240 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Payson sits at the base of the Wasatch Plateau about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City, with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest starting a short drive east of downtown. Camping runs from Forest Service campgrounds with designated sites to dispersed sites on forest roads climbing into the canyon. Payson's free dispersed forest sites spread across the higher terrain with no fees, no reservations, and no services.
Payson Lakes Campground is the main developed option and fills fast on summer weekends. It has vault toilets, a boat launch on the lake, and sites accommodating most tent and smaller RV setups. Reservations through recreation.gov are recommended from June through August. The access road gains elevation quickly, so larger rigs should check site dimensions before committing. Spring camping is limited until snowmelt clears the upper roads, typically late May or early June.
American Fork's campground options are worth checking as an alternative when Payson Lake fills up. Sites there cover similar terrain and have similar booking windows. Dogs are allowed at most campgrounds on leash. No cell service at upper elevations.
"Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."
"You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."
from $53 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut. "
"Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time. Nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and in the trees."
from $27 - $270 / night
Check Availability"Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess."
"Directions brought us right to the location. Road was rough into the sites and were hard to determine specific sites. Ended up pulling into edge of field. Definitely a good quiet night's sleep"
"We stayed at the Springville/ Provo Utah KOA in September 2021. This is a full service KOA with nice FHU 50 amp pull-thru sites which were long, wide and level."
"Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair."
from $50 - $300 / night
Check Availability"Payson canyon is one of the best canyons I’ve ever seen"
"Gorgeous view across the lake. Quiet. Electricity worked well. Extremely clean. Camp hosts were nowhere to be found and another rig had claimed the end lake-adjacent site I paid for."
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Can be a bit windy some days but nice spread out area with beautiful views of mountains and Utah lake."
"As beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore."
"This is a great spot just a about 2 miles off the main highway. It’s paved until you get to the campground turn off which is a good dirt road. Wide open space with tons of options to tent or RV."
"That being said, if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle (like me) - it's a solid option and there are some pretty mountain views. You can buy the permit online."
"Paved road drive up campsites overlook Utah Valley and Wasatch Mountains. Restrooms, fish cleaning station, fire rings and picnic tables."
"We loved the views from out camp spot, seeing the sun come up and down over the big lake out in the distance as well as the res right under you was beautiful. Made it perfect for relaxing."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We don’t need all the frills, we are looking for surrounding beauty and this sure hit the mark! We don’t know if we’ll ever find another one as beautiful as we thought this one was. "
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
GuideI don’t know why the alert states it’s closed till 2027 but that’s not true. All paved, easy access. Pit toilets and drinking fountains. Sites are too small for huge motorhomes- we fit our 33 foot trailer but had to park the truck down by the toilets, and backing in was fine in our spot but they’re not all as wide of an angle. Site was level, toilets clean. Fountains everywhere but for filling jugs only. A million little trails everywhere. The reservoir is right next to camp and the people there are very annoying, loud, and leave trash. The trails were much more peaceful.
GuideOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up on autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
GuideI started at site 24 which was extremely shaded and had a cute little beach area along the creek. Then I stayed in site 10 which was more secluded from other sites but parking is just parallel to the main campground road. Site 10 was also a lot sunnier and had a more open view of the rock cliffs. After that I moved to site 7 for 2 nights and I did like the walk down stairs to my table and fire area, it made it feel more secluded from the other sites. I also liked the creek access. I stayed my last night in 24 which was a good balance of shade and openness. Also the cell service was a lot better at 22 and 24 as opposed to site 10 and 7.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
ScoutVery clean and well kept property. Every space has a well groomed lawn with a ton of space between the sites. There is a nice trail that goes up the hill that is perfect for walking the dogs and gettin a panoramic view of the valley.
I highly recommend this park.
ScoutBeautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
ScoutStopped here for a couple of nights heading to Montana and was happy with the stay. The only complaint was the sites are close together, besides that it's quiet and peaceful with a bunch of shaded trees. The airport next door is kind of active, but nothing to bitch about. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Pretty Cool Campground.
Dispersed camping areas near Payson, Utah provide alternatives to developed campgrounds for those seeking more primitive experiences. Positioned at elevations between 4,700 and 9,000 feet, these sites experience significant temperature variations with summer days reaching 90°F and nights dropping to 45°F. Winter access becomes limited above 7,000 feet from November through April due to snow accumulation on forest roads.
