Camping spots near Cedar Valley, Utah are situated along the western edge of the Wasatch Front at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,400 feet. The terrain features a mix of desert landscape and mountain foothills with limited natural shade. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, with cool nights in spring and fall often dropping below 50°F.
What to do
Trail riding: OHV enthusiasts can access extensive routes at Fivemile Pass OHV, located directly off the highway. The area features flat, open terrain suitable for various skill levels. "This is our go to campground if we don't want to drive too far from our house. We camp just about 1/2 mile from the south side of the 5 Mile Pass exit, there are dozens of flat places to put down a tent... if you're into SXS the trails are AWESOME!" notes Scott C.
Paddleboarding: Utah Lake access points provide water recreation options within 20 minutes of Cedar Valley. "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," shares Alex L. about camping at Willow Park Campground near the water.
Paragliding: Watch or participate in flight activities at strategic mountain launch points. The Point of the Mountain area allows visitors to observe or participate with proper equipment and training. "When we arrived there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool. VERY windy and hard to drive stakes in also. But it did work," explains Santiago V. about his experience at Flight Park State Recreation Area.
Fishing: Multiple reservoirs within 30 minutes offer trout fishing opportunities. American Fork Canyon provides access to higher elevation fishing. "We were right next to a beautiful river and it was pretty quiet," mentions Kaitlin R. about Granite Flat, noting the water access.
What campers like
Proximity to civilization: Several campgrounds provide easy access to urban conveniences while maintaining a camping atmosphere. "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," Brad B. explains about Willow Park Campground.
Affordability: Free camping options exist on BLM land with basic amenities. "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," reports Clayton P. about Miner's Canyon Dispersed, a no-cost option.
Stargazing: Desert locations away from city lights provide excellent night sky viewing. "This place is pretty amazing with beautiful views of the sunrise, sunset and stars. Lots of ORV trails for the off road enthusiasts," shares Alisa P. about Fivemile Pass OHV, though she also warns about daytime flies.
Water features: Several campsites border rivers, streams, or lakes. "Spent only one night but had the whole Campground to ourselves. Nice big level spot with fire pit and separate upright grill. Bathrooms clean with flush toilets, running water but no showers," describes Myrna G. about Willow Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Prepare for bugs, particularly during warmer months. "The only downside was that this year there were an obscene amount of mosquitoes," warns Ash S. about the Granite Flat area, while Jordan W. notes at Miner's Canyon Dispersed: "I'm scared and itchy and I hate bugs. Come here to watch the sunset and leave."
Wind conditions: Exposed sites experience strong winds, especially in mountain pass areas. "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding. Unless you're coming here to fly then it's a terrible spot!" advises David S. about Flight Park State Recreation Area.
Campground crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season (May-September). "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," shares Ash S. about Granite Flat.
Water availability: Most dispersed sites lack potable water. "No facilities, but we're self contained," notes Kevin H. about Lakeside RV Campground, one of the few locations with full hookups. "Pull through sites with grass between. Pool was very nice. Cute little store," adds Denise P.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several established campgrounds include family recreation areas. "It is a lovely forested area and the fall colors are just turning. Very friendly gate staff," shares Julie M. about Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground. Another camper notes: "There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on."
River exploration: Sites near running water provide natural play areas. "Stunning sunrise—perfect views of Mt. Timp," reports Alex L. about Willow Park Campground, which offers river access. Campers mention feeding ducks and enjoying the water sounds.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with visits to nearby attractions. "Great for kids and pets (appropriate, fun facilities). This is one of the higher-quality KOAs we've used on long road trips with a small camper/RV," writes a reviewer about Salt Lake City KOA, which provides easy access to downtown attractions via public transit.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer opportunities to spot local animals. "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved," shares Carlee G. about her family's experience at Settlement Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Leveling conditions: Campground surfaces vary significantly across the area. "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," advises Susan C. about Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites require advance planning. "Healthy grass and shade trees, and level, paved pads and drives. Clean functional restrooms, and all the amenities to make camping here easy," reports TMB about Mountain Shadows RV Park, one of the few full-hookup options in the area.
Site privacy: Established RV parks offer varying degrees of separation. "This campsite was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night," says Michelle W. about Willow Park Campground, while others mention the tight spacing at some RV parks.
Generator noise: Be aware of noise levels at non-hookup sites. "A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out," mentions Clayton P. about Miner's Canyon Dispersed, where RVers often run generators due to lack of electrical hookups.
