Mackinaw

MACKINAW

Part of Fishlake National Forest

Overview

Mackinaw Campground is located next to Fish Lake and the Fishlake Scenic Byway in central Utah at an elevation of 9,000 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring local trails.

Facilities

The campground contains four group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each. Picnic tables and fire rings with grills are provided. Several single-family sites are available as well. Most sites have lake views.

Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.

Three resorts are located in the Fish Lake Basin, offering camping and fishing supplies, RV parks with hookups, cabin and boat rentals, marinas, gas, restaurants, groceries, laundry facilities and showers. The resorts are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Natural Features

The campground sits on a sagebrush-covered hillside above the valley floor and offers views of Fish Lake. Aspen trees forest the site, providing partial shade.

Recreation

Fish Lake is Utah's largest natural mountain lake, covering 2,500 acres. It is famous for its 20-40 pound Mackinaw lake trout. Anglers also enjoy fishing for rainbow trout and splake. Boating, canoeing, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities.

The 5-mile Pelican Canyon Trail begins next door at Bowery Creek Campground. It leads through meadows and dense forests of spruce, pine and aspen as it climbs to the 11,633-foot Fish Lake Hightop.

The popular Lakeshore National Recreation Trail extends around the eastern side of the lake. Hikers are rewarded with stunning lake views after climbing 900 feet in elevation.

Nearby Attractions

Johnson Valley Reservoir is just north of Fish Lake, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.

Important Notices

  • This is a high elevation facility; use caution when traveling from lower elevations and be prepared for inclement weather
  • Street legal and non-street legal vehicles are allowed for access and egress only.

  • There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups at the campground.

  • This is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility. No garbage services are available. Please bring your own garbage bags.

  • Camping is limited to 16 days.

  • Any vehicles or trailers that can not fit in the designated site must be relocated to another site purchased at full site price. Check area map for available free parking

  • Click here for more info about the Fishlake National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • Discharging a firearm of any kind is prohibited: this includes BB guns, slingshots, paintball guns etc. Take these activities outside of the campground please.

Notifications and Alerts

  • Due to construction in the campground: Mackinaw is closed for the 2025 camping season. 

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BOATING - Boating
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Highway 24 northwest of Loa, Utah, take Highway 25 northeast 9 miles to the campground.

Contact Information

138 South Main, PO BOX 129
Loa, Utah, UT 84747

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery