Strawberry Reservoir sits at 7,600 feet in a broad mountain valley south of Heber City, holding cutthroat trout that regularly push past 20 inches. The water covers over 17,000 acres when full, making it the largest reservoir in the Wasatch Range and one of the most productive fisheries in the western United States. On a calm morning in June, you can count 40 boats spread across the south arm before the wind picks up.
The reservoir draws anglers from across Utah and the surrounding states. Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon are the primary species. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources manages it as a trophy fishery, stocking cutthroat and rainbow trout annually while maintaining strict slot limits to protect the big fish. Camping at the reservoir itself is limited to Forest Service campgrounds with vault toilets and no hookups. For anglers and families who want full amenities, a real bed option, or a site they can actually reserve months ahead, the nearest full-service RV park is Roam Uinta in Kamas, about 40 minutes north via Highway 35 and Highway 40.
Why the Strawberry Reservoir Corridor Works
A Legitimately Elite Fishery
Utah’s DWR classifies Strawberry as a blue-ribbon fishery. Cutthroat trout average 15 to 18 inches, with fish over 22 inches caught regularly. Rainbow trout run similar sizes. Kokanee salmon (landlocked sockeye) school in the deeper water from late summer through fall, and the kokanee run draws a separate crowd of dedicated anglers who troll with downriggers and flasher rigs. The state record Bonneville cutthroat (26 inches) came from this water.
Accessible Shore Fishing and Boat Ramps
You do not need a boat. The Soldier Creek arm, Strawberry Bay, and the inlet areas along the Strawberry River all offer walk-in shore fishing with decent access. Wading anglers work the shallows in spring and fall when trout push into skinny water to feed. Strawberry Bay Marina operates a concrete ramp, dock, boat rentals, and a small store, and Soldier Creek and Renegade Point also have launch facilities.
Trails and Drives Beyond the Water
ATV trails branch out from Cedar Hollow trailhead, about 1 mile from Roam Uinta, connecting through Mill Hollow and Soapstone Basin toward the reservoir. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway starts in Kamas and climbs to 10,715 feet, passing dozens of alpine lakes and trailheads into the High Uintas Wilderness. Park City is 30 minutes west with restaurants, shopping, and year-round activities.
Explore More Nearby
More RV parks and campgrounds near you:
Roam Uinta RV Resort by RJourney
Roam Uinta sits on the Provo River just outside Kamas, at the junction of Highway 35 and the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. The river runs through the property, and sites 2 through 6 back directly onto the water. Those riverside spots are the reason repeat guests book 1 to 2 years in advance. The park was Knotty Pine Campground before joining the Roam brand and the RJourney network.
GM Becka Kangas runs a park that functions more like a destination than a stopover. The guest profile skews toward families from the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake, Provo, Park City) who treat Roam Uinta as their annual mountain camp, with family reunions a regular fixture. For Strawberry Reservoir anglers specifically, the park’s position on Highway 35 puts you on a direct route to the reservoir. You can fish a morning session at Strawberry Bay, be back at your site by early afternoon, and spend the rest of the day on the Provo River or in the pool. The footprint is 62 RV sites, a nightly cottage, retro RV rentals, long-term cabins, and 8 tent sites, with both 30 and 50-amp service.
Sites & Hookups
The park’s defining feature is its riverside row. Sites 2 through 6 back directly onto the Provo, which means you can fish from your camp chair if you draw one. Those sites are the most-requested at the park, and repeat guests book them 1 to 2 years out.
Beyond the riverside row: 62 RV sites total, with full-hookup pull-throughs and back-ins on dirt-and-gravel pads. The park is big-rig friendly to 40-plus feet, with both 30 and 50-amp service. Sites 78 through 83 are power-only (no water or sewer), and sites 32, 33, and 47 are full hookups without sewer. Water pressure runs a deliberate 40 PSI park-wide because the infrastructure is older. 8 tent sites cluster in a grass area near the road with 1 water spigot and no power, 1 tent per reservation. The park is open year-round; winter-ready sites have wrapped, heat-taped spigots, and heated public restrooms with showers stay open all winter. A dump station is on-site for a $20 fee.
What's On-Site
The amenities here lean toward what you actually want after a day on the river or the trail. The swimming pool opens Memorial Day through the end of September, 10 AM to 9 PM, with a $5 day pass for non-guests. A seasonal hot tub rounds out the water amenities; confirm current status with the front desk. The clubhouse anchors the social side with a pool table, fireplace, sitting area, and TV, and it is rentable for guest events. The camp store carries firewood ($10 per bundle, no outside wood), food, ice cream, coffee, RV supplies, and basics.
