Lower Bowns

Star3.96
49 reviews
138 South Main St., Loa, UT, 84747, USA
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$20 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open May 15–Septembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Fishlake National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lower Bowns
$20.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $20 per night for standard non-electric sites and $75 per night for group standard non-electric sites. These fees apply during...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 49 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanhiking

"User reviews for Lower Bowns Campground vary widely, with positive comments highlighting its quiet, scenic location and clean facilities. Negative reviews focus on challenges such as aggressive ants, rough access roads, and limited shade at campsites."

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Campground Map

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

Lower Bowns

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

Driving directionsFrom Torrey, Utah, take Highway 24 approximately one mile east to the junction with Highway 12. Turn right and travel 16 miles to Forest Road 186. Take FR 186 5 miles to the campground.
The road to the campground is gravel and reported to be rough, with rain damage in some areas. Multiple user reviews mention challenges with driving trailers and small cars due to the rough dirt roads. "The road going into the campsite was pretty rough. Rough enough that I wouldn't pull my trailer down it again."
Nearby places
Torrey, Utah (approximately 22 miles, 35-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Lower Bowns

Experience the crisp mountain air and dramatic weather patterns that define Boulder Mountain's high elevation environment. Late spring through early summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when comfortable daytime temperatures give way to cool, star-filled nights. While the area typically enjoys dry conditions with moderate breezes perfect for outdoor activities, nature occasionally reminds visitors of its wild side—from surprisingly aggressive ant populations during warmer months to fluctuating reservoir levels during dry spells. Smart campers come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes and embrace the adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer offers good weather and boating but ants and rough roads are common complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall is quieter and cooler but reviewers note lower reservoir levels then.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring–early summer described as the 'sweet spot' for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 1–May 14; no winter camping offered.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15–September 29 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15–September 29 annually. Out of season bookings not available.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Lower Bowns

Perched at 7,000 feet on Boulder Mountain's eastern slopes, Lower Bowns Campground offers an authentic escape into Utah's high country wilderness. This intimate campground features just three sites—one spacious group area and two secluded single spots—perfect for those seeking solitude beside the shimmering waters of Lower Bowns Reservoir. Adventure awaits with exceptional boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, though reaching this hidden gem requires navigating remote mountain roads that add to its off-the-beaten-path appeal. Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking scenery and peaceful remoteness that make this destination worth the journey.
Lower Bowns Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations including group campsites and individual sites suitable for RVs and tents. Dispersed camping options are also available nearby.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum of 16 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Bowns Campground offers a range of recreational activities both within the campground and in nearby areas. These include boating, canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, hunting, and exploring ATV trails. The Lower Bowns Reservoir provides opportunities for water-based activities, although fishing from the shore may be less rewarding due to the presence of small fish and low water levels during certain seasons.
HikingPopular hiking trails are available nearby, including those at Capitol Reef National Park, located 45 minutes away from the campground.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Lower Bowns Reservoir, with common catches being rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. However, users report challenges fishing from the shore due to low water levels and vegetation.
BikingBiking opportunities include trails within the campground and surrounding areas, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.
BoatingBoating and canoeing are popular activities at Lower Bowns Reservoir. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also mentioned by user reviews.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a noted activity, with deer and other animals commonly spotted.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Aggressive ants at this site were intolerable...suggest inspecting the area before reserving." Dirt road challenges and seasonal lake vegetation affecting fishing are noted.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lower Bowns

Reviews

4.0
49 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Lower Bowns has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lower Bowns Campground vary widely, with positive comments highlighting its quiet, scenic location and clean facilities. Negative reviews focus on challenges such as aggressive ants, rough access roads, and limited shade at campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and proximity to recreational activities such as hiking and boating. The quiet atmosphere and opportunities for stargazing are also...
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Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include aggressive ants, lack of water hookups, rough access roads, and limited shade. Reviewers note challenges with fishing due to low reservoir levels and dense vegetation along the...
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Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water and toilet paper due to limited facilities. Inspect campsites for ants before setting up tents. Avoid the campground during periods of low reservoir levels if fishing is a priority.
Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention good weather but note challenges such as rough roads and aggressive ants. Fall reviews highlight quietness and cooler temperatures but describe low reservoir levels and...
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Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful scenery! It was hard to fish without a boat right now due to the lake being so low and vegetation around the edges.' - Alec Slifer 2. 'A pretty and woodsy campground which was extremely...
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Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 002: Multiple reviewers report issues with aggressive ants and challenges with fishing due to low reservoir levels. Site GP: Reviews indicate limited shade and privacy at the group site, but...
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Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include vault toilets and group sites accommodating larger gatherings. Users with mobility challenges may face difficulties due to rough gravel roads and lack of paved paths.
Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users report challenges with ants when walking pets, particularly near trailers.
Based on 49 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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