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Mackinaw Campground is located next to Fish Lake and the Fishlake Scenic Byway in central Utah at an elevation of 9,000 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring local trails.
Fish Lake is Utah's largest natural mountain lake, covering 2,500 acres. It is famous for its 20-40 pound Mackinaw lake trout. Anglers also enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and splake. Boating, canoeing, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities.
The 5-mile Pelican Canyon Trail begins next door at Bowery Creek Campground. It leads through meadows and dense forests of spruce, pine and aspen as it climbs to the 11,633-foot Fish Lake Hightop.
The popular Lakeshore National Recreation Trail extends around the eastern side of the lake. Hikers are rewarded with stunning lake views after climbing 900 feet in elevation.
The campground contains four group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills are provided. Several single-family sites are available as well. Most sites have lake views.
Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.
Three resorts are located in the Fish Lake Basin, offering camping and fishing supplies, RV parks with hookups, cabin and boat rentals, marinas, gas, restaurants, groceries, laundry facilities and showers. The resorts are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The campground sits on a sagebrush-covered hillside above the valley floor and offers views of Fish Lake. Aspen trees forest the site, providing partial shade.
Johnson Valley Reservoir is just north of Fish Lake, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.
From Highway 24 northwest of Loa, Utah, take Highway 25 northeast 9 miles to the campground.
Our first time at Big Mackinaw camp ground was spectacular. Karen was our camp host and we absolutely think she's the best! The whole camp was clean, and run professionally. She was very helpful with any questions and informative about the beautiful location and activities. She was delightful and very comfortable to talk to. Constantly saw her busy, she's not afraid to jump in and get done whatever needed done. Highly recommend Big Mackinaw camp ground b
Karen is the best camp host we have ever had. She solves problems with a friendly smile. No matter how many times we knocked on her door she helped us and seemed glad to see us. She helped fix our complicated reservation mess and treated us right while upholding policies. We hope she stays there a long time. What a pleasant stay.
Great campground! I highly recommend.
$20 a night for a regular camp with bathrooms, tables and showers.
It is just a walk across the street to Fish Lake.
Within 1/2 mile to the restaurant (that is actually open) and the lodge (opposite direction) that has ice cream, some groceries, fishing/camping supplies, etc.
The camp hosts are really nice and help you check in, can supply you with firewood at $7 a way better deal than wood you buy in town before getting there. (1 bundle is plenty for a night, they are large bundles. )
I went and enjoyed the clear skies for the perseid meteor shower happening at the time.
We just spent two days at Mackinaw campground at fish lake, and fish lake national Park. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful, there were no real critters to bother you and very minimal bugs. The leaves are just starting to change, in a week or two it will be incredibly beautiful, though I think the campground shut down September 15th. We stayed in the southernmost campground sites one through 14 of Mackinaw. The bathrooms are wonderful, and they even have paid showers, that are heated up and very clean, it's $0.50 a minute.
We have stayed at Big Mackinaw Campground for several years. The past 2 years our camp host , Karen, has been friendly and helpful. She works hard to keep the area and restrooms clean. We appreciate all she does in making our stay a great experience!!
