Payson Lakes Guard Station
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Payson Lakes Guard Station is located in the Uinta National Forest, approximately 13 miles south of Payson, Utah, along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway. The Guard Station was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 as part of the New Deal Program. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers the cabin for advance reservation so visitors can enjoy an experience similar to that of early Forest Rangers and their families.
The Guard Station complex can sleep a maximum of 8 people in bunk beds; four people inside the cabin and four people in the bunkhouse. Up to 7 additional day use only guests may visit. Parking space is limited to 5 family vehicles. No vehicles are permitted off the pavement. An adjacent pasture is included which can accommodate 8 horses. There is a 2-night minimum stay and a maximum 7-day stay limit. Pets are not allowed. Guests should bring their own bedding, plates and utensils. Guests will check in with the Payson Lakes Campground Host who will escort them to the cabin. Guests may bring their own firewood or purchase at the campground; firewood collecting at the Guard Station complex is not allowed.
Need to Know
This Campground is in Bear Country
Always store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife. Store all food items inside the cabin or bunkhouse.
-Failure to comply may result in fines up to $5,000, removal from your campsite and/or imprisonment
Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear; your actions can save lives
There is no water available on site. Please bring all of the water you will need for your stay.
Please bring your own drinking water
This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; please bring garbage bags
The Guard Station is a historic structure. As such, the maximum person and vehicle limits are strictly enforced
No pets or animals allowed at or in the cabin to help ensure this historic structure is preserved
Dogs are not allowed in Day Use areas, beaches, or in/on the water
The guard station cannot be reserved for large groups
The Guard Station complex can sleep a maximum 8 people in bunk beds; four people inside the cabin and four people in the bunkhouse.
Up to 7 additional guests may visit for day use only
There is not room for RVs or trailers
Tents will not be allowed on the grounds
Parking space is limited to 5 family vehicles and no vehicles are permitted off the pavement
Guests are to check in and out with the Camp Host at the nearby Payson Lakes Campground for access to the site. Rules of use will be reviewed and the lock combination will be provided during check in
There is a 2-night minimum stay and a maximum 7-day stay limit.
Guests may bring their own firewood or purchase at Payson Lakes Campground for $9/per bundle. Firewood collecting at the Guard Station complex is not allowed
- Bring your own linens, plates, cups, and flatware.
Campground Etiquette and Rules:
Gates open at 7a.m., Gates close at 10p.m.
Quiet Hours are 10p.m. to 6a.m. No generators after 10p.m.
Reservations will be held until 12pm on the day following your scheduled arrival date
Horses/Off-road vehicles are prohibited in the campground
Leave No Trace
Put all garbage in dumpsters, when provided, or properly stored in your vehicle or bear box
Remove all personal property and trash when leaving
Unclean sites will be reported to the District Ranger LEO
Leaving food/trash in an unoccupied campsite may result in a $5,000 fine
This is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; please bring garbage bags
Cleaning fish, animals, or bathing where drinking water is supplied is strictly prohibited
Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited. Discharging of a firearm in the campground is not allowed
No fighting or boisterous behavior. Be courteous to your fellow visitor. Keep noise at a reasonable level
No amplified music is allowed in USDA Forest Service campgrounds and facilities. People come to the campgrounds for peace and quiet
Max Vehicle Length includes tow vehicle
Trailers/Campers and RVs: Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Hooking up to spigots or the power in the restrooms, even for medical devices is strictly prohibited
Advance Reservations:
Reservations are required and must be made at least 5 days in advance
No Walk-ins/first come first serve permitted for these sites
Please understand that camping/picnicking is an outdoor experience; therefore, we do not give refunds or credits for weather or natural conditions
Cancellations within 14 days of the arrival date will forfeit the first night use fee and a $10 cancellation fee
No-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the arrival date are not entitled to a refund
If a guest does not arrive at the campsite by check-out time the day after scheduled arrival, and does not cancel the reservation, a $20 service fee will be charged and will forfeit the first-night use fee
For more information on visiting Bear Country visit:
wildawareutah.org
wildlife.utah.gov
For campground Rules and Regulations visit gocamputah.com/rules
Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
- For more information, please call {Salt Lake Ranger District at 801-733-2660} [Logan Ranger District at 435-755-3620] or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100
- Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah
- To reserve a campsite call Recreation.gov reservation line 1-877-444-6777
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood within 10 miles of your destination and burning it on-site. For more information click here
Please note: Utah Recreation is not responsible for accident or injury to any person or property resulting from the use of this facility and is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables of any kind. The user of this permit assumes full and complete responsibility for the conduct and actions of all members in his or her party
Natural Features
The Guard Station is nestled in a forest of aspen and Douglas fir trees at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Payson Lakes area includes McClelland, Box and Big East Lakes. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lakes.
Nearby Attractions
A popular day-use area is located on the shore of Big East Lake, with a small swim beach, picnic tables and flush toilets. A paved nature path begins at the parking area and circles the lake. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, vibrant summer wildflowers and numerous trail opportunities.
The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, dense forests and colorful meadows. Devil's Kitchen Geological Area can be found along the loop. It offers a 1/2-mile round-trip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos.
Recreation
The nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area offers great canoeing and kayaking. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout. There are many nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.
Changes & Cancellations
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees
- Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation.
- Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
- You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Late Cancellations
- Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival.
- Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.
- Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
- Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.
- Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.
No-Shows
- Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date.
- If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.
Refunds
- Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure.
- Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location.
- Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card.
- Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy.
- Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.
Recreation.gov Billing Information
- Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777."
Changes to Policies and Procedures
- Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July 2018.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
564 W 700 S Ste.305, Box #5 Pleasant Grove UT 84062
Physical Address
FR 017 Payson UT 84651
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: SPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT 801-798-3571 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 East, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel south along the Nebo Loop Road 015 until you see the Payson Lakes Guard Station sign on the right. Proceed up the driveway and through the gate.
