Flaming Gorge / Manila KOA Journey Blog
Come catch your million dollar view! Booking Now for 2024
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
In Manila on Hwy 43:
From I-80 going E, take the Ft Bridger Exit 34.
From I-80 going W, take the Green River Hwy 530 Exit. (Do not take Hwy 191.) From I-15 going N, take the I-80 E Exit.
Watch your GPS! Sometimes it is incorrect. If coming from Vernal and you are at the intersection of HWY 43 and 44, go west (left). We are just up the road on the right hand side!
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If there’s one thing locals can agree upon in Manila, Utah, it’s the old adage: “If you don’t like the weather now, wait 15 minutes and it’ll be totally different”.
This has been especially true this spring, as we have flipped back and forth between crazy wind, beautiful sunny days, and snowstorms seemingly out of nowhere! Planning around this kind of weather may seem impossible. However, these unexpected twists and turns can turn into some of the best days, as long as you’re willing to roll with the punches. Here are some tips for making amazing memories on days when the forecast is less than ideal.
To make the best of your day, start early. Weather here in the mountains, especially in the summer, often follows a monsoon pattern. Days will start beautifully, and by 1:00 or 2:00 in the afternoon, clouds will roll in. Rain and lighting is not uncommon. Knowing this pattern will save you a mad dash for the car! Wait until evening, because summer storms often roll out after only a couple of hours.
Windy days are perfect for sightseeing. The local area hosts many beautiful viewpoints that can be seen from the comfort of your vehicle. Check out views along HWY 44 and the Sheep Creek Geological Loop (currently only open on the weekends). While you’re out, consider stopping in at the Red Canyon and Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Centers. Both offer amazing views and interesting natural and historical information on the area, as well as the chance to see wildlife, like bighorn sheep, bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and elk.
Swing into nearby Vernal. About an hour and a quarter away, Vernal is home to many amazing indoor and outdoor activities. Visit the Utah Field House of Natural History for fun for the whole family. Head a little further east and check out the Quarry Exhibit Hall in Dinosaur National Monument, and perhaps take a hike to see fossils in the wild. Catch a movie at the theater or go bowling before heading back up to Manila.
On your way back from out and about, grab lunch or dinner from a local restaurant. Manila is host to Browning’s, The Hub, and The Gorge. Check online for hours.
If the weather brings you back to the KOA, fear not! Check out a game from the store, grab a book from the free book exchange, or catch up on chores in the laundry room.
This list is hardly exhaustive! For more suggestions for fun things to do, ask anyone in a yellow shirt. We’re here to help you have a great time while visiting the area!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
