Utah / Utah County / Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Payson Lakes Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season. The Guard Station closed October 13, 2025 for winter and typically reopens in late spring or early summer. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Payson Lakes Guard Station offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of early Forest Rangers in a historic cabin constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 as part of the New Deal Program. Located approximately 13 miles south of Payson, Utah, along the scenic Mount Nebo Scenic Byway, this distinctive rental facility sits at 8,000 feet elevation in a forest of aspen and Douglas fir trees. The Guard Station complex includes both the main cabin and a bunkhouse, accommodating a maximum of 8 overnight guests in bunk beds (four in each building). Up to 7 additional day-use-only visitors are permitted. An adjacent pasture can accommodate up to 8 horses, making this an ideal base for equestrian enthusiasts. The nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area encompasses McClelland, Box, and Big East Lakes, offering excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Summer wildflowers are abundant, and the area supports diverse wildlife. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area lies adjacent to the property, providing access to pristine mountain scenery, numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and the 37-mile Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Guests check in with the Payson Lakes Campground Host who escorts them to the cabin. The facility has a 2-night minimum and 7-day maximum stay, with parking limited to 5 family vehicles on paved areas only.

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 for approximately 13 miles until you see the Payson Lakes Guard Station sign on the right. Proceed up the driveway and through the gate.

Nearby Campgrounds