Utah
Stays|Camping

With Only 20 Campsites, The Butterfly Lake Campground In Utah Offers A Remote Forest Escape

Butterfly Lake Campground in Utah offers a remote and peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature.

Updated May 11, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

One of the many things we love about camping is the opportunity to get away from it all. However, this is hard to do when you are in a large campground filled with people. Fortunately, if you want to get away and really immerse yourself in nature, the Butterfly Lake Campground is the place to go. Located near Hanna, this remote campground in Utah is tucked away in the forest, features a small lake, and is absolutely beautiful.

Butterfly Lake Campground is located in the Wasatch Cache National Forest near the small town of Hanna. It is north of Mirror Lake and Mirror Lake Campground.

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Google Maps

When first arriving, you’ll be met with some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations. Tucked away in a forest is the small, yet beautiful Butterfly Lake.

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TheCHIEF BIGFAITH/Google

The campground itself is quite primitive. It is an unpaved campground with 20 single campsites. There are no hookups at this campground but drinking water is available.

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Josh Kesling/Google

The Butterfly Lake Campground in Utah is also a seasonal campground. This means that it is only open during the summer months. If you are planning a trip in the spring or early fall, make sure to check out the Forest Service website to ensure the campground is open.

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Dave Gisseman/Google

If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of this campground, make sure you don’t arrive too late in the evening. Reservations are not available at Butterfly Lake Campground and campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a seven-day stay limit at each site.

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Mindy Gibson/Google

During your stay, you can disconnect from the real world and connect with the great outdoors. Spend your time fishing or just sitting next to the lake. There are also many hiking trails in the area including the Highline Trail, Butterfly Lake Trail, and the Lofty Lake Trail.

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Shawn Baugh/Google

When staying at Butterfly Lake Campground in Utah, you can truly get away from the real world. Escape into the forest and disconnect — you deserve the peace and quiet!

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For more information on this campground, you can visit the Forest Service website. And, if you are looking for even more areas to explore during your stay, travel just a few miles to Mirror Lake, where you will find a beautiful hiking trail.

Have you ever stayed at this remote campground in Utah? What do you consider some of the best campgrounds in Utah? Let us know in the comments! If you need camping gear, check out REI and Backcountry for some of the best products.

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Stays|Camping

The Small Utah Campground Right Next To A Sandy Beach Belongs On Your Bucket List

For a great escape into nature, head to Swaseys Beach Campground near the Green River.

Published Aug 28, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

When I need to disconnect and enjoy some nature therapy, I hate to be surrounded by crowds. I want to be someplace quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. One place that offers all of this and much more is Swaseys Beach Campground near Green River. This campground isn’t large and it sits right along the Green River. It’s perfect for some time in Utah’s desert and you may even consider it one of the best campgrounds in Utah.

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Located along Hastings Road, approximately eight miles north of Green River, is Swaseys Beach Campground. This may not be the largest or the fanciest campground in Utah but it’s perfect for some outdoors.

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The Swell Utah/Google

Here, you will find both a campground and a day-use area. The day-use area features picnic tables, metal fire rings, and a beach area where you can happily play in the water and put your toes in the sand.

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George Dawson/Google

I recommend you stay for a while but make sure you come early in the day. This campground only features 12 campsites. The majority of these sites are quite large and can easily accommodate large groups or families.

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Nathan Strain/Google

Keep in mind that all campsites are based on a first-come, first-serve basis and the campground can fill up on the weekends. There are no water services and cell phone reception is poor.

The campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings. Several of these campsites are also shaded with cottonwood trees.

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And, of course, the proximity to the water is just one more thing to enjoy about this campground. Swim or play on the beach — it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

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Approximately eight miles north of Swaseys Beach is the Nefertiti Boat Ramp, which is a popular place to put in the water for a lazy-day float trip along the Green River.

I love the scenery of the area. The tall canyon walls, river, and desert views are simply majestic.

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Swaseys Beach is truly a great escape.

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For more information on Swaseys Beach Campground near Green River, visit the Bureau of Land Management website.

Have you ever visited Swaseys Beach? Did you camp here? What do you consider the best campgrounds in Utah? Let us know in the comments. If you need any camping or beach supplies for your upcoming adventure, make sure to check out REI or Backcountry.

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Stays|Camping

The 3 Utah Campgrounds In A Popular State Park That Belong On Your Bucket List

Published Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Located in northern Utah is the beautiful Willard Bay State Park. This is one of the most popular parks in the area and is an excellent destination for all types of recreational activities including boating, swimming, and fishing. It is also home to three bucket-list-worthy campgrounds, resulting in more than 100 camping spots for you to choose from. And no matter which one you choose, it’s a delightful escape into nature — it’s perfect for some time away.

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Willard Bay is a 9,900-acre freshwater reservoir that draws individuals from all around the state. It is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Ogden.

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Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

One of the most popular activities at this Utah state park is time on the water. Boating is excellent here as well as year-round fishing. If you throw in a line, you may be lucky enough to catch crappie, catfish, and walleye.

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Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

Camping is another popular activity and it’s no surprise as this state park is home to some of the best camping sites in Utah.

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Willard Bay is home to three campgrounds: Willow Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and South Marina Campground. Between the three campgrounds, there are more than 120 campsites.

Camping sites vary in size and amenities with several offering full hookups and others providing partial hookups. All campsites come with picnic tables and fire rings.

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However, you will want to check on all fire regulations before you go as it isn't uncommon for fire restrictions to be in place during the summer months.

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To help you have a comfortable visit, there are amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and more.

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Willard Bay State Park/Facebook

The campgrounds are also just a short walk from the lake, creating the ultimate outdoor playground.

And depending on the campsite you choose, you may be blessed with trees and pavilions to keep you cool on those hot summer days.

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Reservations are strongly encouraged for all campgrounds at Willard Bay State Park. You will want to plan ahead if you choose to stay at this lovely campground in Utah.

For more information on Willard Bay State Park and its campgrounds, visit the Utah State Parks website.

Have you spent time at Willard Bay State Park? What are some of your favorite things to do here? Have you stayed at one of the campgrounds? Let us know in the comments.

If you plan to stay in one of the best camping spots in Utah, you need the right gear for your adventure. Visit REI or Backcountry for everything you need.

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