How much does camping cost at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

Camping fees at Vernon Reservoir Campground range from $10-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Vernon Reservoir Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Vernon Reservoir Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis; review notes indicate that spots fill up during holidays.

Are there showers at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

Fire policies at Vernon Reservoir Campground: Fire pits are available at campsite areas.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Vernon Reservoir Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

Vernon Reservoir Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Vernon Reservoir Campground?

Popular activities at Vernon Reservoir Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Vernon Reservoir Campground

4.18

111 reviews

Highway 36 to Vernon, 9 miles south on dirt road

FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,142 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,142 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Vernon Reservoir Campground

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use: $10 per vehicle per three day $20 per vehicle per seven day $60 per vehicle per season

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(801) 798-3571sm.fs.uwc_info@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Highway 36 to Vernon, 9 miles south on dirt road

Vernon Reservoir Campground

Highway 36 to Vernon, 9 miles south on dirt road

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are not specified

users should plan ahead and bring necessary items, as the campground lacks potable water and other facilities.

Weather at Vernon Reservoir Campground

Best Time to Camp at Vernon Reservoir Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Water activities peak during these months when the reservoir warms enough for swimming and the campground facilities stay open. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through at this elevation, so plan accordingly. Weekdays are quieter. Holiday weekends bring crowds. Fire restrictions often apply in summer. Spring and fall see colder nights and unpredictable weather, though fishing can still be productive.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warmest water for swimming and peak boating/fishing; day temps mid-60s to mid-80s.

Planning Tips

About Vernon Reservoir Campground

Vernon Reservoir Campground sits at 6,142 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering dispersed camping along the water's edge. There are no designated sites. You park where you like in the open meadows. Fees range from $10 to $60 per night. The bare-bones setup includes vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but the real draw is direct reservoir access for fishing, swimming, and boating.

The Vernon Reservoir Campground primarily supports primitive camping, with dispersed camping options. It is a free campground with no designated spots. RVs are allowed, and tent camping is common.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Water activities peak during these months when the reservoir warms enough for swimming and the campground facilities stay open. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through at this elevation, so plan accordingly. Weekdays are quieter. Holiday weekends bring crowds. Fire restrictions often apply in summer. Spring and fall see colder nights and unpredictable weather, though fishing can still be productive.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sprawls across open meadows with scattered coniferous and deciduous trees. Vernon Reservoir anchors the setting, its calm water suitable for kayaks, small boats, and swimming on warm days. Shade comes from scattered tree cover rather than dense forest. Enough to park under on a hot afternoon, but not enough for true seclusion between campers. Mornings are quiet, with mist lifting off the water. The surrounding landscape reflects the basin geology of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache system, where mountain runoff collects in natural depressions. Wildlife sightings are common. Crickets can be abundant depending on the season.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Vernon Reservoir Campground occupies a special corner of one of Utah's most diverse landscapes. This vast forest system, known for its dramatic elevation changes and varied ecosystems, provides the perfect backdrop for the campground's open meadows and water features. The surrounding terrain tells the story of ancient geological forces that carved out natural basins perfect for capturing mountain runoff, creating the lakes and reservoirs that now draw visitors from across the region. The forest's characteristic mix of coniferous and deciduous trees creates a rich, biodiverse environment that changes with the seasons.

Scenic ViewsViews include the reservoir and surrounding natural greenery. The small size of the reservoir allows for scenic walks around it.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations mentioned for this campground.

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

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16 day stay limit

Groups

No group-specific camping details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping with no marked spots. You choose your own site based on how close you want to be to the water or whether you need tree shade. The open terrain means limited privacy between groups, especially on busy weekends.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required as camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is on a first-come, first-serve basis; review notes indicate that spots fill up during holidays.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are under construction, based on the official description.

Site SizeThe campground does not specify the sizes of individual camping sites, and there are no designated camp spots.

PrivacyThe open setting suggests limited privacy between campsites. Campers can camp where they like, and the area is generally open without dense vegetation.

Recommended SitesNo specific campsites are designated; camping is dispersed, allowing campers to choose based on preferences for proximity to water or shade.

