Baker Dam Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Ready for your next great RV adventure? Why not take a trip to Utah's Baker Dam Recreation Area?
Baker Dam Recreation Area, a Bureau of Land Management facility, was founded in 1953. This popular campground and public park sits at the base of the Pine Valley Mountains and is nestled near to the town of St George,.Utah.
The reservoir found on the grounds sees many visitors each year for its excellent fishing conditions. This crystal clear body of water is kept well-stocked with trout. Though spring and summer are the best times to do some angling at Baker Dam Recreation Area, the property is open year-round for families to enjoy. Other popular activities here include hiking, hunting, photography, and the viewing of wildlife.
Both RV and tent camping is permitted at this beloved recreational area on a year-round basis. There are also many other campgrounds found throughout the region that offer suitable accommodations for RVs, trailers, and tents.
Baker Dam Recreation Area sits near to the town of St. George. This city takes its name from Mr. George Smith, a gentleman believed to be an apostle of the Church of Latter-Day Saints during the 1800sNo. However, the city traces its roots far further back than Mr. Smith, having been inhabited by Ancestral Pueblans as early as 1000 BC.
St George offers many attractions for families to enjoy during their RV stay. It has a wide variety of state parks that feature such outdoor recreational activities as hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain climbing, cycling, and more. There are also many shops which sell camping supplies and other conveniences.
For an amazing vacation in a place that feels like a private slice of paradise, plan to take your next RV vacation at Baker Dam Recreation Site. It's a wonderful place to enjoy an RV stay!
RV Rentals in Baker Dam Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
The route to Baker Dam Recreation Area proceeds largely on backcountry roads that are comprised of dirt. Travelers should begin on Highway I-15 outside St George, a highway that is paved and that consists of two lanes. Taking exit 6, travelers should continue along Bluff Street until it merges with State Route 18. At the sign for Baker Dam Reservoir Road, take a right-hand turn. The recreation area is found six miles ahead on the right-hand side.
Baker Dam Reservoir Road is narrow and winding. It is largely comprised of gravel. Because of this, motorists are advised to watch their speed to avoid damage to their vehicles from flying stones or debris.
This route travels through areas that are extremely remote. It is a desert locale, so travelers should be prepared with all of the supplies they need including an ample supply of water in case their vehicle breaks down, or they end up with a flat tire.
Animals do occasionally cross the road. Drive with caution to avoid an accident.
Parking
Parking can be found at a red dirt lined area found just outside the entrance to Baker Dam Recreation Area. There is ample room for several RVs, trailers, and cars to park here.
Public Transportation
Due to its extremely remote location, there is currently no public transportation available to Baker Dam Recreation Area.
Campgrounds and parking in Baker Dam Recreation Area
Campsites in Baker Dam Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Snow Canyon Campground
Snow Canyon Campground is found in Snow Canyon State Park. The property is home to a total of 31 campsites that are available for RV and tent stays year-round. Reservations are required.
Fourteen of the sites found at this popular campground offer full power and water hookups. Among the amenities found on the grounds are bathrooms, a comfort station, drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, barbecues, showers, and a ranger station.
Pets are allowed at all campsites but must remain on a lead at all times. Generator use is permitted from 12 PM to 4 PM only.
Fire restrictions prevent any wood-based campfires from being built on the grounds from June 1st through September 15th. Charcoal is allowed for use in fire pits. Propane and gas are acceptable for fueling camp stoves.
First-come first-served
Baker Dam Campground
Baker Dam Campground is located on the same premises as Baker Dam Recreation Area. This camping facility offers year-round camping for RV, trailer, and tent stays. There are 16 campsites in total; each of which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dogs may join their owners here but must be on a lead at all times.
Each of the campsites is complete with a picnic table, a fire pit, and a tent pad. There is ample parking for additional vehicles at each site.
The on-site amenities include only vault toilets. There are no power hookups, and there is no water available on the premises. Families must come prepared with the water they need for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
The most popular outdoor activities at this camping facility include biking, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and OHV use.
Red Cliffs Campground
Red Cliffs Campground, a BLM managed property, is a popular camping facility that offers 11 sites for families to enjoy. Camping is permitted year-round here. Each campsite is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Though this campground permits camping year-round, visitors recommend RV or tent stays in spring or fall as the property sees scorching temperatures in the summer months and can be very busy during this time.
