THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
National Forest Recreation Area · Utah

Big Hollow Recreation Area

Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape of forests, open meadows, and waterways in northern Utah, providing visitors with abundant outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping.

National Forest Recreation Area5,2004+ Trails

Designation

National Forest Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

5,200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Big Hollow Recreation Area

Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a diverse landscape of forests, open meadows, and waterways in northern Utah, providing visitors with abundant outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Big Hollow Recreation Area is situated within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in northern Utah. This region features a mixture of coniferous forests, open grasslands, and several small lakes and streams, making it a habitat for diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and migratory birds. The area’s geography is defined by gently rolling hills and wide valleys, ideal for both day use and extended backcountry exploration. Historically, this land served as seasonal hunting and gathering grounds for Native American tribes and later as a resource base for early settlers, who utilized the meadows for grazing livestock. Today, Big Hollow is primarily appreciated for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, and fishing in its trout-stocked waters. Several well-maintained trails traverse through scenic groves of aspen and pine, giving visitors access to panoramic views and solitude. The recreation area includes developed campgrounds and dispersed camping sites, appealing to a range of outdoor enthusiasts. Its accessibility from nearby towns makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a quieter alternative to more crowded Utah destinations. Seasonal changes bring vibrant fall colors and winter snow, broadening activity options to include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The combination of natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for outdoor adventure makes Big Hollow Recreation Area a valued destination in the region.

Field Guide · National Forest Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Big Hollow Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Tranquil Waters at Hayden Fork★ 8.1⌖ 28 miFishing
Hayden Fork

Tranquil Waters at Hayden Fork

Visit Hayden Fork near Kamas, Utah for fishing and picnicking. Enjoy serene waters with nearby hiking trails. A fishing license is required. Ideal during summer, it's a peaceful spot away from busy crowds.

Hiking in the High Uinta Wilderness★ 8.2⌖ 34 miHiking
Highline Trailhead(Hayden Pass)

Hiking in the High Uinta Wilderness

Explore Highline Trailhead at Hayden Pass near Evanston, Wyoming. Access breathtaking mountain views and diverse wildlife in the High Uintas Wilderness. Ideal for hiking and camping, it's best visited in late spring through early autumn. Enjoy solitude in this remote and scenic area.

Tranquil Waters and Tall Pines at Watson Lake, Utah★ 7.0⌖ 38 miFishing
Watson Lake

Tranquil Waters and Tall Pines at Watson Lake, Utah

Watson Lake near Mount Pleasant, Utah offers an easy, peaceful spot for fishing, hiking, and paddling. Its calm waters, surrounded by pines and wildlife, make it a quiet escape from crowds. Best visited late spring through early fall for fishing and scenic hikes.

Enchanting Cascades at Upper Provo Falls★ 8.3⌖ 39 miHiking
Upper Provo Falls

Enchanting Cascades at Upper Provo Falls

Upper Provo Falls is a beautiful cascade in the Uinta Mountains, offering an easy, short walk from the parking area. Enjoy the serene waterfall views and family-friendly accessibility. Visit in late spring to early fall for the best experience.

Majestic Wilderness of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest★ 8.7⌖ 39 miHiking
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Majestic Wilderness of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Explore Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Highland, UT. Known for its challenging trails, stunning peaks, and rich biodiversity, it's a favorite among adventure seekers for hiking and camping. Best visited in late summer to fall.

Discover the Majestic Wasatch Range★ 8.8⌖ 45 miSkiing
Wasatch Range

Discover the Majestic Wasatch Range

Explore the majestic Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, Utah. Busy in winter, this area offers skiing, hiking, and climbing. Known for its scenic beauty, adventurous trails, and wildlife, it's perfect for adventure seekers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Big Hollow Trailhead offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and meadows✦ Diverse wildlife habitat including frequent elk and deer sightings✦ Multiple trout-stocked lakes ideal for fishing and paddle sports✦ Secluded backcountry campsites providing quiet and natural immersion
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Big Hollow Recreation Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Big Hollow Recreation Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Big Hollow Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permit required for day use; camping may require reservations and fees

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Big Hollow Recreation Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Big Hollow Campground

Located near the main trailhead with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to amenities; popular for family camping

Silver Lake Campground

Small, rustic site adjacent to Silver Lake providing a quiet fishing basecamp with minimal facilities

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Big Hollow Recreation Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Evanston
⌖ 17.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Evanston, Wyoming

A high-desert gateway boasting wild landscapes and outdoor pursuits in southwestern Wyoming.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Kemmerer
⌖ 42.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kemmerer, Wyoming

A serene high-desert escape offering paleontological treasures and tranquil outdoor exploration opportunities in southwest Wyoming.

Randolph
⌖ 43.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Randolph, Utah

A quiet, high-elevation gateway to rugged backcountry with access to alpine hiking, pristine lakes, and winter snow sports in Utah’s Bear River Mountains.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Echo
⌖ 43.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Echo, Utah

A small historic community offering rugged open spaces and quiet access point to water and mountain adventures along the Wasatch Back.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for backcountry skiingExplore Town
Peoa
⌖ 47.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peoa, Utah

A quiet mountain town serving as a gateway to rugged wilderness, offering authentic backcountry adventures with a blend of tranquility and challenge.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Kamas
⌖ 49.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kamas, Utah

A welcoming gateway to the High Uintas, offering thrilling outdoor experiences for hikers, bikers, paddlers, and winter sport enthusiasts.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Big Hollow Recreation Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.