How much does camping cost at Joes Valley Reservoir?

Camping fees at Joes Valley Reservoir range from $10-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Joes Valley Reservoir first-come first-served or reservation?

Joes Valley Reservoir 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 Joes Valley Reservoir before I book?

Yes! Joes Valley Reservoir has 27 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 Joes Valley Reservoir?

Joes Valley Reservoir is open May 08 to October 04. 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 Joes Valley Reservoir?

Joes Valley Reservoir does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Joes Valley Reservoir?

Fire policies at Joes Valley Reservoir: 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.

How many campsites does Joes Valley Reservoir have?

Joes Valley Reservoir has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Joes Valley Reservoir?

Yes, pets are allowed at Joes Valley Reservoir. 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 Joes Valley Reservoir?

Joes Valley Reservoir offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Joes Valley Reservoir?

Popular activities at Joes Valley Reservoir include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Joes Valley Reservoir

4.32

162 reviews

115 West Canyon Road, Ferron, UT, 84523, USA

Top 24% in UTFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Utah Swimming Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Unknown Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Unknown Official Website

Get Directions

Joes Valley Reservoir

$10.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00; Scan & Pay Double: $18.00; Scan & Pay Single: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-384-2372

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

115 West Canyon Road, Ferron, UT, 84523, USA

Joes Valley Reservoir

115 West Canyon Road, Ferron, UT, 84523, USA

Nearby places

Ferron (approximately 40 miles), Orangeville (12 miles), Price (45 miles south)

Weather at Joes Valley Reservoir

Current alerts(6)

Click here for information on the Arapeen OHV Trail System
Click here for more information on the Manti-La Sal National Forest
Click here to reserve the group pavilion for overnight use
Horses are not allowed in the campground

Best Time to Camp at Joes Valley Reservoir

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures, brilliant aspen color, and comparatively light crowds — perfect for shoreline fishing and scenic hikes. Expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s (°F) in September and early October, with crisp nights dipping into the 20s–30s; early October still allows boating on calm water before freeze-up. Wildlife activity and peak trout behavior make fishing excellent, while trails and beaches are far quieter than the summer holiday sur Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in UT

Best conditions: milder temps, aspens turn gold, fewer crowds and good trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground operates from May 8 to October 7 for reservations. Walk-in availability from October 8 to November 4.

About Joes Valley Reservoir

Joes Valley Reservoir sits at high elevation in Manti-La Sal National Forest near Ferron, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping along a mid-sized alpine reservoir. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with fishing, swimming, boating, and biking all accessible from the shoreline. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and scenic water views, though shade is limited and generator noise can be an issue.

Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground offers a range of camping options including single-family, double-family, and accessible campsites. The emphasis is on accommodating both tent and RV campers, though there are limitations such as no utility hookups and minimal shade in some areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures, brilliant aspen color, and comparatively light crowds — perfect for shoreline fishing and scenic hikes. Expect daytime highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s (°F) in September and early October, with crisp nights dipping into the 20s–30s; early October still allows boating on calm water before freeze-up. Wildlife activity and peak trout behavior make fishing excellent, while trails and beaches are far quieter than the summer holiday sur Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir occupies a natural basin carved into the Wasatch Plateau, where juniper and pinyon pine cover weathered slopes and sagebrush meadows stretch between rocky outcroppings. Aspens cluster in protected draws, marking hidden springs and small groves. The water reflects surrounding ridges and sky, changing color with the light. Nearby drainages include Seely Creek, Littles Creek, North Dragon, and Lowry Water, each cutting through the high desert terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options such as cabins are not provided at the campground, but the nearby Orange Olsen Guard Station offers cabin rentals.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information available about cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay up to 14 nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, contact center, or in-person.

AccessibilityAll campsites are noted as being accessible. Roads and parking spurs are paved for ease of use.

Site SizeCampsites are well-spaced, with many sites accommodating larger setups such as trailers and tents. Double sites are available but may be tight for two large trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; while some sites are shaded and secluded, others have limited to no shade, described as being "rather open with sage brush.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors suggest choosing shaded sites in the upper loop for privacy and cooler conditions or lower sites for better lake access.

Best CampsitesSites 26, 29, and 33 get mentioned in reviews for reservoir views. Double sites exist but run tight if you're trying to fit two large trailers.

Need help booking Joes Valley Reservoir?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

The amenities at Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground include paved roads and parking spurs, vault toilets, drinking water spigots (though not at individual sites), and campfire rings. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained. A boat ramp is located nearby for easy access to the reservoir. Notably, there is no trash disposal service provided on-site, so visitors must pack out their own waste.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle (OHV) riding. The area is also well-known for its bouldering opportunities in nearby canyons.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground features clean and well-maintained vault toilets, described as "the best smelling I have ever been in" by one user.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

162 reviews

Recommended

Joes Valley Reservoir is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and variety of recreational opportunities. However, the lack of trash facilities and limited shade at some sites are common concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 162 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 162 reviews.

Site 26Loved
Site 26: Spacing and shade provided by trees.
Site 30Loved
Site 30: Quiet and scenic, close to the reservoir.
Site 23Mentioned
Site 23: Windy but good for kayaking.
Site 29Mentioned
Site 29: Great view but double sites may be tight for two trailers.

What Campers Love

Frequent mentions of the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, scenic views of the reservoir, and proximity to a variety of recreational activities. Many users appreciated the peace and quiet of...

Based on 162 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include the absence of trash facilities, limited shade at some sites, and occasional generator noise. Some users also noted a lack of direct access to the reservoir for water-based activities.

Based on 162 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack out your trash, bring a generator if you require electricity, and consider an 'easy-up' for additional shade. Reviewers also recommend bringing sandals or boots for navigating rocky shores and...

Based on 162 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for visitors, but the campground can become hot and dusty. Late spring and early fall are recommended for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Based on 162 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground sits right on the Joe's Valley Reservoir which is a beautiful turquoise color and is great for boating and fishing." - Steven Motta. "The vault toilets were the best smelling I have...

Based on 162 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is praised, with paved roads and parking spurs making the campground suitable for all visitors.

Based on 162 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but caution is advised due to cacti and rocky terrain. One reviewer mentioned, "There were some cactus around, keep a close eye on pets and kids."

Based on 162 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable alpine water access with fishing and boating in a quieter, high-elevation setting.

Skip if

You need shade at your site or prefer campgrounds with on-site supply stores and trash service.

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Campgrounds

Manti-La Sal National Forest

Joes Valley Reservoir

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Joes Valley Reservoir sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Upper Joes Valley is located at ~7340' elevation, just south of the intersection of Millers Flat Road and Lowry Water Road. The trees offer shade for most campers and provide spectacular autumn color. Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground, and is generally allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find spots that meet the needs for their camp. Dispersed camping may mean no toilet facilities or treated water are located nearby. Typically, dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Some dispersed sites are provided with fire rings and in those cases please use them as they are designating that area as the spot to safely have a campfire. Finally some dispersed sites have a designated footprint for use. If you see a site with any type of barriers or fencing please respect these areas by not pulling motor vehicles or OHV’s. They are there to preserve the surrounding forest making it enjoyable for all.