Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground

Star3.63
26 reviews
Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY, 82930
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$5 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season: May 30 ...

Cell

No Service

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
Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground
$5.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $5 for trailhead overnight parking per vehicle to $100 per night for the largest group site accommodating up to 50 people and 10...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
385-273-1100
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What Campers Say

3.63

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

smallunlevel

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting and peaceful atmosphere but also emphasize several drawbacks, such as the rough access roads, unlevel campsites, and lack of potable water. Many visitors praised the clean vault toilets and friendly camp hosts, while others criticized the high fees relative to the minimal amenities."

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Campground Map

Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY, 82930

Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground

Wasatch Cache National Forest, FR079, Evanston, WY, 82930

Driving directionsFrom I-80, take the exit for Fort Bridger. Follow WY 414 past Mountain View, then take Forest Roads to the campground. Be cautious as the turnoff from WY 414 to Hoop Lake can be easy to miss, and the next available turnaround for large rigs is miles down the road. Towards the campground, road conditions worsen, especially after crossing into Utah, where speeds under 10 mph are recommended.
The road access includes Wyoming dirt roads in fair condition (25-30 mph travel speed recommended with trailers) but worsens after crossing into Utah with poorly maintained roads requiring speeds below 10 mph. The campground is accessible but challenging for large vehicles due to narrow turns and uneven surfaces.
Nearby places
Evanston: Approx. 45 miles, 1 hour drive
Mountain View: Approx. 30 miles, 45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Evanston, WY, approximately 45 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground

Summer days at Hoop Lake bring a delightful mountain climate where sunshine plays hide-and-seek with puffy clouds, creating an ever-changing canvas overhead. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through, leaving everything fresh and glistening. As darkness falls, the temperature drops significantly—a reminder that you're camping nearly two miles above sea level—making evenings perfect for campfires and stargazing under crystalline skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 30–Sep 1; summer offers hiking, fishing, boating and pleasant mountain weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Campground closes Sept 1; only very early fall available and facilities may be limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Season opens May 30; much of spring the site is closed or facilities limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 30–Sept 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 - September 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 30 - September 1. First-come, first-served availability begins June 20.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground

Perched at an impressive 9,000 feet in the clouds, Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground serves as your gateway to alpine adventure in the High Uintas Wilderness. This intimate mountain retreat features seven secluded campsites nestled among towering evergreens, where the pristine waters of Hoop Lake lap gently at the shoreline just steps from your tent. Whether you're casting a line for trout at dawn, launching your kayak into mirror-smooth waters, or setting off on horseback to explore wilderness trails, this high-altitude haven offers the perfect blend of accessibility and backcountry solitude.
The campground accommodates single and group camping setups but is best suited for tent camping and small RVs due to the lack of modern amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
2-night minimum stay on weekends and 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Campers can access boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing directly from the site. The area provides easy access to the High Uintas Wilderness, making it a paradise for hikers and backpackers.
HikingThe campground is conveniently located near the Hoop Lake Trailhead, granting access to numerous trails in the High Uintas Wilderness. Visitors can choose from a range of hiking options suitable for varying skill levels.
FishingFishing is a highlight, with Hoop Lake offering opportunities to catch trout using various methods, including bait fishing with worms. Nearby Beaver Meadow Reservoir also provides additional fishing options.
BoatingHoop Lake allows non-motorized water activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake does not have a formal boat launch, but some campers managed to launch small-engine skiffs.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is a hotspot for wildlife observation, with sightings of elk, deer, moose, and various bird species frequently reported in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenges include rough road conditions leading to the site, unlevel campsites requiring leveling equipment, and the need for mosquito repellent. The area is bear country, requiring secure food storage to avoid wildlife encounters.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground

Reviews

3.6
26 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Hoop Lake Trailhead Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting and peaceful atmosphere but also emphasize several drawbacks, such as the rough access roads, unlevel campsites, and lack of potable water. Many visitors praised the clean vault toilets and friendly camp hosts, while others criticized the high fees relative to the minimal amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the stunning lake views, natural beauty, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. The friendly and hardworking camp hosts received consistent praise for maintaining the...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included the rough access road, unlevel campsites, and the discrepancy between advertised and actual site sizes. Some campers found the fees too high for the limited amenities...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, leveling blocks for RVs, and mosquito repellent. Arrive early if visiting on weekends to secure a spot if not reserved. Be prepared for dusty conditions and pack out all trash.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest on weekends, with sites filling up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays but becoming quieter by Sunday. Visitors during the shoulder seasons may encounter closed facilities,...
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Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground was nearly full Friday and Saturday night. And completely empty Sunday night.' - Bob 2. 'The campsites were very small and unlevel.' - Kylie Bassett 3. 'The toilets were locked and...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 is listed as 85 feet but could not accommodate a 33-foot trailer, according to one user. Site 24 offers a lake view but may be challenging to navigate for larger RVs due to rocks and stumps.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but rules include keeping them on a leash no longer than six feet and limiting two dogs per campsite. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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