Jorge R.
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TravelerUinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping
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Dispersed Camping near Altamont, UT
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The landscape surrounding Altamont, Utah features several dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive, with Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation Reservoir being a primary destination. Dispersed campsites in the area range from open reservoir-side spots to secluded forested sites in the Uinta Mountains, giving campers a choice between high desert terrain and shaded mountain settings. Juniper Point and Knight Hollow offer primitive camping with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, while maintaining a natural setting. Starvation Hideaway Dispersed and Starvation Dispersed provide free camping options closer to the water. The region transitions from high desert terrain near town to forested mountain areas in the Uinta Mountains to the north, creating diverse camping environments from open reservoir views to secluded forest settings.
Road conditions and vehicle requirements vary significantly across camping areas near Altamont. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads become rutted or muddy. As one camper noted, "If you have a low clearance vehicle you must go SLOOOWWW. The road is pretty washed out and has plenty of rocks that will take your oil pan as a souvenir." Weather patterns can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations where snow can occur even in summer months. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage near Starvation Reservoir and spotty to non-existent reception in more remote forest areas. Recreation passes are required in some areas, particularly in national forest lands.
Campers consistently highlight the solitude and natural beauty available in dispersed sites throughout the region. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, and occasionally moose in forested areas. Fishing is particularly popular at Starvation Reservoir, where one visitor mentioned, "We fished for trout and crawfish on the lake. The crawfish were easier to catch than the trout." Most dispersed sites follow Leave No Trace principles with no garbage service, requiring visitors to pack out all trash. Summer weekends see increased traffic, especially at easily accessible sites near water. Winter camping is limited by road closures and cold temperatures, with nighttime lows sometimes dropping below freezing even in summer at higher elevations.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Altamont (53)
1. Juniper Point — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
"All of the campsites are within walking distance to the water. Finding level ground is somewhat challenging. We drove to the improved camping area and pay for shower use."
"We accessed with an RV!"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
2. Knight Hollow — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
3. Starvation Hideaway Dispersed
"Good place to jump off the road for a night if you have higher clearance, 4 x 4 if you want to go in other places, and are looking for some seclusion."
4. Starvation Dispersed
5. McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead
"Ranger Review: INNO INH120 2-Tray Bike Rack at the McCoy Flats Dispersed Camping Campground Review: This type of camping is"
"Wide open BLM area 3 miles from Hwy but paved (potholes!) into the TH. Vault toilet but no water, trash or designated campsites. Cell signal is very good on all carriers."
6. Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
"We’re in a truck and camper and found a little spot to pull in about 20 minutes off the highway."
"We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it."
7. Massey Meadow Camping Area
"Tons of hikes in the area, can’t remember the names of the trails I did."
"Mostly wide open meadow like spaces where you just pull up your camper and park (dispersed camping). There are a lot of beautiful places you can explore, including Massey Cave."
8. Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping
"Campground Review: Dispersed Camping at Pyramid Lake, UT Pyramid Lake is another gem of a mountain lake found in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. "
"I would not attempt without a 4wheel drive with high clearance. Our 4runner did great even with the camper."
from $6 / night
9. McCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp
"McCoy Flats BLM is a mt bike focus recreation area with a network of excellent nonmotorizrd singletrack trails."
"This place still has trails being built in and around the grounds. Price is right, just $10!!! The bathrooms (pit toilets)are super clean. All sites come with table and fire ring."
10. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
"Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"
"Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "
Drive Time
- 1 hr 54 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 9 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 hrs 36 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 20 min from Logan, UT
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Altamont, UT
141 Photos of 53 Altamont Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Juniper Point — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation
McCoy Flats MTB Trailhead
McCoy Flats East Dispersed CampB
Pyramid Lake Dispersed CampingB
Moosehorn Dispersed Camping
Wolf Creek Pass Primitive AreasT
Trial Lake Road Dispersed CampingT
FR 963 - Dispersed Camp
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping
Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Wall Lake Dispersed Campground
Cliff Lake Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Altamont, UT
141 Reviews of 53 Altamont Campgrounds
Taylor E.TravelerDispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
Views, quiet and peaceful.
Great place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
Connie O.TravelerMcCoy Flats East Dispersed Camp
New McCoy Flats Campgound
This place still has trails being built in and around the grounds. Price is right, just $10!!! The bathrooms (pit toilets)are super clean. All sites come with table and fire ring. Some with covered tables. Trails for riding or running right at the entrance to the cg.
- JJEAN Y.
ScoutRed Wash Rd Dispersed
Close to dino nm 👌
Few spots betteen road and Green River. Some Mosquitos . Not so much noise. Ok for one or two night. I collected few trash in a bag. Cell signal good. Real blm ?
- CCameron N.Scout
Mud Creek Campground
Lots of free flat grass parking, dirt road not bad!
Beautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
Sydney B.ScoutMud Creek Campground
Great spot to settle for a few days
Very close to the reservoir. There’s so many options for parking and areas to spread out. Some spots are a bit muddy. Ideal for any rv or trailer. Cows come by throughout the day which is fun!
- llani M.Scout
Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Great for the dogs!
For you dog adventurists: This is a great place for wide open views to let them play (with excellent recall or a long lead). Wildlife was seen at dusk and dawn. Plan to keep them nearby then. Horses and ATVs use is heavy on trails so keep them close then as well. Ground was safe for their paws (no foxtails, goat heads, or stickers). Potential for ticks. Bring an orange vest for them if you’ve got one, it’s almost that time of year. Lots of mud puddles if it rains, great for dogs, hard on the camper.
- llee R.
GuideSoapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
Head to the top to get past the burned area
Nice area once you get up to the pass and out of the burn zone. Plenty of room, good views to the north.
- GGaela O.Guide
Red Wash Rd Dispersed
Agree maybe a little sketchy
Felt more like a place to stop for day fishing. Maybe kids pulling off to drink beers.
We are going to try it….. tired and don’t feel like more driving.
Guide to Altamont
Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation offers several dispersed camping areas near Altamont, Utah with varying amenities. Juniper Point provides toilet facilities and trash service, though campers have noted unlevel terrain and issues with insects. Knight Hollow offers similar facilities and is particularly accommodating for larger groups. The free Starvation Hideaway Dispersed area requires higher clearance vehicles for access but offers more seclusion with no services.
McCoy Flats, about 45 miles from Altamont near Vernal, stands out as a highly rated backcountry camping destination. This BLM area offers dispersed camping along multiple miles of road with vault toilets at several locations. As a camper wrote, "One of the best spots I have found for full time RV/Van life. Extremely quiet with amazing sunsets." The area features excellent cell service, proximity to mountain biking trails, and easy access to supplies in Vernal, making it popular for the standard 14-day boondocking stay. While the main road is paved, it has potholes, and the area can experience significant winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Altamont, UT?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Altamont, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Altamont, UT is Juniper Point — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Altamont, UT?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Altamont, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Altamont, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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