Closed
— Closed for the season. Typically operates from early May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during the operating season, with some first-come, first-served availability at the beginning and end of the season.
About
Maple Bench Campground is a small, peaceful retreat in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest at 5,800 feet elevation along the scenic Nebo Loop Byway. With just 10 rustic sites, this quiet campground offers an intimate camping experience in a dramatic natural setting. The campground's unique position on a canyon edge provides stunning overlook views of Peteetneet Creek canyon below and distant vistas stretching to the town of Payson.
The campground's location makes it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Rainbow and brook trout fishing is popular in Peteetneet Creek below the campground, while Maple Lake, just half a mile away, offers calm waters perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and floating. The Red Lake Trail departs from the upper camping areas near the lake. The adjacent Mount Nebo Wilderness Area provides additional opportunities for exploring pristine alpine terrain, wildflower meadows, and numerous hiking trails. The 37-mile Nebo Loop Scenic Byway passes through high alpine terrain and dense forests, with the Devils Kitchen Geological Area offering a short half-mile trail to unique red rock hoodoos.
Due to narrow roads, tight turns, and small site dimensions, the campground is best suited for tents and very small campers. RVs are not permitted. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The open forest of white fir, pinyon pine, and Gambel oak provides partial shade and shelter while maintaining the expansive canyon views that make this campground special.
Directions
From I-15 take Payson exit 250. Go south on Main Street to 100 North, turn left. Continue east to 600 East and turn right in front of Peteetneet Academy. Go south on 600 East for 3.5 miles to the mouth of Payson Canyon. Maple Bench Campground is approximately 1.5 miles from the canyon mouth on the right side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