The 24-hour laundry has 2 washers and 2 dryers with a change machine for quarters. The bathhouse has 3 shower stalls in each of the men’s and women’s restrooms, ADA compliant, code-entry, open 24 hours. Other on-property amenities: a basketball court, direct Provo River access, and fire rings at most sites. Gold panning classes happen seasonally, and the park runs Easter egg hunts in spring, live band nights through summer, a hunters’ opening day brunch in fall, Halloween RV decorating contests, and a Friendsgiving potluck. Propane is not on-site; the closest fill is the 7-Eleven in Kamas, about 8 miles away.
What Guests Say
4.3 stars across 284 Google reviews. Reviews consistently mention the riverfront sites, the staff, and the location as the main draws. Guests describe a place where kids can run free, the fishing is right outside the tent flap, and the mountain air at 7,000 feet makes you sleep better than you have in months. The repeat booking rate tells the story: when guests find a riverside site they like, they hold onto it 1 to 2 years out. GM Becka Kangas and Matthew (grounds and maintenance) keep the property clean and running, and multiple reviews point to the personal attention from staff that is easier to deliver at a smaller, destination-focused park.
Other Campgrounds Near Strawberry Reservoir
The Forest Service and Utah State Parks operate several campgrounds in the Strawberry Reservoir area. Availability and policies change, so reserve ahead and confirm before making plans.
Strawberry Bay Campground (USFS)
The largest developed campground at the reservoir, with over 100 sites near the marina. No showers, no electric, no water hookups, so bring everything you need. Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov and fill quickly for summer weekends. Visit website.
Soldier Creek Campground (USFS)
Smaller and quieter than Strawberry Bay, with good shore fishing access along the Soldier Creek arm. Vault toilets and no hookups. Reservable through Recreation.gov. Visit website.
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle Reservoir offers RV sites with hookups, tent camping, and a swim beach, plus kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterskiing. A different kind of water day from the fishing focus at Strawberry. Reserve through Utah State Parks. Visit website.
Things to Do Near Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir is the main event: cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon in a 17,000-acre reservoir at 7,600 feet. Shore fishing is productive from Strawberry Bay, Soldier Creek, and the river inlets. Boat anglers troll the deeper water with lures and downriggers, especially for kokanee from August through October. Strawberry Bay Marina rents boats and sells bait and tackle. A Utah fishing license is required, and special regulations apply, so check the current proclamation for slot limits and bait restrictions, as they change by species and season. Closer to camp, the middle Provo River through the Kamas valley is some of Utah’s best fly water, with brown and rainbow trout responding to dry flies and nymphs depending on the hatch.
Cedar Hollow trailhead sits about 1 mile from Roam Uinta, with trails branching into Mill Hollow, Soapstone Basin, and toward Strawberry Reservoir, from easy forest roads to more technical single-track. The 65-mile Mirror Lake Scenic Byway from Kamas to Evanston, Wyoming, crosses Bald Mountain Pass at 10,715 feet, usually open from late May or early June through October, with a $6 day-use fee. Trailheads along the byway access the High Uintas Wilderness, home to Kings Peak (13,528 feet, Utah’s highest point), with day hikes to Lofty Lake, Cliff Lake, and Notch Lake.
Park City is 30 minutes west on Highway 248, with restaurants, galleries, shops, summer mountain biking and alpine slides, and 2002 Winter Olympic venues open for tours. The Heber Valley Railroad, 30 minutes southwest in Heber City, runs a vintage steam train through Provo Canyon and along Deer Creek Reservoir with themed rides throughout the year. Jordanelle State Park, about 20 minutes west of Kamas, offers a swim beach, kayaking, and paddleboarding for a different kind of water day.
Camping Season Near Strawberry Reservoir
Late May / June
The reservoir ice comes off in late April to mid-May. Fishing heats up immediately as trout move into the shallows to feed after ice-out. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway usually opens between late May and mid-June. Nights at 7,000 feet still drop into the 30s, and the pool at Roam Uinta opens around Memorial Day. Daytime highs reach the 70s at Kamas elevation. Book early for weekends.
July
Peak season. Pioneer Day (July 24) is the busiest weekend of the year and everything fills. Highs in the 80s at Kamas, 60s and 70s at reservoir and Mirror Lake elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, usually clearing by evening. Book riverside sites at Roam Uinta months in advance.
August / September
Still peak through mid-August. Kokanee salmon fishing picks up at Strawberry as the fish stage for their fall spawning run, best with downriggers and flasher setups. In September the aspens turn gold and orange along Highway 35 and the Mirror Lake corridor, hunters arrive as deer and elk seasons open, and Roam Uinta runs its hunters’ opening day brunch. Fewer families, more anglers and hunters.
