Hawthorne Campground

For many Utahns, getting outdoors is a way of life, and when it comes to planning a group camping trip, the right location can make all the difference. Hawthorne Campground, a true "hidden gem" within the stunning Rockport State Park, is a top-tier choice for those looking to accommodate a large group. Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a neighborhood campout, or a club event, this campground provides a well-kept, spacious environment that is specifically designed for collective experiences. The sense of community is immediate here, with a layout that allows everyone to be close together, creating a perfect backdrop for shared meals, campfire stories, and making lasting memories.

Hawthorne Campground is part of the extensive and popular Rockport State Park, which offers a vast array of recreational activities. Its primary appeal, however, is its focus on group camping. It's a place where trailers and tents can coexist, a testament to the campground's versatility and thoughtful design. The a real customer review from a neighborhood camping trip perfectly illustrates its value: "The grass area was so well kept and we had plenty of room for multiple trailers and tents." This speaks to the quality of the grounds and the capacity to handle diverse camping setups. The combination of a peaceful, well-maintained setting and the capacity for large groups makes Hawthorne Campground a standout destination.

Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding Rockport State Park offers endless opportunities for adventure. The reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and various water sports during the warmer months. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the area provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat in the lower valleys, drawing in people from across the region. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking and biking, allowing for exploration of the local flora and fauna. In the winter, the fun doesn't stop, with opportunities for ice fishing and access to nearby snowmobile trails. Hawthorne Campground serves as a comfortable base camp for all these activities, ensuring your group has a central location from which to launch their daily adventures.

The unique benefits of a group campground are hard to overstate. It allows for a unified experience where everyone is in one designated area, fostering a sense of camaraderie and making logistics significantly easier. There's no stress of trying to find neighboring sites or worrying about being separated from your group. While a customer review mentioned some confusion regarding the payment process, they also highlighted the value of the experience, noting the well-maintained space and the presence of a "kind and helpful" camp host. This personal touch further enhances the appeal, showing that the campground is managed with care and a focus on visitor satisfaction.

Location and Accessibility

Hawthorne Campground is located in Peoa, UT 84061, USA, within Rockport State Park. This location is a significant advantage for Utah residents, as it offers a quick and convenient escape from the urban areas of the Wasatch Front. The park is easily accessed via Interstate 80, with a direct exit that leads to the state highway. The drive is short and scenic, providing a pleasant transition from city life to the tranquility of nature. While there are some challenges with payment systems, as a reviewer noted, the physical location itself is highly accessible and straightforward to find.

Being situated within Rockport State Park means visitors can take advantage of all the park's amenities and recreational opportunities with ease. The campground’s setting is picturesque, with views of the surrounding mountains and the possibility of seeing Rockport Reservoir. The proximity to the reservoir, while not always a direct, easy walk, ensures that water activities are always a short trip away. The on-site parking is a key convenience, allowing campers to park their vehicles right at their site, making it easy to set up camp and unload gear for the group. This combination of location and accessibility makes Hawthorne Campground an attractive destination for any group looking to get away.

Services Offered

• RV Water Hookup: Hawthorne Campground provides RV water hookups, making it a convenient option for recreational vehicle owners. This service allows RV campers to have a reliable source of fresh water directly at their site, enhancing comfort and convenience.

• Tent Sites: In addition to accommodating RVs, the campground also offers dedicated tent sites. This versatility is a major benefit, as it allows groups with a mix of camping preferences to stay together in one area, a crucial feature for a group campground.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, providing a designated area for meals, games, and social gatherings. These tables are a great convenience, eliminating the need for campers to bring their own seating and dining surfaces.

• Public Restroom: The campground provides access to public restroom facilities, which are essential for a comfortable camping experience. A customer review praised the cleanliness of these facilities, stating that "outhouse/bathrooms were clean," indicating a high standard of maintenance.

• Running Water: Running water is available on-site, a vital amenity for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. The presence of running water significantly improves the camping experience, especially for larger groups.

• On-Site Parking: On-site parking is available, which is particularly important for a group campground. It allows multiple vehicles to park conveniently near the group site, making logistics much simpler for a large number of people.

Features / Highlights

• Spacious Group Site: The most notable highlight of Hawthorne Campground is its spacious group site, which is capable of accommodating "multiple trailers and tents." This feature is what makes it a premier destination for group outings, as it provides a large, dedicated area for a single party.

• Well-Maintained Grass Area: A real customer review noted that "the grass area was so well kept," which highlights the care and attention to detail that the park management puts into the grounds. A well-maintained site enhances the overall aesthetic and comfort of the camping trip.

• Sheltered Pavilion: The campground includes a pavilion, a key feature for a group site. While a review mentioned it was "a little on the small side," it proved its worth by providing shelter from the rain, showing its practical value for group activities.

• Good for Kids: The campground is recognized as being "good for kids." The open spaces, fresh air, and opportunities for outdoor play make it a safe and fun environment for children to explore and enjoy nature.

• Helpful Camp Host: The presence of a "kind and helpful" camp host, as noted by a reviewer, is a significant highlight. A responsive and friendly host can greatly improve the camping experience, providing assistance and ensuring a smooth stay for the group.

Contact Information

Address: Peoa, UT 84061, USA

Phone: (435) 336-2241

What is Worth Choosing

Hawthorne Campground is a standout choice for Utahns planning a group camping trip. Its greatest asset is its specialization in catering to large parties, providing a spacious and private site that can accommodate a variety of camping setups, from tents to multiple RVs. This eliminates the common headache of trying to book adjacent individual sites and ensures that your group can stay together in a single, cohesive area. The real customer review that calls it a "hidden gem" for a "neighborhood overnight camping trip" perfectly captures its value and purpose.

Beyond its group-friendly layout, the campground offers a solid set of amenities that are essential for a comfortable stay. The availability of RV water hookups, running water, and clean restrooms elevates the camping experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the group. The on-site pavilion, while small, is a practical feature that provides crucial shelter, as proven by a real-world example of its use during a rainstorm. This functional design demonstrates the campground's focus on meeting the real needs of its visitors.

Finally, the combination of its natural beauty, its location within Rockport State Park, and its reputation for being a family-friendly spot makes Hawthorne Campground a truly worthwhile destination. The positive experience of the camp host and the well-kept grounds show that the park is managed with a high degree of care. While a reviewer did mention a confusing payment system, this is a minor logistical issue that is easily outweighed by the quality of the site and the overall experience. For any Utahn looking to host a memorable, hassle-free group camping trip, Hawthorne Campground offers the space, amenities, and environment needed to create a perfect outdoor getaway.

Hawthorne Campground

Peoa, UT 84061, USA