Bogley

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2511 Location: SLC, UT

We are going camping into Vernal general direction. I have never been there and no clue where to go camp, and what to see. Any suggestions please?

I am taking the small kids (3-6 years old) and also dragging my pop up trailer. We do not have a high clearance vehicle, so the offroading has to be reserved to 2WDing.

I know there is Dinosaur park to visit. But what else is there to see where to go? Also, is camping within the park any good?

Thanks guys

Udink · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 826 Location: Price, Utah

Fantasy Canyon would be a great place to visit. It's a small area, so you probably won't spend too much time there in the heat, but it's a must-see if you're in the area.

The last time I was in the Vernal area I drove through Dry Fork Canyon northeast of town, and there were some really nice looking campsites just off the main road through the canyon. I think they were on BLM land, but if I recall it was free camping and the area was nicely shaded with lots of trees. Farther up the road in the higher elevations there were places to camp on Forest Service land, but there might still be snow up that high.

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2511 Location: SLC, UT

Thanks for the reply man...

So you wouldn't recommend camping within the park?

Udink · Joined: 21 Jul 2005 Posts: 826 Location: Price, Utah

Alex wrote: So you wouldn't recommend camping within the park?
I haven't been to Dinosaur, so I don't know about the camping there. If you're going to visit the park anyway, camping there would probably be best. I was just mentioning some decent camping that I'd seen on my way through there last time. :nod:

Ih8grvty · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 241 Location: Tooele Utah

nice camp ground, boats to rent... Moon Lake.
Its also where I caught my first fish... about 35 years ago :D
Ton of stuff to do down that way. you used to be able to rent a row boat at moon lake too but its been a few years since I was there last, no idea if thats still offered or not.

here ya go!

http://www.publiclands.org/explore/site.php?plicstate=UT&id=1254

http://www.moonlakeresort.com/

http://www.waterquality.utah.gov/watersheds/lakes/MOONLAKE.pdf Id take a good look at this link, alot of stuff on this one and the first one.

and a list of links to attractions in the area:

http://www.moonlakeresort.com/attractions.html

THat ought to get ya started on trip planning and what to do.

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2511 Location: SLC, UT

Hey thanks a lot man! Great info, looks like a neato lake. Should be nice and cool this time of the year.

Scott P · Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 1704

Dinosaur National Monument is nice:

http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/183112/Dinosaur-National-Monument-and-Vicinity.html

It will be hot, but Jones Hole is perfect for summer. Waterfalls, splashing pools, easy hiking, fush, great scenery and perfect for kids. There are campsites you can hike to, but you can also camp along the road along the way. Plus the trailhead is right at a big fish hatchery, perfect for kids especially since the caretaker allows kids to help feed the fish! Here are some photos of what the area looks like:

http://www.summitpost.org/album/266302/jones-hole-june-2006.html

http://www.summitpost.org/album/411893/may-24-26-jones-hole-to-island-park-utah-.html

http://www.summitpost.org/album/198272/jones-hole-pictographs.html

Dry Fork and Red Fleet have areas good for kids.

As mentioned Fantasy Canyon is nice, but more than like very hot. If you can, spring and fall are better, but if you visit very early in the morning, it should be cool in summer. Here are some photos:

http://www.summitpost.org/album/394820/Fantasy-Canyon.html

Marsh Peak and Leidy Peak areas are near Vernal, but wiull probably have snow and Marsh at least requires high clearance.

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154772/leidy-peak.html

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154771/marsh-peak-incl-fish-lake-peak.html

Leidy has nice campsites on the way to the trailhead, but as said it is probably too early. Keep it for future reference.

There are many other great places to camp along the Red Cloud Loop. In addition Whiterocks Campground is perfect this time of year.

As said Moon Lake is great too, but it's about two hours from Vernal.

DiscGo · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 3696 Location: Orem, Utah

What a cool website this is! You guys rock for posting such great responses!

Ih8grvty · Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 241 Location: Tooele Utah

Damn! I was thinking it was closer than that!
I was so sure, I looked it up!

74.9 mi – about 1 hour 48 mins

I stand corrected. I had it in my head it was about 40 minutes, its been a long time since I did that area. However, if 2 hours is a bit much, Steinaker is damned near on top of Vernal at just 5.5 miles from the park entrance.

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2008/places/3018/

http://www.stateparks.com/steinaker.html

If I was only going for dinosaurs, Id do steinaker. If I was going to stay for a bit and wanted some camping and dinosaurs, and boats and fishing, Id do moon lake.
True, that can all be had at Steinaker, but Iv done both and I just have a certain fondness for Moon Lake. Other users experiences may differ.

Mooseman70 · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

I've got my home away from home reserved for this weekend out that way. $40 a night, and it's got a propane stove, flush toilet, shower and beds. Gotta keep the wife & kids happy!

We're planning on checking out the Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History since my kids are big on dinosaurs presently. I was also hoping to drive up and around the Flaming Gorge area, maybe check out the Ute Fire Tower (last & only one standing in the state!) and other neat places we come across.

Mtnman1830 · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 1285

I have spent many weekends at Moon Lake. I have a family reunion there on the 21st. It is usually full, so if you can, I would make some reservations.

Alex · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2511 Location: SLC, UT

I made reservations, only a couple of spots left. Was all excited to go to the Moon lake and then my plans crashed and we had to cancel the trip last night :frustrated:

So I guess I will have to postponed the trip until a later date.

I really appreciate the resources you guys provided, you dudes rock :2thumbs:

Nothing like getting an awesome beta within a couple of hours of posting.

Mooseman70 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:36 pm Post subject:

When I was up in the Ashley N.F. this past weekend, I saw many places where folks had pulled their trailers off into the Quakies / Lodgepoles and set up camp. You could go pretty much anywhere off of the main road where dirt trails venture off into the trees. The one we took was NF-18/20, which heads west/northwest, just at the top of the switchbacks on US-191.

If you have a tent trailer, that might be right up your alley. Go find yourself a secluded spot and enjoy it! :2thumbs: