SP Campground Review – Hyrum Lake State Park, Hyrum UT

Posing at pretty Hyrum Lake

A nice, but somewhat out-of-the-way lake stop-over NE of Salt Lake City Utah.

Link to campground here: Hyrum Lake State Park, UT
Link to map location here:  Hyrum Lake State Park, UT

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   The site quality here is good except for being slightly tighter together than we like. Sites are well-sized, flat and paved with picnic table and grill.  Water-facing sites (#14-26) are non hookup, but have excellent (full) water-views. Inner sites have 50Amp/water. Good selection of trees with nice grassy slot between each site.
2.  Facilities = 3.5/5
   Nice facilities here. There are flush toilets and showers, somewhat dated but with good pressure/temp. On-site boat launch, small swim beach and day-use area plus several other spots to access the water. Only dings are there is only one small hiking trail which was closed while we were, plus there is NO dump station. Several water-spigots on-site.
3. Location = 3.5/5
   This is a bit of an odd-ball location. Hyrum is ~30 miles off the highway from Salt Lake City. There is the lake (which is the big draw) and hiking in the surrounding hills, but otherwise not too much else.
4. Pet Friendliness = 4/5
   Good doggie site. Hyrum is completely pet-friendly including allowing dogs to swim in the lake (bonus!!). My only ding is that there is really no direct hiking from the campground.

Overall Rating = 3.75
BONUS ALERT = Camp and swim by beautiful Hyrum Lake!

Summary: We chose this stop primarily to relax, swim and cool off for a few days during our dash cross-country to Oregon. It’s not the most convenient stop being ~30 miles out from Salt Lake City and the main highway, but it’s got lake and pretty mountain surroundings which provides a welcome relief from the heat in lower UT this time of year. The campground provides alot of stuff in a small area. Sites are a little closer together than we usually like, but they’re nicely flat, green, have a good selection of hookups and water-front sites have full (gorgeous) water views. There’s a (mini) beach area just steps from camp plus a (mini) day-use area where you can play with pooch. Most people come for the lake activities and it really does get packed (to the brim!) with locals in the week-end. During the week it’s only ~1/4 full. We enjoyed swimming with pooch, but wished there was more accessible hiking from camp. If we were passing through this area we’d come here again, but wouldn’t consider it a destination location.

 Extra Info:  Full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $16/night (no hookups), $25/night (50Amp/water). 31 total sites with 10 hookups (50Amp/water), all reservable. NO dump station (nearest dump at Sinclair gas station just ~1 mile away).

Typical water-front site (#23). This was also the view in front of our RV.

Picnic table and grill at each site

View down right side of campground loop (#18 to 14 shown front to very back). These are all water-front sites.

View towards back. Our RV in site #31 left (very shaded). Water-front sites on right.

View of main facilities

Getting wet and cool at Hyrum Lake

NFS Campground Review – Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

The stunning view from Canyon Rim

A small, primitive campground steps from simply stunning views of the Flaming Gorge in North-Central Utah.

Link to campground here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT
Link to map location here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   Very decent sites for a forest service campground. This is mostly a tenters campground and there are only 7 RV sites, all non-hookup. The RV sites were recently redone and are paved, relatively flat and fairly long. They are nicely separated from the tenters and have lovely “sitting areas” with picnic table, gorgeous fire-pit and grill rest. There is one site on the corner (#10) by itself and the remaining six (#11-16) are in a small loop. While all sites have good natural surroundings two sites (#10 and #16) have literally oceans of space for themselves. #10 is fairly shaded with the rest more open. The longest, flattest site is #16. Only ding is that the RV loop has a tight turn with a raised curb edge making it difficult for anything bigger than our 40-foot single axle to make the turn (we *only* just made it).
2.  Facilities = 2/5
   This is a primitive campground with nice, modern pit toilets and water spigots but no dump or other facilities. Nearest dump at Firefighter’s Campground just down Hwy 191.
3. Location = 5/5
   You come here to see the reservoir and the views from Canyon Rim are simply the best. Lots of hiking directly from camp along the rim, plus nearby Red Lodge (1 mile away) has a restaurant and fishing in the lake. Short drive to see the surrounding Flaming Gorge sights.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Perfect doggie site. Simply oceans of space to hang out in camp, plus plenty of pooch-friendly hiking directly from camp. For a splash, take the 20-min drive down to Sunny Cove for a dip in the reservoir.

