Maple Bench Campground
4.8312 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR 021, Payson, UT 84651
Quick Facts
5,800 ftPrice
$27 - $29/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
5,800 ftPrice
$27 - $29/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Maple Bench Campground
$27.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite fees range from $27 to $29 per night, depending on the payment method. Day use in a campground site costs $15, extra vehicles cost...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$27.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$27.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider385-273-1100
What Campers Say
4.83
Top-Rated
Based on 12 reviews
34 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsquietcleanrestrooms
"Overall, Maple Bench Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and friendly hosts. The campground suits families and offers a quiet retreat with essential amenities."
Fees & Passes at Maple Bench Campground
$27 - $29/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum two-night minimum stay on weekends and a three-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled online or through the call center. A $10 service fee applies for change...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Utah Recreation Company website.
Best Time to Camp at Maple Bench Campground
From May through September, Maple Bench welcomes visitors with pleasantly warm days perfect for hiking and exploring, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness ideal for campfire conversations. Nature adds her own drama with occasional afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, bringing the fresh scent of rain-washed pine and spectacular lightning displays that illuminate the canyon walls.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 9, 2025 – September 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Campground is open from May 9, 2025, to September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served availability starts on June 21, 2025.
About Maple Bench Campground
Tucked away along the spectacular Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Maple Bench Campground offers an intimate escape where dramatic canyon views and profound tranquility converge. This hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of nature in a peaceful mountain setting that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Maple Bench Campground caters to those seeking a rustic camping experience, ideal for tents and small campers. It offers a first-come, first-served option for its 10 sites.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Maple Bench places you at the gateway to the magnificent Mount Nebo Wilderness Area, where ancient forests and wildflower-painted meadows tell stories of centuries past. Just a short drive away, the otherworldly Devils Kitchen Geological Area showcases nature's sculptural artistry through its collection of striking red rock hoodoos—towering spires and balanced rocks that have captivated visitors and sparked imaginations for generations.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Maple Bench welcomes visitors with pleasantly warm days perfect for hiking and exploring, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness ideal for campfire conversations. Nature adds her own drama with occasional afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, bringing the fresh scent of rain-washed pine and spectacular lightning displays that illuminate the canyon walls.
ElevationPerched at 5,800 feet above sea level, Maple Bench offers a refreshing mountain climate where summer temperatures remain comfortable even when the valleys below swelter. The crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures provide welcome relief, though first-time visitors should take it easy on arrival to adjust to the thinner air at this elevation.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of white fir, Pinyon pine, and Gambel oak creates a natural cathedral around each campsite, their branches whispering ancient secrets in the mountain breeze. From the campground's dramatic perch on the canyon rim, sweeping vistas unfold across the depths of Peteetneet Creek canyon, with views stretching all the way to the town of Payson nestled in the valley below—a perspective that transforms ordinary sunrises and sunsets into unforgettable moments.
Geological RegionMaple Bench Campground claims one of the most enviable locations in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, where the earth drops away dramatically into Peteetneet Creek canyon below. This remarkable setting showcases the raw geological power of the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area's alpine terrain, where millions of years of uplift and erosion have carved a landscape of breathtaking beauty and complexity.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as suitable for tents and very small campers, with a maximum capacity of 8 people and 1 vehicle per site.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with some sites offering isolation. "There were lots of better campsites out there, but this one was nice and isolated," one review mentioned.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on the upper areas near the lake trail may offer greater privacy and proximity to trail access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Gates open at 7 AM.
Check-out
Gates close at 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum two-night minimum stay on weekends and a three-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single site accommodates up to 8 people and 1 vehicle.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout10 rustic sites positioned to maximize privacy and views. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open from May 9, 2025, to September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served availability starts on June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov through its app, website, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available but not guaranteed. Sites must be claimed in person, and availability cannot be checked in advance online or via phone.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or through the call center. A $10 service fee applies for changes or cancellations before the cut-off window. Late cancellations forfeiting the first night's fee are subject to additional penalties.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Maple Bench Campground offers activities like fishing, canoeing, floating, kayaking, and hiking, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It also provides access to scenic vistas and nearby attractions like the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway and Mount Nebo Wilderness Area.
Hiking
Visitors can enjoy hiking on the Red Lake Trail, which leaves from the upper camping areas near Maple Lake, only a half-mile away from the campground. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area also offers numerous scenic trails.Fishing
Fishing is popular in the creek below the campground, where anglers can catch rainbow and brook trout.Boating
The calm waters of Maple Lake, only a half-mile from the campground, allow for canoeing, floating, and kayaking.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding Mount Nebo Wilderness Area provides abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available on the nearby Maple Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for $9 on-site.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground is in bear country; secure food and trash appropriately. The abrupt drop-off at the edge provides stunning views but may pose risks. Always supervise children near the edge.
Weather at Maple Bench Campground
34
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital is located in Payson (approximately 5 miles away). Police and fire services are also available in Payson. The Spanish Fork Ranger District can be contacted for emergencies at 801-798-3571.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 – September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingMaple Bench is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, so visitors are expected to bring their own trash bags and remove all waste. Unclean campsites may result in fines.
Proximity to water featuresMaple Lake is located half a mile from the campground, and Peteetneet Creek runs below. Recreational activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are available.
Common complaintsSome campers noted that larger RVs and trailers are not suitable due to narrow roads and site sizes. Others wished for soap dispensers in the bathrooms.
HostCampground hosts Lee and Alice Murdoch were praised as being kind and helpful in user reviews.
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR 021, Payson, UT 84651
Driving directionsFrom I-15 take the Payson exit 250. Go South on Main Street to 100 North (1st traffic light) take a left at this light. Continue East to 600 East then take a right in front of Peteetneet Academy. Go South on 600 East for 3.5 miles to the mouth of Payson Canyon. Maple Bench Campground is approximately 1.5 miles from the mouth of the canyon on the right hand side of the road.
The road is paved and accessible from the main highway. It includes some tight turns and a narrow road that may limit access for larger vehicles and RVs.Nearby places
Payson (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Spanish Fork (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Provo (approximately 30 miles, 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Payson offers the closest options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel at about 5 miles away. Larger supply options are available in Spanish Fork or Provo.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
12 reviews
Maple Bench Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Maple Bench Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and friendly hosts. The campground suits families and offers a quiet retreat with essential amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the clean facilities, friendly and helpful hosts, well-maintained campsites, and quiet atmosphere. "The cleanest restrooms we have ever seen" and "wonderful hosts" are recurring...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviews noted the lack of soap dispensers in the bathrooms and mentioned that better campsites might be available elsewhere, though Maple Bench offers isolation and peace.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Go early to secure a good spot," one review recommended. Visitors are advised to bring trash bags and soap for the bathrooms. Families with pets should control their dogs and clean up after them...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is described as less crowded, making it ideal for secluded camping, especially during busy holiday weekends when other campgrounds are full.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cleanest restrooms we have ever seen and the most wonderful Hosts Lee and Alice Murdoch are the best kindest couple you will ever meet," and "Plenty of space for our family of 6. Definitely...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or rankings are not mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, but owners must keep them on leashes not exceeding six feet and clean up immediately. "Limit two dogs per campsite."
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 27, 2025
Advertisement