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Birches Picnic Area in Utah
Hard to BookNational Forest

Birches Picnic Area

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah

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As of September 2026, Birches Picnic Area is a campground in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah with 6 campsites. Birches Picnic Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Birches Picnic Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Birches Picnic Area is located at 40.6230° N, 111.7569° W.
people allowed on each site
8

Birches Picnic Area reservations and next available dates

September 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Taxes apply
  • Maximum consecutive stay: 1 consecutive nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Birches Picnic Area, read on September 25, 2026.

Campsites at Birches Picnic Area

  • Standard 6
  • Hookups 6

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, climbing, photography.

All sites at Birches Picnic Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Birches loop.

SiteTypeSleepsHookups
01Standard8Electric
02Standard8Electric
03Standard8Electric
04Standard8Electric
05Standard8Electric
06Standard8Electric

About Birches Picnic Area

Overview

Birches Picnic Area is 15 miles from Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Vistors enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking.

Recreation

Big Cottonwood Creek is stocked for trout fishing and is a favorite among local fly-fisherman. Additionally, many hiking and mountain biking trailheads are located in the canyon.

Facilities

Birches has 6 picnic sites, all with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills. Pathways within the area are paved.

Natural Features

Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Summer wildflowers paint the canyon with vivid color beginning in late July. Autumn leaves put on quite a show in late September.

Nearby Attractions

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a beautiful area known for its soaring peaks, pristine hidden lakes and cascading streams. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails are in the area. Rock climbing is a popular activity as well. Solitude Mountain Resort is 11.5 miles up-canyon, offering scenic chairlift rides, hiking, a few dining options and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course.

Rules and notices at Birches Picnic Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 25, 2026. Check Birches Picnic Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

This Campground is in Bear Country,

- Always store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife.

- Failure to comply can result in fines up to $5,000 , removal from your campsite and/or imprisonment.

- Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear ; your actions can save lives.

Dogs are NOT allowed (only service animals) and owner may be fined $650.

This is a watershed area;

- Visitors will be fined for bringing domestic pets or livestock into the area.

- Wading and playing in the water is not allowed.

Picnic Area Etiquette and Rules:

- Gates open at 7a.m. Gates close at 10p.m.

- Picnicking is allowed only within the designated space provided. Do not go beyond the boundaries of your site.

- Maximum occupancy is 8 people per single site.

- Off-road vehicles are not allowed in the canyon.

- Leave No Trace

- Put all garbage in dumpsters, when provided, or properly stored in vehicle or bear box.

- Remove all personal property and trash when leaving.

- Unclean campsites will be reported to the district ranger LEO

- Leaving food/trash in an unoccupied campsite may result in a $5,000 fine.

- Do not put garbage or fish waste in toilets.

- Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited. Discharging of a firearm in the campground is not allowed.

- No amplified music is allowed in USDA Forest Service campgrounds and facilities. People come to the campgrounds for peace and quiet.

There are no electrical , water, or sewer hookups available at this location.

Please bring your own drinking water.

First Come First Served (FF) sites

- You must claim a FF site in person on the day you wish to check in.

- A site listed as FF does not guarantee availability, Recreation.gov does not update FF occupancy in real time.

- The only way to know if an FF site is available is to arrive at the campground on the day you plan to check in.

- Availability cannot be predicted.

- Many sites are in remote locations, we cannot contact camp hosts about availability.

- Recommended arrival times vary by day. But weekends and holidays typically fill more quickly.

- To claim an FF site, you must be physically present, occupy the site, and pay at that time.

- There is no waiting list for FF sites.

Max Vehicle Length includes tow vehicle

Please understand that camping/picnicking is an outdoor experience; therefore, we do not give refunds or credits for weather or natural conditions.

Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org

For more information on camping and picnicking in Bear Country visit:

- wildawareutah.org

- wildlife.utah.gov

For campground Rules and Regulations visit gocamputah.com/rules

Click here for more info about the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

- For more information, please call Salt Lake Ranger District at 801-733-2660 opt 1 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100

- Visit our website gocamputah.com or Facebook facebook.com/letsgocamputah

- To reserve a campsite call Recreation.gov reservation line 1-877-444-6777

Please note: Utah Recreation is not responsible for accident or injury to any person or property resulting from the use of this facility and is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables of any kind. The user of this permit assumes full and complete responsibility for the conduct and actions of all members in their party.

Birches Picnic Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Birches Picnic Area?

Birches Picnic Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Birches Picnic Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Birches Picnic Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Birches Picnic Area have?

Birches Picnic Area has 6 campsites.

More campgrounds in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

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