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Camp within steps of the stunning Flaming Gorge rim!!

Summary: What a fabulous campground!! This is primitive camping at it’s best. There are no hookups, no “extra” facilities, but you’re literally steps from the *absolute best* views of Flaming Gorge. The campground tends to attract tenters (who can camp within view of the rim) and “hides” the 7 RV sites further back. Although there’s no direct view of the rim from the RV sites you have lovely natural surroundings, and two sites in particular (#10 and #16) have oceans of space for themselves. Temps here are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations and we were comfortable our entire stay despite having no shade at our site. Sites are all paved with really nice “sitting areas” (brand new fire pits). Our site (#16) was by far the longest, flattest and with the biggest “play area”. The only possible ding I can give the place is that they built a raised curb around the tight RV loop making it tough for anything bigger than our size to make the turn (and you have to make the turn to get in and out). On the positive side the place was practically empty the whole time we were there with a few days where we were the only RVers. We absolutely *loved* the peace, hiking, views, relaxation and nature of this area and would most definitely come back.

 Extra Info:  Believe it or not this place had full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $15/night (no hookups). 16 total sites, but only 7 are for RVs, all reservable. 2 Water spigots, but NO dump station.

 Extra, Extra Info – BOONDOCKING: There are no boondocking sites (that I know of) with views like Canyon Rim Campground, but there IS lots of dispersed and natural camping in the surrounding Ashley forest. We saw several rigs parked at the trailead between mile-markers 381-382 on Hwy 191. Also spotted several sites a mile or so off Hwy 44 at the cross of FR 218 & FR 221. Also a few sites at bottom of the hill on Hwy 44 between mile-marker 20-21.

View of our site #16. Our personal favorite.

View of Site #15

View of site #13

View of Site#10. This has trees and is off by itself on a corner.

View of the tight "loop" where most of the RV sites are located. Pic taken from site #13. Our site #16 in back left.

View down main road. Facilities on right with site #10 visible in back.

The "play area" to the right of our RV. Oceans of space and not another RV in sight!

SP Campground Rating – Green River (Green River, UT)

Well finally getting to the last of our Utah posts. This campground was a stop-over on our drive from Capitol Reef area to Colorado. It’s a State Park so I’ll rate it using the same system we outlined for National Forests a few posts back. Here ya go…

Link to campground here: Green River State Park 

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   All the sites are nice quality here. They’re all paved with fire-pit, grill and bench, plus most sites have shade (a big plus in a hot area). Lots of grassy areas in-between each site and all are pretty nicely spaced. A few of the East-facing sites have views of the golf course, albeit less shade over there. The only negative is that sites are a tad on narrow side, so it was a bit of a squeeze to get the old 40-footer in there.
2. Facilities = 5/5
   Good facilities here. Flushing toilets and even hot showers (for free!). The showers are on a timer and very powerful, but not much of an inconvenience there. Central dump station and potable water.
3. Location = 3/5
   Green River is kind of an odd-job location. The town is the only real civilization on ~100 miles of empty, dry road on Hwy 70. There’s really not much here except the town and the golf course, plus a few, small-town shops and one Museum (The Powell Museum). The rest of the town is fairly run-down, but the State Park itself is green and pretty. It’s very popular on the week-ends as the one green spot in an otherwise very dry area.
4. Pet Friendliness = 4/5
   This is a pooch-friendly area, and there’s plenty of greens and grass for doggie inside the park, but just not much of an area to walk them elsewhere. The surrounding golf-course (which surrounds the entire park) is not accessible to dogs and neither is the river (officially) or the lakes. So, you either walk the dog inside the park or on the street.

