Flat Canyon Campground: Your High-Altitude Utah Escape

Flat Canyon Campground Introduce

Welcome, Utah explorers! If you're looking for a refreshing high-country retreat away from the summer heat, Flat Canyon Campground in the Manti-La Sal National Forest is a perfect destination. Situated high on the Wasatch Plateau at an elevation of 8,800 feet, this "wonderful little campground" provides a cool, clean, and peaceful environment for a memorable camping trip. It's a place that perfectly balances a classic, rustic outdoor experience with the convenience of well-maintained facilities. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a resort, its charm lies in its simplicity and its spectacular natural surroundings. It's a beloved spot for both seasoned campers and families seeking a new tradition.

The name "Flat Canyon" might be a bit misleading, as the campground is actually nestled on a hillside with some great views, but the experience is anything but disappointing. The sites are well-maintained, and many feature newly resurfaced picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to set up your camp. Past campers have praised the cleanliness of the public restrooms, which are often cited as being "clean enough" and well-maintained. This attention to detail ensures a comfortable stay for everyone. The campground is a great base camp for exploring the surrounding area, which is rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its location makes it a central point for accessing some of the region's most popular fishing and boating spots, a feature that brings many families back year after year.

A unique and modern feature of this campground is the option to pay via a QR code, which has been highlighted by visitors as a "slick" and convenient way to handle fees. This blend of classic outdoor adventure with modern technology shows a commitment to making the camping experience as smooth as possible. Whether you're a long-time camper who knows exactly which shady spot you want or a newcomer exploring for the first time, Flat Canyon offers a welcoming and enjoyable environment. It's a place where you can relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. The serene setting and the friendly atmosphere make it a standout choice in the Utah camping scene.

Location and Accessibility

Flat Canyon Campground is located on Forest Road #0057, off of UT-264, in Fairview, UT 84629. This position places it within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, high on the Wasatch Plateau. The campground is easily accessible via paved roads, which is a significant plus, as it means you won't have to navigate rugged, unpaved terrain to get there. Its convenient access makes it a popular choice for both tent campers and those with trailers, as it can accommodate a variety of vehicles. The location is perfect for those looking to explore a multitude of nearby attractions.

The campground's proximity to Electric Lake and Gooseberry Reservoir is a major draw. Electric Lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing, while a trail from the campground leads directly to the smaller Boulger Reservoir below. This makes it an ideal spot for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The location also serves as a fantastic starting point for hiking, biking, and scenic drives, with miles of trails and scenic byways to explore. The high elevation provides cooler temperatures during the summer, offering a welcome escape from the heat of the valleys and desert areas.

Services Offered

Tent sites: Plenty of spaces available for traditional tent camping.
Public restroom: Well-maintained vault toilets are available for guest use.
On-site parking: Each campsite has a designated spot for parking.
Payment via QR code: A modern and convenient option for paying camping fees.

Features and Highlights

Good for kids: A safe and engaging environment for children to explore.
Beautiful scenery: Located in a stunning high-altitude setting with mountain views and lush greenery.
Proximity to reservoirs: Easy access to Electric Lake and Boulger Reservoir for fishing and boating.
Recreational activities: A hub for hiking, biking, and scenic driving.
Group site: One large group site is available for larger parties.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and the overall grounds.
Newly resurfaced sites: Many campsites have new tables and fire rings.
Shade: Some spots offer more shade than others, providing options for different preferences.

Contact Information

Address: Manti-La Sal National Forest, Forest Road #0057, Fairview, UT 84629, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

What is worth choosing

Choosing Flat Canyon Campground is a decision to embrace a classic, high-elevation camping experience. What makes this campground truly special is its perfect combination of convenience and natural beauty. For many Utahns, finding a spot that is easy to get to but still feels like a genuine escape is a top priority, and Flat Canyon delivers on both counts. The paved access road makes it a breeze to bring in a trailer or an RV, while the well-kept sites with new picnic tables and fire rings show a commitment to visitor comfort. The modern payment system via QR code is a small but valuable feature that highlights the park's effort to provide a seamless experience.

The location is a major selling point. Being so close to Electric Lake and Boulger Reservoir provides endless opportunities for fishing, which is a major draw for families. The serene setting, with its clean air and beautiful scenery, is a perfect antidote to the stress of daily life. It’s a place where you can sit by a campfire, enjoy the cool mountain evenings, and create lasting memories. The fact that the campground is consistently used by families year after year, with many returning for annual trips, speaks volumes about the positive experience it offers. For a reliable, family-friendly, and scenic camping spot in the heart of Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, Flat Canyon Campground is a choice that promises a wonderful time.

Flat Canyon Campground Details

Amenities
Public restroom
Restroom
Tent sites

Children
Good for kids

Parking
On-site parking

Flat Canyon Campground Photos

Flat Canyon Campground Location

Flat Canyon Campground

Utah Sanpete County Fairview Forest Road

Manti-La Sal National Forest, Forest Road #0057, Fairview, UT 84629, USA

Flat Canyon Campground Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 27 user reviews.★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Wonderful little campground. Just stayed one night. It's the first campground I've been too that says it has the QR code to pay and actually does. So slick. Also, I've never been here before, but it seems like the sites are newly resurfaced and the tables are relatively nice and new. There were some bugs that were moderately annoying, but not overbearing.
July 11 · Todd Barrow
We camp here every year in July and love it. It’s beautiful and easy to get to electric lake, gooseberry reservoir, and all the smaller reservoirs surrounding. Bathrooms always seem to be clean enough, and we’ve never had any issues.Some spots have more shade, so we’ve figured out which ones those are and stick to them.We usually have only tent camped, but this year brought our trailer and used the group site, and it was great.We’ll be back next year!
July 13 · Eric Hansen
We spent a few nights here with a scout troop, and the group site (site 13) was good for a lot of peole due to the size of the fire pit and the amount of tables. Lots and lots of tables, as well as a serving/food prep table. There weren't a lot of great tent sites that were flat, so most of us were sliding down hill throughout the night.The campsite looked pretty worn down and not very well maintained. There were a lot of plants growing under the tables, which made it difficult to sit down.I'm surprised that other reviews said that there were a lot of trees, because I felt very different. The group site was very sparse, and the single sites weren't much better. If you visit this campsite, make sure to bring a canopy for shade. There just aren't very many trees here.The bathrooms have pit toilets, and they were pretty clean. Plenty of TP and hand sanitizer.The water spigots didn't work, and apparently won't be working for at least another year, which is a huge negative. There are a lot of spigots around, so if they ever get the water turned on, then it will be better.The single sites are relatively close together, but nothing worse than most developed campsites.Boulger Reservoir is within a 10 minute walk of the campsite, and the fishing is excellent there. You can look down onto the reservoir from the group site. Quite a few trails for UTV's and ATV's are around, and a good amount of off-trail hiking is close.
July 21 · Adam Pace
Nice campground. We visited the end of July. The pit toilets were surprisingly clean and well vented. The campsites are well spread out. Even though they were full, we had adequate space. Plenty of firewood from fallen trees. Bugs not bad at all. No water or dumpsters for garbage.
August 04 · Robert Lowe
Quiet nights, cool temps and abundant wildlife make this a beautiful summer hang. If you come here, remember that quiet time is 10pm - 6am so please leave your noisy generators at home and invest in solar panels. Plenty of high altitude sun here at 9032 feet of elevation!
August 09 · Chuck Odette