Dispersed camping options surround Bingham Canyon, Utah, offering rustic sites on undeveloped public lands. Most primitive camping areas sit at elevations between 4,500-8,000 feet, creating temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between valley floor and higher sites. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with overnight lows sometimes dropping below 50°F even in July.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Sawmill Picnic areas, visitors can enjoy day-use riverside spots. "A nice developed spot right near the river and close to the north mill campground. It has quite a few picnic areas with concrete and metal fire rings along the riverside," notes Alan B.
Wildlife watching: Twin Peaks Wilderness Area offers backcountry camping with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Beware of moose as they are commonly spotted hanging out in the lakes near the meadows," reports Alan B., who recommends starting "from the Scurves parking lot and head up to either the lower or upper meadow."
Mountain hiking: Squaw Peak Road Dispersed offers access to mountain trails. "Plenty of room for tents amongst the trees and in the field," writes Jeni N. Spencer L. adds that "Beautiful rolling meadows with forest on either side add beauty to the area with majestic mountains in the background."
What campers like
Solitude options: Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed provides a remote backcountry experience. "The trail up is steep, dusty and downright loose, but the payback at the top is unlike any other Wasatch hike I've done! When you arrive in the cirque you're greeted by 270 degrees of granite wall towering up to 600' tall!" writes Alan B.
Streamside camping: Mineral Basin Dispersed offers sites along small waterways. "We accessed this area via the east side and Wasatch State Park and Midway, UT," writes Jenny R., adding "The campsite we chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream."
Lakeside views: Miners Canyon BLM features open lakefront camping. "We arrived at about midnight and found it easily using other reviews' directions. We were traveling north on 68 and looked for mile marker 19 on the right and the pull off is directly in front of it," reports Meggy B., who adds that "the lake and mountain views are spectacular!!"
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many dispersed areas prohibit fires during dry periods. "No fires allowed" is noted for several wilderness areas including Lone Peak and Neffs Canyon.
Road challenges: Many unpaved access routes require high-clearance vehicles. "The road is winding but we managed it with our 2WD, but we had to give it our all," Thomas R. says about Squaw Peak Road. "After Hood Campground, a stretch began that was really only suitable for 4WDs. Rocks, deep ruts, etc."
Seasonal closures: Several camping areas close during winter and spring. Jessica notes about Neffs Canyon: "This open 7/1-11/1 only." Loren L. reports about Mineral Basin: "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort."
Tips for camping with families
Well-maintained sites: Salamander Flat provides established sites suitable for families. "Nice area and large camping sites. Toilet available. There's a river to play in at a pull off just a few minutes down the road. Tons of trails. A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite," reports Ash S.
Noise considerations: Plan for potential noise from vehicles and other campers. "The campsites are really close to the main Alpine Loop road and there are cars constantly driving past," cautions Ash S. about Salamander Flat. At Squaw Peak, Spencer L. notes "Sound carries from other nearby sites and it is close to the road so passing vehicles create noise."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible animal sightings. Shariah T. says at Neffs Canyon "One of our friends said they had a cougar encounter but we haven't seen much wildlife yet." Multiple reviews mention deer sightings at Salamander Flat.
Tips from RVers
Accessible spots: Miner's Canyon Dispersed accommodates RVs near Utah Lake. "Easy drive into the area, paved road up until you turn down toward the lake. Nice gravel road for the next half mile. 6 other RVs here when I stopped," reports Clayton P., who found "the place was clean and felt safe."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require work to position larger vehicles. Kevin H. at Miners Canyon BLM notes: "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely."
Generator etiquette: Some campers run generators, impacting the wilderness experience. Joshua E. observes at Miner's Canyon: "Larger RVs occasionally run generators which can be noisy." Similarly, Clayton P. mentions "A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out."
