Maren C
VerifiedJuly 8, 2022 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
One of the most beautiful spots in Utah.
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About Payson Lakes Guard Station
Payson Lakes Guard Station is located in the Uinta National Forest, approximately 13 mi 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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Sleeping Capacity
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Sleeping Capacity
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Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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Cabin
Select dates to check availability
- 8 guests
Site Details
Up to 8 guests
Shade
Surface: Paved
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Reviews
23 reviews
Summary
Visitors enjoyed the beautiful, private setting of Payson Lakes Guard Station, highlighting the gorgeous views and abundant wildlife, including cows and birds. The camp hosts were praised for their helpfulness, and the main cabin was noted as comfortable. However, some issues were reported, such as a broken lock on the back cabin and a chirping smoke detector, which affected the experience for some guests.
Based on guest feedback
3.7
Overall rating
Based on 23 reviews
5 stars
34.8% (8)
4 stars
30.4% (7)
3 stars
17.4% (4)
2 stars
8.7% (2)
1 star
8.7% (2)
Showing 23 reviews
Verified Only
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Jaylene F
VerifiedJune 8, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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
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Jaylene F
VerifiedJune 8, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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
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Jesse B
VerifiedJune 2, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Jesse B
VerifiedJune 2, 2021 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Jonathan B
VerifiedOctober 2, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Jonathan B
VerifiedOctober 2, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Lisa L
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Lisa L
VerifiedJune 24, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
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.
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Russel D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 Stayed at: Guard Station, Loop: PAYSON LAKES GUARD STATION
The only problem that we experienced was the refrigerator in the bunk house did not work well.
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Location & Directions for Payson Lakes Guard Station
Fr 017, Payson, UT 84651 United States
Elevation: 2,459 ft
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 Ne...
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.
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.
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: November 3, 2026
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Explore Payson, UT
Population: 23,039
Nearby city: Provo, UT
Approx. 21 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,652 ft
Payson, UT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service