Trial Lake Campground

Star4.36
159 reviews
Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR042, Kamas, UT 84036
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$28 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Trial Lake Campground
$28.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites are priced between $28.06 and $31 depending on the season. Double sites cost $56.12-$62, and extra vehicles incur a fee of...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
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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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 159 reviews

138 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakefriendly

"Reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities but also addressing issues like lack of potable water, crowded campsites, and inconsistent host behavior."

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Campground Map

Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR042, Kamas, UT 84036

Trial Lake Campground

Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR042, Kamas, UT 84036

Driving directionsFrom Salt Lake City, Utah, take I-80 east for approximately 30 miles to Exit 146 for Highway 40 toward Park City/Heber City/Vernal. Take Exit 4 onto Highway 248 toward Kamas. Take left onto UT 32 then right onto Highway 150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway). Go 25 miles to campground. Alternatively, from Provo, Utah, take Highway 189 thru Provo Canyon to Heber City. At the junction with Highway 40 in Heber, turn left and stay on Highway 189 thru town. At the north end of Heber, turn right onto UT Highway 32. Stay on UT-32 for 16 miles (there will be a 4-way stop in Francis.) Take right onto Highway 150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) in Kamas. Go 25 miles to campground.
Roads and parking spurs are paved. Visitors traveling with larger RVs or trailers (above 30ft) may experience difficulties due to narrow roads and potential drag on spillways. Snow may impact access during winter months.
Nearby places
Salt Lake City (~55 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Heber City (~25 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, groceries, and fuel can be sourced in Kamas (~25 miles away). Firewood is available for purchase at the campground for $9.

Best Time to Camp at Trial Lake Campground

Experience the magic of high-altitude summers where daytime temperatures hover in the perfect 65-75°F range, ideal for hiking and exploring, while evenings cool to a crisp 40-50°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. July and August transform the campground into an outdoor paradise, though mountain weather keeps things interesting. Seasoned campers recommend packing layers and rain gear, as afternoon thunderstorms and even surprise hail can roll through, adding to the authentic mountain adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Open late June–early Sept; summer offers best hiking, fishing, boating and wildflowers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes in early September; fall season generally not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow and high elevation make spring access unlikely; campground opens late June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside late June–early Sept; winter camping/activities not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 4, 2025 – September 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season typically spans late June through early September. The campground is closed outside of these dates.
  • Current Alerts: There is currently no potable water due to broken pipelines that have been unrepairable for several years. Visitors must bring their own water supply.

About Trial Lake Campground

Perched on the pristine shores of Trial Lake at a breathtaking 9,500 feet, this alpine sanctuary in the Uinta Mountains beckons adventurers seeking respite in nature's grandeur. Wake to mirror-like waters reflecting towering peaks, spend days exploring scenic hiking trails, and cast your line into waters teeming with trout. The campground welcomes families and friends with thoughtfully appointed single and double sites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and level tent pads. Modern vault toilets and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.
This campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. A double site is also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Trial Lake Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and scenic drives. The proximity to numerous trails and lakes makes it a prime destination.
HikingThe campground is located near trailheads for Crystal Lake and Bald Mountain, approximately one mile away. Hikers have access to numerous trails crisscrossing the region. A user noted, "We spent a day hiking the trail that goes out from the campground and it was beautiful with multiple scenic spots."
FishingTrial Lake is known for fishing, primarily for rainbow trout. One user highlighted, "The fishing is always hot," while another described it as "decent." Nearby Washington Lake offers additional fishing opportunities.
BikingThe area includes biking trails, although specific details on trail types or difficulty are not provided.
BoatingBoating activities such as canoeing and kayaking are prominent. Power boats are not allowed, making the lake ideal for quieter watercraft. One user remarked, "The lake is nice for paddle boards and canoes because there are no power boats."
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as ospreys and bald eagles can be observed near the lake, as noted by a user: "Osprey and a Bald Eagle around the lake."
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is designated as bear country. Visitors must secure food and trash properly to avoid fines or potential harm to wildlife. Additionally, uneven terrain and narrow campground roads pose challenges for larger RVs and trailers.
Active AlertsThere is currently no potable water due to broken pipelines that have been unrepairable for several years. Visitors must bring their own water supply.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Trial Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
159 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Trial Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities but also addressing issues like lack of potable water, crowded campsites, and inconsistent host behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 159 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding area, the variety of recreational activities, and generally clean facilities. Many reviewers praised the peaceful atmosphere and...
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Based on 159 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water ("No water at campground for 3 years"), crowded campsites, and unprofessional behavior from camp hosts. Other issues include uneven tent pads and...
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Based on 159 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as there is no potable water available. Select campsites carefully to ensure adequate space or privacy. Avoid the first week of July due to insect hatching ("just lots of little...
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Based on 159 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months, especially around July 4th. Many reviewers noted that the lake levels and fishing conditions can vary seasonally. Mosquitoes are prevalent in the...
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Based on 159 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful Pine trees and a gorgeous high mountain lake. Cool nights and comfortable days. A little piece of Heaven." "There was no running water and usually get an email or text when that happens."...
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Based on 159 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #23/#24 received negative reviews due to poor layout: "It’s disgraceful to try and call this two separate spots." Site #37 had a fallen tree and water issues. Many campers recommend avoiding...
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Based on 159 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be leashed and owners are required to clean up after them. Some users appreciated this rule for maintaining campsite cleanliness.
Based on 159 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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