How much does camping cost at Pelican Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Pelican Lake Campground range from $10-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Pelican 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 Pelican Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Pelican Lake Campground has 5 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.

Are there showers at Pelican Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Pelican Lake Campground have?

Pelican Lake Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pelican Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pelican 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 Pelican Lake Campground?

Pelican 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 Pelican Lake Campground?

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

Pelican Lake Campground

3.87

23 reviews

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

Top 25% in UTSpring

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Utah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Pelican Lake Campground

$10.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite: $10.00; Group Site: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-781-4400blm_ut_vn_mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Vernal, UT: 25 miles (approximately a 30-minute drive)

Weather at Pelican Lake Campground

Current alerts(2)

This Campground is on a First Come - First Serve Basis, vistors are required to physically be at the campground to purchase and claim a site. You must also occupy the area the day you pay for it, no advance payments.
Water is not available.

Best Time to Camp at Pelican Lake Campground

Best season: spring. Spring brings the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F) and active wildlife—migrating shorebirds and songbirds concentrate around Pelican Lake and fishing for bluegill and bass is at its peak. Days are usually sunny and clear with cool, crisp nights (around 30–45°F), making for excellent boating, birding, and evening stargazing with relatively low to moderate crowds. Early-season wildflowers and fragrant sagebrush add to the scenery while access is generally in Peak months: May, June, September, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 25% in UT

Spring is the 'sweet spot'—55–75°F days, peak fishing and migrating shorebirds.

Planning Tips

About Pelican Lake Campground

Pelican Lake Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Vernal in the Ouray Valley, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This small campground offers tent sites with raised platforms, plus group camping options, all with fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors come for bluegill and bass fishing, boating on Pelican Lake, and wildlife viewing—especially migrating shorebirds in spring.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring brings the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F) and active wildlife—migrating shorebirds and songbirds concentrate around Pelican Lake and fishing for bluegill and bass is at its peak. Days are usually sunny and clear with cool, crisp nights (around 30–45°F), making for excellent boating, birding, and evening stargazing with relatively low to moderate crowds. Early-season wildflowers and fragrant sagebrush add to the scenery while access is generally in Peak months: May, June, September, October

Elevation4800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySagebrush-dotted high desert stretches toward distant ridges, with Pelican Lake serving as the main visual draw. The lake reflects Utah's big sky and sits in a setting shaped by ancient geological forces. Wildflowers appear in early season, and the fragrant sagebrush fills the air during warmer months. Shade is scarce. One reviewer noted the beautiful flora, while others commented on the stark, open landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

Two designated group sites are available. Specific capacities or vehicle limits are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for group sites can be made on Recreation.gov. Individual campsites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityFeatures include accessible campsites and picnic shelters.

Site SizeThe campground offers standard-sized sites, including 11 individual sites and 2 group sites.

PrivacyNo explicit description of privacy levels is provided, but the campground layout includes designated areas for individual and group camping.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesApproach from the west side of Pelican Lake Road to avoid getting misdirected by Google Maps. Sites are described as having little shade and may not be level.

Best CampsitesOne user mentioned raised tent platforms at some sites, calling them 'unexpectedly great.' No specific site numbers appear in the reviews, but feedback suggests the individual sites vary in their exposure to noise from nearby oil pumps.

Need help booking Pelican 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

Pelican Lake Campground offers a range of amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground does not provide potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own. The campground features 11 individual campsites and 2 group sites, and is a first-come, first-served facility. Notable features include accessible campsites, picnic shelters, and a boat dock. One user review noted, 'Fire pits, picnic tables and shelters, vault toilets. Great views.' Another review mentioned, 'Bathrooms that actually smelled nice,' highlighting the maintenance of the facilities.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

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

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

Rate Pelican Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.9

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pelican Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want budget-friendly lake access for fishing and birding with a tolerance for rustic conditions and some industrial noise.

Skip if

You need paved roads, trash service, or a completely quiet natural setting away from oil operations.

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Campgrounds

Ouray Valley

Pelican Lake Campground

About Ouray Valley

Context for the broader area surrounding Pelican Lake Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Ouray Valley Recreation Area boasts a multitude of scenic and recreational opportunities. Located along the Green River between Vernal and Roosevelt, explore the landscapes John Wesley Powell eloquently described 150 years ago. From hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding to fishing, camping and OHV trails, your next adventure awaits.

Directions

Southwest of Vernal on UT 88 (Ouray Valley Rec. Area) (Pelican Lake Campground and Day Use specific-25 miles southwest of Vernal on UT 88)