Perfectly situated off of the Mirror Lake Highway, and perched near the tranquil waters of…read moreButterfly Lake, this campground is probably my favorite designated camping area along this great stretch of scenic road.
Winning that distinction is no small feat, as there are so many spots to stay along Utah's most prominent scenic byway, but it's just got so much going for it.
First, it's at about 10,300ft in elevation, which means that in the blazing heat of summer, you may just kiss the '70s, spend most of the day in the '60s, and have those incredible nights in the tent in the '40s where you thank your lucky stars that you have someone who will go up the Mirror Lake Highway with you and hike by day, and snuggle up in a sleeping-bag-for-two by night. I've not actually had that last experience, but it's on my list. At any rate, the elevation is just what you need in summer, and is not to be messed with in cooler temps. The Highway actually closes during winter, so this campground typically doesn't open until around Memorial Day each spring.
The namesake lake is delightful, and planted with willing trout. There are no monster fish lurking in the deep, but the kids will get a kick out of drowning a worm beneath a bobber. I also like that the lake is far enough away from the campsites that you're not constantly worrying about little ones wandering off to play in the water. The further up the road in the campground, the more true this is.
If you're looking to launch off for adventure, there are hikes on hikes on hikes. My favorite ever lackadaisical hike I've ever had was on the MLH, but you can find your own. The western terminus of the Highline Trail is just a few hundred feet away down the road, so check that out for a starting point, or grab one of the other many trailheads at your disposal-Ruth Lake, Mirror Lake, Fehr Lake-those are all bodies of waters and names of nearby trailheads.
I typically stay in dispersed campsites, but having a few resources, restrooms, parking, and a picnic table is nice sometimes too. I dream of staying here in the height of summer, of making overly-complicated camp meals, of wandering the creeks, of homemade marshmallow s'mores, hand-churned ice cream, and that warm sleeping bag at night.