Best Dispersed Camping near Copperton, UT

The Wasatch Mountains surrounding Copperton, Utah feature numerous dispersed camping opportunities on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest Service. Miners Canyon BLM and Miner's Canyon Dispersed sites offer lakeside camping with mountain views approximately 20 miles southwest of Copperton. These primitive sites typically include established fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water or restroom facilities. Farther east in the mountains, campers will find Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Twin Peaks Wilderness Area dispersed sites, which require permits and provide more secluded experiences for tent campers willing to hike to their sites.

Road conditions significantly impact accessibility throughout the region's camping areas. As one camper noted at Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, "The road is atrocious. Don't come unless you have some serious high clearance 4WD vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle." Many sites require navigating unpaved, rutted roads that deteriorate further after rain or spring runoff. Cell service varies widely, with several areas having no coverage. Seasonal considerations include intense mosquito activity in early summer, particularly at dusk, and cold temperatures at higher elevations even during summer months. The standard stay limit on most BLM and Forest Service land is 14 days.

Mountain views and night sky visibility rank among the top highlights mentioned by campers in the area. "The views are some of the best! Mt. Timpanogos is in full view and the panoramic views are all great," reported one visitor to Cascade Springs. Wildlife sightings, including elk, deer, and occasional black bears, add to the experience at higher elevation sites. Several campers mentioned issues with trash at more accessible locations, particularly at Miners Canyon BLM where one reviewer observed "a beautiful lakeside camp site ruined by people who dump their trash." Weekday visits typically offer more solitude, while popular areas fill quickly on summer weekends. Most dispersed sites accommodate both tent and vehicle camping, though terrain often limits RV access to lower elevation areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Copperton, Utah (40)

    1. Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "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."

    2. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    24 miles
    Website

    "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."

    "All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water."

    3. Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alpine, UT
    18 miles

    "I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "

    4. Miners Canyon BLM

    11 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "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,"

    5. Mineral Basin Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    27 miles

    $6 / night

    "Campground Review: Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City."

    "The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."

    6. Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Millcreek, UT
    19 miles

    "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower."

    7. Salamander Flat

    8 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    26 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "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"

    8. Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Provo, UT
    32 miles

    "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."

    9. Sawmill Picnic

    4 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    23 miles
    Website

    "Second all slots are extremely close to Alpine road. Wonderful day spot, bummer we couldn’t stay the night!"

    10. Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    20 miles

    "These are all backcountry sites and you have to be at least a 1/2 mile from any road before camping.  The best spots are more than a mile in at the meadows anyway!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Copperton, UT

156 Reviews of 40 Copperton Campgrounds


  • Bethany W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Miners Canyon BLM

    A lot of trash

    As beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore. Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc. There also seems to be majority long term campers who have a lot of stuff everywhere around their campsites, as well as 2-3 permanent residents living on the private property that backs up against the public lands. While there are 10-12 spots that are easily accessible, they’re being utilized by the long-term campers. Our first night here we arrived around 8 pm, right before sunset so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore so we just parked in the larger area near the public access area to the lake by 3 other campers. Luckily the next morning a camper van left so we were able to move without being on top of so many people since the people we were around all had dogs barking almost every time we let ours out to go to the bathroom. Overall, I felt like this campsite left more to be desired and took away from the beauty of the area.

  • Jenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2018

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Ranger Review: Snapbuds and Dispersed Camping toward Willow Spring

