Camping near Cedar Hills, Utah ranges from 5,500 to 7,400 feet in elevation, offering a significant temperature drop from valley heat during summer months. The area features a mix of alpine forest and high desert terrain with juniper and pine trees creating natural windbreaks at most campgrounds. Winter access to many sites becomes limited after mid-October when seasonal closures begin.
What to do
Hiking to Scout Falls: Access this waterfall via the Timpooneke Campground trail system. "Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike. Make sure you camp in designated spots as fires are prohibited everywhere else," notes a visitor to Timpooneke.
Mountain biking near Brighton: The trails surrounding Redman Campground connect to extensive mountain biking networks. "This is super close to my favorite mountain bike ride in Northern Utah - The Wasatch Crest Trail. There's nothing like riding a bike through deep dark forests, soaring mountains, and stretching meadows riddled with flowers," shares one camper at Redman Campground.
Paragliding observation: Watch paragliders launch from the Flight Park Recreation Area while camping. "When we woke up there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool. VERY windy and hard to drive stakes in also. But it did work and it was free," reports a camper at Flight Park.
What campers like
River access: Multiple sites along American Fork Creek provide natural white noise and water access. "My husband and I recently moved to Oklahoma where there isn't much camping. This campsite was near Tibble Fork which is somewhere I have been wanting to go and explore for a long time. We were able to paddle board which was a blast!" explains a visitor to Granite Flat.
Uncrowded fall camping: Late season visits offer better availability and autumn colors. "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors. The camp hosts were excellent as well. As SLC natives, we're making this our yearly fall tradition!" notes a camper at Tanners Flat.
Proximity to climbing areas: American Fork Canyon contains historic sport climbing routes. "This canyon holds some of the most historic sport routes in America as some of the hardest routes in the country, at the time, were established here in the late 80's and early 90's. A place of particular interest if you're looking for hard routes is the infamous Hell Cave with all routes being 5.13 and up," mentions a visitor to Little Mill.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most popular sites book completely during summer. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," warns a Granite Flat visitor.
Watershed restrictions: Little Cottonwood Canyon prohibits dogs. "The campground is pretty, but it is not for family camping with a tent. This campground has pull-through areas for people towing camping trailers, but not much for those that want to set up a full-size tent and lounge around outside. The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1500 fine," notes a Tanners Flat camper.
Road noise: Some canyon campgrounds experience traffic sound. "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it," reports a Little Mill camper.
Tips for camping with families
Moose viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife sightings. "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site. In Addison to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site," shares a Redman camper.
Family-friendly hikes: Short trails suitable for children are accessible from several campgrounds. "I took the scouts up to this spot and it is a great place to camp with lots of room. There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on. This is really close to some really good hikes like Stewart Falls, and tibble fork reservoir just minutes for your camp site," reports a visitor to Granite Flat.
Close-to-home glamping: For families new to camping, glamping in Cedar Hills offers an easy introduction. "This is one of the closest campgrounds to Provo. It is quick and easy for the kind of trip to just get away but it won't feel like you are backwoods because of the smallness of the park and closeness to a very busy highway through Provo Canyon. Really close to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls," notes a Nunns Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for bigger vehicles. "Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it! Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig. We will be back Little Mill!" shares an RV camper.
Wind considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant wind. "We arrived late but found maybe the last campsite available. Check in was easy, campsite was nice. The other campers weren't loud when trying to sleep. Plus it's open longer than any other campsites around so that makes it a real treat when it gets cold," notes a Little Mill visitor.
Seasonal water access: Water services vary by season and campground. "Nice little park, sites are a little close. Our 20' trailer does fine. Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting," reports a Nunns Park visitor.
