Yuba Lake Recreation Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
When you want to go on a scenic RV trip that combines warm-water recreation with easy highway access, consider visiting the Yuba Lake Recreation Area in Utah. This BLM area is popular for its breathtaking shoreline scenery and water-based recreation along the Yuba Reservoir. You can choose from several campground options, including developed sites. You may need a reservation if you want to visit during the peak summer season, so it's best to plan your trip well ahead of time.
Quick Facts About RVing in Yuba Lake Recreation Area
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Up to 90 feet (select sites) • Camping Type: Developed campgrounds and primitive beach camping • Reservations: Yes • Hookups: Partial hookups (water and electric at select sites) • Dump Station: Available onsite • Potable Water: Available (developed campgrounds only) • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (must be leashed) • Roads: Mostly paved; sandy roads in beach camping areas • Best Seasons: Spring, summer, and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Spacious RV campsites • Waterfront camping options • Partial hookup sites available • Primitive beach camping • Great boating and fishing access • Convenient stop on a Utah road trip • Easy access to nearby towns and supplies • Excellent base camp for lake recreation
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Yuba Lake Overlook at Painted Rocks Campground
This trail begins at the Painted Rocks Campground, but it is open to the general public. The trail travels down to the water's edge, and it will circle around the overlook. This path is an excellent trail for those who want to peek at the region's natural beauty.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Red Point Trail
This trail is not paved. If you want to travel on this path, make sure to have good hiking shoes. When you reach the top, you can see a spectacular view of the reservoir.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
If you love the water, the Yuba Lake Recreation Area is an excellent place for a vacation. Boaters can launch their watercraft from the Oasis Dock. Anglers have many opportunities to cast their lines into the water. The reservoir's waters are filled with walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, tiger muskie, trout, and catfish. The Yuba Lake Recreation Area also has beaches for the public.
Climbing
Climbers will have to travel to the Yuba Lake State Park for these recreational activities. The Yuba Gap area is a great place to climb the large boulders. There are unique rock formations and cliffs located in the hills that you may want to check out.
Wildlife Viewing
The Yuba Lake Recreation Area is a great place to reconnect with nature. While you are there, you will want to watch out for the native animals in the area. You can see rabbits, deer, and coyotes roaming around the park. If you look up to the skies, you might spot hawks and eagles flying above the recreation area.
Picnicking
The Yuba Lake Recreation Area offers plenty of amenities for campers and day visitors. You can find a few picnic tables and grills near the beach areas. If you want a little solitude, there are places to set up your own camping supplies so that you can enjoy the serenity of the reservoir.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping at the Yuba Lake Recreation Area does come with a fee. The Oasis Campgrounds have flush toilets and modern showers. There are cabins and designated RV spots to rent for the night. This campground even has a dump station for your RV. If you want to find another place for your RV, there are several options in the nearby area. Camperworld Pleasant Creek offers 88 designated spots for RVs. This location has a swimming pool and playground for some added fun during your trip. The site has more amenities than most campgrounds in the area. Most of the Pleasant Creek sites have full hookups. Another camping option is the Palisade State Park Campground. This is the perfect place for a long vacation. You can play 18 holes of golf or explore the nearby hiking trails.
Developed Campgrounds
Oasis Campground • Most developed campground in the park • RV and tent campsites • Partial hookups with water and electrical at select sites • Flush restrooms and hot showers • Drinking water available • On-site dump station • Boat ramp • Some sites that accommodate RVs up to 90 feet Painted Rocks Campground • RV and tent campsites • Partial hookups (water and electrical at many sites) • Drinking water available • Vault restrooms • Boat ramp • Covered picnic table, grill, and fire ring at each campsite • Select sites that fit RVs up to 90 feet
Dispersed Camping
Even though there isn't any true dispersed camping in this area, you can enjoy a more rustic camping experience at North Beaches, a primitive campground within the recreation area. You'll be right along the shoreline of the reservoir, and the campsites are very spread out. Because of the deep sand, larger RVs may have some difficulty navigating the access roads, especially during wet weather. You may find it easier to reach your campsite by renting a four-wheel-drive RV. If you plan to have a campfire, check the seasonal fire restrictions so that you don't accidentally violate local regulations.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Excellent choice, as they easily fit throughout the park, including primitive camping areas like North Beaches. • Travel Trailers: They are well suited for developed campgrounds. Smaller trailers are also a good option for beach camping. • Fifth Wheels: These are best for developed campgrounds. Avoid soft sand at North Beaches unless you have a capable tow vehicle. • Class A Motorhomes: They are suitable for developed campgrounds with large RV sites. These are not recommended for primitive beach camping because of sandy access roads. • Class B Motorhomes: One of the best choices, their compact size makes both developed and primitive camping easier. • Class C Motorhomes: They are a good fit for most developed campsites. Smaller models may also handle North Beaches when road conditions are favorable.
Free Camping 
If you are looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping, boondocking might be your best bet for the vacation. Primitive BLM RV camping spots can be found on BLM land outside of the recreation area. You'll also find Bureau of Land Management camping in nearby Sanpete and Juab counties. To find a spot in the area, simply search for "BLM RV camping near me" once you arrive at Yuba Lake.
