Payson Lakes

About

Payson Lakes Campground is a favorite destination in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering over 80 individual campsites plus three group sites spread across multiple loops in a forest setting at 8,000 feet elevation. The campground centers around three lakes: McClelland, Box, and Big East, where visitors can fish for rainbow and brown trout, paddle canoes and kayaks, and swim. Powerboats are prohibited, keeping the waters peaceful. The campground features both flush and vault toilets, potable water spigots, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. There are no hookups or phone service. Loop A operates as first-come-first-served throughout the season, while other loops require reservations through Recreation.gov with a 5-day advance booking window. Weekend stays require a 2-night minimum, and holiday weekends require 3 nights. The area is bear country; all food and trash must be properly stored to avoid fines up to $5,000. Gates close at 10pm with quiet hours from 10pm to 6am. Dogs are limited to two per site and must be leashed (max 6 feet) and are prohibited from beaches and water areas. The adjacent Mount Nebo Wilderness offers hiking through mountain scenery and summer wildflowers, and the 37-mile Nebo Loop Scenic Byway passes nearby with access to Devil's Kitchen Geological Area.

Directions

From I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 East, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel up the canyon approximately 12 miles to the campground.