Marysvale, Utah, camping is a well-kept secret. The small high valley nestled between mountains of pine forests, waterfalls, the longest ATV trail in the US, white water and lakes allows for many activities combined with the soothing recharge from camping in the wild. In Central Utah's Canyon Country, Marysvale is close to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef National Parks and deep woods Alpine camping opportunities. Half way between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Marysvale is off the freeway on US 89 in central Utah.
ATV action
More than 1,000 miles of ATV trails can be accessed from the nearly 280-mile long Paiute ATV Trail loop. These roads access the perimeter of wild areas for hiking, rock hounding or wildlife viewing. The trail system connects the nook-and-cranny Marysvale setting onto Tushar Mountain Range, Pahvant Mountains and the Sevier Plateau. Fishlake National Forest camping regulations allow dispersed campsites nearly anywhere, so some campsites are only ATV accessible.
Resorts and RV Campgrounds
Glamping, glamorous camping, may be your preference with hot showers, meals and extra amenities. Along the length of the Sevier River, private resorts and RV campgrounds dot the riverbanks in and around Marysvale. Most resorts and RV parks feature white water rafting, ATV trail riding, horseback riding, hiking and fishing with or without area guides to make for an exciting and active day.
Public Land Camping
Fishlake National Forest dominates Marysvale controlling almost all the land around the town. The Forest's regulations permit primitive or dispersed camping. As long as your campsite is more than 150 feet from a stream or the Sevier River, you can camp anywhere in the public forest. Avoid fragile meadows, and practice "Leave No Trace" ethics.
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Utah's state park system operates the campground at Piute Reservoir just south of the town's limits. Primitive tent and RV spaces are located at the park on the north end of the reservoir with some located right on the water's edge. Water is available, but only vault toilets. The lake is surrounded by a cycling trail that also parallels the Sevier River on the approximate route of the Old Spanish Trail.
Back Country Camping Safety
Although the forests are not the stark and dry landscape of the desert, this mountain area is still considered high desert. Drink plenty of water. If using water from creeks and streams, be sure the purification system is strong enough to filter the giardia protozoa. Failure may result in a serious intestinal illness. Fires need to be dead out so you can place your hand in the ashes and not get burned.
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