Pelican Lake Campground

Star4.25
23 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal, UT 84078
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Pelican Lake Campground
$10.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for individual campsites is $10.00, while group sites cost $35.00. Payments can be made using cash, check, or the Scan & Pay option on the...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-781-4400blm_ut_vn_mail@blm.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 23 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

Some mention

noisebugs

"User reviews are mixed, highlighting both positive aspects such as clean vault toilets and beautiful flora, and negative aspects like noise from nearby oil pumps and the lack of shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal, UT 84078

Pelican Lake Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal, UT 84078

Driving directionsPelican Lake Campground is located 25 miles southwest of Vernal, UT on UT-88. Note: "APPROACH FROM PELICAN LAKE ROAD ON THE WEST, NOT THE EAST SIDE," as stated in a user review. Incorrect routes could lead to private ranch roads.
The campground is accessible via UT-88, with some reviews warning of unpaved roads and recommending a good car for access. "Several miles on unpaved roads" were mentioned in a review.
Nearby places
Vernal, UT: 25 miles (approximately a 30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, fuel, and other supplies are in Vernal, UT, approximately 25 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Pelican Lake Campground

Pelican Lake's high desert climate treats visitors to an abundance of crystal-clear skies and sun-drenched days, making it ideal for stargazing and outdoor adventures. While daytime temperatures remain comfortable for hiking and fishing, nights can bring a refreshing chill that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting. The dry conditions mean you can count on your camping plans, with minimal rain interruptions throughout most of the season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer has sun and activities but reviewers note bugs and lack of shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-desert clear skies and milder temps likely make fall pleasant (inferred).

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is highlighted for bird watching and waterfowl; migration is a draw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with ice fishing available; winter conditions are cold and limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No explicit information about peak season dates.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.

About Pelican Lake Campground

Nestled at 4,800 feet in Utah's high desert, Pelican Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with 11 individual campsites and 2 group sites perfect for gatherings under vast western skies. This hidden gem sits alongside the shimmering waters of Pelican Lake, where anglers cast for prized bluegill and bass while birders delight in the spring migration spectacle. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening storytelling, with convenient vault toilets maintaining the balance between comfort and wilderness immersion.
Pelican Lake Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including individual sites, group sites, and spaces for tents. It is a first-come, first-served campground, emphasizing its walk-in availability.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
N/A
Check-out
N/A
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Pelican Lake Campground is known for its recreational offerings such as fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Boating and other water-related activities are also popular. Bird watching is particularly noted in spring when waterfowl rear their young. Fishing is highlighted as a major draw, historically featuring bluegill and bass. 'Pelican Lake is well known for the outstanding bluegill and bass fishing,' states the official description. Users have noted the area's suitability for picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
FishingThe campground is renowned for bluegill and bass fishing. Pelican Lake has been a significant fishing spot since the 1970s. However, the lake has seen ecological changes due to carp influx, affecting fish conditions. A user review states, 'Nice fishing,' emphasizing its ongoing appeal.
BoatingBoating is listed as an available activity. Specific types of boats or docking facilities are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingBird watching is a popular activity, especially in spring when waterfowl are present. The area is also suitable for general wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to oil pump jacks and unpaved road access may present challenges. Mosquitoes and bugs are commonly mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pelican Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3
23 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Pelican Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting both positive aspects such as clean vault toilets and beautiful flora, and negative aspects like noise from nearby oil pumps and the lack of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. Some noted the peaceful atmosphere and good fishing opportunities. 'Unexpectedly great little campsite with raised platforms...
Show more
Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from nearby oil pumps and diesel tanker trucks disrupted the natural ambiance. Several reviewers criticized the lack of trash bins and shade. One user noted, 'Parking spaces are not level.'
Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend approaching the campground via Pelican Lake Road from the west due to misleading Google Maps directions. Bringing insect repellent is advised due to mosquitoes, and a vehicle...
Show more
Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for bird watching and waterfowl activity. Summer reviews mention bugs and the need for shade. Winter activities include ice fishing.
Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms that actually smelled nice.' - Jeremiah Scanlan 2. 'Great views. Go camping!' - Theodore Smith 3. 'The oil pumps or whatever that is really ruin the nature vibe.' - Dana Flynn 4. 'Lots...
Show more
Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group sites are noted to be available, but there are no specific reviews about individual site numbers.
Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as accessible campsites and picnic shelters are mentioned but not specifically reviewed by users.
Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific issues or praises concerning pets were noted in user reviews.
Based on 23 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Pelican Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Utah

Campgrounds
Ouray Valley
Pelican Lake Campground