Payson Lakes Guard Station
The guard station operates seasonally from late May through mid-October. The 2026 season typically opens around May 23 and closes in mid-October. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov with at least 5 days advance notice. Walk-ins are not permitted. Minimum stay is 2 nights (3 nights on holidays), maximum 7 nights.
Flood Watch issued October 11 at 6:42AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, Central Mountains, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, San Rafael Swell, Sanpete Valley, Sevier Valley, Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County, Southwest Utah and Zion National Park. This also includes recent burn scars such as Forsyth, Cottonwood, Silver King, France Canyon, and Monroe Canyon. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Anomalously high moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will continue to impact the region. While this is expected to be a long duration rainfall event, scattered instances of heavier rainfall rates are expected with stronger storms yielding flash flooding concerns given saturated soils and prior burn scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Payson Lakes Guard Station is a historic cabin constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the New Deal Program. Nestled in a forest of aspen and Douglas fir at 8,000 feet elevation, the guard station offers a unique lodging experience on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The rental includes the main cabin sleeping 4 and a separate bunkhouse sleeping 4 additional guests. Up to 7 day-use visitors may join during daylight hours. The facility features flush toilets with shower, a kitchen with stove, and bunk beds. However, potable water is not available on site, so guests must bring their own drinking water. Bedding, plates, utensils, and cookware are not provided. Firewood can be purchased at the nearby Payson Lakes Campground for $9 per bundle. An adjacent pasture can accommodate up to 8 horses for equestrian visitors. The surrounding Payson Lakes Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow and brown trout at McClelland, Box, and Big East Lakes. Numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are accessible nearby. Parking is limited to 5 family vehicles, and RVs, trailers, and tents are not permitted at the guard station.
Directions
From I-15 exit 250, proceed south on Main Street to Highway 198, then east to 600 East, which becomes Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Travel south approximately 13 miles until the Guard Station sign appears.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $141.94 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (801) 798-3571 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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