Big Hollow Recreation Area wilderness guide
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 60 miles.

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, Wyoming
⌖ 17.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Evanston, Wyoming

Evanston offers a high-desert adventure hub with access to the Uinta Mountains. Ideal for hikers, bikers, and anglers, explore trails, fish streams, or paddle the Bear River in untamed Wyoming.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Kemmerer, Wyoming
⌖ 42.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kemmerer, Wyoming

Kemmerer offers a unique adventure for fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With opportunities for fossil hunting, wildlife watching, and exploring remote trails, this Wyoming town is a hidden gem for outdoor aficionados.

Randolph, Utah
⌖ 43.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Randolph, Utah

Randolph, Utah, is a peaceful mountain town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking alpine hiking, fishing, and winter snowshoeing in the Bear River Mountains. It offers a quiet basecamp close to the High Uintas Wilderness and pristine wildlife areas.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Echo, Utah
⌖ 43.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Echo, Utah

Echo, Utah, is a quiet gateway to Wasatch outdoor adventures with hiking, mountain biking, paddling on Echo Reservoir, and backcountry skiing in winter. This small town offers peaceful camping and rugged canyon vistas for all seasons.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for backcountry skiing
Explore Town
Peoa, Utah
⌖ 47.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peoa, Utah

Peoa, Utah, is a peaceful mountain gateway offering hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, fishing, and camping. Its location near the Wasatch Mountains makes it perfect for travelers seeking rugged outdoor adventures off the main tourist track.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Kamas, Utah
⌖ 49.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kamas, Utah

Kamas, a gateway to the High Uintas, offers breathtaking outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and winter sports amid stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife.

Summer and Fall
Explore 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.