    Campground Review: In my attempt to explore as many areas in Utah as I can, I came across this wonderful dispersed camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon. I had the intention of staying in a nearby campground. But when I felt the price was a bit too high for just one night, I sought adventure elsewhere. I randomly turned off toward Main Canyon and followed the dirt road until I found a spot I liked. I knew I was in dispersed national forest camping when there are signs indicating a 14 day limit. So all along this dirt road, which got pretty rocky at times, are spots to pull off and camp for the night. It can accommodate single tents, multiple tents, RVs (obviously no hookups) and trailers.  There are man-made fire pits so if you start a fire, be sure to put it out completely and observe LNT (leave no trace) camping principles. Whatever you bring in with you is what you have as there are no amenities to speak of. The ground was soft and there were lots of trees from which to hang a hammock. I did forget to fill my water jug before I left my house so I had to search out a small run off stream from which I could filter water. But be sure to have a good water filter if you are going to go this route.  The only real negative I have for this site (or area of sites) is that there was a lot of AVT/Side-by-side/dirtbike traffic. If that type of activity was on my list, this area would be first on my list. However, since I chose not to stay in a campground because I wanted the seclusion, the traffic was a little bit of a bummer. But, because the camping was free and everyone who passed waved and was really nice, I didn’t have too much of a problem with it. Also, the site I chose was right off the road (as majority of them are). If I wanted to hike with my stuff a little more, I found a very pretty meadow away from the road that would have been very peaceful. I guess that will have to be my next spot. OI verall, I have a love for free, dispersed camping and this area is large enough to explore for a wide variety of adventures.

    Gear Review: Snapbuds

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get the opportunity to test out gear every so often from our amazing partners. I was given the opportunity to test out a new product called Snapbuds. The premise of this product is to help keep your earbud cords organized or untangled by use of magnets. They come in three different colors—grey, black, and white, so you can make them coordinate with your cords or stand out. The instructions are easy to follow and have a few options for how to set these little magnets into different configurations. It also has a really handy measuring tape/picture to make sure you can get the snapbuds in the right spot. I decided to try the standard configuration on my first pair of earbuds. These are designed to be permanent additions to your cords so be sure to pay attention to what direction you snap the magnets on. Once I got them on, I wrapped them up and threw them around in my bag. The magnets held and when I went to use them, all I had to do was pull the magnets apart and the cord was untangled. It was pretty sweet. I also used them while hiking around with my dog.

    Overall, these are a pretty cool solution to a long standing annoyance of earbud cords.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Many Sites of Varying Sizes

    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. Many sites are “pull-throughs” so one entrance can be better than the other. Some great spots up the hill but you’ll need high clearance and 4wd. Bugs weren’t bad on this warm mid-September day. Some trash but I’ve been to more formal places with more trash than this. Access to the lake and lots of space to hike. Nice view of lights from the Provo side of the lake at night.

  • Jenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2018

    Pittsburg Lake Dispersed

    Ranger Review: Matador Camera Base Layer at Pittsburg Lake UT

    Campground Review: Dispersed camping at Pittsburg Lake, Utah

    Because I am into hiking and exploring national forest camping this summer, I found a fun adventure at Pittsburg Lake in the Uinta National Forest in the Wasatch Mountains. Getting there—the hike is a 1.5 mile hike up to the lake. Getting to the trail head is a dusty, dirt road behind Midway, UT. You are driving on dirt road for approximately 6-7 miles and will encounter at least two stream crossings. One crossing is cobblestoned, the other is driving up the stream for 50 feet right before the trail head. Therefore, a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended, if not necessary. There are a lot of off roading trails back in this area so you will encounter lots of RZRs, dirtbikes, 4-wheelers, jeeps, etc on your way to the trailhead but a non-lowered car can handle the road if the driver is comfortable. The really rocky section is past the trail head. Anyway, long dusty road to the trailhead then then hike is 1.5 miles all uphill with 1500 ft of elevation gain. You are hiking on a very rocky old mining road. My husband and I decided we wanted to really punish ourselves and we hiked up with an inflatable paddle board in addition to my stuff for camping. The hike is totally doable even with a lot of gear, just go slow and be careful of your footing. To be honest, I felt sorer after the hike down then after the hike up. So you make it up the trail and you come to a beautiful, small alpine lake. The lake is approximately .33 miles around and has trout for fishing. There is even an old homestead cabin to explore. The lake has many human-made fire pits scattered all around depending if you want to be right on the lake or if you want to tuck back farther into the woods. I found a spot close to the lake for easy paddle board access where I could hang my hammock. This was my first adventure in hammock camping and I actually enjoyed it. The views are so pretty and you are on the backside of Snowbird Ski Area. The area was beautiful and I wish I saw more wildlife (I have heard rumors of elk and moose sightings).

