Barker Recreation Area
Barker Recreation Area is located in an aspen-spruce forest above 9,000 feet in elevation and is adjacent to the Upper Barker Reservoir.
Two small fishing lakes permit non-motorized boat access. Seven other backcountry fishing lakes can be accessed by the many hiking trails in the area, among them the Great Western Trail.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereVisit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 for reservations.
Some single sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
General Information
Facilities
- Barker Recreation Area map
- 13 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, bear proof storage box
- 3 group sites with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, bear proof storage box
- Day use area
- Drinking water (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
- Vault toilets
- No hook ups
- No garbage disposal, please pack it out
Late May - Early September
Open unless inaccessible due to snow.
- Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Campfires in developed fire pits only
- Fireworks are prohibited
- Dogs must be on leash
- ATV and OHV are allowed to ingress and egress all group sites and campsites 1 and 13. Street Legal OHVs are allowed throughout the campground.
- Maximum length of stay: 14 days
- Fishing license fee required.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Group Site: $80 per night (1-50 people), $140 per night (51-max people)
Dogs must be on leash.
Contact Name: Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
Contact Phone: (435) 826-5499
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.920875
Longitude: -111.815137
Directions
From Escalante drive west on Hwy 12. Turn right on the dirt road between milepost 55 and 56 and cross the Escalante River. After a short distance, make a right on the road signed “Barker CG.” This is forest road 149 (FR 149). Continue on FR 149 for 16.5 miles to the campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking water is available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
Picnic tables and fire rings are located on the shore of Upper Barker Reservoir.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Upper Barker is a short drive from the campgrounds. There is a floating dock at Upper Barker Reservoir and a floating dock at Lower Barker Reservoir. The reservoirs are fairly small but being out on a boat is ideal for fishing and bird watching. There is NO developed boat launch.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The many lakes in the Barker Recreation Area are know for their trout fishing. Upper is accessible by vehicle. The Barker Lakes Loop will take you to several backcountry lakes including Blue Lake, Flat Lake, Joe Lay Reservoir, Yellow Lake, Dougherty Basin, Round Willow Bottom and Long Willow Bottom.
Check the Utah Division of Wildlife website for more information on fishing in Utah, along with where to purchase fishing licenses.