Camping in Bluffdale, Utah offers diverse terrain options at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,500 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, with summer days reaching 90°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The Wasatch Mountains provide a distinctive backdrop for campsites, with many locations offering trail access directly from camp.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Little Mill campground, hikers enjoy quick access to trails. "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?" A great starting point for exploring American Fork Canyon's trail system.
Paragliding viewing: Flight Park State Recreation Area offers unique paragliding observation opportunities. "When we woke up there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool." The elevation provides excellent launch conditions for paragliders, especially during morning hours.
Water activities: Nunns Park provides easy river access. "It is close to the river and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away." Campers can wade in the cool water during hot summer days when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.
What campers like
Quiet camping close to town: Lakeside RV Campground balances accessibility with peaceful surroundings. "Cute little campground. The RV sites are pretty close together, but there are spaces with shade trees. We went in August 2020 and there were so many bugs." Located just minutes from urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting.
Morning views: Miner's Canyon Dispersed offers spectacular dawn vistas. "The view is gorgeous in the mornings and evenings. Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well." With unobstructed views across Utah Lake, early risers particularly appreciate this free camping area.
Shade coverage: Timpooneke provides excellent tree cover. "I love the dense trees surrounding this campground. It's a great place to hammock and hike. Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike." The pine forest creates natural temperature regulation during hot summer days.
What you should know
Reservation needs: "This campsite was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night." Weekends fill quickly at most established campgrounds from May through September, often booking months in advance.
Seasonal challenges: "Little Mill is beautiful. High elevation (7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop." Most high-elevation campgrounds remain closed until late May due to snowpack, with seasonal operations typically ending by mid-October.
Weather considerations: "It can get extremely windy at night, but that was to be expected." Many campgrounds experience significant afternoon and overnight winds, particularly in exposed areas near canyon mouths or lakeshores.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and facilities: "This is a great place to camp within the city of Lehi. It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away. Big camp sites for trailers or tents and nice bathrooms."
Easy hiking options: "This is a really easy-access campground so it's great for little kids. beautiful canyon, lots of spots, and just a great time!" Select trails under 2 miles round trip for younger children, with many options available near established campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn't need to back it in or anything... a family of ducks that visited the next morning." Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife sighting opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: "Cute RV park. Full hookup site with Good Sam was going to be $75/night selected a partial hookup (water/electric) site instead for $45/night." Ask about site leveling before booking, as many campgrounds have sites with significant grades requiring leveling blocks.
Pet facilities: "Big beautiful dog run area with a waterfall." Many campgrounds provide dedicated pet areas, but capacity and amenities vary significantly between locations.
Hookup availability: "Nice simple camp ground no hook up but a good place to stay if visiting Salt Lake City and don't want to pay a lot for a camp ground big rig friendly!" Partial hookups typically cost $20-45 per night, while full hookups range from $45-75 depending on location and amenities.
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