Barker Recreation Area

BARKER RECREATION AREA

Part of Dixie National Forest

Overview

Barker Recreation Area is located high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 9,300 feet. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and exploring local trails.

Facilities

This recreation area contains 13 single-family sites, three group campsites and a day-use area. Horses are permitted in the Porter group site.

Drinking water is provided from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Amenities include accessible vault toilets and bear-proof food storage lockers. Fishing docks are located at Upper and Lower Barker Reservoirs. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Natural Features

A dense canopy of aspen and spruce trees forests Barker Recreation Area. Summer wildflowers are plentiful and a variety of wildlife frequents the area, including black bear, blue grouse, golden eagle, ducks and wild turkey.

Recreation

Upper Barker Reservoir provides canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Numerous hiking, biking and horse trails can be accessed from both the Upper and Lower Barker Reservoir trailheads. Trails, including the non-motorized Great Western Trail, lead to nine backcountry fishing lakes and beautiful mountain views. The area also has excellent stream fishing and spectacular fall colors.

Nearby Attractions

Both the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are located approximately 45 minutes away. Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to see the stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Anasazi State Park are also located in the area.

Important Notices

  • CHECK IN: Begins at 2 PM. CHECK OUT: By 11 AM..

  • This is an American black bear habitat; be aware and keep a clean camp
  • No trash collection provided. Come prepared to stow and haul out your garbage.

  • Hookups are not available
  • Motorized boats are not allowed on the lakes
  • Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the camping areas
  • A daily fee will be charged and collected at the campground for extra vehicles. Come prepared to pay onsite.

  • Additional first come, first served sites may be available
  • Click here for more information on the Dixie 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.
  • Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only. 

  • For campground inquiries, please call: (800) 342-2267 or the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center 435-826-5499 .

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HUNTING - Hunting
  • HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BOATING - Boating
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Escalante, Utah, drive 2.5 miles west on Highway 12, then turn right at the North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker Recreation Area sign, onto Forest Road 149. Drive approximately 16 miles on FR 149. The last 3.4 miles of FR 149 are steep and single-lane with switchbacks and turnouts.

Contact Information

Phone: 435-826-5499

PO BOX 246
ESCALANTE, UT 84726

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery