Panguitch Lake

Panguitch Lake Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Panguitch, Utah. Some of the state's largest rainbow trout are fished from the lake each year, and aptly so; "Panguitch" comes from the Paiute word meaning "big fish." Visitors also enjoy canoeing and exploring the Panguitch Lake OHV Trail System. The lake offers great fishing for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout, and canoeing and kayaking are popular. Two public boat ramps are located on the lake, one on the south shore and the other on the north shore at Wildlife Point. The Markagunt OHV trail system at Panguitch Lake offers 300 miles of routes and trails. Other activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting. The campground is located on both the north side and the south side of the highway. Panguitch Lake north is the larger of the two, with single and double campsites and three group sites; the south side is strictly for tent camping and first-come, first-served. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hook-ups available, so fill your tanks at the dump station just east of the campground before setting up. A horseshoe pit and a volleyball court are on-site, though campers must provide their own net and ball, and an amphitheater near the Panguitch group site is available upon request. The campground road and parking spurs are paved, and accessible sites are available on the north side. There is no OHV access in or out of the campground, including street legal; all OHVs must be trailered. The lake is situated high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8,400 feet. A forest of ponderosa pines covers the campground, which lies on a hillside about a quarter-mile above the lake. Deer and elk are often seen in the area. The lake's two public boat landings are less than 5 minutes from the campground, and great fishing from both a boat and the shore, or just hanging out on the beach, is enjoyed by many. Cedar Breaks National Monument is 14 miles away, with hiking trails, guided tours, wildflower walks, star gazing and awesome views of the Cedar Breaks Amphitheater. Just outside Cedar Breaks is the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area, where hikers will find 10 miles of trails and the Twisted Forest, a stand of ancient bristlecone pine. Bryce Canyon National Park is 30 minutes away, with breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking and horse riding opportunities.