Fish Creek Cove

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 10% of all land in the United States, including more than 22 million in Utah alone. Across the country, BLM public lands offer recreational opportunities and natural resource management, and in Utah, the land forms range from magnificent rivers and gorgeous canyons of red rock to tall mountains and the vast expanse of salt flats. All these add up to unrivaled scenic beauty, and the Fish Creek Cove BLM site is your chance to enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and off-roading in Utah. When you search online for "BLM camping near me," you will find this site in Paiute County. You can head to the Sevier Plateau to the southwest, the Parker Mountains to the east, or Kingston Canyon and Monroe Mountain to the west. The town of Torrey is also nearby, along with Capital Reef National Park. Enjoy a spectacular array of domes, bridges, cliffs, and canyons among the many distinct rock formations at this park. You'll also be close enough to consider a visit to Canyonlands National Park further to the east.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Chimney Rock Loop

Lace up your hiking boots for this roundtrip hike to enjoy fabulous views of the towering Chimney Rock. This famous pillar rises from the surrounding terrain in all its red sandstone glory. Most of the trail is relatively easy to navigate, but you will go up a steep cliff at one point. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Easy to moderate

South Draw: Pleasant Creek to Tantalus Flats

This out-and-back hike is in Capital Reef National Park. It starts outside the park inside Dixie National Forest, and the trail is a fun mix of mellow dirt roads with steeper rocky sections suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. You'll tackle hard climbs and fast descents and enjoy Utah's red rocks and beautiful views. Length: 8.2 miles Intensity: Difficult

Paiute ATV Trail

This trail system covers several mountain ranges and three state parks, and scenic vistas let you see quite a bit of Central Utah. Ride for several hours or days, and enjoy the same trails that are home to regional events. These trails connect many communities, and the BLM, state parks, National Forest Service, and private landowners manage the property. Length: 974 miles available Intensity: Easy to moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fish Creek Cove gives you access to Otter Creek Reservoir, and the clear, cold waters mean you can fish for rainbow trout all year long. You can also find brown and cutthroat trout, and smallmouth bass and wipers are also in these waters. Fishing access is available on the western edge of the reservoir at three different points. They include South Point, Tamarisk Point, and Fisherman's Beach.

Climbing

Visit Capitol Reef National Park for numerous Wingate crack routes. Check in advance for new anchor bolting bans; you need permits for bouldering or climbing in the park. Fortunately, there's a self-serve kiosk available 24/7 where you get a free day-use permit. Of the 60 total climbs, 42 are trad options, and 15 are bouldering climbs. You can also enjoy four top-rope climbs, a pair of aid climbs, and one sport route.

Wildlife Viewing

Fish Creek Cove is a great place to witness wildlife and so is Capitol Reef National Park. Keep your eyes on the terrain around you for elk, antelope, and deer. You might also see cougars and coyotes. Smaller mammals closer to the ground include chipmunks, woodrats, and mice, and the only reptiles are a handful of lizards and snakes. You might find a rare toad or frog close to water, but there's much more life in the air. Over 230 bird species fly through here; some are permanent residents, but others pass through while migrating. Notable bird-watching locations include the Fremont River Trail, Sulphur Creek, and the trees outside Ripple Rock Nature Center.

Picnicking

Fish Creek Cove does have pit toilets and picnic tables, but there isn't any potable water. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park has a paved Scenic Drive with the Capitol Gorge Parking Area, where you can picnic. Enjoy the scenery while you drive there, and then take advantage of a big, paved lot where you can easily park your RV. The picnic area has plenty of tables in the shade, and restrooms are available.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at Fish Creek Cove aren't intended for RV camping since you have to hike the last part on foot. However, you can head into the nearby town of Torrey to camp overnight in your RV at Sandcreek RV Park and Campground. This campground has gravel pull-through sites with power, water, and sewer hookups. Pets are allowed, and showers are available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available around Otter Creek Reservoir. The western side has some semi-primitive sites, and dispersed camping is available along the eastern side. Unless prohibited locally, dispersed camping is available anywhere in Utah on BLM land. You are limited to staying 14 consecutive days at each site, however.

RV Rentals Near Fish Creek Cove Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fish Creek Cove BLM trip

Utah's desert environment can be genuinely harsh whenever you visit, and most places won't have many amenities. Keep enough basic supplies and water on hand at all times. If you go dispersed camping, you can only start a fire if a fire ring is already in place. If you plan on heading into the deep backcountry, ensure your RV has a fully stocked kitchen, reliable GPS communication, generators, batteries, hygiene supplies, spare tires, water, and jumper cables. In the Torrey area, the elevation is often 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter days can go from 0 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM lands are often available for public use and recreational activities but must be preserved for future generations. Follow the rules listed wherever you go, from packing out the trash to fire safety. Don't disrupt or disturb anything natural, from plants and animals to soil and resources or cultural treasures. Stay on trails when using them to protect vegetation and soil lining the paths. Only a little erosion can result in trail closures that impact visitors for weeks or years after you visit.

Fish Creek Cove Location

Fish Creek Cove is located between Highway 12 and the town of Teasdale. Head east on the main street out of Teasdale until you get to Firsh Creek Road. There, turn to the south. Follow that road until it ends with a primitive parking area. After that, finish your journey to the site by following the primitive trail. Address: Richfield BLM District Office, 150 East 90 North Richfield, UT 84701 Ready to visit Fish Creek Cove? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.