Payson Lakes Guard Station
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: Pleasant Grove, UT, UT
Price: From $139.92 per night
Rating: 3.7 out of 5 (11 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Camp Host, Fishing, Firewood for Sale
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/payson-lakes-guard-station to be notified when sites open up.
Payson Lakes Guard Station offers a historic 1935 CCC-built cabin experience in the Uinta National Forest with nearby alpine lakes, paved walking trails, and easy hiking suitable for families. Campers consistently praise the scenic location and recreational opportunities with a 4.4/5 rating across 373 reviews.
Wildlife alert: Greater Short-horned Lizard, Great Basin Rattlesnake, Wandering Garter Snake, Mule Deer, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Dusky Grouse, and Black-chinned Hummingbird documented in the area
Insider tips for Payson Lakes Guard Station: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site and high demand Canoes available for rent at nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area 1-mile paved loop trail around the lake is accessible for families
Skip Payson Lakes Guard Station if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available. You're traveling outside May-October — seasonal operations only. You have large RVs — reviewers reported tight drive-around loop with scraping issues.
Best time to visit Payson Lakes Guard Station: May-October — Verified operating season for the campground.
Nearby campgrounds: Payson Lakes (Pleasant Grove, UT), Blackhawk (Pleasant Grove, UT), Maple Lake Campground (Pleasant Grove, UT), Tinney Flat (Pleasant Grove, UT).
Cell Phone Coverage at Payson Lakes Guard Station
Cell signal at Payson Lakes Guard Station (Pleasant Grove, UT): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 1 tent site and high demand
Canoes available for rent at nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area
1-mile paved loop trail around the lake is accessible for families
Verified operating season for the campground
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
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.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Payson Lakes Guard Station cost per night?+
What season is Payson Lakes Guard Station open?+
Does Payson Lakes Guard Station have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Payson Lakes Guard Station?+
How do I make reservations at Payson Lakes Guard Station?+
What is the cell service like at Payson Lakes Guard Station?+
What season is Payson Lakes Guard Station open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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