NFS Campground Review – Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

August 9, 2011 by libertatemamo 16 Comments

A small, primitive campground steps from simply stunning views of the Flaming Gorge in North-Central Utah.

Link to campground here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT
Link to map location here: Canyon Rim, Flaming Gorge, UT

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   Very decent sites for a forest service campground. This is mostly a tenters campground and there are only 7 RV sites, all non-hookup. The RV sites were recently redone and are paved, relatively flat and fairly long. They are nicely separated from the tenters and have lovely “sitting areas” with picnic table, gorgeous fire-pit and grill rest. There is one site on the corner (#10) by itself and the remaining six (#11-16) are in a small loop. While all sites have good natural surroundings two sites (#10 and #16) have literally oceans of space for themselves. #10 is fairly shaded with the rest more open. The longest, flattest site is #16. Only ding is that the RV loop has a tight turn with a raised curb edge making it difficult for anything bigger than our 40-foot single axle to make the turn (we *only* just made it).
2.  Facilities = 2/5
   This is a primitive campground with nice, modern pit toilets and water spigots but no dump or other facilities. Nearest dump at Firefighter’s Campground just down Hwy 191.
3. Location = 5/5
   You come here to see the reservoir and the views from Canyon Rim are simply the best. Lots of hiking directly from camp along the rim, plus nearby Red Lodge (1 mile away) has a restaurant and fishing in the lake. Short drive to see the surrounding Flaming Gorge sights.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Perfect doggie site. Simply oceans of space to hang out in camp, plus plenty of pooch-friendly hiking directly from camp. For a splash, take the 20-min drive down to Sunny Cove for a dip in the reservoir.

Overall Rating = 4
BONUS ALERT = Camp within steps of the stunning Flaming Gorge rim!!

Summary: What a fabulous campground!! This is primitive camping at it’s best. There are no hookups, no “extra” facilities, but you’re literally steps from the *absolute best* views of Flaming Gorge. The campground tends to attract tenters (who can camp within view of the rim) and “hides” the 7 RV sites further back. Although there’s no direct view of the rim from the RV sites you have lovely natural surroundings, and two sites in particular (#10 and #16) have oceans of space for themselves. Temps here are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations and we were comfortable our entire stay despite having no shade at our site. Sites are all paved with really nice “sitting areas” (brand new fire pits). Our site (#16) was by far the longest, flattest and with the biggest “play area”. The only possible ding I can give the place is that they built a raised curb around the tight RV loop making it tough for anything bigger than our size to make the turn (and you have to make the turn to get in and out). On the positive side the place was practically empty the whole time we were there with a few days where we were the only RVers. We absolutely *loved* the peace, hiking, views, relaxation and nature of this area and would most definitely come back.

Extra Info:  Believe it or not this place had full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $15/night (no hookups). 16 total sites, but only 7 are for RVs, all reservable. 2 Water spigots, but NO dump station.

Extra, Extra Info – BOONDOCKING: There are no boondocking sites (that I know of) with views like Canyon Rim Campground, but there IS lots of dispersed and natural camping in the surrounding Ashley forest. We saw several rigs parked at the trailead between mile-markers 381-382 on Hwy 191. Also spotted several sites a mile or so off Hwy 44 at the cross of FR 218 & FR 221. Also a few sites at bottom of the hill on Hwy 44 between mile-marker 20-21.