Mackinaw

Star4.62
103 reviews
138 South Main, PO BOX 129, Loa, Utah, UT 84747, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

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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
Mackinaw
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreational use fees, including camping, are $20 per night for regular camps with bathrooms, tables, and showers. Additional fees include $0.50 per...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 103 reviews

60 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshowers

"Reviews highlight the campground's beautiful views, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to Fish Lake as major advantages. Amenities such as flush toilets and coin-operated showers have mixed feedback regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Friendly camp hosts are frequently praised."

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Campground Map

138 South Main, PO BOX 129, Loa, Utah, UT 84747, USA

Mackinaw

138 South Main, PO BOX 129, Loa, Utah, UT 84747, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 24 northwest of Loa, Utah, take Highway 25 northeast 9 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 25, which is noted as being 9 miles northeast of Loa. There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Loa, Utah (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Three resorts located in the Fish Lake Basin offer camping and fishing supplies, groceries, gas, laundry facilities, and showers. These are operational from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Best Time to Camp at Mackinaw

Summer nights at Mackinaw remind you why mountain camping requires that extra sleeping bag – even July evenings can dip into surprisingly cool temperatures at this elevation. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a golden wonderland as thousands of aspens paint the hillsides in brilliant yellows and oranges. Early season visitors should prepare for possible snow flurries, while peak summer brings warm days perfect for lake activities followed by refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Clear skies for stargazing and full activity access in summer, though nights can be very cool and busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in UT

Fall praised for changing leaves, minimal bugs and peaceful post-peak conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open season begins around Memorial Day; early spring likely closed due to snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season is Memorial Day to Labor Day; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is suggested to align with Memorial Day to Labor Day, though exact dates are unspecified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though specific dates outside of these seasonal ranges are not provided.

About Mackinaw

Perched high in the alpine wilderness at 9,000 feet, Mackinaw Campground beckons adventurers seeking refuge among dancing aspen groves and sweeping lake vistas. This mountain sanctuary offers an intimate escape where single-family campers and groups alike can wake to crisp mountain air and fall asleep under a canopy of stars. Whether you're drawn to the shimmering waters of Fish Lake Basin or simply craving the tranquility of high-country camping, Mackinaw delivers an authentic mountain experience where nature's rhythms replace the rush of everyday life.
The campground accommodates tent, RV, and group camping, with specific site types including Standard Nonelectric and Group Nonelectric. No primitive or glamping options are noted.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and biking. Fish Lake, Utah's largest natural mountain lake, is known for its lake trout and other fish species. Nearby trails offer panoramic views and opportunities for exploration.
HikingPelican Canyon Trail (5 miles) starts nearby and leads to Fish Lake Hightop at 11,633 feet elevation, featuring diverse landscapes. The Lakeshore National Recreation Trail is another popular hiking spot, offering stunning lake views after a 900-foot elevation climb.
FishingFish Lake is renowned for its Mackinaw lake trout (20-40 pounds), rainbow trout, and splake. Fishing opportunities extend to nearby Johnson Valley Reservoir.
SwimmingSwimming and scuba diving are popular in Fish Lake, although specific facilities for swimming are not detailed.
BikingBiking opportunities exist but specific trails or terrain details are not provided.
BoatingBoating, canoeing, and kayaking are widely enjoyed on Fish Lake. Nearby resorts offer boat rentals.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and various birds can be spotted. Aspen trees provide a habitat for numerous species.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCaution is advised due to rocky terrain, low temperatures at night, and occasional wildlife such as hornets at individual campsites.

Weather at Mackinaw

Reviews

4.6
103 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mackinaw is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's beautiful views, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to Fish Lake as major advantages. Amenities such as flush toilets and coin-operated showers have mixed feedback regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Friendly camp hosts are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views of Fish Lake, clean coin-operated showers, exceptional drinking water quality, and helpful camp hosts are commonly noted. Several reviewers recommend visiting for the nighttime sky views...
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Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include poorly maintained bathrooms with spider webs and broken fixtures, proximity of sites limiting privacy, and occasional insect problems such as hornets. Some users report uncleaned or...
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Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, soap for sinks, and layers for cold nights. A bundle of firewood is available for $7 from the camp hosts, which is considered a good deal. Avoid parking near bathrooms to...
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Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly praised for changing leaves and minimal bugs, while summer offers clear skies for stargazing. After Labor Day, the campground is noted for peacefulness.
Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful and peaceful, no real critters to bother you and very minimal bugs." - Ken Krogue "The best tasting water I think I've ever had." - Addy Sales "It gets pretty cold at night due...
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Based on 103 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 004: Close to restrooms but limited shade. Site 010: Infested with hornets. Site 057: Previous occupants reported; host admitted mistake. Site 058: Scenic lake views; deer spotted nearby. Site...
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Based on 103 reviews

Accessibility Features

Paved roads and parking spurs make the campground accessible. Partial shade is provided by aspen trees. No specific reviews from users with disabilities.
Based on 103 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed. Some users mention allergic reactions possibly caused by stinging nettle, so exercise caution.
Based on 103 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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