Pole Creek Lake Campground

Tucked away in the scenic splendor of the Ashley National Forest, Pole Creek Lake Campground offers a truly unique and refreshing camping experience for those seeking a peaceful retreat. This destination, located near Vernal, Utah, is a gem for locals and visitors alike who appreciate a more rustic and secluded outdoor adventure. The campground is known for its beautiful setting amidst a lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce forest at an elevation of around 10,000 feet, providing a cool and quiet escape from the summer heat. As a customer review highlights, it’s a "really nice place to tent camp," with a serene atmosphere and a focus on essential amenities rather than a commercialized feel. The campsite is perfect for families, as it is noted to be "good for kids" who will love exploring the natural surroundings. What makes this campground special is its close proximity to the water, with Pole Creek Lake just a short walk away, as well as several other pristine lakes within hiking distance. The presence of giant boulders scattered throughout the area adds a distinctive, rugged charm, making it a favorite spot for those who appreciate unique geological features.

Pole Creek Lake Campground is located within the Ashley National Forest at Forest Road 117, Vernal, UT 84078, USA. While the drive to the campground can be steep and winding in places, as it climbs Pole Creek Mountain, it is manageable for most vehicles, though large RVs may have some difficulty given the maximum vehicle length of 22 ft. The roads are gravel but generally well-maintained. The location is a significant part of the campground's charm, placing it in the heart of the Uinta Mountains with a plethora of nearby recreational opportunities. Its relative seclusion ensures a quiet and tranquil experience, far from the noise of major highways. The campground's address makes it a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding high-altitude wilderness, including the West Fork Trail and the numerous lakes that dot the landscape. Its proximity to Vernal provides a convenient town for resupplying before your journey or for a quick stop on your way in or out of the national forest, though it is about an hour away, so planning is essential.

Pole Creek Lake Campground provides the essential services needed for a comfortable camping trip, focusing on convenience and cleanliness.

• Tent Sites: The campground is particularly well-suited for tent camping, with a variety of sites that offer a comfortable and well-maintained area for setting up.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking meals and enjoying a campfire in the evening.
• Public Restrooms and Running Water: The campground features pit toilets and running water, which are essential amenities. As one visitor noted, the pit toilets are "well maintained," and another mentioned "bathrooms and trash bins provided."
• On-Site Parking: Ample on-site parking is available for guests, providing a secure spot for your vehicle while you enjoy the surrounding area.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your four-legged companion along on your outdoor adventure.

The true highlights of Pole Creek Lake Campground are its unique features and the natural beauty that surrounds it, making it a destination for memorable experiences.

• Proximity to Beautiful Lakes: The most significant feature is its direct access to Pole Creek Lake, which is just a five-minute walk from the campground. Beyond that, numerous other beautiful lakes are within hiking distance, including the Rock Lakes and Larvae Lake, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing and exploration. As one camper said, "I really loved all the giant boulders everywhere. There are several lakes within hiking distance, some closer than others but all beautiful."
• Excellent Fishing: The nearby lakes and the running creek, as noted by a reviewer, are teeming with various trout species, including rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, making it a prime location for anglers.
• Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: The campground offers a quiet and peaceful environment with decent spacing between sites. This allows for privacy and a truly relaxing experience, away from crowded, noisy areas.
• Family-Friendly: The site is "good for kids," providing a safe and natural playground for children to explore, run around, and learn about the outdoors.
• Distinctive Landscape: The presence of large boulders and a scenic forested setting adds a unique visual appeal that is often highlighted by visitors.

For more information, you can contact the Ashley National Forest office that manages Pole Creek Lake Campground:

Phone: (435) 738-2482

Address: Ashley National Forest, Forest Rd 117, Vernal, UT 84078, USA

It is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm details and check for any current fire restrictions or other alerts for the area, as this is a remote, high-elevation campground.

Choosing Pole Creek Lake Campground is an excellent decision for anyone in Utah looking for an authentic and tranquil camping experience. What makes it truly worth choosing is its incredible setting and its focus on providing a genuine connection with nature. For tent campers and families, the well-maintained sites and the abundance of natural features, like the giant boulders and nearby lakes, make it an ideal destination. The campground’s location is its greatest asset; it is a gateway to some of the most beautiful and less-trafficked areas of the Ashley National Forest. The easy access to numerous lakes for fishing and the extensive trail system for hiking provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the essential amenities like clean restrooms and running water, means you get to enjoy the best of both worlds: a secluded wilderness experience with the comforts you need. For those who want to escape the crowds of more popular campgrounds and find a serene, family-friendly spot to explore the High Uintas, Pole Creek Lake Campground is a truly worthwhile and rewarding choice.

Pole Creek Lake Campground

Ashley National Forest, Forest Rd 117, Vernal, UT 84078, USA