State: Utah
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 116
Elevation: 8000
Free: No
Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information
About: Payson Lakes Campground is a local favorite just 12 miles from Payson, nestled in an area thickly forested with aspens and fir trees at an elevation of 8,000 feet. McClelland, Box, and Big East Lakes dot the area, providing pretty scenery, rainbow and brown trout fishing, canoeing, swimming, and picnicking. A paved nature path circles Big East Lake.
This campground contains 3 large group sites that can accommodate 75-100 people each, with picnic tables, serving tables, BBQ grills, Dutch oven cooking surfaces, fire rings, water spigots, and cement site pads. Vault toilets are provided near Site A; flush toilets are provided between Sites B and C. Group sites are in an area separate from single sites and day-use area. Single and double-family sites contain picnic tables and fire rings with grates. Campground hosts are on-site; firewood is available for purchase. Roads and parking spurs are paved. A day-use site is located at Big East Lake, with a small swim beach, picnic tables, and flush toilets.
The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through alpine terrain, forests, and meadows. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and vibrant summer wildflowers. Numerous hiking, biking, and horse trails begin a short distance from the campground. Devil’s Kitchen Geological Area is along the scenic loop with a 1/2-mile roundtrip trail to red rock hoodoos.
Fees: $17 for a single site (2011)
Water: Yes
Restrooms: Vault Toilets
Directions: From I-15; take exit 250 (North Payson/Salem) and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Hwy 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 East (Peteetneet Academy is on the corner). Travel south. 600 East becomes Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel up the canyon to the campground.