Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Aspen Grove, Utah, offering remote sites at elevations between 7,000-10,000 feet. The area features a mix of alpine lakes, dense forests, and mountain terrain with average summer temperatures ranging from 45-80°F. Many sites require hiking in with gear, as vehicle access is limited by rough terrain and seasonal road closures.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: The 3-4 mile hike to Red Pine Lake rewards with spectacular fishing opportunities. "I also hiked up to the upper red pine lake, which is a very steep climb. The trail is unmarked and nearly impossible to follow (at least for a first-timer), so it requires some creativity and bushwacking/rock hopping to get up there," reports one camper.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Anderson Park provides accessible water recreation. A visitor confirms it's "great for Paddleboarding and fishing," while Silver Lake area offers more remote paddling options. "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," notes one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local fauna. Millcreek Canyon backcountry campers regularly report wildlife sightings: "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall." The higher elevations around Hobble Right Fork also offer chances to view deer herds and various bird species.
What campers like
Weekday solitude: Many backcountry sites offer complete isolation Monday through Thursday. At Red Pine Lake, "during the week in mid August, is relatively uncrowded at night. There are a lot of day hikers but not too many overnighters."
Star visibility: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Hobble Right Fork Dispersed, campers appreciate "hardly any light pollution, so the stars were amazing," making it perfect for night photography and constellation viewing.
High alpine settings: The backcountry tent sites provide access to pristine mountain environments. As one camper at Silver Lake Backcountry notes, "To the south you have a fantastic view of the Timpanogos Massif looming over the lake. To the west you'll see Box Elder Peak and to the north is Dry Canyon and the Alpine Ridge."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads demand proper equipment. For Silver Lake Backcountry, "you're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes." One camper adds, "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose."
Camping restrictions: Most backcountry lakes have specific rules. Signs at Red Pine Lake ask "that campsites be kept 200ft from the water, as the lake is a source of drinking water for the area. That's also why dogs aren't allowed on any of the Cottonwood canyon trails."
Weather preparedness: Alpine conditions change rapidly. One Red Pine Lake visitor warns, "It stormed pretty hard in the middle of the night, and since the lake is up near the top of the mountain, it got pretty windy. Be prepared for significant foul weather and choose your campsite appropriately."
Tips for camping with families
Best tent camping with amenities: Kimball Campground offers more accessible family camping. "These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road... The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake."
Water activities for kids: Several locations provide safe water play areas. Anderson Park has "several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables. Large grassy field, two wooded areas... Irragation ditches run throughout the park with bridges for crossing."
Short hike options: When backpacking with older children, consider Millcreek Canyon where "you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water."
Tips from RVers
RV-accessible options: Few sites accommodate larger vehicles near Aspen Grove. Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground can handle some RVs but has limitations: "The camp spots are narrow, the road in/out is narrow. Our 25ft trailer seemed to be a max length, but there were some 32 ft goosenecks and motor homes there."
Water access: Plan for limited facilities. At Sulphur Campground, "Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."
Waste management: Most dispersed areas have no facilities. When camping at established sites, one visitor notes, "There were bear proof dumpsters for your bags of trash," but most backcountry locations require packing out all waste.
