How much does camping cost at Trial Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Trial Lake Campground range from $28.06-$62/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Trial Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Trial Lake 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 Trial Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Trial Lake Campground has 8 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 Trial Lake Campground?

Trial Lake Campground is open June 26 to September 14. 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 Trial Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Trial Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Trial Lake Campground have?

Trial Lake Campground has 58 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Trial Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trial Lake 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 Trial Lake Campground?

Trial Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trial Lake Campground?

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

Trial Lake Campground

4.30

159 reviews

Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR042, Kamas, UT 84036

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$28.06 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

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

9,500 ft

Price

$28.06 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Utah Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Trial Lake Campground

$28.06 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $28.06; S&P Double: $62.00; S&P Single: $31.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Double site: $56.12; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.06. Plus...

Standard Site Fee$31.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

KAMAS RANGER DISTRICT 435-783-4338 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100comments@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Salt Lake City (~55 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Heber City (~25 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)

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.

Weather at Trial Lake Campground

Current alerts(12)

Campground Etiquette and Rules Gates open at 7am, Gates 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 a 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 -Cause damage to…
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 info click here

Best Time to Camp at Trial Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers reliably mild, stable weather (daytime highs around 65–75°F, nights 40–50°F), peak wildflower displays, and trout fishing and boating on Trial Lake at their best. Trails, lake access, and campground facilities are open (typically late June through early September), so hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are all at peak levels. Expect the busiest crowds in July and August and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and high‑altitude sun exposure—reservations and early starts area Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open late June–early Sept; best access to trails, fishing, paddling; but crowded and mosquitoes peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to September 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season typically spans late June through early September. The campground is closed outside of these dates.

About Trial Lake Campground

Trial Lake Campground sits at high elevation in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Kamas, Utah, operated by Utah Recreation Company. The mid-sized campground serves tent and RV campers seeking alpine lake access for fishing and boating during the summer season. Reviewers praise the scenic setting and peaceful atmosphere but note uneven tent pads, tight site spacing, and the absence of potable water.

This campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. A double site is also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers reliably mild, stable weather (daytime highs around 65–75°F, nights 40–50°F), peak wildflower displays, and trout fishing and boating on Trial Lake at their best. Trails, lake access, and campground facilities are open (typically late June through early September), so hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are all at peak levels. Expect the busiest crowds in July and August and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and high‑altitude sun exposure—reservations and early starts area Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEngelmann spruce and white fir provide shade throughout the campground. Trial Lake reflects the surrounding peaks and supports populations of trout. Summer brings wildflowers. Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine. To the meadows surrounding the lake. The alpine setting creates cooler temperatures than Utah's lower elevations, even in peak summer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

8guests per single site
16 guests per double site.

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 through Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov app, or by calling the reservation line at 1-877-444-6777.

Site SizeCampground includes single-family sites and one double site. Tent pads are present at some sites, but campers have reported difficulties fitting larger tents or trailers, e.g., "It was near impossible to fit the trailer and our truck.

PrivacyCampsite privacy varies. Some users found campsites too close together: "Camp sites are very close together," while others appreciated the spacing: "The majority of the camp sites were spaced nicely.

Total Campsites58 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and scenic views, choose sites close to the lake but avoid spots like 23/24 due to cramped conditions. Sites such as 50 and 58 are highly recommended for their proximity to the water.

Best CampsitesSites 50 and 58 get mentioned for lake access. Reviewers recommend choosing carefully. Some sites sit too close together, and tent pads aren't always level. If you're bringing a large trailer, confirm site dimensions beforehand. Several campers have reported difficulty fitting trailers and trucks.

Need help booking Trial Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Hooking up to spigots or the power in the restrooms, even for medical devices is strictly prohibited

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

4.3

159 reviews

Satisfactory

Trial Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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."...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation lake access for summer fishing and boating and can bring your own water.

Skip if

You need level tent pads, potable water on-site, or campgrounds without overnight gate closures.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(133)

Lilly Lake Campground

UT-150, Kamas, UT 84036

Lilly Lake Campground sits at 10,000 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Kamas, offering high-elevation alpine fishing and hiking access. Operated by Utah Recreation Company, this small campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Summer brings comfortable daytime temperatures, wildflower-filled meadows, and the most reliable access, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in July.