About LOWER BOWNS
Overview Lower Bowns Campground is located on the east side of Boulder Mountain on the shore of Lower Bowns Reservoir at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring local trails. View Lower Bowns Campground Map Recreation Popular activities in the area include hiking, biking, hunting and riding the Rosebud ATV Trail. Lower Bowns Reservoir offers boating, canoeing and fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout.Facilities This campground contains three accessible sites: one group site can accommodate up to 50 people, and two single sites can each accommodate up to 10 people. Vault toilets are provided, and roads and parking spurs throughout the site are gravel.Natural Features The campground is sparsely forested with pinyon pines and juniper, which offer only limited shade. Boulder Mountain lies to the west of the site, and Capitol Reef National Park's Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains lie to the east. Nearby Attractions Capitol Reef National Park is just 45 minutes from the campground. This unique park offers excellent hiking trails, historic sites and breathtaking scenery. Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to gaze upon stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.
How to Get There
From Torrey, Utah, take Highway 24 approximately one mile east to the junction with Highway 12. Turn right and travel 16 miles to Forest Road 186. Take FR 186 5 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LOWER BOWNS
Heading to LOWER BOWNS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LOWER BOWNS?
No central reservation system listed for LOWER BOWNS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233149) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LOWER BOWNS?
From Torrey, Utah, take Highway 24 approximately one mile east to the junction with Highway 12. Turn right and travel 16 miles to Forest Road 186. Take FR 186 5 miles to the campground.
How do I contact LOWER BOWNS?
You can reach the park at email: dihunn1@aim.com.
References & Official Resources
