Barker Recreation Area Map
Group Campsite
Dock on Barker Reservoir

Barker Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and operates through Labor Day. Drinking water is only available during the summer operating season.

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02

This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.

Pine Valley Area and Trail and Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while crews perform work to clean up debris flows and damage from flooding.

Cedar City and Pine Valley Ranger Districts Camping Restrictions (Order Number 0407-25-11)

To reduce conflicts with other public uses and recreational activities at developed and dispersed camp sites.

Forestwide Occupancy and Use Camping (Order 0407-25-01)

The following is prohibited on National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest:

Pine Valley and Cedar City Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Developed Campgrounds (0407-23-01)

Pine Valley and Cedar City Ranger Districts Off Highway Vehicle Road Restrictions Within Developed Campgrounds - This order is intended to provide OHV access in campgrounds which have legal access to riding opportunities while also providing a quiet recreation experience at some locations.

Pine Valley and Cedar City Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-11)

Pine Valley and Cedar City -  Camping Restrictions at Forest Service trailheads, administrative sites and/or other facilities, and areas within one-half mile of developed campgrounds unless designated by the Dixie National Forest as an approved campsite.

Powell Dave's Hollow Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-22-03)

This purpose of this Order is to facilitate resource protection and proper management of National Forest Lands and the adjacent private and National Park Service lands from recreation impacts associated with camping in the Dave’s Hollow area and to provide recreational opportunities to more membe

Powell Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions (Order 0407-22-04)

Powell Ranger District - Seasonal Road and Motorized Trail Restrictions

Powell East Fork Sevier River Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-12 )

The purpose of this order is to protect soil, water, and vegetative resources from recreation impacts associated with camping near the East Fork of the Sevier River and associated riparian areas, and to provide greater recreation opportunities to more members of the general public.

Powell Water Resources Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-20 )

The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.

Powell Escalante Ranger Dist. Off-highway Road Closures in Developed Campgrounds (Order 0407-21-13)

The purpose of this Order is to reduce traffic, dust, and noise in portions of developed campgrounds, while permitting certain types of OHV use that do not contribute to these issues where appropriate and ingress and egress where necessary.

Powell Tom Best Area Camping Restrictions (Order 0407-21-19)

The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife habitat, wildlife, soil, water, and vegetation resources from the effects of recreational use and camping.

Escalante Food Storage Restrictions (Order 0407-21-18)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by: (1) minimizing the likelihood of adverse interactions between bears and humans; and (2) reducing the risk of habituating or attracting bears due to the improper storage of food and refuse in the Restricted Areas.

Forestwide Occupancy and Use Cannabis Possession (Order: 0407-21-07)

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

Cedar City Parking Restrictions Along Hwy14, Hwy 143 and Mammoth Creek Road (Order: 0407-21-10)

Dixie National Forest Cedar City Ranger District - Parking restrictions along Hwy 14, Hwy 143, and Mammoth Creek Road

Forestwide - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol (Order: 0407-21-06)

The purpose of this Order is to protect public and employee health and safety by preventing alcohol-related accidents and sanitation issues, as well as to protect resources by preventing damage to public lands and facilities.

Using a Developed Recreation Site By More Users Than Allowed (Occupancy & Use Order 0407-21-04)

The purpose of this Order is to protect soil, water, and vegetation resources.

About

Barker Recreation Area is located high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 9,300 feet within Dixie National Forest. The campground is nestled in a dense canopy of aspen and spruce trees, with summer wildflowers and frequent wildlife sightings including black bear, blue grouse, golden eagle, ducks and wild turkey. The recreation area contains 13 single-family campsites, three group sites (including the Porter group site which permits horses), and a day-use area. Upper Barker Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Motorized boats are not permitted on the reservoir. Numerous hiking, biking and horse trails can be accessed from both Upper and Lower Barker Reservoir trailheads, with the non-motorized Great Western Trail leading to nine backcountry fishing lakes and spectacular mountain views. Fishing docks are available at both reservoirs. The area is known for excellent stream fishing and spectacular fall colors. Access to the campground requires driving 16 miles on Forest Road 149 from Highway 12, with the last 3.4 miles being steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts. Nearby attractions include Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the scenic Highway 12 National Scenic Byway.

Directions

From Escalante, Utah, drive 2.5 miles west on Highway 12, then turn right at the North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker Recreation Area sign, onto Forest Road 149. Drive approximately 16 miles on FR 149. The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $20 - $80

Vehicle

Max RV Length 35ft
Max Trailer Length 35ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email Help.Dixie.Escalante@AmericanLL.com
Phone +1 (435) 826-5499

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Barker Recreation Area Map
Group Campsite
Dock on Barker Reservoir
Scenic View near Barker Campground
Campsite 9
Campsite 8
Barker Reservoir

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