PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

Payson Lakes Guard Station

Closed

The guard station is currently closed for the season. Reservations are available starting May 19, 2026. Bookings must be made at least 5 days in advance through Recreation.gov. Minimum 2-night stay, 3 nights on holidays.

Flood Watch issued October 11 at 6:42AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT

6:42 AM — 9:45 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Western Millard and Juab Counties, Bear Lake and Bear River Valley, Cache Valley/Utah Portion, Eastern Box Elder County, Great Salt Lake Desert and Mountains, Northern Wasatch Front, Salt Lake Valley, Tooele and Rush Valleys, Utah Valley, Wasatch Back, Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Western Uinta Basin and Western Uinta Mountains. This includes recent burn scars such as Rocky Canyon. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and recent burn scars. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will continue to spread into northern Utah producing a prolonged rainfall event. In particular, moisture interacting with a frontal boundary across far northern Utah may yield locally heavier rainfall totals compared to other locations. As a result, areal flooding is possible across northern Utah. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Wind Advisory issued October 11 at 10:31AM MDT until October 12 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT

10:31 AM — October 12th, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...The Wasatch Mountains, and Western Uinta Mountains. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and a few power outages may result.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

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.

About

Payson Lakes Guard Station offers a unique lodging experience in a structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Nestled at 8,000 feet along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway, the guard station sits in a forest of aspen and Douglas fir about 13 miles south of Payson, Utah. The property includes the main cabin sleeping 4 and a separate bunkhouse sleeping 4, for a maximum of 8 overnight guests. The cabin provides bunk beds, flush restroom with shower, and a campfire area. However, there is no potable water on site, so guests must bring all drinking water. Bedding, dishes, utensils, and cookware are also not provided. Firewood bundles are available for purchase. Parking accommodates up to 5 vehicles, and an adjacent pasture can hold up to 8 horses for equestrian visitors. The Payson Lakes Recreation Area nearby features McClelland, Box, and Big East Lakes with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Multiple trails provide access for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area lies adjacent, and Devil's Kitchen Geological Area with its red rock hoodoos is accessible along the scenic byway.

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 south along the Nebo Loop Road 015 until you see the Payson Lakes Guard Station sign on the right. Proceed up the driveway and through the gate.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi —
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $139.92

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (385) 273-1100

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION 5
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION 3
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION - Guard Station
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION 4

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