Best Glamping near American Fork, UT

Granite Flat campsite, one of the oldest in the Uinta Cache National Forest, is nestled just in the heart of the American Fork Canyon. It sits beneath Box Elder Peak and above Tibble Fork Resevoir, making its location a favorable one for those looking for recreational activities. The resevoir is small and often crowded (especially on weekends) so if kayaking or paddleboarding is what you're after, a different, more secluded area might be better. The Box Elder Peak trail is a strong 10 mile hike, and often free of foot traffic, unlike the more popular Mount Timpanagos hike in the Alpine Loop, and offers spectacular views from the top.

The campsite consists of two different loops, an upper and a lower, and each are unique in their makeup. The upper loop called Army Tree is the smaller of the two (sites 1-25), but several of the sites are doubled allowing for two families to camp there. The lower loop called the Barracks Loop is larger (sites 30-64) and densely wooded with quaking aspens and pine, and a creek cuts just behind it allowing the sound of flowing water to be wonderful background noise to your campout. Single campsites are $21 per night, double sites are $42. Extra vehicles do require an $8 fee.

The facilities include vaulted toilets, drinkable water, firewood, and pets are allowed on a leash. However, they do not have trash service so you must pack out what you bring in.

Pros:

• After Labor Day all sites are first come, first serve
• Season ends on October 15, so there were fewer people camping around us

Cons:

• Drinking water was turned off for the season
• Lower loop was closed for the season

My family of five enjoyed this campground. We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks. Downside is it's right next to a busy highway and picnic areas. Although the campsite has quiet hours, the picnic area across the street stayed loud well past quiet hours. The road noise was a lot more than I expected.. especially at night. Definitely bring ear plugs or plan to stay only a nite or two. We planned on staying three nights, but were so exhausted by lack of sleep we left a day early.

Overall, the facility is neat and clean for a campground. My visit was at the end of the 4th weekend, so some messes were expected. My campsite was in good shape upon setting up my 30ft trailer. All sites are back-in and mostly flat asphalt. A little rig leveling might be needed. The outside of the loop at Dixie C.G. is electric and water only. The inside of the loop has full hook-ups. 

 All sites have long, sturdy metal tables and a metal cover over a concrete pad. A fire pit was adjacent. Even with fire restrictions almost everywhere else in Utah, wood fires were permitted in the provided pit. Common area toilets are well maintained, containing flush toilets and running water. Most service buildings also contain free showers.

A one-star deduction is due to the effects of climate change, which is out of the Park's control to an extent. That said, my beef is with maintenance of the beach - a nice beach by the way. It's obvious where the historical water level use to be. Wish I could have seen the reservoir full because it may never happen again. But I digress. I think the park should rake or scrape the beach surface to remove offensive weeds and people's discards. That takes workers, budget and equipment. My guess is our State representatives lack interest to fund state parks for such mediation measures. It would greatly enhance the visual appeal and safety for families at the water's edge.

Photos of site online @ www.recreation.gov