Summary
The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
One of the main reasons to visit Fishlake National Forest is its stunning natural beauty. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including towering forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes and streams. Visitors can also explore ancient rock formations, rugged canyons, and sprawling meadows.
Some of the most popular points of interest in Fishlake National Forest include the Fish Lake Basin, which is the largest natural mountain lake in Utah and is renowned for its excellent fishing; the Fremont Indian State Park, which contains numerous petroglyphs and other ancient artifacts; and the Gooseberry Reservoir, which is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping.
Other interesting facts about Fishlake National Forest include its status as one of the most diverse national forests in the country, with over 1.5 million acres of land and more than 100 different species of trees. The forest is also home to a number of endangered and threatened species, including the Utah prairie dog, the Mexican spotted owl, and the Bonneville cutthroat trout.
The best time of year to visit Fishlake National Forest depends on what activities you plan to do. Summer is the most popular time for outdoor recreation, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Fall is a great time to visit for those who enjoy hiking and taking in the changing colors of the leaves, while winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowmobiling. Spring is also a great time to visit, with wildflowers in bloom and the forest coming to life after a long winter.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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South Creek (Lower) Trailhead
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Anderson Meadow
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ANDERSON MEADOW CAMPGROUND
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Anderson Meadow Rec Site
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Kents Lake
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KENTS LAKE CAMPGROUND
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