About SKULL CREEK
Overview Skull Creek Campground is located about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah near Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on local trails and boating, fishing and swimming on the reservoir.Recreation Red Canyon and Greens Lake are nearby. Canoeing and fishing for rainbow and brook trout are popular activities at Greens Lake. The Red Canyon Rim Trail is a great place for hiking, biking and wildlife watching. The Red Canyon Visitor Center offers interpretive displays and area information. Red Canyon Lodge is situated on the shore of Greens Lake. Canoe and bike rentals, horseback riding, a restaurant and gift shop are available.Facilities The campground contains 17 single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. There is no drinking water available.Natural Features Skull Creek lies in a hillside forested with ponderosa pines and aspens near Flaming Gorge Reservoir at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The campground is partially shaded. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Nearby Attractions Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is known not only for its beautiful red cliffs, but also for its world-class fishing for lake, brown and rainbow trout. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving are popular activities on the reservoir. Flaming Gorge Dam offers guided tours of the working hydroelectric plant and the dam itself; The adjacent visitor center contains area history exhibits. The Green River below the dam provides spectacular rafting opportunities. A trip down the river offers unique geology, outlaw history and Native American rock art. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
How to Get There
Located off Highway 44, just west of the junction of Highways 44 and 191 in the Flaming Gorge area, about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah.
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
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 SKULL CREEK
Heading to SKULL CREEK? 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 SKULL CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for SKULL CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233819) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SKULL CREEK?
Located off Highway 44, just west of the junction of Highways 44 and 191 in the Flaming Gorge area, about 35 miles north of Vernal, Utah.
How do I contact SKULL CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-784-3445 or email: Help.Ashley.DutchJohn@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