Fishing for specific species: Maple Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities in a forested setting. "They regularly stock the lakes here with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. It is a fantastic place to bring your kids for fishing," notes one camper at Payson Lakes.
Hot springs access: Several campsites provide proximity to natural hot springs. "Although I did not camp here, I did hike here. Absolutely beautiful views if you take the gravel road off of Diamond Fork Road. Cows everywhere!" reports a visitor to Diamond Fork.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails branch out from camping areas. "It is walking distance to a state park and recreational lake and there is a beautiful running/walking trail along the river directly behind the RV park," mentions a visitor at Lakeside RV Campground.
Sunrise views: Early mornings reveal spectacular scenery across the mountain terrain. "The sunrise is spectacular, especially when you wait for it out by the lake! It's a wonderful place and is family friendly!" shares a camper at Payson Lakes.
Cooler temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat in the valley. "Lots of shade trees make it lots cooler in the summer so you can beat the heat," notes a camper about Diamond Fork.
Lake accessibility: Several camping spots provide direct water access. "Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut," writes a reviewer about Payson Lakes, adding "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking."
Site availability challenges: Popular locations fill quickly during peak season. "Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites," advises a camper about Payson Lakes.
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies by season and proximity to water. "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes," warns a camper about Utah Lake State Park Campground.
Campsite spacing: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "Although some of the sites were pretty close to each other, it wasn't terrible. The sites were clean and well maintained," notes a visitor to Diamond Fork.
Waste management concerns: Trash accumulation affects certain areas. "Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but has trash, broken glass and junk everywhere," reports a visitor about Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," shares a visitor to Payson Lakes.
Educational opportunities: Several sites feature nature programs. "There is a well maintained nature trail that passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail," notes a camper at Diamond Fork.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. "I have seen elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, and black bear in and around the area and campsite so don't leave food in your tent and clean up your campsite," advises a camper at Diamond Fork.
Site dimensions: Size restrictions impact vehicle placement options. "Our slide was in our neighbors yard area, we were both there for only one night, so we made it work," reports an RVer at Springville/Provo KOA Holiday.
Road conditions: Access challenges exist for larger vehicles. "Road is in ok shape. Only few places small vehicle can park. Not for RV's or larger trucks really," warns a camper at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area.
Hookup availability: Utility access varies between locations. "Full hook-up site was surprisingly spacious with green space in-between and trees for shade. Facilities are clean and comfortable and camp store is well stocked," notes a visitor at Lakeside RV Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping options near Payson, Utah for visitors?
Visitors to Payson, Utah have several camping options within a short drive. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers free dispersed camping with no amenities where you must carry in all water. It's great for ATVs and off-road vehicles but sits near a shooting range. For developed camping, Utah Lake State Park Campground provides facilities close to Payson. Additional options include Springville/Provo KOA Holiday, Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area near Spanish Fork, and Miners Canyon BLM. The area offers a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and dispersed backcountry sites for more adventurous campers within 15-45 minutes of Payson.
Where are the best camping spots in Payson Canyon?
Maple Lake is a standout camping spot in Payson Canyon, located just 15-20 minutes from the canyon mouth. This easily accessible campground features metal and concrete fire rings with abundant firewood nearby. Another excellent option is Payson Lakes, about 25 minutes up Payson Canyon. This popular destination offers good parking, paved paths around the main lake, and a genuine backwoods feel despite its amenities. Payson Canyon itself is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the region, providing beautiful views and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the area.
What campgrounds are available in Payson, Utah?
Camp Maple Dell is available near Payson for $150 per night with group camping options. Each site accommodates multiple tents and includes covered pavilions with picnic tables, fire pits, water pumps, shower houses, and flushing toilets. For those seeking state park amenities, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers camping with traditional sites, though they're designed for smaller rigs with narrow loop roads and mature trees. Other options in the broader area include Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground and Diamond Fork, providing a range of experiences from primitive to more developed facilities.
Is Payson Lake a good camping destination?
Yes, Payson Lake is an excellent camping destination, especially for families. Located about 45 minutes from Payson, Payson Lakes offers quality facilities including nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and shaded sites among trees. The lake itself is a great fishery regularly stocked with Brook and Rainbow Trout, making it perfect for teaching children to fish. Non-motorized boating is permitted, creating a safe environment for swimming and kayaking. The area also features bike trails and stunning views. While finding a spot on busy weekends can be challenging, the combination of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and convenient amenities makes Payson Lake a top choice for local getaways.
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