Camping areas near Alpine, Utah range from 6,400 to 7,400 feet elevation with significant temperature variations even in summer. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s during peak summer months, requiring appropriate sleeping gear regardless of daytime heat. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from 10 PM until 7 AM with enforcement varying by location.
What to do
Fish stocked reservoirs: Granite Flat Campground provides access to two nearby reservoirs perfect for fishing. "Really nice spots with lots of trees and shade. This is really close to some really good hikes like Stewart Falls, and tibble fork reservoir just minutes for your camp site," mentions Brad B., who recommends calling ahead during busy summer months.
Explore cave systems: The campsite near Alpine, Utah at Little Mill Campground positions you minutes from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. "The perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. What more could a camper want?" writes Stacy R., who appreciated the peaceful ambiance despite proximity to roads.
Snowshoe winter camping: For winter enthusiasts, Spruces Campground offers winter access when properly prepared. "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at! You can also stay here during the summer just be prepared to book a couple months in advance," notes Shilah M., highlighting the campground's year-round potential.
What campers like
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers at camping spots near Alpine often encounter deer and occasionally moose wandering through campsites. "We live in the Valley but need a getaway for a weekend and this was perfect. Not only was it less than 20 min from our house we felt as if we were lost in the wilderness. We saw moose, went fishing, and even stopped for icecream at stone hass in the solitude village right up the street," shares Andy M. about his stay at Spruces Campground.
River sounds: Campers frequently mention the soothing background noise from streams. "We LOVED Little Mill! It's the perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. We had a great tent site that was on the side near the mountain and across from us were campsites next to the road and the river. We did not hear any road noise at all, just the sound of wind in the trees and the water flowing," notes a reviewer.
Escape without distance: Willow Park Campground offers proximity with isolation for quick getaways. "This is just down the street from our house but it's a fun place for family, neighborhood and scout camp outs any time of year. Great trails, playground, river access, and lots of room to spread out!!" explains Jeremy H., highlighting how even local camping provides mental separation from daily routines.
What you should know
Road noise impacts: Highway sounds affect certain campsites, particularly those closest to scenic drives. "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it," reports Myrna G. about her experience at Little Mill, suggesting noise-sensitive campers request sites farther from roadways.
Gate closure enforcement: Several campgrounds implement strict entrance policies. "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in," warns Brad B. about Timpooneke Campground, a practice common at multiple locations to minimize noise and late arrivals.
Differing pet policies: Not all campgrounds permit pets, with watershed protection areas having strictest regulations. "Tanners flat is a close trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon. NO Dogs allowed in the canyon- it is a watershed," explains Andrea P., highlighting the importance of checking pet policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Lower elevation options: For extended camping seasons with children, choose sites below 6,000 feet. "This is a great place to camp if you don't want to drive far. The camp spots are all weeds and stick into everything. The spots are close together and if you have noisy neighbors you won't get much sleep. On the plus side it's next to a nice river to fish at and the bathrooms are well maintained," explains Matt R. about his experience at Willow Park.
Playground access: Lakeside RV Campground features designated play areas for children. "This place is very cute for established camping. It has lots of trees and a nice little walking trail. They are pet friendly. They have men's and women's restrooms with showers. They also have a pool for the warmer months. There are 2 small dog parks one for large and one for small dogs," notes Erin A., detailing amenities particularly helpful for families.
Scout-friendly sites: Several campgrounds accommodate youth groups with open activity spaces. "This is a really easy-access campground so it's great for little kids. Beautiful canyon, lots of spots, and just a great time! If you're looking to really rough it though, go further up the canyon," recommends Caden W. about Little Mill Campground.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure caution: RVers should use pressure regulators when connecting to campground water supplies. "Great campsite. Clean and nice amenities for a State Park. Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure," warns Trevor S. about his experience at Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground.
Site levelness variations: Bring adequate leveling equipment as many sites have slopes. "We just recently moved to Oklahoma where there there isn't much camping. So to say that we were excited for our trip back home was an understatement. This campsite was near Tibble Fork which is somewhere I have been wanting to go and explore for a long time. We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing," shares Kaitlin R. about Granite Flat.
Limited full hookup availability: Most Alpine-area campgrounds offer partial hookups only, with water and electric most common. "Would have like to have stayed a few extra days. Clean quiet Rv Park nice pull through sites! Facilities were clean and secure nice large dog run for real dogs not little foo foo pups," reports Kathy F. about Lakeside RV Campground, one of the few locations with full hookups.
