Barker Recreation Area
Barker Recreation Area is located high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 9,300 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local trails.
This recreation area contains 13 single-family sites, three group campsites and a day-use area. Horses are permitted in the Porter group site.
Drinking water is provided from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Amenities include accessible vault toilets and bear-proof food storage lockers. Fishing docks are located at Upper and Lower Barker Reservoirs. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Need to Know
CHECK IN: Begins at 2 PM. CHECK OUT: By 11 AM..
- This is an American black bear habitat; be aware and keep a clean camp
No trash collection provided. Come prepared to stow and haul out your garbage.
- Hookups are not available
- Motorized boats are not allowed on the lakes
- Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the camping areas
A daily fee will be charged and collected at the campground for extra vehicles. Come prepared to pay onsite.
- Additional first come, first served sites may be available
- Click here for more information on the Dixie National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
For campground inquiries, please call: (800) 342-2267 or the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center 435-826-5499 .
Natural Features
A dense canopy of aspen and spruce trees forests Barker Recreation Area. Summer wildflowers are plentiful and a variety of wildlife frequents the area, including black bear, blue grouse, golden eagle, ducks and wild turkey.
Nearby Attractions
Both the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are located approximately 45 minutes away. Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to see the stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Anasazi State Park are also located in the area.
Recreation
Upper Barker Reservoir provides canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Numerous hiking, biking and horse trails can be accessed from both the Upper and Lower Barker Reservoir trailheads. Trails, including the non-motorized Great Western Trail, lead to nine backcountry fishing lakes and beautiful mountain views. The area also has excellent stream fishing and spectacular fall colors.
Contact Information
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PO BOX 246 ESCALANTE UT 84726
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 435-826-5499
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Escalante, Utah, drive 2.5 miles west on Highway 12, then turn right at the North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker Recreation Area sign, onto Forest Road 149. Drive approximately 16 miles on FR 149. The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts.
Available Campsites
- Site 008, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Gates, Loop Group, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Porter, Loop Group, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Old Lady Young, Loop Group , Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop BARKER RECREATION AREA , Type Standard Nonelectric
