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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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.
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
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
We had an absolute ball at the Payson Lakes Guard Station. The cabin was incredibly clean and Adam was very helpful and lovely. We'd come here again in a heartbeat! My only suggestion would be to have a journal available for folks to share their experiences, we always love reading them. Thanks for having us!
We had an absolute ball at the Payson Lakes Guard Station. The cabin was incredibly clean and Adam was very helpful and lovely. We'd come here again in a heartbeat! My only suggestion would be to have a journal available for folks to share their experiences, we always love reading them. Thanks for having us!
Camp host was great
Front cabin was good to stay in
Back cabin the lock on the door was broken we had to wedge a chair under the door handle to keep the door locked at night and the smoke detector was chirping my full 3 day 2 night stay even in our sleep, this was not the best experience we have had there , our previous experience have been much better.
Please fix the alarm chirping and the door lock.
Camp host was great
Front cabin was good to stay in
Back cabin the lock on the door was broken we had to wedge a chair under the door handle to keep the door locked at night and the smoke detector was chirping my full 3 day 2 night stay even in our sleep, this was not the best experience we have had there , our previous experience have been much better.
Please fix the alarm chirping and the door lock.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Payson Lakes Guard Station
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.
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.
