Payson Lakes Guard Station in UT -- Campground & RV Camping

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, this historic ranger station sits at 8,000 feet in an aspen and Douglas fir forest along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. The complex accommodates up to eight overnight guests split between the main cabin and a separate bunkhouse, with paved parking for five vehicles and an adjacent pasture holding up to eight horses. Guests must bring their own bedding, cookware, and water. Nearby options include canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing at Big East Lake, plus trails into the Mount Nebo Wilderness.

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.

• Limited separation from through roads or other sites here, a single-site campground with the nearest through road 0.1 miles off.
• Loafer Ridge stands 2,612 ft above the map pin, 3.6 miles north.
• Cabins and shelters rather than pads, with most of them shaded.
• The Big East Lake shoreline is 0.6 mi off.

Rules