Pets are permitted to join their families at their campsites but must remain leashed.
The on-site amenities include both flush and vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables.
Seasonal activities in Baker Dam Recreation Area
In-Season
Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a wonderful place to spend the day on an RV holiday at Baker Dam Recreation Area. This public recreational center is home to many trails that are well-suited to hiking, biking, and even traveling on horseback.
Camping is permitted on the grounds and offers incredible views of the rich rock landscape and vast night skies. The landscape is diverse and tremendously beautiful, making this park the perfect spot for taking photographs as mementos of a great RV vacation.
This popular park is named for two early settlers to the state named Lorenzo and Erastus Snow.
The park and campground are open year-round for all to enjoy.
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area consists of over 60,000 acres of ground, making it the perfect place for RV campers to do some exploring. The property is home to various different ecosystems as well as some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the state.
Found within the premises are many varieties of wildlife, some of which are endangered species that are now protected by law. The landscape spans the distance from between three important Utah locales: the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Each spot offers a unique glimpse into the plant and animal life that is indigenous to each area.
This property is dedicated to the preservation of the desert tortoise. However, it is also a natural habitat for many other animals including reptiles, birds, and other mammals.
The most popular activities here include hiking, picnicking, camping, photography, and the viewing of wildlife. An area surrounding by mountains, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is also an amazing spot for doing some rock climbing.
Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park has much to offer families visiting its beautiful grounds. One of the most popular attractions at this public facility is Sand Hollow Reservoir, a stunning manmade lake known for its crystalline, turquoise blue waters that are so warm they feel kissed by the sun. Families can enjoy such outdoor activities here as boating, swimming, diving, and more.
But Sand Hollow State Park offers far more than simply an incredible beach for families to enjoy during their visit. The grounds consist of 20,000 acres of pristine landmass that is ripe for exploration. There is a vast network of trails found throughout the grounds; many of which traverse beaches that are marked by the area's rich, rust-colored sand.
ATVs are also permitted on the grounds along the many sand dunes found on the premises.
Both RV and tent camping are permitted here year-round.
Off-Season
Red Mountain Trail
Red Mountain Trail is an amazing spot for families that enjoy a vigorous workout while on their RV vacation. This popular trail offers several different routes with some rated as quite easy and others exceedingly difficult, affording families lots of choice when it comes to their route.
There are several different destinations families can choose from; each of which varies in distance and elevation. Red Mountain Overlook is one of the most popular trails. It is nearly five miles round trip and rises in elevation by 400 feet in totality.
Chuckwalla offers several different loops families can choose from; each of which varies in total scaled heights. Hell Hole is another beloved hiking route. It is just over three and a half miles in length and rises the same elevation as Red Mountain Overlook: 400 feet.
Each of the trails is suited to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Dogs are also permitted on most of the hiking routes but must remain leashed.
Since Red Mountain Trail is in the desert, hikers must come prepared with lots of drinking water to avoid dehydration. No water is available at this public facility.
The Vortex
True hiking aficionados will not want to leave the area without having spent a day traversing the trail known as The Vortex. Though this trail is rated as quite simple and only climbs 400 feet in elevation, it is extremely picturesque, making it well worth the effort to climb.
The Vortex, a trail also commonly referred to as the Cowboy Potty, is nearly three miles in total length. The trail takes its name from a vast sinkhole found on the grounds. Its appearance resembles a large hole in the midst of an immense piece of rock.
To reach this route, follow the nature trail from the parking lot. This path leads through sections that offer no signs. The terrain is rugged and free from any development or landscaping. Along the journey, hikers will pass through sections of dense rock that have been affected by ancient volcanic activity. The landscape, though rough, is incredibly beautiful and reveals vast sections of red sandstone and rock.
There are many potholes found throughout this hike, so care must be taken to avoid them.
Photography
Baker Dam Recreation Area is extremely picturesque. Families that enjoy practicing their photography skills will not want for worthy subject matter here. The campground itself is home to varied terrain which includes rich red rock, high cliff faces, and lush tree cover. In season, many different animals can be glimpsed in their natural habitat including the rare and protected desert tortoise.
Traveling to find the perfect photo op will entail some hiking. Since Baker Dam Recreation Area sits in the desert, shoes with good traction are an absolute must. In addition to this, all photographers, whether amateur or professional, must bring along lots of drinking water to avoid succumbing to dehydration.