    I am giving this camping area 4 stars not because of the area itself (it is free, beautiful, relaxing, etc.) but because of the other people who were staying up there made it not the best night for a female solo camper with her dog. There was another group camping about 200 meters away but I don’t think they knew I was there and they were up late making a lot of noise. Every time I was about to fall asleep, I would hear them chop wood or yell for an echo or make some other non-natural noise that would keep me awake (plus my imagination would start to run away from me). There was also another couple who decided to camp up there and needed to borrow a lighter but ended up leaving around 2AM. So whenever they came close to my camp, my wonderful protective dog would growl and raise the alarm, again, inhibiting my ability to fall asleep. The other annoyance was the flies. I am not sure if it is just the spot that I chose that had a lot of flies or they would have followed me wherever I set up camp. They didn’t bite and were more annoying than anything. I think my dog ate a few dozen as they buzzed around her head. So due to those negatives, the spot gets dinged a star.

    Overall, it was worth carrying the paddle board up to the lake as I was able to relax and float and tool around. You can’t go very far but being on the water is always a good time. I could read my book in the hammock and go for exploratory hikes in the area. Final thought, it is National Forest camping so please, please, please follow leave no trace principles to keep the area nice for future visitors.

    Gear Review: Matador Camera Base Layer

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get the opportunity to test out gear from our awesome partners once in a while. While I was camping at Pittsburg Lake, I had the opportunity to try out the Matador Camera Base Layer. Because I am a glutton for punishment, I decided to haul a bunch of gear up to Pittsburg Lake and it included by nice DSLR camera. Photography is a fun hobby I have been playing around with for a few years, but I come across the problem of how to safely get my camera places without carrying either an additional camera bag that takes up a lot of space or wrapping my camera up in a sweatshirt or other piece of clothing to protect it with a smaller profile. Well, the Matador camera base layer has officially solved my problem. Hooray! The base layer is basically a padded, contoured, dry sack for my camera. Place the camera lens down, then roll and clip the top like a dry sack. It has holes to allow your camera neck or wrist straps to come through so you can wear your camera while it is being protected. Because it is from Matador, it is super lightweight but it does not feel flimsy, thin, or not durable. I was able to stuff my camera in the top of my paddle board bag while hiking up and down and I felt comfortable that nothing would be broken when I got to the top. It protected it from the dirt and dust that gets on everything when you are camping so it helped to keep things cleaner. I also took my camera for a hike with no additional backpacks and I clipped the base layer around my wrist so it wouldn’t get in the way. Besides being a bit hot, it was a great way to keep track of the base layer. I cannot convey how happy I am to have this piece of equipment in my gear box. While I am no Ansel Adams, being able to take more pictures with my camera and not just my phone while I am out on adventures will add another dimension to my activities and help me develop a new skill. The only thing I might want to improve is a small piece of Velcro on the bottom to help keep the waterproof cover inside its little pocket. But this is so minor in the grand scheme of things. If you are into photography at all, I highly recommend looking into this product.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping

    Remote and spacious

    The GPS coordinates appear to be a bit further north from the accessible camping and it seems like a solar farm was built there recently. We kept driving south on the 196 for a few miles and took some washed out roads in closer to the mountains to find some campsites. Probably don’t need 4WD but low clearance vehicles might have trouble. Not the flatest pullouts but workable and you’ll have the area to yourselves. Lots of biting bugs and moths. Not much shade to be found.

  • Sara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2020

    Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping

    Good primitive stop for an I-80 trip

    Good dispersed campsite, especially if you’re on a road trip along I-80 (which we were, evacuating from a wildfire in CA). There are no hookups or services. This is really just a spot of BLM land that has some fairly level sites cleared. Some sites probably required 4WD. Looks like it would be really fun for OHV’s. We were car camping, so didn’t have to worry to much about space. From what we could tell there were probably only a couple good spots for an RV or tow-behind. There are no reservations, just find a place where your car fits and park it.

    Rumor has it there’s a neat stream nearby, but we didn’t get a chance to check it out.

