CuteCamper
Baker Dam Recreation Area
Built in 1953 at the foot of the towering Pine Valley Mountains, the reservoir area offers slightly cooler temperatures and a quick getaway from St. George and other lower elevation communities.
The reservoir is managed by the Baker Dam Reservoir Association. Stocked with trout on a regular basis by the Utah State Division of Wildlife Resources, the reservoir is a popular fishing site. While spring and fall provide the best fishing opportunities, Baker Dam Recreation Area is open year-round. Baker Dam is also a good base for hunters looking for deer, quail, and rabbit, and off highway vehicle users wanting to explore higher elevations. Please be informed of all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations for hunting and OHVs. Much of the land surrounding the reservoir is private except for the southern end, which is public land. Please view the land ownership map and respect private property. A 18 site campground is available on site. BLM's St. George Field Office will begin an online reservation system for overnight camping at Baker Dam Recreation Area. These campgrounds will no longer be first come, first served; reservations will be required. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites online at the Federal website, www.recreation.gov, or by calling toll free, 877-444-6777. The online reservation system will be in effect on September 1, 2021. Reservations for campsites can be made one month prior, beginning August 1, 2021. Day use fees will continue to be paid at the onsite recreation fee boxes. The online reservation system will enable visitors to: Reserve campsites year-round Select a specific campsite Enjoy the convenience of having a reserved campsite Pay for campsites with a credit card Potable water is not available, so be sure to bring your own. Note: Day Use sites can NOT be reserved; they are first come first serve. Day Use Amenities: Vehicle Parking Picnic Tables Fire Rings with Grills 2 Vault Toilets (ADA Compliant) Dumpster Self-Pay Register Kiosk
RecAreaDirections
From I-15 Exit 6 in St. George, Utah, head north on Bluff Street (which turns into State Route 18). Travel 24 miles and turn right onto the Baker Dam Reservoir Road. Continue .6 miles and turn right into the Recreation Area.
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Permits info
Facilities
Baker Dam Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
In the early 1980s, the Baker Dam Recreation Area was developed to take advantage of the recreational opportunities provided by the reservoir. Increased public demand led to an expansion of the recreation area in 1994 that included enlarging the campground and adding a day use section. Today, the recreation area serves as a base camp to enjoy not only the reservoir, but adjacent public lands as well. Please protect your resources by acting responsibly and following the rules.
Recreation
Baker Dam Reservoir is known for its cold water game fish. It is annually stocked by the UDWR with rainbow and brown trout.
Migratory and year-round birds enjoy the reservoir’s open water and the Santa Clara River’s riparian habitat. View birds at the reservoir as well as along the Overlook Trails. Look for Eagles, Gray Flycatchers, Herons, and other waterfowl.
Hunting is permitted on public lands in accordance with Utah state laws and regulations outside of recreation area. There are opportunities to hunt for deer, quail, and rabbit. Keep off highway vehicles on existing roads and trails.
OHVs may travel on BLM managed lands and the Dixie National Forest on existing roads and trails; however, OHV use is not permitted within the recreation area. Please be informed of all laws and regulations relating to OHVs.
Facilities
Access roads within the campground and day use area are graded gravel. Both the campground and day use area have accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits with grills. Each campsite has RV or vehicle parking and a tent pad. Trash collection is provided. Water and electrical hookups are not available. Campsites are first come, first served.
Fees
Interagency Annual, Access, and Senior Passes are honored for day use fees only. All fees collected at this site are used to fund operations, improvements, and repairs at the recreation area.
Camping Restrictions
Stays are limited to 14 days. To protect the area’s natural resources and to minimize impacts to private property, camping is prohibited on BLM managed lands within one mile of the recreation area.
Private Property
Much of the reservoir’s shoreline is private, but is open for public access. Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace
Natural Features
Pine Valley Ranger District abuts BLM managed lands to the north and east. The Forest provides fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting. Cooler temps prevail with elevations reaching over 6,500 feet in the Pine Valley Mountains.
Nearby Attractions
Snow Canyon State Park. Pine Valley Recreation Area.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations: When reservation is cancelled a $10.00 cancelation fee is charged. This cancellation fee is in addition to the non-refundable reservation service fee. Late Cancellations: When a reservation is cancelled on the day before or the day of arrival the $10.00 cancellation fee will be charged and the first night use fee will be forfeited (not to exceed the total paid for the orginal reservation). No Shows: If a customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date a $20.00 service fee charged and will forfeit the first night's user fee.
