peak holiday crowds occur.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen groves imply strong fall color; site remains open into October for fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open June–October; spring access and camping are not within the stated season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for camping outside the June–October season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely within June to October, given the open dates and weather suitability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for camping from June to October.

About Gates Lake Cua Dispersed

High in the Fishlake National Forest, where the air grows thin at 9,800 feet, Gates Lake Recreation Area beckons adventurous souls seeking solitude and natural beauty. This dispersed camping haven sits alongside the pristine Gates Lake reservoir, where morning mist dances across the water's surface and aspens whisper secrets to towering conifers. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring miles of 50-inch ATV trails that wind through the forest, or simply breathing in the pure mountain air while hiking scenic paths, this high-altitude retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience. Basic amenities include a vault restroom and an information kiosk to help orient you to this spectacular landscape.
Gates Lake Recreation Area is primarily a dispersed camping site. There are no developed facilities for RVs, groups, or glamping.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
16 days, 15 nights. After this, campers must relocate at least 5 road miles away.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This recreation area offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, ATV trail riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and dispersed camping. The Gates Lake Reservoir is a focal point for fishing enthusiasts.
HikingHiking trails are available, but no specific details about their lengths or difficulty levels.
FishingGates Lake Reservoir is popular for fishing opportunities. However, the types of fish available are not specified.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are noted but without specifics about common species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe road to the site (FR040) can be rough and is not recommended for trailers. High elevation conditions may include sudden weather changes.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gates Lake Cua Dispersed

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Gates Lake Cua Dispersed is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the area and its suitability for dry camping. The Fourth of July tends to be crowded with visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity for dispersed camping. One reviewer described it as a "Beautiful area great place to dry camp."
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent rough road conditions are noted, especially the access road (FR040), which is not recommended for trailers.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and firewood as these amenities are not available. Be prepared for rough road conditions and crowded conditions during holidays like the Fourth of July.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers bring more visitors, particularly during the Fourth of July and other holidays. The stay limit of 16 days is more relevant during the peak summer season.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful area great place to dry camp." - James Higgins. "It's the 4th of July and many campers." - Traveling Man.
Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews mention specific site numbers or areas within the campground.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically discuss accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies, though dogs must be leashed, and their waste disposed of properly.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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