Little Bear Group Campground

Welcome to Little Bear Group Campground, a beautiful and accommodating destination nestled within the picturesque Huntington Canyon of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This campground is an ideal choice for large families, group gatherings, and events, offering spacious sites designed to host a crowd. For Utahns seeking a place to bring everyone together for a memorable outdoor experience, Little Bear provides the perfect balance of a rustic setting with essential facilities. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, the campground is surrounded by pines and junipers, with the soothing sounds of Huntington Creek flowing alongside. It’s a setting that feels both expansive for group activities and intimate for personal relaxation, making it a superior choice for a group outing.

The layout of the campground is particularly well-suited for its purpose. With two distinct loops, each capable of accommodating up to 50 people and 15 vehicles, it allows for both large gatherings and the possibility of having a smaller, more private group experience. As noted by a satisfied visitor, the sites are thoughtfully equipped with benches, tables, a cooking surface, and a fire pit with a grill, making it easy to accommodate large meals and group activities. The stunning scenery, with a bold cliff face overlooking the site and the rushing creek providing a natural soundtrack, adds a layer of ambiance that makes the experience truly special. Little Bear Group Campground is a great example of a well-maintained and purposefully designed site that caters to the needs of larger groups without sacrificing the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Little Bear Group Campground is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest on Forest Road #3248, off of Utah Highway 31, near Huntington, UT 84528, USA. This places it along the scenic Huntington Canyon National Scenic Byway, a journey that is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. The drive winds through stunning mountain landscapes, providing breathtaking views of the forest and the canyon. The campground’s location is convenient for those traveling from Huntington and other parts of Central Utah, making it an accessible option for weekend getaways and longer vacations alike.

While the campground is easily reachable from the main highway, its location off a forest road provides a sense of seclusion. It is important to note that, as a group site, it is often reserved in advance. The campground has on-site parking and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that it can accommodate a variety of needs. While there can be some occasional traffic noise from the highway, visitors have found that it does not detract from the overall ambiance. This balance of being close to a main road for convenience while still feeling nestled in the canyon makes Little Bear a highly practical and desirable location for a group retreat.

Little Bear Group Campground provides a range of amenities specifically tailored for large group camping, ensuring that every member of your party is comfortable. While it maintains a rustic feel, the site has essential conveniences that make it a great choice for family reunions or friend gatherings. Key services and amenities at the campground include:

• Public restroom: The campground has vault toilets, which are a vital amenity for a group site. While there is only one for the two loops, as a reviewer mentioned, they are kept clean and are a significant convenience.

• Tent sites: The campground is designed to accommodate multiple tents per site, offering plenty of space for large groups to spread out and set up camp comfortably.

• RV camping: While there are no utility hookups, the sites are suitable for RV camping, with large dirt parking areas capable of holding multiple vehicles and RVs.

• Picnic tables and fire pits: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables, a large cooking surface, and a fire pit with a grill, perfect for group meals and campfire gatherings.

• On-site parking: The large, dirt parking areas can accommodate up to 15 vehicles per site, making it easy for all members of the group to park on-site.

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: The campground provides accessible parking, catering to visitors with specific mobility needs.

It is important to note that drinking water and trash collection are not available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water and be prepared to pack out all of their garbage. This policy helps maintain the pristine environment and encourages a Leave No Trace ethic, a core value for outdoor enthusiasts in Utah. The provided facilities are exactly what a group needs for a successful and enjoyable camping trip, allowing them to focus on their time together and their connection with nature.

The true highlights of Little Bear Group Campground are the unique features and the recreational opportunities that make it a compelling destination for any group. These are the aspects that truly make the camping experience special.

• Group-friendly setup: The campground's two loops, each accommodating up to 50 people, are its most significant feature. This makes it an ideal spot for family reunions, scout groups, and large get-togethers. The sites have multiple tables and a cooking surface, perfect for accommodating large meals.

• Wildlife viewing: The canyon setting provides opportunities for spotting wildlife. The proximity to the creek and forested areas makes it a great place to see birds and other small animals.

• Hiking: The campground is a great base camp for exploring the numerous trails in Huntington Canyon. Nearby trails like the Left Fork of the Huntington National Recreation Trail and the Fish Creek Trail are popular for hiking and horseback riding.

• Fishing: Huntington Creek is a "Blue Ribbon Fishery," known for high-quality fishing for brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Anglers in the group will love the easy access to the creek right from the campground.

• Dogs allowed: This is a pet-friendly campground, so you can bring your canine companions along to enjoy the outdoor adventure with the whole group.

• Scenic beauty: The campground is situated in a beautiful canyon with stunning cliff faces and the tranquil sound of the creek, creating a superior ambiance for a relaxing getaway.

These features combine to create a comprehensive and enjoyable camping experience. The campground is a perfect hub for aquatic and land-based adventures, ensuring there is something for everyone in the group to enjoy. The well-thought-out amenities for large groups make logistics easy, allowing the focus to remain on making memories together in a beautiful setting.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact the Manti-La Sal National Forest office. Reservations are required for this campground, so it is recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Address: Manti-La Sal National Forest, Forest Road #3248, Huntington, UT 84528, USA

Phone: (435) 637-2817

Mobile Phone: +1 435-637-2817

Little Bear Group Campground is worth choosing for a variety of compelling reasons, with its primary value being its specialization in large group camping. For those who have ever struggled to find a single site that can comfortably accommodate a family reunion or a large group of friends, this campground is the perfect solution. The spacious loops and the amenities like multiple tables, a cooking surface, and a large fire pit are designed with group logistics in mind, making it easy to organize meals and activities for everyone.

Beyond the practicalities, the campground offers a truly beautiful and serene environment. The peaceful sound of the creek, the dramatic cliff faces, and the plentiful shade from the trees create a superior ambiance for a relaxing getaway. While there is some occasional road noise, it is generally considered a minor issue that does not interfere with the overall tranquility. The excellent fishing opportunities and access to nearby hiking trails add to the value, ensuring that there is always an activity to keep everyone entertained. For a Utahn seeking a reliable, beautiful, and well-equipped location for their next big group outing, Little Bear Group Campground is an outstanding choice that promises to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Little Bear Group Campground

Manti-La Sal National Forest, Forest Road #3248, Huntington, UT 84528, USA