Cleveland Reservoir Campground

3.80

27 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Typically opens June...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Manti-La Sal National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Typically opens June...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Manti-La Sal National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cleveland Reservoir Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The site charges $5 per vehicle per day, which applies to both day and overnight use. Payment can be made on-site using cash, check, QR code, or fee...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 27 reviews

27 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Cleveland Reservoir Campground are mixed. While some appreciate its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, others criticize the lack of level campsites and the prevalence of rocks and broken glass."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cleveland Reservoir Campground

39.5799, -111.2430

Driving directionsFrom Huntington, head north on Main Street toward 100 North. Turn west onto UT-31 and travel approximately 29.1 miles. Turn left onto Cleveland Reservoir Parking Road #3202 and travel approximately 0.2 miles to Cleveland Reservoir Parking.

The campground is off Hwy 31, with approximately 0.2 miles of additional travel to reach Cleveland Reservoir Parking Road. The road access quality is not explicitly discussed, apart from being paved at least up to the parking road.

Nearby places

Fairview (18 miles east), Huntington (29.1 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Cleveland Reservoir Campground

Summer arrives late to this mountain haven, with the campground gates opening each June as wildflowers begin dotting the alpine meadows. From June through September, visitors enjoy a dramatic range of mountain weather, with crisp mornings starting around 23°F and afternoon temperatures climbing to a comfortable 77°F. The thin mountain air keeps even the warmest days refreshingly cool. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides before winter's variable snowfall transforms the plateau into a silent, snow-covered wonderland. These dry, high-altitude conditions create crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing on summer nights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Gates open June 1; summer is the main season with wildflowers, fishing and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

High-elevation location shortens season; fall likely scenic but cooler and less predictable.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Site opens June 1; spring on the plateau is likely snowy/muddy and not prime camping time.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground typically closed in winter; access and winter recreation not described.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically opens June 1.

About Cleveland Reservoir Campground

Perched high on the Wasatch Plateau at 9,000 feet, Cleveland Reservoir Campground offers a pristine wilderness escape along Utah's breathtaking Energy Loop. This remote mountain sanctuary sits beside the sparkling 135.8-acre Cleveland Reservoir, where adventure seekers find themselves immersed in raw, untouched nature. With vault toilets as the only amenity, this is camping at its most authentic—no electricity, no running water, just you and the mountain air. Thrill-seekers will discover paradise here, with direct access to the renowned Arapeen OHV trail system and the challenging Lake Canyon Trail System winding through the surrounding peaks. True to its backcountry spirit, the campground follows a strict 'pack it in, pack it out' philosophy, ensuring these pristine highlands remain unspoiled for generations to come.

Cleveland Reservoir Campground features primarily primitive camping accommodations, with limited facilities. It is suitable for tents and small trailers, but not for larger RVs or luxury camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late to this mountain haven, with the campground gates opening each June as wildflowers begin dotting the alpine meadows. From June through September, visitors enjoy a dramatic range of mountain weather, with crisp mornings starting around 23°F and afternoon temperatures climbing to a comfortable 77°F. The thin mountain air keeps even the warmest days refreshingly cool. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the hillsides before winter's variable snowfall transforms the plateau into a silent, snow-covered wonderland. These dry, high-altitude conditions create crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing on summer nights.

ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, Cleveland Reservoir Campground sits in the realm of eagles and mountain peaks. This lofty elevation brings cooler temperatures that offer sweet relief from summer heat, though the thin air may leave lowlanders catching their breath during the first day or two. The altitude creates a unique alpine environment where afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset, and the stars shine with an intensity impossible to experience at lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled between the dramatic cliffs of Huntington Canyon and the rolling meadows of the Wasatch Plateau, this campground showcases nature's grandest theater. Cleveland Reservoir mirrors the surrounding peaks in its calm waters, while nearby Huntington Reservoir adds to the aquatic playground. Both reservoirs teem with feisty Rainbow Trout and the exotic Tiger Trout, making dawn and dusk fishing expeditions particularly rewarding. Ancient pines and aspens provide natural shade, while expansive views stretch across the plateau's undulating terrain, offering glimpses of distant mountain ranges that fade into the horizon.

Geological RegionThe campground crowns the magnificent Wasatch Plateau, a massive uplift that forms the backbone of central Utah's mountain country. This geological wonderland along the scenic Energy Loop showcases millions of years of Earth's history written in stone. Huntington Canyon carves deep into the plateau, revealing layer upon layer of ancient sediments, while the surrounding highlands tell the story of prehistoric seas, volcanic activity, and the powerful forces that lifted these rocks skyward. The Energy Loop itself winds through some of Utah's most spectacular geological formations, making the journey to Cleveland Reservoir as memorable as the destination.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping details are not provided in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has five single sites and two double sites. Exact layout details are not provided.

Reservation PlatformsOn-site payment using QR codes or a fee tube is available. Details of other reservation platforms are not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first come, first served with no restrictions indicated on the number of such sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may have associated fees. Specific cancellation rules are not mentioned.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed in the provided materials.

Site SizeSite sizes are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews suggest they are best suited for tents and small trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described in detail in the materials provided.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSome user reviews suggest that the campsite is best suited for smaller trailers and tent camping due to uneven ground and limited space.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cleveland Reservoir Campground offers various outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and off-highway-vehicle (OHV) trail access. The campground is adjacent to the Lake Canyon Trail System, which features 12 miles of trails, and the reservoir is stocked with both Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Cleveland Reservoir, with the reservoir stocked by the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources with Rainbow Trout. The proximity to Huntington Reservoir, stocked with Tiger Trout, offers additional fishing opportunities. User Tia Johansen noted, 'The fishing was good and we all caught our limit of good-sized trout.'

BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted on Cleveland Reservoir. One user, Michelle Williams, recommended the area for paddleboarding and kayaking.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews indicate uneven ground with rocks that can puncture tents. One user also mentioned broken glass in the area. ATVs contribute to noise pollution.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cleveland Reservoir Campground

Reviews

3.8

27 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Cleveland Reservoir Campground are mixed. While some appreciate its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, others criticize the lack of level campsites and the prevalence of rocks and broken glass.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include the picturesque setting of the reservoir, good fishing opportunities ('we all caught our limit of good-sized trout'), and fun ATV trails ('ATV trail was fun to go on').

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unlevel and rocky campsites that are unsuitable for tents, as well as broken glass in the camping areas. User Austin Franklin stated, 'None of the campgrounds that were open...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for a primitive camping experience by bringing their own water and trash bags. Users also recommend coming equipped for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground typically opens on June 1, making summer the most popular season for camping. Fishing is highlighted as particularly good during warmer months.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'None of the campgrounds that were open were level enough for a tent.' - Austin Franklin 2. 'The fishing was good and we all caught our limit of good-sized trout.' - Tia Johansen 3. 'One of the...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews suggest that sites are better suited for tents and small trailers, with larger trailers facing difficulties. Specific site numbers or rankings are not provided.

Based on 27 reviews