How much does camping cost at Mackinaw?

Camping fees at Mackinaw are $25 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mackinaw first-come first-served or reservation?

Mackinaw 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 Mackinaw before I book?

Yes! Mackinaw 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 Mackinaw?

Mackinaw is open Open season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though specific dates outside of these seasonal ranges are not provided.. 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 Mackinaw?

Yes, Mackinaw has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Mackinaw have?

Mackinaw has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mackinaw?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mackinaw. 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 Mackinaw?

Mackinaw offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mackinaw?

Popular activities at Mackinaw include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mackinaw

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mackinaw?

Fire policies at Mackinaw: 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.

4.53

103 reviews

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

Top 8% in UTFall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Utah#2 Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park#2 Boating Camping Utah +3 more

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Mackinaw

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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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

Nearby places

Loa, Utah (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Weather at Mackinaw

Current alerts(9)

Any vehicles or trailers that can not fit in the designated site must be relocated to another site purchased at full site price. Check area map for available free parking
Camping is limited to 16 days.
Click here for more info about the Fishlake National Forest
Discharging a firearm of any kind is prohibited: this includes BB guns, slingshots, paintball guns etc. Take these activities outside of the campground please.

Best Time to Camp at Mackinaw

Best season: fall. Fall brings the killer payoff here — the enormous aspen colony around Fish Lake turns brilliant gold and the basin becomes a photographer’s and hiker’s dream, with crisp days and clear light. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nighttime freezes (20s–30s F) by late September; fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are at their most scenic and rewarding. Crowds thin compared with midsummer, but note that the Forest Service campground itself often closes around Labor Day, so check current open/ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in UT

Fall called the 'killer payoff'—enormous aspen color displays and minimal bugs; top season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though specific dates outside of these seasonal ranges are not provided.

About Mackinaw

Mackinaw sits at high elevation in Fishlake National Forest near Loa, Utah, with direct access to Fish Lake and the surrounding aspen-covered basin. Operated by Recreation.gov, the campground offers tent sites, RV spots, group camping, and cabins with amenities including coin-operated showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Visitors come for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with fall drawing crowds for the massive aspen colony's golden display and exceptional stargazing.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the killer payoff here — the enormous aspen colony around Fish Lake turns brilliant gold and the basin becomes a photographer’s and hiker’s dream, with crisp days and clear light. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nighttime freezes (20s–30s F) by late September; fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing are at their most scenic and rewarding. Crowds thin compared with midsummer, but note that the Forest Service campground itself often closes around Labor Day, so check current open/ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Fish Lake Basin from a hillside position above the valley floor. Volcanic activity and glacial carving created this high-altitude basin, now ringed by massive aspen groves that dominate the landscape. Sagebrush covers the slopes between campsites. Mule deer graze near camp in the mornings, and the dark-sky location draws visitors specifically for nighttime stargazing. The hillside terrain provides lake views from certain sites, though shade is limited in spots where the aspens thin out.

Lodging & AccommodationsThree resorts in the Fish Lake Basin offer additional lodging options, including cabins, RV hookups, and boat rentals. These resorts also have marinas, gas stations, restaurants, groceries, laundry facilities, and showers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 16 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group site can accommodate up to 20 people.

Groups

Four group sites accommodating up to 20 people each.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityPartial shade provided by aspen trees. Roads and parking spurs are paved for accessibility.

Site SizeSites range from single-family to group sites accommodating up to 20 people each.

PrivacySites tend to be very close to neighboring sites, limiting privacy according to reviews.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with limited shade and proximity to rocks. Select campsites with clear lake views or more shade for a balanced experience.

Best CampsitesSite 058 gets mentioned in reviews for lake views and a quiet setting. Groups can book sites that accommodate up to 20 people each.

Need help booking Mackinaw?

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

Mackinaw Campground offers flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at individual campsites. The campground is paved, and most sites have lake views. Shower facilities are coin-operated at $0.50 per minute and are described by users as clean and heated. Drinking water is noted for its exceptional taste. The site is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility, meaning no garbage services are available. According to reviews, some facilities are well-maintained, while others—especially mid-campground restrooms—have been criticized for cleanliness issues and broken fixtures.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Mackinaw

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.

Fishing5.0/5Top 4% in Utah

Fish Lake famed for Mackinaw lake trout (20–40 lb), rainbow and splake; fishing is a primary draw.

Hiking4.0/5

Pelican Canyon Trail (5 mi) to Fish Lake Hightop (11,633 ft) and nearby panoramic trails.

Boating4.0/5

Boating, canoeing, kayaking widely enjoyed; nearby resorts offer boat rentals on Fish Lake.

Water Sports4.0/5

Short walk to lake; paddleboarding/kayaking reported and rentals available nearby.

Biking3.0/5

Biking opportunities noted, but no specific trails or terrain details provided.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Mule deer and various birds frequent camp; aspens provide good habitat for wildlife viewing.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Fall aspen explosion, panoramic lake views and night skies make it highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 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.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility, so no garbage services are provided. Campers are advised to bring their own garbage bags.

Cell CoverageNo data available on cell phone reception.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

103 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 103 reviews.

Site 004Loved
Site 004: Close to restrooms but limited shade..
Site 058Loved
Site 058: Scenic lake views; deer spotted nearby..
Site 027Loved
Site 027: Great shade and convenient water spigots.
Site 010Mentioned
Site 010: Infested with hornets..

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...

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...

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...

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...

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