Located on the shore of Lower Bowns Reservoir, this campground and recreation area offer easy access to fishing and boating opportunities. Three campsites (two single and one group site) are equipped with basic amenities—fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets—that make for a primitive experience among beautiful scenery.
Lower Bowns Reservoir is a diversion from Pleasant Creek and provides excellent fishing. The Department of Natural Resources stocks it annually with rainbow trout, but fishermen occasionally catch brook or cutthroat trout. While the reservoir has no boat ramp, people can launch small boats from the shore.
Hiking, biking, and ATV trails are near the campground, along with endless recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. Capitol Reef National Park, the Waterpocket Fold, and the Henry Mountains lie to the east of the campground, while Boulder Mountain rises to the west. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a few miles to the south.
Note: Water is not available at the campground, so you'll have to bring your own.
From Torrey, Utah: Head south on UT 12 for 17 miles and turn left onto Pleasant Creek Road. Continue for about 4 miles and follow signs to the campground and Lower Bowns Reservoir.
From Boulder, Utah: head north on UT 12 for about 18 miles and turn right onto Pleasant Creek Road (FR 186). Continue as directed above.
Get monthly hikes in your inbox for a year.
Join the Grand Canyon Trust today to receive your adventure kit:
Weigh in on proposed plans and projects that affect Grand Staircase-Escalante and other public lands across the plateau.
Love Grand Staircase? A gift to the Trust supports on-the-ground work and the protection of your favorite places across the Colorado Plateau.
We're looking for volunteers to gather information about pinyon jays in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and beyond.
