Lost Creek and Trial Lake open for July 4th holiday

/ lost creek campground/

Without a reservation, trying to find a campsite on Friday of a holiday weekend, is nearly impossible.  Some people like the adventure though.  Lost Creek and Trial Lake, like most of our campgrounds, have sites that are designated as first-come-first-served and others that are reservable.

Calling ahead to the campground, even a couple days, does no good as you cannot make a reservation with the campground host.  Even if they have phone service and could tell you how many sites were currently open, by the time you got there the other 15 cars would be fighting over the same 3 campsites.

If you're determined to camp in the Mirror Lake area this weekend without a reservation, and do not find a first-come-first-served site open, you might consider dispersed camping.  Here are the Kamas Ranger District rules on dispersed camping:

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground.  Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire pits are provided.  Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic area, or trailheads.  There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping.  It's your responsibility to know these before you try this experience.

  • Dispersed camping is not allowed within 150 feet from a designated Forest Service Road.
  • No dispersed camping within 100 feet of water (we recommend 200 feet).
  • No dispersed camping in the lower half of Diamond Fork Canyon.
  • No dispersed camping on the east side of Strawberry Road.
  • No dispersed camping in the lower half of American Fork Canyon.  
  • Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging plants and grass.
  • Do not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow; try to make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting.
  • Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite.  Select a campsite with good natural drainage.
  • Try to use existing dispersed sites whenever possible to minimize impacts.

Be informed about all fire restrictions!