Best Dispersed Camping near Bountiful, UT

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Bountiful? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Bountiful. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Bountiful's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bountiful, UT (40)

    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    1. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    398 Saves
    Mounthaven, Utah
    • Backcountry camping is allowed in Millcreek Canyon. You must camp at least 200 feet from trails, water and developed areas (and at least a 1/2 mile from the road).
    • Be sure to “leave no trace” and properly dispose of human waste.
    • A Valid Day/Annual pass is required to access the canyon and camp
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    3. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    8 Reviews
    33 Photos
    522 Saves
    Mutual Dell, Utah

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.

    Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.

    There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.

    In most areas, dispersed camping is allowed up to 150 feet from a designated Forest Service Road, with some exceptions. Exceptions are based on protection of resources that may include water quality, soil conditions, and wildlife & fish habitat. No Dispersed camping within 100 feet of water (we recommend 200 feet). No dispersed camping where topography or existing vegetation limits vehicle travel (e.g. steep terrain, trees, brush). No dispersed camping within wet meadows or in saturated soil conditions. In these areas, walk-in tent camping and picnicking are allowed, however vehicle travel into these areas may be restricted. The public is asked to use existing pull-outs off the main road and walk in to take advantage of these areas that help provide clean water, productive soils, and habitats for fish and wildlife. Forest users can obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM’s), that show where dispersed camping is allowed and roads and trails that are designated open to motorized vehicles

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    4. Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    155 Saves
    Mounthaven, Utah

    Only backcountry camping is allowed in Millcreek Canyon. Camping must be at least 1/2 mile off the road and 200 feet from trails, developed areas and water. Check for any fire restrictions.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat

    5. Salamander Flat

    8 Reviews
    14 Photos
    410 Saves
    Mutual Dell, Utah

    Salamander Flat trail connects the Timpooneke trail head with the Salamander Flat dispersed camping area and the Pine hollow trail. The trail starts by crossing a stream, then travels through large stands of fir trees, and crosses the road approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. The Salamander Flat dispersed camping sites and Junction with the Willow Hollow trail is .5 miles farther up the trail. From the dispersed sites, it is another .6 miles to the junction with the Pine Hollow trail #047.

    Trail users should be aware of the high level of use that this trail receives, and should expect to see each type of user group on any given day. This trail is subject to a wet trail closure order during the spring and early summer. These closures help to protect and sustain the trail during wet periods. The trail will be signed as closed to all uses except hiking when these closures are in effect.

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.

    Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed

    8. Albion Basin - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    190 Saves
    Alta, Utah
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
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Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bountiful

152 Reviews of 40 Bountiful Campgrounds


  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Mountain Dispersed
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Eagle Mountain Dispersed

    Remote but hard to get to

    This is BLM. A couple of different camping sites. Most have fire rings but no water or bathrooms. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get up the mountain (the road is rough). There are sites at the bottom of the mountain that you can get an RV or car in but those are crowded and around the shooting range. We had a great time at the top with beautiful views and quiet. Nobody else around. oHV area too.

  • Mike The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Very quiet and secluded

    Arrived very late. Very easy to find. 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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Great Camping and Off-Roading

    The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top.

  • Maya G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Miners Canyon BLM
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Miners Canyon BLM

    It was fine

    Rough roads. The main one isn’t so bad but the side roads are awful. Tons of flies. Like actually so many. Campsites are far away from each other which was nice. Fire ring was filled with trash. Lake is disgusting, dead fish on shore and trash, don’t swim in it. An obviously “long term” resident said he wouldn’t swim in it, one of the factories on the other side of the lake dump into it.

  • Devin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Salamander Flat

    It’s a campsite

    After a long day of travel we just wanted to get to any site and camp. This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3day pass, $20 for a 7 day pass.

    The drive up to this site is winding and the cars seem to be used to driving it because they come around the corners pretty fast. Drive carefully and stay on your side of the road. It site is just after mile marker 17.

    The site is huge! Lots of space for people, cars, RVs and trailers. The road is paved until you turn in and then it’s a regular dirt road.

    The major con in this park in general is the bathrooms are yucky especially at this site.

    This seems to be a local hangout for the youngsters as well. They were not a bother to us however, they were letting loose, having a good time at their site. They left around 11 or so.

    No service with AT&T

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin

    Quiet and peaceful

    We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It’s very quiet, barely any people. There’s man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It’s chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset. There’s no cell service.

  • Skylar G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Best views in Utah?

    I want to start positive and say that the views are some of the best! Mt Tiponogous is in full view and the panoramic views are all great as well. It was only my group that camped up there the night we camped, but a couple people did drive by for some off road action. Speaking of off road action, the road is atrocious. Dont come unless you have some serious high clearance 4wd vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle. I’m saying this as someone from Lake City CO who grew up driving the Alpine Loop, the road is BAD!

