Mineral Basin Dispersed, near Salt Lake City, Utah, is a rugged spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in nature. This area offers a primitive camping experience, where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors without the distractions of modern amenities.

The location is known for its stunning views and peaceful surroundings, making it a favorite for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Visitors have highlighted the beauty of the dirt roads leading up to the area, with some noting, “The ride up to Mineral Basin was dirt roads with amazing views.” Just be prepared for a bit of noise from ATVs, especially on busy weekends.

While there are no facilities like restrooms or drinking water, the natural setting compensates for it. Campers appreciate the flat spots for tents and the established fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. One happy camper shared, “We woke up to the noises of the wildlife around us, and the beautiful sunrise over the mountains.”

For those looking to stretch their legs, there are hiking trails nearby, including the Pittsburgh Lakes trailhead. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Mineral Basin Dispersed offers a chance to reconnect with nature in a beautiful, albeit rustic, setting.

Mineral Basin Dispersed

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Alta, UT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Alta is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Alta

The Best Camping Near Alta, Utah

**Campground Review:** Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City. If you have ever skied Snowbird, this camping area is the same as the backside and keep going down. This area is beautiful and primitive camping. Resulting in two major points: It is free and in order to keep it nice, please pack out what you pack in!! We accessed this area via the east side and Wasatch State Park and Midway, UT. It is a long dirt road which is relatively maintained. There is a lot of side by side activity on these roads so some of the corners have been banked/rutted out but a non-lowered vehicle should be able to navigate the roads with only a few bottom scrapes.(If you want to drive a bit higher into Mineral Basin than our campsite, a high clearance or off-road vehicle is required). We have seen tents as well as trailers camping in this area(as long as you are comfortable pulling your trailer on unpaved mountain roads). The campsite we chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream. The flowing water provided some great ambiance and white noise while we slept. As with other primitive camping, there is nothing here with regards to amenities with the exception of an established fire ring. Our site did have a nice flat spot dug out but that may not be the case for all the spots. We brought everything we needed for a one-night excursion and couldn't have had a better time. There are some hiking trails nearby (Pittsburgh Lakes trailhead was just a little farther up the road from us) and lots of open space for my husband to run the dog out by chasing his RC car. We visited in September before the leaves started to change, but fall would be a beautiful time to camp, but be prepared for cold once the sun goes down. Overall, this is my type of camping--primitive and isolated to enjoy being outside. 

  

**Gear Review:** Banner &amp; Oak Apparel and Hats

As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get the awesome opportunity to test out gear once in a while. While I was in Mineral Basin, I had the chance to try out a shirt as well as a hat from Banner and Oak. Being a busty female, I am always hesitant to purchase female cut clothing online as sizing is so inconsistent I can never be sure of it fitting. However, I was very surprised (and pleased) to have the [Coyote - Indigo](https://bannerandoak.com/collections/shirts-ladies/products/coyote-indigo) shirt not only fit but was comfortable. The female cut with shorter sleeves and contoured sides made me feel like I was wearing a comfy tee without the boxy feel. The material is a soft jersey blend which didn't shrink when washed. I think this is going to be my go-to shirt for everyday summer wear as well as my outdoor adventures. I also purchased a few hats. Because I was not too excited about the ladies hats (the only design I liked was in pink and I am not a pink kinda gal), I purchased the men's [Bighorn - Khaki](https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats/products/bighorn-khaki) for myself and the [Switchback - Gray](https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats/products/switchback-gray) for my husband. The [Bighorn](https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats/products/bighorn-khaki)  has a curved brim which the Switchback is a flat brim. Both have adjustable mesh backs but if you tighten it too much it will look a little funny. These are definitely men's hats as they crown is taller but I didn't mind it. The construction of these hats is very sturdy--the crown is solid and won't become misshapen if it is caught in the rain (or left out for morning dew like mine was). I also liked the color scheme which as earthy and outdoorsy--definitely that go-to hat for outdoor adventures. The only negative I found is the brim inside will need to be worn in a little as the build it rigid and the fabric is a little scratchy as it is more of a canvas material. Overall, Banner and Oak has created a great line of products which are fashionable, comfortable, and most importantly durable to keep up with the outdoor enthusiast.

Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Apparel at Mineral Basin Dispersed

Not a terrible place for a quick get away. Came up for 2days and had a solid time. Lots of traffic going up and down the mountain roads. Kind of loud. Bathroom wasnt far away of that tickles your fancy.


Crowded paradise

Great camping spot, lots of great hiking too

Beautiful

So this campsite we ended up finding last minute in a desperate attempt to find somewhere close as night fell. And let me just say, we couldn’t have asked for a better campsite. The area was very easy to find, although the directions don’t exactly lead you to the right spot. It’s actually a turn farther up the road where you take a right instead of a left, the left leads you to an area where camping is forbidden and is used as a horse trail. Luckily as we had arrived so late and it was dark, a couple of horseback riders just pointed us farther down the road and we quickly found a spot. However, you have to make sure to self-pay at the little turnout before the campsite for a US pass, I think the fee was about $6 but our annual pass was an acceptable form of payment. The campsite was well maintained (as much as you can expect from dispersed camping) with a little fire pit and a flat space clear of rocks. We woke up to the noises of the wildlife around us, and the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. A very enjoyable stay, and would recommend to anyone! 

A foresty safe haven! 

The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful. Very quiet and peaceful, great place to get back to nature and forget about day to day things. Highly recommend this area.

Mineral Basin Uinta national forest

This is our go to camping spot when we want to get outside, but not drive too far from the city. You can still feel secluded, even though it fills up quickly on the weekends. Beware, you will be awakened by atvs fairly early. 

Secluded camping yet still close. 

We came up looking for a last minute site on the 4th. Most of the road was closed and we grabbed the last spot. Loads of ATVs and lots of trash. That said, it was the 4th. Only about 8 sites open with the road closure. 

Noisy and Dirty - road closure

We couldn’t access early June road still closed past the ski resort.

Photos of Mineral Basin Dispersed

Real photos from real campers