Pine Lake Campground

Pine Lake Bridge across a dry, rocky area with evergreen trees and distant red rock hills in Bryce Canyon National Park

You're at 8,100 ft among spruce and ponderosa, with 32 sites (28 family, 4 group) and tent pads at every site. There are no hookups; potable water is seasonal and may be unavailable, so bring your own. Vault toilets are available and there are no showers; pack it in and pack it out. A short trail leads to Pine Lake for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with a concrete boat launch nearby and Bryce Canyon about 30 minutes away.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: High-demand; book well in advance.
Reservation Tips: Reserve early on Recreation.gov; confirm water status before trip; expect high demand
Season Dates: Late May–late September; closes Sept 30, 2025.

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: High-demand; book well in advance.
Reservation Tips: Reserve early on Recreation.gov; confirm water status before trip; expect high demand
Season Dates: Late May–late September; closes Sept 30, 2025.
Fills Up Speed: High demand; sells out frequently.
Per Night Cost: Varies

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 32
Site Types: Family sites, group sites
Site Type Breakdown: 28 family sites, 4 group sites
RV Max Length: 30 ft; one site up to 35 ft
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: Capacity varies by site; not specified.
Hookups: No hookups; seasonal drinking water
Site Features: Fire ring with grate, picnic table, tent pad at each site; forested with spruce and ponderosa pines
Ground Type: Tent pads at each site; ground is soil with gravel
Site Privacy: Sites spacious and private with good spacing

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Accessible vault toilets
Showers Available: No showers
Potable Water: Seasonal potable water spigots (Memorial Day–Labor Day); currently no water available
Dump Station: Not on-site; nearest dump station in Bryce Canyon area
Trash Service: Pack it out; no on-site garbage disposal
Firewood Availability: Firewood available for purchase from camp host
Nearby Facilities: Nearest services in Antimony or Panguitch (~14 miles)

Access

Road Type: Well-maintained gravel road
Road Conditions: Gravel roads; sedan-friendly; some dust; ~30-minute drive from Bryce Canyon Entrance
Vehicle Restrictions: ATVs and OHVs allowed to ingress/egress to specific sites if street-legal
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance; sedan-friendly
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 30 minutes
Nearest Gas Services: Antimony or Panguitch, ~14 miles via Johns Valley Road
Elevation: 8100 ft
Accessibility: ADA accessible vault toilets; ADA site numbers not listed
ADA Accessible Sites: Accessible vault toilets; ADA site numbers not listed

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Follow standard bear safety: use bear boxes if provided or hang food high; store gear securely
Fire Restrictions: Campfires permitted only in developed fire pits/rings
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash no longer than 6 feet
Generator Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit: 14 days
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, OHV trails
Trailheads Nearby: Pine Lake OHV Trailhead adjacent to campground
Fishing Details: Fishing at Pine Lake; canoeing/kayaking available
Wildlife Viewing: Bear activity possible; wildlife watching in forested setting
Stargazing Quality: Good potential due to remote location
Shade Coverage: Heavy shade from conifers
Scenic Views: Pine Lake views and forest surroundings
Noise Level: ATV activity nearby can create noise; not constant
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall; plan ahead due to high demand
Vibe Check: Forest-based, high-altitude basecamp with ample spacing; not a wilderness solitude retreat, but quiet nights and easy lake access.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You need forest privacy and can handle dry camping with 30–35 ft RVs. ❌ SKIP IF: You require showers, hookups, or pull-throughs.
Tips Advice: Book on Recreation.gov well in advance
Bring ample water; no guaranteed on-site supply
Pack out all trash; leave no trace
Use proper bear storage; keep food secured
Respect quiet hours and road noise from nearby trails

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Forest setting with spacious sites; good for kids who can handle dry camping and short drives to Pine Lake
Boat Launch: Concrete boat launch at Pine Lake
Nearby Attractions: Bryce Canyon NP entrance (~30 min); Panguitch (~14 miles); Antimony (~14 miles)
Terrain Type: High Colorado Plateau forest; elevation 8100 ft; spruce and ponderosa pines
Temperature Ranges: Summer highs around 70s F; nights cool; shoulder seasons chilly
Snow Season: Varies by year; winter snow possible
Monsoon Season: Generally July–August storm risk
Wind Exposure: Forested slopes; generally sheltered but open lake edges feel breeze
Bug Season: Mosquito activity in warm months; bring repellent
Setup Strategy: Internal roads are well-maintained gravel; no explicit pull-throughs listed. RVs up to 30 ft (35 ft on one site) are common; plan for back-in parking on some sites. Sedan-friendly access; watch for ATV traffic near Lake Trailhead.
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers are unavailable; bathrooms are accessible vault toilets; no on-site laundry
Review Summary: Rated 4.6 stars from 108 reviews; visitors praise spacious, private sites and convenient Pine Lake access; note no showers and water status can vary, with strong demand driving quick bookings.