Dispersed camping opportunities near Altamont, Utah extend beyond the Uinta Mountains into varied terrain across both Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Elevations range from 7,500 to 10,500 feet, creating temperature variations of up to 20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Forest Service roads provide access to numerous primitive sites where campers must be entirely self-sufficient.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: Riverside camping at Ashley National Forest Riverview Campground offers immediate water access where "we saw a couple of fly fishers catch 4 trout right in front of us." The Yellowstone River provides reliable fishing even on busy weekends.
Hiking to mountain summits: Use Dollar Lake Campsites as your basecamp for high-elevation adventures. Located "a little over 8 miles from the parking area" and approximately "12 miles from the summit of kings peak," these sites serve as strategic bases for serious hikers targeting Utah's highest points.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide optimal viewing times for native wildlife. Early risers at Uinta Canyon may spot "deer and moose" frequently observed near campsites. Camping in forested areas increases chances of wildlife encounters.
What campers like
Solitude and quietness: Campers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere at higher elevations. At Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping, "the night was extremely silent" with sites offering "a lot of freedom with what experience you will have."
Night sky viewing: Areas away from light pollution provide exceptional stargazing. Campers at Riverview Campground report "the night sky was amazing, could see the whole milky way galaxy." Clear mountain air at elevation enhances stellar visibility.
Group accommodation: Family reunions find suitable space at Uinta Canyon where "the group site easily accommodated 30 trailers, 8 large tents, about 70 of us, and 10 dogs." These larger areas include multiple toilet facilities and communal fire rings.
Water features: Access to rivers, streams and lakes ranks high among camper preferences. One visitor to Riverview Campground noted they "camped right on the Yellowstone and enjoyed a peaceful weekend" with streamside sites being most sought-after.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054, "the main road in is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you'll want a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4X4." Road quality typically deteriorates with elevation.
Weather changes rapidly: Prepare for temperature swings and precipitation even in summer. At higher elevations like Dollar Lake Campsites, visitors should "prepare accordingly" as "high altitude means extreme weather is common." Snow can occur unexpectedly in early fall.
Campsite availability fluctuates: Holiday weekends fill quickly while weekdays offer more options. Some campers report surprise at finding "Memorial Day weekend and barely anyone where" at certain locations, while others find weekend crowds challenging.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. A camper at Uinta Canyon noted "many of these campsites are hike in only, and there is usually a pit toilet in the parking lot." Water sources require filtration equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Geocaching opportunities: Several areas offer educational treasure hunting. At Uinta Canyon, "several geocaches in the area so be sure to take your GPS" provide ready-made activities for children while exploring the surroundings.
Short hikes from campsites: Look for locations with built-in adventures. From Uinta Canyon campsites, "a short hike to smokey springs" offers a family-friendly outing without extensive planning or equipment.
Multi-generational site selection: Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping provides options for families with varied outdoor experience levels. While reaching the lake requires "a half mile away from the lake" hike, the reward is "clean, and calm, and very laid back" water access that accommodates different swimming abilities.
Tips from RVers
Alternative access methods: When roads prove challenging, consider dividing your group and equipment. At Pyramid Lake, some visitors "park on the side of the road on Mirror Lake highway. Backpack in several miles on the super fun trail" rather than attempting rough roads with larger vehicles.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early to secure optimal spots. At Uinta-Wasatch-Cache dispersed areas, "if you go early enough in the day to scope out sites, you get a lot of freedom with what experience you will have." Morning arrivals significantly increase suitable site options for larger vehicles.
Clearance requirements: Carefully assess road conditions before proceeding. At Mill Hollow, campers found "road was very accessible lower down with some more adventurous offshoots requiring higher clearance and likely 4x4" with the advantage that there were "fewer people the more altitude we gained."
