How much does camping cost at Shady Dell Campground?

Camping fees at Shady Dell Campground range from $26.25-$57/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shady Dell Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Shady Dell Campground 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 Shady Dell Campground before I book?

Yes! Shady Dell Campground has 6 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 Shady Dell Campground?

Shady Dell Campground is open May 15 to October 18. 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 Shady Dell Campground?

Shady Dell Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Shady Dell Campground?

Fire policies at Shady Dell Campground: Extra Vehicle - $10 per vehicle, per day (paid on-site cash/check) Firewood - $9. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Shady Dell Campground have?

Shady Dell Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shady Dell Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shady Dell Campground. 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 Shady Dell Campground?

Shady Dell Campground 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 Shady Dell Campground?

Popular activities at Shady Dell Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shady Dell Campground

4.20

134 reviews

UT-150, Kamas, UT, 84036

Top 7% in UTFall

Featured in:Hiking Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$26.25 - $57/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$26.25 - $57/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Shady Dell Campground

$26.25 - $57.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Double: $57.00; S&P Single: $29.00; Standard nonelectric -Double site: $51.60; Standard nonelectric: $26.25. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

385-273-1100

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Shady Dell Campground

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Campground Map

UT-150, Kamas, UT, 84036

Shady Dell Campground

UT-150, Kamas, UT, 84036

Nearby places

Kamas (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving).

Weather at Shady Dell Campground

Current alerts(12)

Campground Etiquette and Rules Gates open at 7am, close at 10pm Quiet Hours are 10pm-6am No generators after 10pm Camping is allowed only within the designated space provided.
Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest For more info, call Kamas Ranger District at 435-783-4338 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100 Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah To reserve a site call Recreation.gov…
Dogs or Domestic Pets Owners must -Control dogs by leash not to exceed six feet (6’) at all times. -Clean up dog feces immediately. -Limit two dogs per site. Do not allow dogs to -Threaten, or attack people/animals. -Interfere with people, vehicles, or property.
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood within 10 miles of your destination and burning it on-site. For more information click here

Best Time to Camp at Shady Dell Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the signature show here — golden quaking aspens and crisp, stable weather make September into early October the standout time to visit. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–65°F and chilly nights around 20–35°F, excellent for long hikes, river fishing for trout, and wildlife viewing (elk and deer are very active during the rut). Crowds thin compared with mid‑summer, though weekends around peak color can be busy; the campground is open through Oct 18, so plan for early October to catch a Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in UT

Fall delivers the signature show: golden aspens peak late Sept–early Oct and are repeatedly highlighted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to October 18, 2025.

About Shady Dell Campground

Shady Dell Campground sits in the high alpine country of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Kamas, operated by Utah Recreation Company with seasonal access during peak months. The small campground offers both tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, drawing visitors for hiking and river fishing. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious, private sites and helpful camp hosts, though water shortages have been reported during busy periods.

Shady Dell Campground caters to various camping preferences with designated sites for tent and RV camping. There is no mention of primitive or luxury camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the signature show here — golden quaking aspens and crisp, stable weather make September into early October the standout time to visit. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–65°F and chilly nights around 20–35°F, excellent for long hikes, river fishing for trout, and wildlife viewing (elk and deer are very active during the rut). Crowds thin compared with mid‑summer, though weekends around peak color can be busy; the campground is open through Oct 18, so plan for early October to catch a Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEvergreens and quaking aspens create a canopy over most sites, and the Provo River runs through the campground with willow thickets along the banks. Fall brings the standout scenery when the aspens turn gold, typically peaking in late September into early October. Shade varies by site. Reviewers note site 8 has excellent tree cover, while site 9 has almost none. The river access makes fishing straightforward, and the forest holds plenty of deer and elk, especially visible during the fall rut.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of lodging facilities such as cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 days within a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per single site and up to 16 guests per double site.

Groups

There is no specific group camping facility mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Site SizeThe campground includes 19 single sites and 1 double site. The single sites can accommodate up to 8 people and 1 vehicle, while the double site can hold up to 16 people and 2 vehicles. Several reviews mention that the sites are spacious, with one user stating, 'Spaces are pretty big and private.

PrivacySites are said to be well-separated by lush aspens and evergreens, providing privacy. As one user notes, 'Most camp spots are separated enough so that you don't feel people are looking at you.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 12 is praised for its seclusion and proximity to the river. Site 9 has limited shade and might be less desirable during hot weather.

Best CampsitesSites near the river get the most praise for privacy and water access. Reviewers frequently mention sites 12 and 15 as particularly enjoyable. Site 8 has great shade, while site 9 has almost none. Several campers recommend the Fairy Forest nearby as worth exploring.

Need help booking Shady Dell Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Shady Dell Campground is well-equipped with essential amenities, providing a comfortable camping experience. "This campground has 19 single and 1 double campsites. Each site offers a picnic table and fire ring," according to the official description. Vault toilets are the primary restroom facilities available throughout the campground, and potable water is provided during peak season (subject to availability). Additional facilities include trash collection services, though multiple reviews have noted instances of overflowing trash bins.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Shady Dell Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. The Lower Provo River adjacent to the campground provides trout fishing opportunities, and the nearby Soapstone Basin offers off-road vehicle trails for riders of all skill levels. Numerous hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are also available. "The campground is situated among a dense forest of pine, fir, and aspen trees, which provide ample shade and beautiful fall color," making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground uses vault toilets.

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

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

134 reviews

Satisfactory

Shady Dell Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Shady Dell Campground has received largely positive reviews, with users frequently praising its natural beauty, cleanliness, and the helpfulness of camp hosts. However, some complaints about occasional maintenance issues and water availability have also been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 134 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 134 reviews.

Site 9Loved
Site 9: Offers less shade than other sites. .
Site 15Loved
Site 15: Easy to pull into, requiring minimal leveling.
Site 8Issues noted
Site 8: Lacks much shade but close to Fairy Forest. .
Site 12Issues noted
Site 12: Has unique issues like a bent bench and no fire grate..

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's scenic setting, proximity to the river, well-maintained vault toilets, and spacious, private sites. The camp hosts are highly praised for their helpfulness and...

Based on 134 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water during certain periods, occasional overflowing trash bins, and maintenance issues such as broken locks on restroom doors. Some users also mentioned...

Based on 134 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, especially during off-peak seasons. Site 8 offers great shade, while site 9 does not. Campers recommend exploring the Fairy Forest and nearby trails. Be prepared for cold nights.

Based on 134 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly appreciated in the fall for its vibrant colors. During peak summer months, lack of water and high temperatures in less shaded sites are common complaints.

Based on 134 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a beautiful campground with the upper Provo River nearby that provides the sound of running water day and night.' - Tim Watkins 2. 'Vault bathrooms were very clean and sanitary; she...

Based on 134 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 134 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Campers appreciate that dogs are allowed, but they must be controlled on a leash and cleaned up after.

Based on 134 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious sites near a fishable river with fall foliage and don't mind seasonal water availability.

Skip if

You need guaranteed water supply during peak season or require 24-hour gate access.

Nearby Campgrounds

Wasatch Cache National Forest, Kamas, UT, 84036

Soapstone sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Kamas, operated by Utah Recreation Company. The campground offers secluded tent and RV sites with access to Lower Provo River fishing, mountain biking, and hiking trails, plus frequent moose sightings. Summer brings warm days, cool nights, and wildflower displays across the surrounding high country.

Shady Dell Campground

Real-Time Availability

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Shady Dell Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Shady Dell Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Shady Dell Campground

Planning Tips

About Shady Dell Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shady Dell Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Shady Dell Campground

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Shady Dell Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Shady Dell Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns