The Alpine Loop area near Aspen Grove offers camping options between 6,400 and 7,400 feet elevation, providing a cooler alternative to valley temperatures. Access to most campgrounds opens in late May through early October, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowpack conditions. Visitors can expect daytime summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F with nighttime lows commonly dropping into the 40s even in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several reservoirs provide fishing access within minutes of campsites. At Granite Flat, campers mention "access to many fishing lakes" with one visitor noting that nearby Tibble Fork and Silver Lake Flat reservoirs are "beautiful and close in to camp, very pretty with Provo river next to it."
Paddle boarding: Non-motorized water activities are popular at nearby reservoirs. A visitor to Granite Flat shared: "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing. We were right next to a beautiful river."
Hiking to Scout Falls: A relatively short hike perfect for families with children. At Timpooneke, one camper mentioned: "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."
Off-road adventures: Areas beyond developed campgrounds offer terrain for ATVs and 4WD vehicles. A visitor at Squaw Peak Road Dispersed shared: "Getting here can be challenging, very steep incline, tight corners, and some spots have bumpy dirt roads. Perfect for tent camping and small trailers."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campers specifically seek out water-adjacent camping spots. A Little Mill camper wrote: "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. What more could a camper want?"
High-elevation escape: The cool mountain air provides relief during summer heat. A camper at Mt. Timpanogos noted: "Behind Mount Timp along the 92 passed Sundance and Aspen Grove is a beautiful area full aspen and fir. Plenty of room for dispersed camping. I know it is free for one or two nights."
Proximity to city: Locations like Nunns Park offer camping without extensive travel. One reviewer said: "The campsite was nice. The best part is how close it is to Provo. Super convenient. We didn't stay very long but would recommend this spot to anyone who wants some nice car camping."
Quiet weekday camping: Visiting midweek provides a more secluded experience. A camper at Squaw Peak Road noted: "We camped towards to the top. It had plenty of room for tents amongst the trees and in the field. Definitely recommend going during the week rather than a weekend because it gets BUSY."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds book up months in advance. A Granite Flat visitor advised: "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."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigating rough roads. A Squaw Peak Road camper shared: "Dirt road was a little rough, bumpy, but we made it just fine. I wouldn't take a car up but any SUV or Van would make it."
Mosquitoes: Insect activity varies by season and location. One Granite Flat reviewer warned: "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The hosts were lovely and helpful. The only downside was that this year there were an obscene amount of mosquitoes."
Gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict late-night access. A reviewer of Spruces Campground noted: "Note that the gate closes late at night so expect to walk from the road if you show up too late."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campground layouts: Some campgrounds offer more open spaces for children. At Nunns Park, a visitor reported: "Lots of area on some of them though for multiple tents. The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise."
Accessibility to activities: Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions. A Little Mill camper shared: "Great relaxing family time, fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes."
Privacy considerations: Family groups often need more separation from other campers. One camper at Granite Flat observed: "I really enjoyed camping here with a group of friends. Each camping area is nice, however, it is very very busy and pretty tight quarters. If you're looking for a little more privacy from neighbors this may not be your best bet."
Weather preparation: Mountain evenings get cold even in summer. A reviewer at Mt. Timpanogos campground mentioned: "It can get cold at night - high elevation. Not really a bad site in the campground."
Tips from RVers
Road challenges: Several canyon roads present difficulties for larger vehicles. A visitor to Little Mill revealed: "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it."
Site leveling: Campgrounds may have uneven sites. One RVer at Jordanelle State Park shared: "Only downside was the dump station near us was pretty awful smells and the site was very unlevel."
Water pressure concerns: RV connections require attention at some parks. A visitor warned: "Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure."
Hookup options: Available services vary widely between established campgrounds. A visitor at Lakeside RV Campground noted: "Not my favorite campsite but still good if you need a place. The RV sites are pretty close together, but there are spaces with shade trees."
