Independence Lakes Campground

Star0
4 reviews
,,,USA

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

July through October

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens ,,,USA site

Get Directions
Independence Lakes Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
,,,USA
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00

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
Provider
,,,USA,,,USA

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglake

"Reviews highlight the campground's serene and picturesque location but emphasize its remote and primitive nature. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to scenic trails and lakes."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Independence Lakes Campground

Free

Campsite fees

Cancellation: ,,,USA

Prices verified December 7, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official ,,,USA website.


Best Time to Camp at Independence Lakes Campground

Summer unveils this mountain paradise from July through October, when snow retreats to reveal wildflower meadows and crystal-clear waters. Crisp mountain air greets you each morning, while afternoon temperatures remain refreshingly cool—perfect for ambitious day hikes or lazy afternoons by the lakeside. Evening brings a symphony of alpine breezes and the need for that extra layer you wisely packed.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: ,,,USA. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: July through October
  • Current Alerts: ,,,USA

About Independence Lakes Campground

Escape to Independence Lake Campground, a hidden gem nestled in pristine alpine wilderness where five intimate campsites await your arrival. This rustic, no-fee haven provides the essentials for an authentic backcountry experience—sturdy tables for evening meals under the stars, grills for campfire cooking, basic restroom facilities, and even accommodations for your trusty pack animals. True to its wild spirit, you'll need to bring your own water and pack out what you pack in, as this untouched sanctuary operates without modern conveniences.
Independence Lakes Campground is a primitive, walk-in only facility with limited amenities, catering to tent campers and those seeking solitude.
Historical SignificanceThe legendary Independence Lakes Trail (#35) serves as your gateway to adventure, winding through centuries-old forest before revealing a spectacular chain of alpine lakes cradled in ancient cirque basins. Generations of anglers have whispered tales of the trout that patrol these pristine waters, while hikers return year after year to witness the dramatic landscape that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
Weather and SeasonsSummer unveils this mountain paradise from July through October, when snow retreats to reveal wildflower meadows and crystal-clear waters. Crisp mountain air greets you each morning, while afternoon temperatures remain refreshingly cool—perfect for ambitious day hikes or lazy afternoons by the lakeside. Evening brings a symphony of alpine breezes and the need for that extra layer you wisely packed.
ElevationPerched high in the alpine zone where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly, this campground sits at an elevation where mountain peaks pierce the sky and wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant summer hues.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare for a landscape that defies imagination—dramatic cirque basins carved by ancient glaciers cradle four jewel-like alpine lakes, each more stunning than the last. Your journey begins on the rocky, character-building first mile of trail, where determined switchbacks reward your effort with increasingly spectacular vistas. After conquering this initial challenge, the remaining 2.1 miles unfold like pages in an adventure novel, leading you deeper into a world where granite peaks reflect in mirror-still waters and the only sounds are wind, water, and wonder.
Geological Region,,,USA
Advertisement

Campsite details

AccessibilitySites are handicapped accessible, but specifics on access to vault toilets or picnic tables are not provided.
Sites SizeSmall single sites suitable for tents and small setups only.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as small and quiet, offering a serene environment, though the level of privacy between sites is not detailed.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near streams offer quiet surroundings and scenic views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layout,,,USA
Open and Closed SeasonJuly through October
Reservation Platforms,,,USA
Walk-in Availability,,,USA
Cancellation Policy,,,USA

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers outdoor adventurers access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trail to Independence Lakes is a key highlight, with some challenges due to rocky terrain on the first mile. However, the grade becomes manageable, leading to a picturesque alpine cirque basin.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Independence Lakes Trail (#35), which is 3.1 miles to the lake. The trail is rocky in the first mile but features switchbacks and manageable grades afterward.
Fishing
Fishing for trout is available at nearby lakes, with options for wade, shore, non-motorized boat, float tube, fly, spin, or bait fishing.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is likely in the alpine environment with a range of local fauna, though specifics are not provided.
Advertisement

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are allowed; visitors should follow guidelines for extinguishing fires.
  • Quiet hours are ,,,USA

Hazards

General hazardsThe trail's first section is rocky, posing potential trip hazards.
Active alerts,,,USA

Weather at Independence Lakes Campground

31
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 81%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 17.4 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Overcast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

,,,USA

Good to know

Peak season dates,,,USA
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is available. Campers are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNext to scenic streams and lakes within 3.1 miles.
Common complaintsNo trash facilities available, requiring pack-out waste management.
Host,,,USA

Campground Map

,,,USA
Driving directions,,,USA
,,,USA
Nearby places
,,,USA
Nearby supplies
,,,USA

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Independence Lakes Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's serene and picturesque location but emphasize its remote and primitive nature. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to scenic trails and lakes.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the site's natural beauty, proximity to a stream, and the challenging yet rewarding hiking trails. One user stated, "We camped up at the 2nd lake and it was BEAUTIFUL!" Another...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of trash facilities and the need to carry supplies in due to the walk-in nature of the sites. A user commented, "You have to park and carry your stuff in which is kind...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend being prepared to hike and carry in supplies, as well as packing out all trash. Bringing adequate water and sturdy hiking shoes is advised.
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the best time to visit is between July and October when the campground is open. Hikers mention that the trail conditions are rocky but manageable during this window.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had an amazing time at this little campground. You have to park and carry your stuff in which is kind of a pain, but it is nice and quiet and you are right next to a stream." "Awesome hike in, if...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites are not reviewed in detail, but the campground's proximity to the lakes is highly praised.
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as handicapped accessible but no reviews detail the experiences of disabled visitors.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or policies related to pets are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5


Last updated December 7, 2025
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Utah

Campgrounds
Sawtooth National Forest
Independence Lakes Campground