A "reservation only" campground is one where all campsites must be booked in advance through www.recreation.gov. This system ensures that campers with confirmed reservations have a guaranteed spot upon arrival.
Here’s how it works:
- Advance Booking: Reservations can be made ahead of time through the website (4 months ahead for single sites and 12 months ahead for group sites). Plan early, as popular dates and locations fill quickly!
- Four-Day Booking Window: If a campsite hasn’t been reserved at least four days prior to a specific date, it automatically becomes available as a first-come, first-served (FCFS) site.
If you’re visiting a reservation-only campground without a reservation, check availability for any newly converted FCFS sites or consider booking ahead for guaranteed peace of mind.
First-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites are available to campers without a prior reservation. Some campgrounds operate entirely on a FCFS basis, while others offer a mix of reservable and FCFS sites.
Here’s how it works:
- Check Site Availability: Look for reservation placards posted at each campsite. These show reserved dates. If no reservation was made within the four-day booking window or there’s a gap in bookings, the site becomes available for FCFS use.
- Vacancy Timing: Sites become available after the prior visitors vacate, typically by the noon checkout time. Arriving early increases your chances of securing a spot.
- Confirm with the Host: Always confirm with the campground host before setting up or paying to ensure the site is available and ready.
- No Set Check-In Time: While FCFS sites don’t have a specific check-in time, you’ll need host confirmation before using the site.
Pro Tips for Securing a FCFS Site:
- Arrive During the Week: Weekdays generally have lower visitation, giving you a better shot at finding an available site.
- Plan for Peak Checkout Times: Arrive before or around noon to catch newly vacated spots.
- Have a Backup Plan: FCFS availability can be unpredictable, especially on weekends or during busy seasons.
Understanding the FCFS system and timing your visit right can make all the difference in securing your perfect campsite!
During the busy summer weekends, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest sees very high visitation, making it unlikely to secure a first-come, first-served campsite without a backup plan. We strongly recommend having an alternative destination in mind before heading out to avoid disappointment.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore areas with slightly better odds, consider checking out the Evanston Ranger District. This area includes several campsites along the northeastern end of the Mirror Lake Highway, which might offer more availability.
For the best experience, we encourage planning ahead, checking campsite status online, and arriving early!
To check campsite availability, follow these steps on www.recreation.gov:
- Select the "View by Available Dates" option for the campground you’re interested in.
- A calendar will appear, showing all sites and their current status:
- FF: First-Come, First-Served – The site is temporarily available for walk-up visitors.
- A: Available – The site can be reserved online.
- R: Reserved – The site is already booked.
Important Notes:
- FF sites shown online might already be occupied because campground hosts cannot update the website for walk-up sales. It’s best to use your judgment before driving to the campground to try for an FF site.
- FF sites are rented on a daily basis only. If a reservation is later made for that site, the current occupant will need to vacate by the check-out time.
For guaranteed availability, we strongly recommend making a reservation whenever possible.
For checking campsite availability and making reservations, visit www.recreation.gov. This is the official site for booking campsites and viewing real-time availability across the U.S. National Forests. Simply search for the campground you’re interested in, and you’ll be able to see whether sites are available, reserved, or open for first-come, first-served.
If you’re looking for detailed information, photos, and videos of the campgrounds managed by Utah Recreation, head to www.gocamputah.com. This site provides great resources for exploring new camping spots, learning about the amenities, and visualizing what to expect at each campground.
Both websites are excellent tools for planning your next outdoor adventure!
The reservation line is (Toll-Free) (877) 444-6777. Recreation.gov needs to be called to make a reservation, make long term reservations, cancel a reservation, request a refund, add additional days to a reservation, change dates or site, and issues with logging in. 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. Utah Recreation can answer questions about campgrounds, water updates, season dates, fees, 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.
Yes, all of the districts in 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). Dispersed camping is under the jurisdiction of the local Forest Service, reach out to them if you have questions about the regulations or areas dispersed camping is allowed.