  • Whitney W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    Beauty in Abundance

    I love this canyon. There are so many places to disperse camp as a group or a an individual. One thing to know is that you will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills. Download a map prior to entering Hobble Creek as you lose reception at the beginning.

    You will have to drive a dirt road that is less than fair at times. You won't need high clearance but a good suspension or airing down will help.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

    Pretty location

    Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location


Guide to Copperton

Dispersed camping near Copperton, Utah allows visitors to explore the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 10,000 feet. The area's climate features significant temperature variations, with summer days often reaching 90°F at lower elevations while dropping below 50°F at night in higher terrain. Most free camping sites lack cell service, requiring advance planning and offline navigation tools.

What to do

Mountain biking near Millcreek Canyon: Access various trail systems within a 45-minute drive from Copperton. At Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts, trails cater to various skill levels. "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 Sean H.

Wildlife viewing at Squaw Peak Road: Mule deer, foxes, and various bird species frequent the meadows during mornings and evenings. "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," explains Spencer L. at Squaw Peak Road Dispersed.

Paraglider watching at Utah Lake: Multiple free campsites offer views of paragliders, particularly on weekends. "The view is gorgeous in the mornings and evenings. Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well," reports Robby K. from Miner's Canyon Dispersed.

What campers like

Solitude on weekdays: Most dispersed camping locations near Copperton see minimal use Monday through Thursday. "We camped towards to the top. It had plenty of room for tents amongst the trees and in the field... Definitely recommend going during the week rather than a weekend because it gets BUSY," advises Jeni N. about Squaw Peak Road Dispersed.

Mountain backdrops for photography: The eastern horizon features distinctive peaks visible from many camping areas. At Miners Canyon BLM, campers appreciate the landscape: "Gorgeous view of Utah lake. Sunflowers and purple hummingbird flowers galore...skyline and stars are stunning," notes Lady Wandlust L.

Strong cellular reception at select sites: Several areas maintain usable connectivity despite their remote feel. "Starlink is a little slower, but maybe cos I am roaming. 60 meg down, 7 or 8 meg up. Visible and Verizon pretty good. Cricket 2 bars," reports Kevin H. at Miners Canyon BLM.

What you should know

Seasonal road closures affect access: Many higher elevation sites become inaccessible during winter months through early summer. "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort," warns Loren L. about Mineral Basin Dispersed.

Water safety concerns at Utah Lake: Toxic algae blooms occur frequently during summer months, making water contact hazardous. "The lake isn't safe to swim or drink from at this time due to algae," cautions John L. at Miner's Canyon Dispersed.

Fire restrictions vary throughout season: Check current regulations before planning cooking or campfires. "We had fire pits but at this point in time, there was a ban so we didn't start one," notes Jeni N. from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed.

Permit requirements vary by location: Many Wasatch Mountain sites require wilderness permits. "All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water," explains Dan G. about Millcreek Canyon.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with natural play areas: Look for meadows and safe stream access for children. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," recommends Kelli R. from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping.

Plan for cooler nighttime temperatures: Even summer camping requires warm clothing, especially at higher elevations. "It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer," advises Rob M. about Salamander Flat.

Consider day-use areas for trial runs: Some picnic sites allow camping and provide more amenities. "Great for kids and animals. Slots with picnic tables and fire rings. Views are to a gorgeous river view," reports Lilliana J. about Sawmill Picnic.

Tips from RVers

Check road conditions before committing: Many free camping areas have challenging access for larger vehicles. "Rough roads. The main one isn't so bad but the side roads are awful... Perfect for tent camping and small trailers, spots are not big enough for bigger RVs and trailers," warns Juan G. about Squaw Peak Road Dispersed.

Scout locations before sunset: Arriving after dark makes site selection difficult on unmarked forest roads. "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely," shares Kevin H. from Miners Canyon BLM.

Bring adequate water supplies: No dispersed camping near Copperton offers potable water. "No facilities, but we're self contained," notes Kevin H. about primitive camping conditions at Miners Canyon BLM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Copperton, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Copperton, UT is Miner's Canyon Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

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