RV Rentals Near Yuba Lake Recreation Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Yuba Lake Recreation Area BLM trip
Planning a trip is always important, especially when visiting a BLM campsite. You will want to have plenty of supplies, such as food and cooking tools, water, a first aid kit, and other essential items. A few of these sites are primitive, meaning you could be without water or electricity. However, the Yuba Lake Recreation Area is well-equipped, and there are amenities in most campground areas.
Among sites you'll find by searching for "BLM camping near me," the Yuba Lake Recreation Area is unique. It is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Utah. Whether you want a few more amenities or need a free place to camp, there are plenty of options in the area. Before you begin your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Always make sure to fill your tank and stock up on groceries before you arrive at the Yuba Lake Recreation Area. There are gas stations and grocery stores within a 15- to 30-minute drive, but their supplies may be limited, especially if you visit during peak summer season. Downloading your navigation maps is a smart move for easier traveling since several parts of the recreation area have limited cell service. When you stay at an on-site campground, your generator must be turned off from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. If you intend to launch a boat, you'll need to check the water levels since they can affect boat ramp access.
Leave No Trace 
You will want to preserve the beauty of the Yuba Lake Recreation Area for future generations. With that in mind, remember to abide by the Leave No Trace principles. You need to set up your RV so that it doesn't damage the local environment. You always want to place all waste in the proper receptacles. Make sure to keep the water clean by burying human and pet waste at least 200 feet from any water source. Along with that, respect others in this recreation area.
Yuba Lake Recreation Area Location
The Yuba Lake Recreation Area is near Yuba Lake State Park. It is about 25 miles south of Nephi, Utah. To get there from Nephi, take I-15 south for approximately 21 miles until you reach Exit 202. After exiting, follow Old Yuba Dam Road for 4.5 miles, and you'll arrive at your destination.
Ready to visit the Yuba Lake Recreation Area? 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 of 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.
Plan Your Day at Yuba Lake Recreation Area
• Morning: Start your day with a tasty meal you made using one of these RV breakfast recipes, and watch the sun rise over the reservoir. Use the later morning hours to do some fishing or kayaking before you head back to the RV for lunch. • Afternoon: The recreation area offers ample opportunity for boating, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from one of the local outfitters to explore the lake. • Evening: Check the current fire restrictions to make sure you can cook a meal over the campfire. The nighttime gives you a great chance to see the stars and constellations lighting up the Utah sky.
Nearby Attractions
• Little Sahara Recreation Area: This attraction, about 35 minutes away, is a popular destination for those who want to explore sand dunes. Many RV travelers bring their ATVs and other dune buggies here for a full day of excitement. • Nephi, Utah: Approximately 30 minutes away, Nephi is the city to visit when you need to restock on fuel, groceries, and other supplies. But there's lots more to do. If you're feeling adventurous, you can rise above it all at Skydive the Wasatch, the premier tandem drop zone in Utah. If you visit Nephi in July, you can take in the annual Ute Stampede Rodeo. • Fremont Indian State Park: Roughly an hour away, this park features ancient rock art and archaeological sites in addition to a museum showcasing the local Fremont culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reservations required for RV camping? Yes, you should book reservations if you want to stay at one of the developed campgrounds. You may find an open site without reservations if you plan to visit during the off-season, but you'll get a better selection if you book in advance. How many different campgrounds are there to choose from? One of the best aspects about visiting Yuba Lake Recreation Area is that you have four campground options to choose from: Oasis Campground, Painted Rocks Campground, North Beaches, and Eagle View Campground. Can I bring my Class A motorhome? Yes, there are several camping sites that can accommodate larger rigs, including those up to 90 feet. Just keep in mind that you'll want to avoid traveling to North Beaches in a large RV since the soft sand increases the risk of getting stuck. Is there a place to camp right on the beach in an RV? Yes, you're welcome to camp right on the beach when you stay at North Beaches, but you must be in a self-contained RV. Always pack plenty of fresh water and supplies because these sites don't have hookups or other campground amenities. Is Yuba Lake open year-round? Yes, you can come any time of the year. Many RV travelers choose to visit during the spring or summer since this is when the weather tends to be warmest and the reservoir offers ideal conditions for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water recreation. Are there stay limits? Yes. If you're staying at a campground, you'll generally have to abide by the 14-day stay limit. This means you can't camp for more than 14 days within any 28-day period.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
When you visit Yuba Lake, consider the type of RV you're renting and where you want to stay. If it's a Class A motorhome, you'll need to book a campsite at one of the developed campgrounds. To stay right on the shoreline, you'll need a smaller RV, like a Class B motorhome, with four-wheel drive to easily navigate the sandy access roads. A lot of RV travelers who stay here for a full two weeks will tow a passenger vehicle and then use it to travel back and forth to grocery stores and nearby attractions. Explore the different Provo RV rentals you can drive to enjoy a comfortable getaway at Yuba Lake Recreation Area.