Butterfly Campground: Your High-Altitude Escape in Utah's Uinta Mountains

Butterfly Campground Introduce

Welcome to Butterfly Campground, a beautiful and serene camping destination nestled in the majestic Uinta Mountains of Utah. Situated at a breathtaking elevation of 10,300 feet, this campground offers a true high-altitude escape from the everyday. Located just off the stunning Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Butterfly Campground provides an authentic and rustic outdoor experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. It is a place where the air is crisp, the scenery is spectacular, and the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Butterfly Campground is not a large, sprawling resort but a quiet and intimate spot with 20 single campsites. This makes it an ideal choice for campers who value a more secluded and peaceful environment. The campground is situated next to the pristine Butterfly Lake, known for its clear waters and excellent fishing. Visitors often describe the area as a sight to behold, with a forest of white fir trees providing partial shade and a landscape dotted with colorful summer wildflowers. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural features make it a beloved destination for both seasoned campers and those looking for a tranquil getaway in the heart of the Uintas.

Butterfly Campground is located on Forest Rd 817, near the small town of Hanna, UT 84031, USA. Its primary accessibility comes from its location directly on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This picturesque route is an adventure in itself, winding through rugged mountains and leading to numerous alpine lakes, streams, and trailheads. The byway is a well-traveled road, making the campground relatively easy to find for those traveling from anywhere in Utah. The campground itself is a first-come, first-served site, meaning visitors do not need a reservation, though it is wise to arrive early during peak seasons, as spots fill up quickly.

The high elevation of the campground, at 10,300 feet, should be a consideration for campers. It ensures cooler summer temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 65 to 75 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to 40 to 50 degrees. This is a welcome relief from the summer heat in Utah's valleys. While the campground is accessible by vehicle, the road is a forest service road, and visitors should be prepared for mountain driving. The convenient location along the byway makes it a perfect basecamp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities that the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest has to offer.

Butterfly Campground is a rustic and undeveloped site, offering essential services that focus on providing a foundational camping experience rather than modern luxuries.

Vault Restrooms: The campground is equipped with vault restrooms, also known as pit toilets. These facilities provide a basic but necessary convenience for campers and are maintained to ensure cleanliness.
Picnic Tables: Each of the 20 single campsites includes a picnic table, giving campers a dedicated surface for food preparation and dining. This simple amenity is crucial for an organized and comfortable outdoor meal.
Fire Rings: Every site is also equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to safely build a campfire for warmth, cooking, and ambiance, provided that no fire restrictions are in effect.

These services are designed to support a traditional camping experience, encouraging visitors to connect with the environment while still having their fundamental needs met. It's important for visitors to note that there is no potable water available at this specific campground, so campers must bring their own water supplies.

Butterfly Campground boasts several features that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adjacent to Butterfly Lake: The campground's proximity to its namesake lake is a major highlight. Butterfly Lake is a beautiful, clear alpine lake that is a favorite among anglers, stocked with rainbow and brook trout. The lake is open to non-motorized watercraft, making it perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Excellent for Recreation: The area surrounding the campground is a hub for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, biking, horse riding, and off-road vehicle trails. The campground is also a short drive from the Bald Mountain trailhead and the well-known Mirror Lake, which offers an easy walking trail perfect for families.
High-Elevation Beauty: At 10,300 feet, the natural features of the area are stunning. The campground lies among a forest of white fir trees, and the surrounding landscape is dotted with colorful summer wildflowers, providing a visually rich experience. The cooler temperatures are a significant draw for those looking to escape the summer heat of the lower elevations.
First-Come, First-Served: The first-come, first-served policy provides a sense of freedom and spontaneity for campers who prefer not to make reservations months in advance. It allows for a more flexible travel plan, though it can be competitive during popular times.

Butterfly Campground is a U.S. Forest Service site. For general information on the area, you can contact the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The campground's physical address is Forest Rd 817, Hanna, UT 84031, USA.

Choosing Butterfly Campground for your next Utah camping adventure is a decision that promises a genuine and memorable outdoor experience. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its incredible balance of rustic simplicity and outstanding natural beauty. It's a place for those who truly want to unplug and connect with the wilderness. The high-elevation setting offers a unique climate that is refreshingly cool during the summer months, making it a perfect refuge from the heat. The stunning views of the surrounding Uinta Mountains and the pristine waters of Butterfly Lake are a constant source of wonder and inspiration.

The variety of recreational opportunities available right at your doorstep is another key reason to choose this campground. Whether you're an avid fisherman, an enthusiastic hiker, or simply someone who enjoys a quiet paddle on a calm lake, Butterfly Campground serves as an excellent basecamp. The first-come, first-served policy, while requiring some flexibility, adds to the sense of adventure and makes a last-minute trip a real possibility. This spot is perfect for those who are prepared to bring their own water and embrace a more traditional camping style, as the rewards in natural beauty and tranquility are immense. Butterfly Campground is not about luxury; it is about the authentic experience of camping in one of Utah's most beautiful and accessible high-alpine regions.