RV Camping in Flaming Gorge Nat. Rec. Area

Like the mighty Colorado into which it flows, the Green River is an amazing sculptor. Along its twisted course—from the high Wind River Mountains of western Wyoming to its confluence in southern Utah—dramatic rugged gorges and colorful canyons have been carved. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area owes its existence to the work of the Green River—plus some human intervention. With the addition of Flaming Gorge Dam in 1963, a fantastic 91-mile long reservoir was created, and Lake Flaming Gorge was born. Half water—half land, the scenic National Recreation Area (NRA) offers a variety of outdoors enjoyments and unforgettable adventures.

About Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area spans the border between western Wyoming and eastern Utah and is managed by the Ashley National Forest. The NRA covers 207,363 acres of diverse land and cool, clear water. Its northern terminate is in Wyoming’s high desert country, about eight miles south of the city of Green River. In the south, the Recreation Area (Rec. Area) climbs Utah’s Uinta Mountains and borders on Highway 44. The surface of Lake Flaming Gorge is at 6,040 feet above sea level. Magnificent Ashley National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and ranges in elevation from 6,000 to 13,500 feet. This region is America’s fabled “Wild West” and is indeed the place where “the deer and antelope play!” It is rugged, wild country that is easy and refreshing to the eyes.

The NRA can be accessed from I-80 via Wyoming Highway 530 at Green River to Manila, Utah (west side) or on U.S. 191 south at Exit 99 to Dutch John (the east side). From the south, take U.S 191 north from Vernal, Utah. The southern approach, however, is very mountainous road with many curves. Not an easy route if you are towing.

Recreation Area Attractions and Activities

More than anything, this area is rich in fishing and boating-watersports opportunities. The lake provides world class trout fishing. Below the dam, Blue Ribbon Trout are plentiful and most often willing!

Boating on Lake Flaming Gorge is simply outstanding. There are three commercial marinas and two Forest Service boat ramps. Other watersports include water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.

There are two Scenic Byways and two Scenic Backways within Ashley National Forest. The Utah section of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is in spectacular mountain country, with narrow canyons and awesome cliffs. Dense forests of aspen, lodgepole and ponderosa pine crowd the roadways and snuggle-up to the reservoir’s shoreline. Wildlife is abundant with elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope frequently seen by visitors.

Sheep Creek Geological Area, adjacent to the Rec. Area, should also not be missed. A variety of hiking trails are available within the NRA—plus some 1,000 miles of backcountry hiking trails in Ashley National Forest. The High Uintas Wilderness covers over 460,000 acres of forest in northwestern Utah. Other activities in the NRA include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, historic sites, interpretive programs and mountain biking. There is virtually something for every taste.

Area Campgrounds and Facilities

Twenty-six campgrounds, with a wide variance of amenities, serve the Flaming Gorge Area. Of these, four are boat-in only campgrounds. Most are managed by the Forest Service and are open May to October; reservations are available and advised for many of them. There are six RV dump stations located within the NRA and showers are provided at some locations. The majority of campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 40 and 45 feet in length and are located in the Dutch John area of the NRA.

For full-hookups, the Flaming Gorge KOA in Manila, Utah is the only choice near the NRA. There are a number of private RV parks in Vernal, Utah, Green River and Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Surrounding Area Attractions and Activities

This beautiful region of Wyoming and especially Utah offers a wealth of outdoors opportunities. One could spend months exploring and not experience all of its fabulous treasures. The gorgeous Wasatch-Cache National Forest (1.2 million acres) lies southwest of Flaming Gorge. Dinosaur National Monument is to the southeast—off U.S. 191. Also, Steinaker State Park, on U.S. 191, is one of Utah’s finest parks.