This Memorial Day weekend promises to be the first of many busy weekends on the national forests of Utah. Some higher-elevation campgrounds, roads, and trails will remain closed due to snow and extremely wet, muddy conditions.
Safety is always a concern. Rivers, streams, and creeks are running very high and fast and are extremely dangerous. Please be careful and keep a watchful eye on children and pets while recreating in these areas, especially in campgrounds near water sources.
For the safety of the public and protection of bears, the Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to practice Bear Aware safety while visiting the forest.
Forest users are reminded to ride only on designated routes. Remember to always be a responsible rider. You can obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM’s) that display the roads and trails are open to motorized vehicles at http://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf
If you are planning to use livestock on National Forest System lands, remember that only certified weed free straw, hay, or pellets is permitted.
When hiking, always carry extra water, food, and outer wear. Let someone know where you are hiking, approximately what time you will return, and avoid hiking alone. Be prepared for a change in weather conditions.
Make sure campfires are completely extinguished. Most importantly, enjoy your national forests!
The following is a listing of Forest Service campgrounds in the local area that will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Before heading out for the holiday weekend, check with local ranger district offices for the most current information regarding the area you are planning to visit.
Manti-La Sal National Forest (435) 637-2817 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal Please call districts for the most current conditions, which can change rapidly with the weather. Upper elevation roads are closed due to snow and mud. Avoid traveling on roads and trails when muddy. Do not attempt to bypass gates. Please do not camp close to rivers or streams which are running extremely high and fast. Children and pets should not be allowed to play near rivers and streams.
Price (435) 637-2817 and Ferron Ranger District (435) 384-2372: Little Bear, Forks of Huntington, Big Rock, and Old Folks Flat are open in Huntington Canyon. Higher elevation campgrounds are closed. Joes Valley campground is open and drinking water is available. All other campgrounds are closed due to snow in higher elevations.
Vernal Ranger District (435) 789-1181: The Paradise and East Park Reservoir campgrounds remain closed on the South Slope of the Uinta Mountains above Vernal and LaPoint. Whiterocks campground is open. Please contact the district office for information on road openings and dispersed camping opportunities.
Roosevelt-Duchesne Ranger Districts (435) 738-2482: High snowpack is affecting access to some campgrounds and may cause later than normal openings, due to increased runoff. Please check with the district office prior to departing on your adventure on the Roosevelt-Duchesne Ranger District this spring.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (435) 784-3445: Campgrounds are scheduled for normal opening this year. Please check availability at www.recreation.gov . Carmel campground will be available from noon on Fridays to noon on Mondays for visitors, from May 1st to July 1st. Deep Creek campground and Deep Creek road are closed due to a culvert washed out at the campground. Campgrounds at Flaming Gorge include Lodgepole, Red Canyon, Greens Lake & Group, Greendale Groups, Firefighters Memorial, Arch Dam, and Antelope Flats & Group. Please call the Flaming Gorge Ranger District for campground and road conditions. Visitors using the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area are required to pay a use fee in designated areas. Day passes are $5, seven-day passes are $15, and annual passes are $35. Passes are available in Manila, Utah and Mountain View, Rock Springs and Green River, Wyoming and local businesses in and around the Flaming Gorge area.