OutReserve

Payson Lakes Guard Station

PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION 4
Picnic Area
Main Cabin 3
Bunk House 4

About Payson Lakes Guard Station

Payson Lakes Guard Station is located in the Uinta National Forest, approximately 13 miles south of Payson, Utah, along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway. The Guard Station was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 as part of the New Deal Program. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers the cabin for advance reservation so visitors can enjoy an experience similar to that of early Forest Rangers and their families.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Oct 10

Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Shade
Surface: Paved
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews (22)

What Guests Are Saying

Payson Lakes Guard Station offers a beautiful setting and a great camp host, making it a pleasant stay overall. The front cabin was satisfactory, but the back cabin had issues with a broken door lock and a chirping smoke detector, which impacted the experience. Additionally, first users of the season should be aware that water may not be turned on yet.

Review Summary

3.7
22 reviews
5
36.4%
8
4
27.3%
6
3
18.2%
4
2
9.1%
2
1
9.1%
2

Jaylene F

Verified

June 8, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

3

It was nice up there. The place wasn’t very clean and who ever stayed there before us some how put poop in bathroom cupboard.
I paid a lot of money for a place that wasn’t clean. They told us the shower in back building was good but it was so bad. I heated up a pot of water and rinse off myself off.
It was a nice place and beautiful view but for the money I spent I have to give it a 2 out of 10
We had to even bring the pan to rinse myself off. Kind of a joke

Jaylene F

Verified

June 8, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

3

It was nice up there. The place wasn’t very clean and who ever stayed there before us some how put poop in bathroom cupboard.
I paid a lot of money for a place that wasn’t clean. They told us the shower in back building was good but it was so bad. I heated up a pot of water and rinse off myself off.
It was a nice place and beautiful view but for the money I spent I have to give it a 2 out of 10
We had to even bring the pan to rinse myself off. Kind of a joke

Jesse B

Verified

June 2, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

1

There was no electric heat and no hot water, and the working stove was in a different building from the working refrigerator. We booked four nights but stayed for one, sleeping on a twin mattress pulled into the kitchen with the stove open and running at 450 degrees. (It snowed that night, in mid-May.)

We could happily have lived with a wood stove, but because the cabin is "electric," there isn't one.

We're trying to get our money back.

Jesse B

Verified

June 2, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

1

There was no electric heat and no hot water, and the working stove was in a different building from the working refrigerator. We booked four nights but stayed for one, sleeping on a twin mattress pulled into the kitchen with the stove open and running at 450 degrees. (It snowed that night, in mid-May.)

We could happily have lived with a wood stove, but because the cabin is "electric," there isn't one.

We're trying to get our money back.

Jonathan B

Verified

October 2, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

3

Pretty location, but there were a lot of mouse droppings in the guard station. Not clean at all really. Wish I brought all my cleaning supplies and mouse traps.

Jonathan B

Verified

October 2, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

3

Pretty location, but there were a lot of mouse droppings in the guard station. Not clean at all really. Wish I brought all my cleaning supplies and mouse traps.

Lisa L

Verified

June 24, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

5

We love this ranger station. It is comfortable and easy. We will for sure go again.
There was no dishes or anything to cook with this time which was surprising but we assumed it was because of covid.

Lisa L

Verified

June 24, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

5

We love this ranger station. It is comfortable and easy. We will for sure go again.
There was no dishes or anything to cook with this time which was surprising but we assumed it was because of covid.

Russel D

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

4

The only problem that we experienced was the refrigerator in the bunk house did not work well.

Russel D

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION

4

The only problem that we experienced was the refrigerator in the bunk house did not work well.

Location Payson Lakes Guard Station

Address:
Fr 017
Payson, UT, 84651
United States

Highway access

The Payson Lakes Guard Station is accessible from I-15 via exit 250, which leads to Highway 198. The location is reached by traveling along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road.

Latitude & Longitude: 39.9247 / -111.633

Elevation: 2459 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • Check in and out with the Camp Host at Payson Lakes Campground for access and rules.
  • Gates open at 7 AM and close at 10 PM; no generators after 10 PM. Reservations held until noon the next day.
  • Reservations are required at least 5 days in advance; no walk-ins allowed.
  • Contact information for additional queries and reservations.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting bears; failure to do so can result in fines.

Utilities

  • Bring all your own water and garbage bags as there are no facilities available on-site.

Site capacity

  • Maximum occupancy is 8 people in bunks; 7 extra day-use guests allowed. No pets, RVs, or trailers. Limited to 5 vehicles.

Safety & rules

  • Minimum stay of 2 nights; maximum stay of 7 days.
  • Users assume all responsibility for accidents or injuries and loss of property; Utah Recreation is not liable.

Fires & fuel

  • Bring your own firewood or buy it for $9 per bundle; collection on-site is prohibited.
  • Obtain firewood within 10 miles of the site to prevent pest spread; do not move firewood.

Amenities

  • Guests must bring their own linens and utensils.

Vehicles & parking

  • Arrive with your RV or trailer water tank filled; no hooking up to spigots or power is allowed.

Cancellation policy

  • No refunds for weather; cancellations within 14 days lose first night fee and incur a $10 fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee.

Local regulations

  • Visit wildlife resources for more information on Bear Country and campground rules.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service