Payson Lakes Guard Station

Star3.57
18 reviews
FR 017, Payson, UT 84651
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$141.94 - $159/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Utah Recreation Company site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Payson Lakes Guard Station
$141.94 - $159.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The recreation use fee for the Guard Station is $159 for a maximum of 8 people and 5 vehicles. Additional fees include $10 for cancellations, $10 for...
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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

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Provider
385-273-1100
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What Campers Say

3.57

Mixed Reviews

Based on 18 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyfriendly

"User reviews of the Guard Station are mixed. Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty of the location and the secluded setting, but cleanliness and maintenance issues are recurring concerns. "One of the most beautiful spots in Utah," commented one user, while another stated, "The cabins were not clean. With a little bit of repairs these could be the best place to stay on the Nebo Loop.""

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Campground Map

FR 017, Payson, UT 84651

Payson Lakes Guard Station

FR 017, Payson, UT 84651

Driving directionsFrom I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 East, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel south along the Nebo Loop Road 015 until you see the Payson Lakes Guard Station sign on the right. Proceed up the driveway and through the gate.
The Guard Station is accessible via paved roads along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Parking is limited to 5 family vehicles, and vehicles are not permitted off the pavement.
Nearby places
Payson (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including firewood ($9 per bundle), are available at the Payson Lakes Campground. Additional groceries and supplies can be obtained in Payson, Utah, located 13 miles from the Guard Station.

Best Time to Camp at Payson Lakes Guard Station

Summer transforms the guard station into an outdoor paradise, with warm days perfect for hiking and cool evenings ideal for stargazing. As one adventurous visitor discovered during a memorable May 2021 stay, winter's grip can linger well into spring at this elevation, blanketing the landscape in snow and creating a magical, if chilly, wonderland that tests your mountain mettle.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, wildflowers, full trail and water recreation access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Golden aspens and scenic fall colors highlighted in description and reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring can be cool with snow; May offers wildflowers but access is seasonal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility closed mid‑Oct through late‑May; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025, through October 11, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through October 12, 2026. Closed October 11, 2025, through May 22, 2026.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, there are no specific alerts listed.

About Payson Lakes Guard Station

Step back in time at Payson Lakes Guard Station, where a meticulously preserved 1935 Civilian Conservation Corps cabin awaits your arrival. Perched at 8,000 feet in the heart of Utah's wilderness, this historic retreat invites you to experience the solitude and adventure of early forest rangers. Wake to crisp mountain air, explore pristine alpine lakes, and encounter the abundant wildlife that calls this high-country sanctuary home.
The Payson Lakes Guard Station offers unique historic lodging in the form of a cabin and bunkhouse. It does not accommodate traditional camping setups such as RVs or tents.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Guests can check in starting at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Guests must check out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 nights.

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in a range of activities including fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area and Mount Nebo Wilderness Area enhance these opportunities.
HikingThe area offers numerous trails suitable for hiking, equestrian use, and mountain biking. The nearby Mount Nebo Wilderness Area provides additional scenic trail options.
FishingFishing is available in the Payson Lakes area, which includes McClelland, Box, and Big East Lakes. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brown trout.
SwimmingA small swim beach is located at the nearby Big East Lake day-use area.
BikingThe Guard Station is surrounded by trails that support mountain biking. The terrain and surrounding wilderness make for scenic rides.
BoatingThe Payson Lakes Recreation Area allows canoeing and kayaking on its lakes, enhancing water recreation opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe Guard Station is surrounded by abundant wildlife, including around the lakes. "A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lakes," as per official descriptions.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country; improper food storage can result in fines up to $5,000. Mice have also been reported inside the cabins.
Active AlertsCurrently, there are no specific alerts listed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood must be stored securely inside the cabin or bunkhouse to avoid attracting wildlife, particularly bears.

Weather at Payson Lakes Guard Station

Reviews

3.6
18 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Payson Lakes Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of the Guard Station are mixed. Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty of the location and the secluded setting, but cleanliness and maintenance issues are recurring concerns. "One of the most beautiful spots in Utah," commented one user, while another stated, "The cabins were not clean. With a little bit of repairs these could be the best place to stay on the Nebo Loop."
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently highlight the picturesque setting and rustic charm. "Very enjoyable," one user remarked about their stay. The privacy and family-friendly environment were also appreciated: "Very...
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Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Cleanliness was the most significant issue reported. "The cabins were not clean," and "mouse droppings in the guard station" were mentioned multiple times. Maintenance concerns, such as a non-working...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing cleaning supplies and mouse traps. "If you are going, bring Clorox wipes to do your own cleaning and mouse traps to keep them out of your food," one review advised. Another...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months appear to be the most popular time to visit, as the area offers lush greenery and abundant outdoor activities. However, some visitors reported colder temperatures and snow in late...
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Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "One of the most beautiful spots in Utah." -Maren C. - "The stay was great and a good getaway in a rustic cabin with campfires at night. Very enjoyable." -Thor S. - "The cabins were not clean. With...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Guard Station is frequently reviewed for its rustic charm and seclusion, but some users mentioned specific issues like mice and non-functioning appliances in the bunkhouse.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific accessibility-related reviews or features mentioned.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the Guard Station, and there are no user reviews addressing this policy.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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