The Uinta Mountains are some of the most magnificent in the Beehive State, and the area along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is especially beautiful. At these high elevations, the winter snow is slow to melt, and campers hoping to pitch their tents alongside some of the many alpine lakes often have to wait til mid-May or longer for the byway to open. While there are many lakeside campgrounds here, one of our favorites is the Washington Lake Campground.

It's hard to beat the beauty of the wilderness area surrounding the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Alpine lakes full of trout await and the shady campgrounds are the perfect places to pitch your tent.
Adam Petersen/Google Local
Washington Lake sits at 10,000 feet and the views here are endless.
Dan Bowen/Google Local
Breathe in the fresh, mountain air ...
Keith Carter/Google Local
... and soak in the mountain views right from your tent! Most of the campsites here are nestled right near the banks of the lake, offering scenic vistas.
Craig Stratton/Google Local

Related Stories

This Pretty Lakeside Campground In Utah Is Pure Paradise

This Pretty Lakeside Campground In Utah Is Pure Paradise

 Spend The Night Under A Teepee At This Unique Utah Campground

Spend The Night Under A Teepee At This Unique Utah Campground

 Spend The Night At Utah's Most Haunted Campground For A Truly Terrifying Experience

Spend The Night At Utah's Most Haunted Campground For A Truly Terrifying Experience
Washington Lake is one of several in the vicinity, and the Crystal Lake Trail starts here, so you can take a stroll through the pine forest to see even more views.
Eric Richards/Google Local
You certainly won't be bored in this beautiful place. Put your canoe or kayak out on the lake and drop a line to see if you can land one of the many trout species found in these cold waters.
Ben Borup/Google Local
Keep an eye out for mule deer and moose, which are common in this area. Bears also roam these mountains, so make sure to take precautions while camping here. Keep your food in a bear-proof container and maintain a clean campsite that's free of discarded food and garbage.
The rustic campsites at Washington Lake Campground include fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and tent pads. At night, you'll want to bundle up next to the campfire for stories and s'mores.
Dustin Hawks/Google Local
The High Uinta area gets chilly at night, even in July and August! Bring your warm parka and a lap blanket to stay warm after the sun goes down.
The Washington Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and you can book your campsite in advance. Make plans to visit soon!
Benjamin Rose/Google Local

What’s your favorite lakeside campground along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway? Have you stayed at the Washington Lake Campground in Utah? You can learn more about the Washington Lake Campground on the U.S. Forest Service website and book your campsite on Recreation.gov.

Do you have a favorite campground in Utah? If so, we’d love to check it out. Fill out this form and tell us about some of your favorite camping spots in Utah. You may just see your nomination in an upcoming Only In Your State article.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Camping in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | April 15, 2023

What are some other campgrounds in Utah I should visit?

The Beehive State certainly has no shortage of campgrounds. And while we could make a list of dozens of campgrounds that are worthy of your time, the following are just a few that we strongly recommend:

 

What are some other activities near Washington Lake Campground?

  • Go for a hike. One popular hiking trail near Washington Lake Campground is Crystal Lake Trail.
  • Explore the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This is one of our favorite scenic byways in Utah. Make sure to bring a camera to capture all of the incredible views and take your time as you explore. You’ll pass attractions like Lost Lake, Teapot Lake, Lilly Lake, and Mirror Lake.
  • Visit the small town of Kamas. During your visit, stop into Hi-Mountain Drug and grab a burger. This historic restaurant serves some of the best burgers in this area of the state.

 

What are some other lakes in Utah I should visit?

Washington Lake is just the beginning of incredible lakes in Utah to visit. There are some lakes that are massive, and then there are other lakes, like the nearby Butterfly Lake, that are small, quiet, and peaceful. A few other lakes to visit in Utah include:

Related Articles

Explore Utah

Featured Addresses
Washington Lake, Utah 84036, USA