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Green grass and water in an otherwise very, very dry area on Hwy 70

Summary: Green River is a convenient stop-over location along the very dry section of Hwy 70. The park itself is green with access to the river so it’s used by many local families and boaters. Overall it’s a pretty park, and a bonus for those who like to golf. There’s not too much else around this area so I’m not sure I’d stay long-term here, but I would definitely recommend it as a stop-over. If you need hook-ups the cross-the-road A-OK park offers full hook-ups for almost the same price as the State Park.

Extra Info: AT&T Cellphone and Verizon wireless cards both worked here. $16/night. This park gets popular so I’d recommend to book-ahead on-line. No hookups.

Shaded site on West side of campground

View along back from site #32

Unshaded are on East side around site #20

View across golf-course from East side

Polly "unofficially" plays on Green River in early AM

NF Campground Rating – Singletree (Dixie Forest, UT)

As promised it’s double-duty today, so before your anticipation bursts here’s the 2nd review.

Link to Campground Here: Singletree Campground (Dixie National Forest) 
Link to Map Here: Singletree Campground

1. Site Quality = 5/5
   Awesome sites here all the way round the loop. There’s group sites at the front of the campground with single and double sites further back by the loop. All are paved, large enough to fit the biggest rigs and with firepit, grill and bench, plus plenty of space between campers. You get your choice of either shaded or open pads. Around the front of the loop (sites 15, 16 etc.) there’s the bonus of a view of the valley too.
2. Facilities = 4/5
   The campground has several flush toilets, all spotless. Only slight ding is no shower facilities. However there’s potable water at several locations around the loop and a central dump-station.
3. Location = 5/5
   Can’t really beat the location here. You’re right in the middle of Dixie National Forest at 8,600 feet and the campground is well enough away from the road that you get all the peace of nature right at your doorstep. Very cool little hiking trail down to a small waterfall starts right from the grounds, plus there’s access to weeks and weeks of other trails around the forest area.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   They’re very relaxed about pets here. Lots of space for doggie to hang out in your campground and access to plenty of space to walk them too.

Overall Rating = 4.75
BONUS ALERT = mountains, nature and views of the valley all in one.

Summary: This was a gem of a find in the cool, gorgeous forests above Capitol Reef. The sites are well-spaced and situated in a loop around a huge grassy meadow sprinkled with pinetrees. Most campers seem to head on down to the valley so there’s plenty of space and a very relaxed atmosphere at Singletree. Gorgeous views of the valley, plus the nature of the pines make this a great find. This will definitely be on our “come-back” list.

 Extra Info: No cellphone or internet here unless you got Satellite so be prepared for communing with nature. Sites cost $10/night, Group and doubles available too. There’s a mix of reservation and first-come, first-serve sites. No hookups.

View of the campground "loop"

Our site in Singletree

Our "sitting area" with a view of the valley and mountains

Another view of the loop

Typical campsite. Long, paved area with grill, firepit and bench in the back.

NF Campground Rating – Red Canyon (Red Canyon, UT)

Given our new love affair with National Forests we’ve decided to include some ratings of these fabulous campsites in our blog. Keeping in mind that many of these places are more “rustic” than regular RV parks they won’t have frilly amenities like pools or WiFi so we’ve shortened the rating system down to 4 categories. 

1. Site quality
2. Facilities
3. Location
4. Pet friendliness

I’m a bit behind in blog posts given our time in the “boonies” so today you’ll get 2 of these reviews one after the other (lucky you). Tomorrow we’ll be back on track with more philosphical musings and travel tales.

