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Payson Lakes Guard Station

Cabin

U.S. Forest Service · Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Managed byUinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
LocationPayson, Utah
Coordinates39.92472, -111.63306 · Map
Rental units1 cabin (electric)
Capacityup to 8 people
Check-in3:00 PM
Check-out12:00 PM
ADA accessN
Office phoneSPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT 801-798-3571 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

Fees

$159.00 - 8 people, 5 vehicles maximum

About this listing

Overview Payson Lakes Guard Station is located in the Uinta National Forest, approximately 13 miles south of Payson, Utah, along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway. The Guard Station was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 as part of the New Deal Program. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers the cabin for advance reservation so visitors can enjoy an experience similar to that of early Forest Rangers and their families. Recreation The nearby Payson Lakes Recreation Area offers great canoeing and kayaking. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout. There are many nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Facilities Payson Lakes Guard Station can accommodate up to 8 overnight guests : 4 in the main cabin and 4 in the bunk house . Up to 7 additional visitors may join during the day. Parking : Space for up to 5 family vehicles. Vehicles must stay on pavement Horses : The adjacent pasture can hold up to 8 horses. Stay Limits : Minimum stay is 2 nights, 3 nights on holidays, maximum is 7 nights. What to bring : Guests need to bring their own bedding, plates, and utensils, pots, pans, etc. Pets : Not allowed. Firewood : Bring your own or purchase at the campground. Collecting firewood is not allowed. Check-in : Guests must check in with the Payson Lakes Campground Host, who will escort them to the cabin Natural Features The Guard Station is nestled in a forest of aspen and Douglas fir trees at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Payson Lakes area includes McClelland, Box and Big East Lakes. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A variety of wildlife makes its home around the lakes. Nearby Attractions A popular day-use area is located on the shore of Big East Lake, with a small swim beach, picnic tables and flush toilets. A paved nature path begins at the parking area and circles the lake. The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, vibrant summer wildflowers and numerous trail opportunities. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, dense forests and colorful meadows. Devil's Kitchen Geological Area can be found along the loop. It offers a 1/2-mile round-trip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100. Charges & Cancellations Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. […]

Directions

From I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 East, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel south along the Nebo Loop Road 015 until you see the Payson Lakes Guard Station sign on the right. Proceed up the driveway and through the gate.

Source: Recreation.gov RIDB export, pulled November 5, 2026 · Listing last updated in source: 2026-08-11 · Booking and live availability: Recreation.gov (facility 251711).