Dispersed camping near Cove, Utah offers opportunities for self-reliant outdoor experiences in the high desert landscape. Most primitive sites sit at elevations between 5,000-9,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night regardless of season. Forest service roads throughout the region provide access to secluded camping areas where visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
What to do
Fishing access: Koosharem Reservoir provides fishing opportunities in a quiet setting with basic facilities. "Perfect place for an evening stop over. Easy access on a gravel road. Public restroom was clean," notes a visitor to Koosharem Reservoir.
Mountain biking: The terrain around Mountain Mecca offers numerous trails for cyclists seeking challenging routes. "Lots of mountain bikers and cool exploring to do around the area," reports a camper who found "a nice big private spot in the trees" at Mountain Mecca.
Hot spring soaking: Meadow Hot Springs features three natural pools of varying temperatures. "3 pools total, but only one just above warm temperature. Each pool also has fish, which is a sight to be seen," explains a recent visitor who appreciated the unique aquatic feature.
What campers like
Open space: Camping areas near Cove provide ample room for privacy away from developed campgrounds. A Mountain Mecca visitor noted, "Beautiful scenery and just right outside of town. Very easy to access for most. There are several established places to camp with beautiful views. Very private."
Wildlife viewing: The remote nature of these sites increases opportunities for animal sightings. At Big Lake Cua Dispersed, one camper shared their experience: "Fish, salamanders, cougars, and plenty of elk all over make it a wonderful place to camp."
Accessibility: Despite the primitive nature, many sites can be reached with standard vehicles. At Meadow Hot Springs, a visitor observed, "The road is well maintained. I drove my small 25' RV down it easily. The spring is large enough to accommodate 20 people."
What you should know
Private property awareness: Some popular areas require permission or donations. "You need permission to hike in. When we showed up, there were turkey hunters already up there. I would do much more research than we did before going to make sure it's open," warns a visitor to Big Lake Cua.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality throughout the region. A Three Creeks Reservoir visitor commented, "Not any real amenities but thats what makes this area great," highlighting the trade-off between convenience and seclusion at Three Creeks Reservoir.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities entirely. One Meadow Hot Springs visitor advised, "We didn't camp overnight but we did visit the hot springs. Plan to have a self contained bathroom if you camp because there are no restrooms provided and little to no cover or privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Established sites: Look for dispersed areas with pre-existing fire rings and cleared space. "Open area looks like local party spot, not for RVs. Lots of spots to pitch a tent, established fire pits. Not far off the main road," notes a Mountain Mecca visitor.
Water features: Sites near water bodies provide entertainment for children. A Meadow Hot Springs visitor observed, "The owner of this property has graciously allowed people to stay here for free. Please leave with more trash than you came with. Hot Spring was a little walk, but perfect."
Bathroom planning: No dispersed sites provide toilet facilities, requiring advance planning. "Quiet, public bathrooms available," reports a Koosharem Reservoir camper, making this one of the few primitive camping options with basic sanitation facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Most primitive areas cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. "There were a few RVs parked earlier down the road with larger trees and less of a view," notes a Shingle Creek Dispersed visitor, suggesting that RVers should consider spots closer to main roads.
Road navigation: High-clearance vehicles have significant advantages for accessing remote sites. One visitor to Meadow Hot Springs warned, "Road is bumpy and may be difficult for cars to get back to the main spring but you can always park and walk."
Distance considerations: Many primitive camping areas remain conveniently close to main routes. "Super relaxing hot spring with a few other springs at decent temperatures... It's only about 5 miles of the main highway. It's worth a stop," notes a Meadow Hot Springs visitor regarding the proximity to Interstate 15.
