This means that a campground is run completely on a reservation basis through www.recreation.gov. If a date for a site is not reserved by four days in advance that site will then convert to a first come first serve (FCFS).
This means that a campground is run completely on a reservation basis through www.recreation.gov. If a date for a site is not reserved by four days in advance that site will then convert to a first come first serve (FCFS).
First come first serve means that the campground is still accepting walk-up camping, or that a reservation was not made by the four-day prior window. There are placards placed at each site that shows the current reservations. If there is a break in time that would mean that site is available for those dates. You will want to discuss with a host as to whether or not the site you are looking at is available before paying/setting up camp. There is no specific time to check-in at the FCFS site, you will need to confirm with the campground host that the site is available and ready to be used.
Due to the high visitation to the UWC this summer it is pretty unlikely to plan for getting a first come first serve site and we would encourage having a good backup plan before you head out. Some locations that you may have a better chance to find a site would be to explore some of the locations on the Evanston District that has sites along the North Eastern end of the Mirror Lake HWY.
By selecting view by available dates on www.recreation.gov for a particular campground. A calendar will come up with all of the sites and their status. FF means it has become a first come first serve the site, A means available, R reserved. The campground hosts have no way to update the website with filed sales. That means if you see FF sites available online, the sites might not be available anymore because they are already taken. Please use your best judgment whether you drive to the campground and take a chance of finding an FF site. The FF sites can be rented on a daily basis only. If a reservation is made the site will have to vacate.
www.recreation.gov is the site for searching for availability and making reservations. www.gocamputah.com is a site managed by URC and has great information, photos, and videos of different sites. Both are great tools for exploring and looking for new places to try.
The reservation line is (Toll-Free) (877) 444-6777. Recreation.gov needs to be called to make a reservation, cancel a reservation, request a refund, add additional days to a reservation, change dates or site, and issues with logging in. Please expect longer wait times as Recreation.gov due to customer service agent shortages due to current health and safety guidelines. If you are calling to find information about openings or closings, the best way is to check for a banner at the specific location on the top of the Recreation.gov page, visit the agency website, or contact the location directly. You may also find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Center and searching using keywords.
Utah Recreation Company can be reached by calling 385.273.1100 or by sending an e-mail to info@gocamputah.com. URC can answer questions about campgrounds, water updates, season dates, fees, long-term reservations and season passes. URC is experiencing a high volume of phone calls; they are doing their best to answer all phone calls in a timely manner. URC phone directory: #1 will take you to the Recreation.gov reservation line, #2 general questions, #3 human resources, #4 URC front desk, #5 general manager.
Yes, all of the districts on the Forest offer dispersed camping. These are camping opportunities that don’t typically require a fee and don’t have the same amenities found in the developed campgrounds (like water, picnic tables, and restrooms). The Forest is seeing a large increase in dispersed camping use as well this summer. If it is possible to arrive during and camp during the week your success in finding a site to camp will be much higher.