Dispersed camping near West Valley City, Utah centers on national forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within a 30-60 minute drive. Most locations sit at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet, requiring preparation for temperature drops of 15-20°F after sunset even in summer months. Access roads to many sites remain closed until late June due to snowpack and spring runoff damage.
What to do
Trail running access: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts offers numerous trails specifically favored by runners. "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camp in Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site to spot local wildlife. "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower. One of our friends said they had a cougar encounter but we haven't seen much wildlife yet," reports one camper.
Alpine hiking: Multiple peaks accessible from established dispersed sites provide challenging day hikes. "If you want to hike then they are Broads Fork Twin Peaks, Sunrise Peak, and Dromedary Peak. All of which require no more than class 4 scrambling," writes a visitor to Twin Peaks Wilderness Area.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to its elevation and distance from city lights. "The trail up is steep, dusty and downright loose, but the payback at the top is unlike any other Wasatch hike I've done! When you arrive in the cirque you're greated by 270 degrees of granite wall towering up to 600' tall," explains one camper.
Accessible water features: Several campgrounds provide water access ideal for cooling off in hot months. "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river," shares a visitor to Millcreek Canyon.
Solitude-seeking options: For those wanting minimal contact with other campers, higher elevation sites offer more privacy. "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," notes a camper at Salamander Flat.
What you should know
Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Access to many free camping areas near West Valley City requires appropriate vehicles. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site has particularly challenging access. "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," warns one visitor.
Seasonal closures: Many camping areas have restricted seasonal access. "This open 7/1-11/1 only," notes a reviewer about Neffs Canyon. Another camper adds: "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort," regarding Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Insect conditions: Mosquito activity peaks in early summer, particularly after wet springs. "We ended up bailing out and headed back down the mountain because of the mosquitos. I've never seen anything like it! We arrived around dusk and the mosquitoes were on us like starving piranhas as soon as we stepped out of the vehicle," reports a camper at Cascade Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation spots: Families can find several campsites near streams for natural water play. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," shares one family camping at Millcreek Canyon.
Wildlife education opportunities: Mineral Basin Dispersed provides chances to watch local wildlife. "A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite," notes a camper visiting nearby Salamander Flat.
Early morning activity planning: Noise from recreational vehicles starts early at many sites. "It's an entrance for off-roading so it gets noisy and dusty at 8:00 am," reports one camper about local conditions. Another notes: "You will be awakened by atvs fairly early," regarding camping at Mineral Basin.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Bountiful B Dispersed accommodates RVs with sufficient planning. "We found a spot that was more of a hill, which made it neat to get around, but the site was LITTERED with spent ammo, broken glass and broken pieces of clay pigeons. Another group camping near us told us they found the same at their site so be weary of where you step up here," warns one RVer.
Access route guidance: RVers should verify access information before attempting routes. "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it. Sure is pretty but we never made it to the top," advises a camper about Cascade Springs Dispersed.
Cell service availability: Coverage varies widely across dispersed camping areas. "I have Verizon and had coverage off and on, its enough to send texts but not much more," notes a visitor to Bountiful B, while another reports, "We have Verizon & TMobile & both had service. Good enough to stream music," at Cascade Springs.
