Alpine, Utah camping areas sit at elevations between 4,900 and 7,400 feet within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Access to most campgrounds typically closes from mid-October through April due to snow and road conditions. Temperatures in summer months average 75-85°F during day, dropping to 45-55°F at night even during July.
What to do
Hiking to Scout Falls: Located near Timpooneke Campground, this waterfall is accessible via a moderate 1-mile hike. "Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike. Make sure you camp in designated spots as fires are prohibited everywhere else," notes John M.
Fishing in American Fork Canyon: Multiple accessible fishing spots along streams and small lakes. "It's clean. Has access to many fishing lakes and hiking trails!" says Whitney J. about Granite Flat Campground.
Mountain biking through pine forests: The Wasatch Crest Trail offers technical rides through varied terrain. "This is super close to my favorite mountain bike ride in Northern Utah - The Wasatch Crest Trail. There's nothing like riding a bike through deep dark forests, soaring mountains, and stretching meadows riddled with flowers," reports a visitor to Redman Campground.
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams running through campsites provide ambiance and recreational opportunities. A visitor at Little Mill Campground shared, "We LOVED Little Mill! It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. We did not hear any road noise at all, just the sound of wind in the trees and the water flowing."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see native animals. At Redman Campground, one camper noted, "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site. In Addison to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site."
Proximity to Alpine Loop: Many campsites provide direct access to this scenic drive. "Timooneke is beautiful. High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- its very popular. Near hiking trails and reservoirs(no motor sports)," advises Andrea P.
What you should know
Campsite availability: Most campsites in the area fill quickly, especially during summer months. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," warns Ash S. about Granite Flat.
Road closures: Access roads can close unexpectedly. At Granite Flat, one camper reported, "The surrounding area is full of closed roads making this spot inaccessible."
Watershed restrictions: Certain areas prohibit pets and water contact due to watershed protection. A camper at Tanners Flat Campground observed, "The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1500 fine."
Tips for camping with families
Rock climbing for kids: Many sites feature natural climbing features appropriate for children. "We stayed with my family of five and really enjoyed the campground. There was a huge rock that was fun for the scouts to climb on," shared Brad B. about Granite Flat.
Youth-friendly water features: Seasonal creek features provide safe water play areas. At Little Mill, a visitor mentioned, "Great relaxing family time, fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes."
Recreation field access: Some larger campgrounds include open spaces for games. "There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on," notes a Granite Flat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Limited level spaces exist for larger recreational vehicles. At Spruces Campground, a camper advised, "We hiked up the Emerald Lake at the basin of MT. Timpanogos, and set up camp there. Water is available through the glacial Emerald Lake."
Road gradient concerns: Several access roads feature steep grades that can challenge RVs. "The camp spots here are super nice. The best part is how close it is to Provo. Super convenient," explains Joshua C. about Nunns Park.
Hookup availability: Most forest service campgrounds lack electrical and sewer connections. Little Mill offers some water hookups but visitors note, "Nice little park, sites are a little close. Our 20' trailer does fine. Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it."
