Camping sites near American Fork include both urban and mountain locations within 30-40 minutes of the city. The elevation ranges from 4,500 feet in valley locations to over 7,000 feet at mountain sites, creating notable temperature differences between camping areas. Most RV campgrounds offer seasonal availability from April through October, with a few remaining open year-round.
What to do
Explore nearby rivers: At Knotty Pine RV Resort in Kamas, visitors can enjoy the riverside setting. "The river is hard to get to but pleasant to listen to. The Velvet Ash was blooming so it looked like snow in July," notes Marie E., highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
Play golf: The Gladstan Golf Course & RV park in Payson combines camping with direct access to golf facilities. "The golf course and mountain range is very nice," reports Kelly N., though she cautions that "the spots are not level, and the water pressure is high. Make sure you have a water regulator."
Fish in stocked waters: Several campgrounds maintain fishing areas for guests. At Echo Island RV Resort, "They had a small pond for kids to fish in," mentions Carlee G., making it suitable for beginners and children learning to fish.
What campers like
Heated swimming pools: Multiple RV parks offer swimming facilities even in cooler months. "They have two pools (one limited to adults only), two dog parks (one large enough for big dogs to run and fetch), two sets of pickle ball courts," shares Karla B. about Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City.
Adult-only areas: For travelers seeking quieter spaces, some parks designate adult-specific sections. A reviewer at Echo Island noted, "There is a tent camping and picnic area adjacent to the pool," while others mentioned adult-only sections at larger resorts that provide separation from family areas.
Walking trails: Access to paved or natural trails directly from campsites ranks high among camper preferences. Julia M. describes the advantage at Canyon View RV Park: "We loved using this everyday we were there. Bathroom in the park was really clean. Dump station is in the parking lot (super convenient) on the back side."
What you should know
Reservation policies: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during summer months. For Lakeside RV Campground in Provo, "Reserved a few hours before arriving on a Sunday in June and there were plenty of spots. Camp host was super nice when we arrived," reports an off-season visitor, but summer availability is much more limited.
Road noise: Highway proximity affects several RV parks in the region. Caroline D. notes about Echo Island RV Resort: "The only reason I couldn't give 5 stars is due to the highway noise, but that made it convenient."
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary significantly between campgrounds. Knotty Pine Resort permits campfires, with one visitor mentioning, "We were allowed fires." However, several other facilities prohibit wood fires entirely due to seasonal restrictions and proximity to urban areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: When traveling with children, look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a playground and pavilion for gatherings. I suspect this is a very popular campground in the summer," notes Christine about Lakeside RV Campground.
Swimming options: Pools provide reliable recreation for families. Carlee G. describes Echo Island RV Resort: "They had a small pond for kids to fish in, two swimming pools and two hot tubs, very clean and modern facilities, well maintained campsites with fire pit."
Entertainment rentals: Some parks offer equipment loans. "They have an on-site RV wash available and allowed us to borrow an adaptor from them at no charge," shares Carlyne F. about Mountain Valley RV Resort, while another mentions DVD and sports equipment available for checkout.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied site conditions across the area. "Pull throughs or back in on paved level sites. Picnic table. FHU. Sites typically close with grass area separating," reports Janet H. about Pony Express RV Resort in North Salt Lake.
Water pressure management: Several campgrounds have high water pressure requiring regulation. Kelly N. warns at Gladstan Golf Course: "The water pressure is high. Make sure you have a water regulator."
Weekday stays: For more space and quieter conditions, schedule mid-week visits. Amy observed at Pony Express: "Spaces aren't as small as I feared they'd be after reading reviews. I guess it depends on your rig size. We have a small 21' travel trailer and the pull through spots are perfect!"