October / November
The byway closes when snow makes it impassable, typically in October. Strawberry Reservoir fishing remains productive through October, with big cutthroat feeding aggressively before winter. Halloween events at Roam Uinta and the Friendsgiving potluck round out the season. The park stays open year-round with winter rates.
Practical Tips for Camping Near Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry has special fishing regulations that differ from general Utah rules. Slot limits, bait restrictions, and catch limits vary by species and are updated annually. Check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook from the Division of Wildlife Resources before you go. Getting this wrong can mean a citation.
Roam Uinta sits at 7,000 feet, the reservoir at 7,600, and the byway tops 10,700. Drink more water than usual, expect alcohol to hit harder and sunburn to happen faster, and give yourself a day to acclimate before strenuous activity.
Even in July, mornings at 7,000 feet start in the 40s or 50s, and wind off the reservoir drops the temperature another 10 degrees. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least 30 degrees and a warm layer for mornings on the boat.
Riverside sites at Roam Uinta and USFS campgrounds at the reservoir book weeks to months ahead for summer weekends. If you want a specific site, do not wait.
Strawberry Bay ramp gets crowded on summer weekends. Launch before 7 AM or wait until mid-morning when the early crowd heads in. Soldier Creek ramp is less busy but farther from the main fishing areas.
Verizon works at Roam Uinta and along most of the Kamas valley; T-Mobile and AT&T have weak to no signal. WiFi at the park is Starlink-based, suitable for browsing but not streaming. At the reservoir, cell service is spotty across all carriers, so download maps before you leave camp.
Available at the camp store at Roam Uinta. Do not transport firewood from other areas; Utah takes invasive pest prevention seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Roam Uinta from Strawberry Reservoir?
About 40 minutes south via Highway 35 and Highway 40. Roam Uinta in Kamas is the nearest full-service RV park to the reservoir, offering full hookups, a pool, and Provo River access. The Forest Service campgrounds at the reservoir have vault toilets and no hookups.
What fish are in Strawberry Reservoir?
Cutthroat trout (Bonneville and Bear Lake strains), rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Cutthroat average 15 to 18 inches, with fish over 22 inches caught regularly. Kokanee salmon run from August through October. The reservoir is managed as a trophy fishery by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Can I fish from shore at Strawberry Reservoir?
Yes. Strawberry Bay, the Soldier Creek arm, and the river inlet areas all offer walk-in shore fishing. Wading anglers work the shallows in spring and fall when trout push into skinny water. You do not need a boat to catch fish here, though boat anglers can access deeper structure and open-water kokanee.
Do I need a boat to fish Strawberry Reservoir?
No. Shore fishing is productive, especially in spring right after ice-off and in fall. A boat expands your options significantly, particularly for kokanee salmon and deep-water trout. Strawberry Bay Marina rents fishing boats during the season.
What types of sites does Roam Uinta have?
RV sites (full and partial hookup), 8 tent sites, a nightly cottage (Cottage C2 has a queen bed, a loft with 4 twins, and a kitchen), 2 retro RV rentals, and 8 long-term cabins. Riverside RV sites (2 through 6) are the most popular and book the farthest in advance.
Is there cell service at Roam Uinta?
Verizon has good reception at the park. T-Mobile and AT&T have little to no signal. The park offers Starlink WiFi, which handles browsing and email but is not built for streaming video. Download what you need before you arrive.
When is the best time to fish Strawberry Reservoir?
Ice-off in late April to mid-May triggers aggressive feeding, making spring one of the best windows. Summer fishing is consistent from boats. Kokanee salmon fishing peaks August through October. Fall brings trophy cutthroat feeding heavily before winter. Ice fishing runs from December through March for those willing to brave the cold.
Can I bring my ATV to Roam Uinta?
Yes. Cedar Hollow trailhead is about 1 mile from the park and connects to an extensive trail network through Mill Hollow, Soapstone Basin, and toward Strawberry Reservoir. The trails do not connect directly to the campground, but Cedar Hollow is 1 mile down the road.
Book Your Base Camp for Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry Reservoir holds the kind of fish that make you set an alarm for 5 AM on vacation: cutthroat trout pushing past 20 inches, kokanee salmon schooling in the deep water, rainbow trout cruising the shallows after ice-off. The reservoir does the hard work of getting people to this corner of Utah, and Roam Uinta gives them a place to stay that matches the quality of the water. You are on the Provo River at 7,000 feet, with a pool for the afternoons and two distinct fisheries within 40 minutes of each other. Nightly rates start at $42, and year-round monthly rates run $800 to $950 plus a flat utility fee.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Roam Uinta RV Resort page.
Book Your Site (435) 214-1452