Location
Northeastern Utah on the border of Utah and Wyoming. Click here for a map of Flaming Gorge.
Fees and Permits
There is no entrance fee to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. A Recreation Use Pass is required at all major boat launches and also at the Little Hole National Recreation Trail below the dam. Permits can be purchased at kiosks at the parking areas or from local vendors and forest service offices. Backcountry camping permits may be required for some areas. Contact the Ashley National Forest for more information.
Fee areas (Recreation Use Pass): $5 day, $15 for sixteen days, $35 annual
Campground fees vary by location: recreation.gov
Flaming Gorge Climate and Weather
The surface elevation of Flaming Gorge is over 6,000 feet, so while you will get a taste of Utah's semi-arid climate, summertime temperatures often peak in the high 80s F with night temperatures dropping by 30 degrees. November through late March sees daytime temperatures drop well below 49 F and nights will drop below freezing. Of course, when it gets cold in Flaming Gorge, snowmobilers and ice fishers come out to play.
When to Visit
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is open year-round. The Red Canyon Visitor Center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to mid-September. Flaming Gorge Dam visitor center open daily, tours April–Sept 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., limited throughout remainder of year.
Nearest groceries and supplies
Groceries, gas, and fishing supplies can be purchased at the Red Canyon Lodge. Additional services are available in Manila near the Wyoming border and all supplies and services are available in Vernal.
Pets
Leashed pets in campgrounds, picnic area and trailheads and under owner's control in national forest areas.
GPS coordinates of visitor centers
Red Canyon Visitor Center: 40.891870, -109.561404; Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center: 40.914071, -109.423887
Overnight options
One mile up the Red Canyon overlook road is Red Canyon Lodge, where you will find a restaurant, cabins, groceries, gas, fishing, horseback rides, a gift shop, and a kids’ fishing pond. A wide array of lodging options are also available in Vernal. See the Flaming Gorge camping guide below.
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Fish Species at Flaming Gorge
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Flaming Gorge Camping
Numerous campgrounds are scattered throughout the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
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Flaming Gorge Marinas and Boat Ramps
Facilities within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area include 18 Forest Service campgrounds (four boat campgrounds), nine paved boat ramps, and three full-service marinas.
