Lucerne Campground

F8 First Come first serve

A fellow camper suggested we try to go to Flaming Gorge, which is part of the Ashley National Forest, sometime during our travels in NE Utah. This area extends through both Wyoming and Utah. We came in from Jackson then Green River, but you can come in on the east side as well.

A rep in the Jackson visitors center said “go west”, so we did. He said there were many places to dry camp on that side, but as we drove down, we didn’t see that many. We saw a sign that said camping at the Lucerne Marina and Campground, so we headed in toward the water.

It was Labor Day weekend, so we kept fingers crossed. Very nice staff (mother and daughter) greeted us and gave a tour of the available spaces. They keep a board of the inventory. We got a space in Loop F which is first-come, first-served and the least services: no electric, no water, no sewer and no showers. Each site did come with a metal shelter, fire ring and picnic table in good order. Loop E has electric and metal covers etc. Loop D seems to be the best with nice “patios” with new covers, cement fire rings, and even sand lots for tents. Also electric as well and central showers. Loops A, B and C had electric and picnic tables but no shelter from sun except for group areas in the loops.
Loops A,B,C, D and E are reservable. The views in loop F near the water were the best although it lacked amenities. We had F8 with unobstructed views of the lake although it meant southern exposure.
Not much privacy but ok.

The attendants were extremely friendly and even delivered wood we had purchased upon registering.

Downfalls: the sites are not consistent. The areas are mainly messy gravel with cement log boundry markers. Also blotchy grass and lots of anetelope droppings. There is a herd that runs the grounds and leaves a mess.

The marina is a short walk away with a store similar to any small marina.

The bathrooms could use some major cleaning and updating but it was cheap and we were self-contained, so we didn’t venture in.

The main draw is the view: Water with mountains. It’s a lot about the boats as most of the campers had trailers with boats at their sites. The marina is pretty popular and even has a food trailer/restaurant for coffee and breakfast/snackas a short walk away.

Basic. Not much cell service except for the mornings for some reason.

Good for a night or two.

We chose to stay in this area to visit the Flaming Gorge and to hike. Also, we were arriving from the north so this was easier to get access. We stayed after their main season so all sites were Walk Up. We chose a pull thru in Loop A right over the river. All the site and roads are paved and included a large concrete patio with a table, fire pit, and grill stand. Our site had 50 amp electric. There are no water or sewer sites but there are areas to take on water and a large dump station for $6. The peninsula that the park is located on is a pronghorn habitat area so the park has a lot of pronghorn roaming around. There is a great cove right off the park where you can tie your boat, kayak, or canoe up during your stay. Our $10 a night price was with Senior Access Pass. You can visit Flaming Gorge and Dinosaur National Monument from this area with some driving.

Beautiful location on the water. The highway and road to the campground and marina are well maintained. We stayed in loop D at site 10 which was perfectly level and had a great door side view of the water. Each site in loop D had a brand new looking pavilion, with picnic table, shade canopy, fire ring and table. Loops a-d have electric hookup, while e and f are primitive. The bathrooms were clean the showers OK.

Several pronghorns wandered through the grounds during our stay. It did get fairly windy later on in the afternoon both days, but the wind block helped some. You can buy firewood on the premises and it’s actually decent bigger logs. The camp hosts during our stay were very friendly and gave us a free brochure and map of the park. We definitely recommend exploring if you have time!

There is a fee to use the dump station, $6 pay at the site. Also a fee for more than 1 vehicle (tow vehicle and rig are counted as one). Surprisingly amazing Verizon LTE coverage!

Nice paved campsites on the flaming gorge with electric. Beautiful views. Pronghorn herd in the campground . Marina within walking distances with boat rentals . Could be a little windy.
Beach within short drive.

We stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately it rained the entire time so we didn’t get to appreciate all the beauty that the area offered. The campground is nice and clean and easily accessible for our large 5th wheel. There are no trees/shade. The view of the lake is amazing!! They had electric hook ups and a dump station for a fee. The “almost” tame heard of pronghorn was so cool!!! The nearby town of Manila doesn’t offer much in the way of services, so make sure you come well prepared.

Nightly rate above was with a senior pass discount and an extra vehicle charge. Camp hosts are very nice and bathroom facilities were very clean. Loops B and D have shower facilities, which were open from 10-5 when we were there. Loops A-D have electric hookup and we had 50 amp in Loop A. No sewer/water hookups, but there are water spigots available through the campground. Dump station is available near the entrance, but the charge is $7. Kind of unusual, but I suspect there is a charge since there is a lot of boondocking in the area.

Spaces are very large, mostly due to the fact that lots of people show up with RV's and boats (either for fishing or skiing). Most spots have a large concrete table, fire pit and wind break. Wind can pick up sometimes with micro-bursts, so don't leave your awnings out and unattended (no, we didn't lose our awnings!)

Manila is a small town close by with a small grocery/hardware store. You can get the basics there, so I would do your big shopping before arrival.

For things to do, fishing is a big draw for this area. We did rent a fishing boat from the marina for the day and then wandered up the canyon. Water is a refreshing 70 degrees in late August. For a side trip, wander up to the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological area...very pretty drive. After that go to the Red Canyon overlook to see the canyon from above and then have lunch or dinner at the Red Canyon Lodge...great food and service!

Had no problem getting a good signal on AT&T...but of course we boosted the signal to get better bandwidth.

Really nice views, great place for fishing and it’s quiet. Easy access for big rigs.

This is probably one of the best recreation area campgrounds I've stayed in over the years. Spacious sites with cement pads and a nice covered structure over the picnic table to provide shade and privacy fences at other sites. Restrooms were quite clean and staff rode through the campground on a regular basis. As is the case in recent years the rules are only for those who follow them and are not enforced by the staff unless things get totally out of control. I will say that most campers here were quite courteous and helpful. The setting next to the reservoir and the mountains beyond were beautiful. Each and every camper has to pay $7 to use the dump station which is something I've never come across before. Manager said that showers will soon be converted to paying for them. Overall for $20/night on the Golden Age pass it was a very nice place to spend a few days of R&R while traveling out west.

Sites had lots of space, good showers right on the lake.

$7 pay dump station on site with fresh water.

Nice Campground but more expensive than expected. USDA – FS website 2021 prices are: $28 for electric, $20 for non-electric. Since this is a USDA Campground Senior Pass discount should’ve been 50% of those cost. Instead, the concessionaire charges $31 for electric, $20 for electric non-electric and only the Senior Pass discount applies to non-electric campsites. Senior Pass holders pay $20. Website states dump fees are $6, concessionaire charges $7 dollars.

The roads are paved there is sprinklered grass so dust is minimal, Sites are relatively level, include a covered picnic table, and fire pit. Bathrooms and showers are immaculate, and there are dumpsters.