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Several free dispersed camping areas exist near Cedar Valley, Utah, primarily along the shores of Utah Lake. Miners Canyon and Miner's Canyon BLM areas offer primitive sites with mountain and lake views approximately 20 miles south of Salt Lake City. The gravel access roads are manageable for most vehicles, though side roads can be rough. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with varying degrees of levelness, and the 14-day camping limit appears loosely enforced, with some long-term campers noted in recent reviews.
These lakeside sites provide no amenities—no water, toilets, or trash service. Campers should come fully self-contained and prepared to pack out all waste. Wind can be significant, particularly in open areas facing the lake. A camper wrote, "It was incredibly windy for a couple of hours but settled down after a while." Fire rings exist at many sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions. The areas offer notable wildlife viewing and paragliding activity on weekends. While the scenery is praised in reviews, several visitors mention concerns about trash and broken glass at some sites.
"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."
"Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."
"Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc."
"I arrived in the evening and was greeted with an incredible view: a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun; the lights from Provo, the city across the lake,"
"Set up was easy, drove past the BLM sign about half a mile and stayed on a flat open area. Mosquitos were terrible, bring bug spray! Happy camping!"
"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)."
"Getting here can be challenging, very steep incline , tight corners , and some spots have bumpy dirt roads."
"This site is deep past the meadows near square peak. You continue to follow the dirt road in and on your left is a small depression in the land with a fire pit and ample space for tents or hammocks."
"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."
"There was a weird spot when Google maps told us to go right (staying on the paved road) while there was an "alternate" route up a dirt road to the coordinates on the dyrt."
"This is a large area in the west desert available for disperse camping. No services and no water, and not particularly scenic. It's fun to ride ATVs and go shooting. There is no shade so be prepared."
"My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."
"I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"This BLM area is a bit nicer than the one up the road by the lake."
"I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "
TravelerRight up the road from where the campsite marker is we found this private little circular site with fire pit. Ground was at a slope, good to keep in mind, for this specific spot.
TravelerGreat place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
GuideOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up in autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
ScoutThe rock formations are cool and fun to explore, but unfortunately the flies completely ruined this spot for us. I’ve camped in plenty of places with bugs, but I’ve never experienced flies this bad. If you stood still for more than a few seconds, you would literally be swarmed by them. There are cattle and bison in the surrounding area, so I’m guessing that contributes to the fly problem. Whatever the cause, they were relentless. It was so bad that after about 20 minutes, we gave up, packed everything back up, and left. Based on our experience, I would never camp here again.
GuideCamp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
ScoutBeautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
Dispersed camping near Cedar Valley, Utah centers primarily around the mountain areas and lakeshores within a 30-minute drive. Elevations range from 4,500 feet near Utah Lake to over 7,000 feet at mountain sites, creating temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between camping areas. The region experiences significant seasonal changes with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F at lower elevations while mountain sites remain considerably cooler.
Paragliding viewpoints: The western shores of Utah Lake attract paragliders on weekends, particularly near Miner's Canyon BLM. "There's a lake," notes camper Dexter V., highlighting the primitive camping conditions with "rock fire rings, not too far from town" and "fantastic lake and mountain views."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer chances to spot local wildlife. At Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry, the terrain provides "hiking is easy to moderate in ability. Fire ring established in most common camp areas. Animals allowed. Close to Utah Lake," according to camper Michelle B.
Off-road trails: Seven Mile Pass features extensive off-road trails for various skill levels. "I taught my boys to ride motorcycles here. It's not spectacular and heavily used by the ATV crowd but you can easily find a decent place for an overnight. The deeper you go, the fewer the people," explains Kevin J.
Mountain panoramas: Many sites offer views of both mountains and water. At Squaw Peak Road Dispersed, campers appreciate the scenic variety. "This site is deep past the meadows near square peak. You continue to follow the dirt road in and on your left is a small depression in the land with a fire pit and ample space for tents or hammocks. This site is 400-500 yards away from the next closest collection of camp sites," notes Spencer L.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies provide excellent stargazing conditions. At Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, one camper reports, "You better be camping in a tent until they fix this road... Sure is pretty but we never made it to the top." Despite access challenges, the area delivers on night sky views.
Proximity to amenities: Despite being primitive camping, Cedar Valley dispersed sites remain close to supplies. "The area: This land is located right off of Utah Lake. It's about twenty minutes from the town of Saratoga Springs, and less than an hour from Salt Lake City, which means there are plenty of places to get food and supplies," explains Erin at Miner's Canyon BLM.
Road conditions vary substantially: Many sites require appropriate vehicles. At Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, "The road is a bit rough, mainly due to water runoff but nothing too bad," reports Austin T., while others warn, "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it."
Bug populations fluctuate seasonally: Mosquitoes can be problematic depending on season and rainfall. One camper at Miner's Canyon Dispersed warned, "The bugs have infiltrated my tent. I don't even know how but they have. I can hear the rest of them outside trying to find a way in."
Campfire regulations change: Check current fire restrictions before your trip. At Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry, Michelle B. notes "Fire ring established in most common camp areas," but restrictions can change rapidly based on conditions.
Choose less remote options: For family-friendly primitive camping near Cedar Valley, consider sites closer to facilities. At Salamander Flat, one camper shared, "My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain sites experience significant day-night temperature variations. "It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer," advises Rob M. about Salamander Flat.
Scout sites before setting up: Many dispersed areas have varying terrain. Susan C. notes about Miner's Canyon, "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. Some are pretty reasonable, others are like mine fields. Suggest you park on the road and walk in."
Plan for limited levelness: Most Cedar Valley primitive sites require work to level RVs. At Eagle Mountain Dispersed, "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)," warns Rachel.
Test cellular coverage: Service varies significantly across sites. Kevin H. reports about Miner's Canyon BLM: "Starlink is a little slower, but maybe cos I am roaming. 60 meg down, 7 or 8 meg up. Visible and Verizon pretty good."
Seek higher elevation in summer: Lower lakeside sites can become extremely hot. Kevin H. found at Miner's Canyon: "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cedar Valley, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cedar Valley, UT is Miner's Canyon Dispersed with a 3.8-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cedar Valley, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 dispersed camping locations near Cedar Valley, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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