Trial Lake Campground Introduce
Are you searching for "camping near me" and envisioning a picturesque lakeside getaway in the high altitudes of Utah? Trial Lake Campground, situated along FR 150 and FR042 in Kamas, UT 84036, USA, offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. However, potential visitors should be aware of the unique environmental conditions and some campsite-specific characteristics highlighted in recent reviews.
One of the most consistently praised aspects of Trial Lake Campground is its stunning natural beauty. One reviewer described it as "a beautiful campground with amazing views," and another noted that "Trial Lake is one of my favorite campgrounds." The allure of the lake itself is a significant draw, with its pristine waters and surrounding landscape creating a memorable backdrop for camping and recreation.
The campground's elevation, approximately 9500 feet, plays a crucial role in its environment and the experience of its visitors. As one seasoned camper advises, "be prepared for cold nights and quick change in weather." High-altitude locations are known for their variable conditions, and this is clearly the case at Trial Lake. The same reviewer recounted an experience where they encountered "rain, hailed, was crazy windy, and sunny, all in the same weekend." This underscores the importance of packing layers of clothing and being prepared for sudden shifts in weather patterns, even during the summer months.
Trial Lake is a popular destination for water-based activities. Reviewers have specifically mentioned that it is "great for kayaking and paddle boards." The calm waters of the lake provide an ideal setting for leisurely paddling and enjoying the scenery from a different perspective. Additionally, the fishing in Trial Lake is often "usually fantastic," making it an attractive spot for anglers looking to cast their lines in a beautiful alpine environment.
However, a significant logistical consideration for anyone planning to camp at Trial Lake is the lack of potable water. As one reviewer explicitly stated, "The only downside is no potable water so plan ahead." This means that campers must bring an adequate supply of drinking water for the duration of their stay. Failure to do so could lead to significant discomfort and potential health risks. It is essential to factor in water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene when preparing for a trip to Trial Lake Campground.
While the overall beauty and recreational opportunities are appealing, some specific campsites have received less favorable reviews. One camper who stayed in site #1, a double site, shared several drawbacks. The location of site #1 is "at the bottom of a big hill which really limited where we could put our tents." Despite having "2 10x10 tent pads," a larger 14x14 tent had to be pitched on the grass, resulting in sleeping on an incline. This highlights the importance of considering tent size and the topography of individual campsites when making a reservation.
Despite its challenges, site #1 does offer close proximity to the lake, being "literally right across the road from the lake." This allows for easy access for activities like kayaking and enjoying the water. However, this proximity also led to some issues with other visitors, as "other people were parking at our site or literally walking thru the middle of the site to get to the water." While the reviewer acknowledged that this was due to "people's bad manners" rather than a fault of the campground itself, it is something to be aware of for those booking sites close to popular access points.
Another issue encountered at site #1 was the prevalence of bugs. The reviewer noted that the site had "a ton of bugs and small worm like bugs were falling out of the trees over the picnic tables." This suggests that certain areas of the campground might be prone to insect activity, which could impact the comfort of campers, particularly during meal times or while relaxing at the picnic tables. Bringing insect repellent and taking precautions to protect food and gear would be advisable.
Based on their experience, the reviewer who stayed at site #1 concluded, "I like the lake, but I wouldn't stay at site #1 again." This underscores the variability in the quality and desirability of individual campsites within Trial Lake Campground.
Another camper mentioned staying at site #7, which is "right on the water," suggesting that some sites offer premium lakeside access. This further emphasizes the importance of researching individual campsite characteristics before making a reservation to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.
For local users searching for "camping near me" who are drawn to the beauty of Trial Lake and the opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, this campground offers significant appeal. The high elevation and potential for rapid weather changes require preparedness, and the lack of potable water necessitates bringing an adequate supply. When booking, it is crucial to inquire about the specific characteristics of individual campsites, as some may have uneven terrain or be more prone to bugs or foot traffic due to their location relative to the lake access points. While the overall experience can be stunning, being informed about these potential challenges will help ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable camping trip to Trial Lake Campground.
To obtain detailed information about campsite availability, specific site conditions, and any current advisories, local users are encouraged to contact Trial Lake Campground directly using the provided phone numbers: (385) 273-1100 or +1 385-273-1100. Speaking with the campground management can provide valuable insights into the best campsites for your needs, any known issues with specific sites, and the most up-to-date information regarding water availability and weather patterns. Planning ahead and gathering detailed information will be key to a successful and enjoyable camping experience at this beautiful high-altitude lake.
Trial Lake Campground Photos










Trial Lake Campground Location
Trial Lake Campground
FR, 150 FR042, Kamas, UT 84036, USA
Trial Lake CampgroundFR
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Trial Lake Campground Reviews
Trial Lake is one of my favorite campgrounds. Elevation is 9500 feet, so be prepared for cold nights and quick change in weather. Once when we camped, it rained, hailed, was crazy windy, and sunny, all in the same weekend.This year because of the snow and flooding, we were there mid-July and the campground had just opened. We've stayed in site #7 (right on the water) and #1 (a double site.) Site #1 is at the bottom of a big hill which really limited where we could put our tents. There are 2 10x10 tent pads, but one of our tents is 14x14, so we had to put it in the grass and sleep on an incline. The location of the site is literally right across the road from the lake. We would just walk across with our chairs and kayaks and enjoyed the day, but it also meant that other people were parking at our site or literally walking thru the middle of the site to get to the water (nothing to do with the campground, just people's bad manners.) The water was beautiful. The site itself had a ton of bugs and small worm like bugs were falling out of the trees over the picnic tables. I like the lake, but I wouldn't stay at site #1 again.
Sep 16, 2023 · Chris BellA beautiful campground with amazing views. This is one of our favorite places to visit. Great for kayaking and paddle boards. Fishing is usually fantastic. The only downside is no potable water so plan ahead.
Aug 02, 2024 · Rich millerPulled the trigger on this campground and was definitely not disappointed! Beautiful lake, beautiful campsite, beautiful weather. Not to mention having spots for parking, tent platforms, and a very clean and helpful camp host were also great additions! Highly recommended!
Aug 15, 2017 · Natska RThis was an awesome campground and we really enjoyed our stay! It was fairly easy to get to and we woke up to a beautiful view of the lake right below our campsite. It is near a lot of other trails and lakes as well.
Sep 19, 2023 · Maddy McClellanA busy lake/campground. This is a beautiful lake that is heavily for fishing and kayaking. No motorized boats. If you want to be close to the lake and hiking trails this is a great spot. But you will need to make a reservation or show up early as it's often full. This lake draws outsiders that fish so the area is always full of people. So if quiet secluded camping is your goal look elsewhere. Some of the camp sites are far from bathrooms and only have one toilet. So men and women are often waiting their turn for the one toilet (no sinks). If you have large RVs note that there are tight spots due to small roads, trees, and cars trying to double park in their camp site. Also make sure to check the website for drinking water conditions. For the last few years it seems there has been an issue with the water and you are required to bring your own water in.
Aug 06, 2019 · Bryan B
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