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    Bumpy road

    The road leading here is very bumpy. There are two specific spots that are really bad. 4x4 is almost a requirement. I did however see some people make it up in a van so it is possible. The coordinates lead to an open field with a lot of campsites. I would suggest parking in the lot a little further ahead on the left. This road is a popular destination so people ride up and down it a lot. The views are well worth it and there is also some hiking trails around here as well. There are more dispersed camping sites further along this road. I was able to get a very spotty one bar signal of Verizon while near the coordinates.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Rocky Rough Road

    Great dispersed camping area with plenty of room! If going all the way to the marked location on the map, only attempt with a high clearance 4x4 or you will not make it! We have a TRX and overland camper and bottomed out on a culvert that dropped off sharply. We went to the marked location only to find a single camping spot on a moderate slope. Recommend stopping two miles earlier in the “Big Glade” meadow, flat and plenty of camping spots. We ended up a mile before that at a cross roads at 8900’. Concur with the ATv traffic from previous reviews, but overall relatively quiet

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Very busy, but beautiful

    It was easy to find and the road can be a little scary when wet. There is a couple of miles with pretty rocky roads so i wouldn't risk a low clearance car. It was extremely busy when we went, but managed to find a spot mostly to ourselves. No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby. They were polite and had reasonable time for no noise. Cool pathways to walk or ride on and very nice views even though most the wildflowers seemed to have just finished their blooms.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Absolutely Perfect

    We could not have asked for a more perfect spot. The views were immaculate, the sites were very spread out, it was the end of September and all the leaves were changing.

    No notes. Can’t recommend this spot enough.

  • Elvira M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Miners Canyon BLM
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Miners Canyon BLM

    Busy

    It was very easy to find, since we could see RV since a long way down the road. We turned in and took one of the first sites though there were a lot of RVs further down.

    A lot of the RVs looked like they were laughing the 14 day limit, almost to the point we were convinced they were living at this site. There was also several people with lose dogs, which made us not wanting to go closer to the water.

    Otherwise the site itself is OK, it’s a little uneven, but we managed fine with our RV.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Salamander Flat

    Utah has the worst system

    All the sites said no reservation, first come first served, but they were all reserved with no campers. Camp host, as usual, nowhere in sight. I've camped in 43 states for decades and Utah is easily the worst state to camp at due to this system of theirs.

    Also the drive up there is about 6 miles of winding hell with idiot children driving so fast I'm surprised there's not a death every day.

  • Adam J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054

    Amazing spots the further up you go

    Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Road was very accessible lower down with some more adventurous offshoots requiring higher clearance and likely 4x4. We went up an offshoot and navigated through and around some deeper ruts and snow drifts but found an amazing spot on the rim. Fewer people the more altitude we gained. Lots of spots here. Keep driving until you find one, closer in spots are usually taken up with trailers and small rvs. Highly recommend.

  • Bryce R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    Tons of free camping in the area.

    There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick.

  • Lilly A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Beautiful but not private

    Honestly, the only saving thing about this campsite is how beautiful it is. It truly feels like you are on top of the world. But, there were many downsides and we will not be returning. First, the road to get there was horrible. Don’t go up there unless you’re ready to do some off-roading. Second, the campsite had zero shade — so make sure to bring a canopy of some sort; there are no trees around the site. Third, the campsite is all gravel, so if you have a dog, be careful they don’t burn their paws (it was hot! We had to keep our dog in our man-made shade)! Lastly, at least 20 cars drove through the campsite per day, and this seems to be a spot a lot of people stop and get out and walk around. Then, someone set up camp right next to us! So, if you truly want to primitive camp, where it’s just you and nature, and have privacy, this is not the place to go.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Nice free spot near Salt Lake City

    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 on June 20th.

    A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out.

    Some established fire pits. Overall the place was clean and felt safe.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    (Along 196) Endless off road fun and private dispersed

    First of all there is no pull out at the coordinates. In fact it represents just as a reference for the highway road off the 80 highway you go along 196 and there are pull off roads leading to either straight up the side of a mountain or along the valley.

    I parked at lone rock which is basically just a shooting range. You name it they obliterated it with ammo. Oh well I climbed to the top of the lone rock which was pretty epic. Fucking windy night and dusty I hate dust so much. Maybe if I parked down road inside the sagebrush it would have broke the wind. Also lone rock was full of trash :(

    Glad I live in lush Colorado away from these deserts. Except alamoda area I guess.

  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    Really good with little bad

    Especially if you get here before sunset, you can hike a little ways up the mountain and watch the sun go down, but once it does start to go down it gets real windy. All the breeze from the salt flats comes right your way. This location is also right in an outdoor shooting range with multiple spots so that’s a plus if you’re looking for entertainment. As a bonus for me at least, it’s close enough to the road that getting back to it won’t be a problem, and I don’t think the noise will be a factor because the wind takes the cake. Dirt road is also real rough, probably not for sedans.

  • Steven B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping
    May. 2, 2024

    Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping

    Quiet

    Stayed for 1 night. Very quiet and private. I imagine if during the busy season this place would not be a great place to stay but the last week of April was not busy and it was very quiet.


Drive Time


Guide to Bountiful

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bountiful, Utah, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bountiful, Utah

Scenic trails for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking views while hiking the trails at Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed, where the steep ascent rewards you with stunning alpine scenery.
  • The trails around Albion Basin - Dispersed lead to picturesque meadows and access to multiple lakes, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed offers beautiful backcountry sites with opportunities for wildlife sightings, including moose.

Activities while free camping near Bountiful

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Pittsburg Lake Dispersed, where you can catch trout in a serene alpine setting.
  • Stargazing is a must at Lake Desolation Primitive Sites, where the clear night skies provide a perfect backdrop for spotting shooting stars.
  • For a unique experience, try hammock camping at Mineral Basin Dispersed, where the rocky terrain offers some hidden gems for setting up your hammock amidst nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bountiful, UT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bountiful, UT is Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bountiful, UT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 40 dispersed camping locations near Bountiful, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.