Link to Campground Here: Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest) and second link here Red Canyon Utah

1. Site Quality = 5/5
   All the sites are good quality here. There’s a paved parking pad with fire-pit, grill and bench at each location. Several pull-through’s for the biggest rigs, but also many back-ins with ample space for a 40-footer like us. Most of the sites have a gorgeous view of the red rocks with plenty of pine trees and shade.
2. Facilities = 5/5
   Top marks for facilities here. Both flushing and pit toilets available and both are spotless. Even a shower ($2 for 8 minutes) with good water pressure. Central potable water and dump station available too.
3. Location = 4/5
   This is a beautiful location. You’re completely surrounded by the fabulous rocks of Red Canyon with direct access to pristine (and unvisited) trails starting at campsite # 23. The only negative is that you’re right next to Hwy 12 so there’s some noise from the highway. You’re ~10 miles from Bryce.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   They’re pooch friendly here and you can have your dog hang out at your campsite and on the trails in Red Canyon. Both hosts had doggies.

Overall Rating = 4.75
BONUS ALERT = unique and zany hoodos at your doorstep

Summary: Overall Red Canyon is an awesome little stop and with a totally unique natural beauty. The sites are beautiful, with lots of space and nature between each camper and plenty of sites for big-rigs. For that very reason this is a busy campsite, but it does tend to empty out some each day. All sites are first come, first serve so come early to get your spot. By 5PM everything is pretty full, at least in the summer. There’s an alternative NF campground down a dirt road at King Creek a few miles down if you miss this one.

 Extra Info: Our wireless Verizon card worked (just barely) here, but AT&T cellphones did not. Sites cost $15/night. Double sites available too. All 37 sites first-come, first serve. No hookups.

Entry to Red Canyon Campground from Hwy 12

View of one of the spacious campsites

Our "sitting area" facing the pines.

Group firepit and picnic location

RV Park Rating – Crazy Horse RV Park (Kanab, UT)

Well, with a bit of technological magic we’ve managed to find a signal here in Red Canyon thanks to our trusty Verizon Wireless card (our AT&T cellphones have not a single bar…no surprise there).  This gives me the chance to shoot off the latest RV Park Review before we move on. So, here we go….

These guys don’t have an official website, but you can see some info in this link: Kanab Visitor Services (Crazy Horse)

1. Site quality = 2/5
   These sites are a little run-down and only offer 30 Amp hook-ups. There’s a variety of sizes and shapes, all dirt. Each site does have an old bench and basic grill, plus there are options for shade, but definitely nothing on the fancy side here.
2. Facilities = 3/5
   The bathrooms here are definitely on the older side, but water pressure and hot water are all good, and they’re kept clean. The biggest downside is if you’re in the shower, and somebody else flushes the toilet, you’re gonna feel it.
3. Amenities = 2.5/5
   There’s not much in the way of extra’s here. There’s a pool, but apparently never any water in it. There’s an older playground, plus a game-room and laundry in the main check-in. The big plus is WiFi is free and it works perfectly. Just don’t plan on a swimming vacation.
4. Location = 4/5
   The biggest positive of this park is location. It’s wonderfully situated at the bottom of the red mesa hills in Kanab (there’s a short 10-min walk to get to the trails), and you can get all the glory of red rock beauty right out of your RV window. Town is right next-door too.
5. Pet friendliness = 4/5
   This is a pet-friendly park with no restrictions on breed or size. Lots of people with doggies here, especially given how close we are to Dog Town. Plenty of space to walk your doggie in the hills next door. The owners and other RV’ers are all super-pet-positive..

 Overall rating = 3.1
BONUS ALERT: Gorgeous red mesa rocks right at your doorstep

Summary: We’d read from several online reviews before we arrived that this was a bit of a run-down park, but otherwise not too bad. I think that sums it up perfectly. The owners are very friendly and obviously trying to improve things, but most of the park is quite dated including the facilities, playground and sites. The big bonus is the location is awesome and the view out your window can’t be beat. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than the other parks in town ($25 per night, $160 for the week) so if you’re looking for a laid-back place with good location and are not too fussy about how it looks this is a good bet.

The Entrance to the campground

A view of some of the sites

View of the playground

The facilities (loo & showers)...definitely not on the fancy side

The best part - the view out of our RV window!