Amenities available

There is no water available at this campground

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities center around lake fishing, with additional options for hunting and ice fishing. Some reviews also indicate off-roading and water recreation such as kayaking, row boating, and swimming.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Beware of crickets!" was noted in reviews. Additionally, other hazards include gravel roads that may cause flat tires; one reviewer recommended carrying a spare tire.

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

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at campsite areas.

Emergency ServicesSpanish Fork Ranger District at 44 West 400 North, Spanish Fork, UT 84660. Phone: (801) 798-3571

Trash & RecyclingCampers are reminded to pack out their trash as no specific trash or recycling facilities were mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Vernon Reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing and water recreation.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

111 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews of Vernon Reservoir Campground are mixed, with many visitors praising the natural setting and fishing opportunities, while others emphasize the lack of amenities and sometimes unclean restrooms. The open and peaceful environment is a highlight, but the campground can become crowded on holidays.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users enjoy the peaceful environment, wildlife sightings, fishing opportunities, and the reservoir's suitability for various recreational activities.

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with restroom cleanliness, crowded conditions during holidays, low water levels in the reservoir, and occasional disturbances like military helicopter flyovers are noted.

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or areas are identified due to the campground's dispersed camping format.

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a spare tire due to rough road conditions. Visit during non-holiday weekends for less crowding. Be aware of crickets in the area. Pack out all trash to keep the site clean.

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The winter season offers ice fishing opportunities, but reviews suggest summer to early fall is better for camping, fishing, and other water-related activities. Holidays draw larger crowds, so...

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I love this place! I'd have given it a five, but of seven years of going to this beautiful place the restrooms were filthy.' - Calene Johnson 2. 'Great place for scouts overnighters, with plenty...

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically mention accessibility experiences.

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

A review notes that pets (e.g., dogs) enjoyed proximity to the reservoir, suggesting the campground is pet-friendly.

Based on 111 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers after tiger trout, rainbows, and browns will get the most out of this place. Arrive on a weekday before a holiday weekend fills the meadow, stake a spot close to the water, and bring a spare tire for the 9-mile dirt road in.

Skip if

No potable water, inconsistent vault toilet cleanliness, and an open meadow layout with almost no privacy between groups. If any of those are dealbreakers, this primitive setup will wear thin fast.

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Campgrounds

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Vernon Reservoir Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Vernon Reservoir Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Open setting with no modified facilities. Lake fishing is the main recreational activity for this area. There is no water available at this campground</p><p><a href="http://detacc.s4rec.net/?cn=5163.003401">Site Details and Accessible Features - under construction</a></p>

About the campground

The elevation is 5,200 ft. NOTE: The campground is in the Wasatch National Forest, but administered by the Uinta National Forest. The campground circles the Vernon Reservoir with most camp sites located on the northeast side. The surrounding hills are covered with sagebrush and juniper but there is only grass vegetation (and dirt) in the campground. Ramadas at each picnic table provide the only shade. Although popular with anglers and ATV campers, the campground is under maintained and has a forgotten appearance. Seagulls enjoy the reservoir.

Seasons & access

Parking aprons are either parking lot style or not clearly defined. The interior road is rough and challenging. The campground is not well suited for large RVs. Facilities Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Vaults: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 3 No. Threaded: 3 Water Sports Lake: Yes Water Skiing: No Swimming (provided): No Rafting (whitewater): No Sailing: No Kayaking (whitewater): No Power Boating: No Boat Ramp: No Boating (no power): Yes Boat Carry-Down Access: Yes Comments: Vernon Reservoir is 20 acres. Hiking: None Uinta National Forest 582 Fishing: Rainbow trout

Facilities

Vernon Reservoir is 20 acres. Hiking: None Uinta National Forest 582 Fishing: Rainbow trout

Water activities

Vernon Reservoir is 20 acres.

RV information

Parking aprons are either parking lot style or not clearly defined. The interior road is rough and challenging. The campground is not well suited for large RVs.

Directions

From Vernon, UT, take State Rt. 36 south 0.6 miles to Benmore sign. Turn right at sign onto a dirt and gravel road and go 5 miles to a "T" intersection and Vernon Creek sign. Turn left and go 2.1 miles to campground. Uinta National Forest 581

National Forest: Uinta National Forest
Ranger District: Spanish Fork
Elevation: 5200
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 16