Eagle Mountain sits on the west bench of Utah County, south of the Oquirrh Mountains, with developed neighborhoods giving way to desert foothills and national forest access further west. Campground options around Eagle Mountain tend to be a mix of dispersed forest spots and a handful of developed sites along canyon roads to the north and east. Eagle Mountain's dispersed camping covers the no-fee, primitive options for campers who don't need established infrastructure.
Developed campgrounds within reasonable driving distance have vault toilets and defined sites but fill quickly on summer weekends. RV sites with hookups are limited in the immediate area. Cabin rentals are scattered through the foothills if you want a structure instead of a tent. Most access roads into the backcountry are unpaved, and conditions vary by season. High-clearance is useful after rain, when dirt roads get soft. American Fork-area dispersed sites are worth checking as an alternative if roads closer to Eagle Mountain are in poor shape.
The desert terrain means limited shade at most sites. Bring extra water, especially in summer. Wind is common on the exposed western benches, so stake down your tent well.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"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."
"Directions brought us right to the location. Road was rough into the sites and were hard to determine specific sites. Ended up pulling into edge of field. Definitely a good quiet night's sleep"
$25 - $175 / night
"This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."
"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."
$31 - $48 / night
"Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."
"You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."
"Can be a bit windy some days but nice spread out area with beautiful views of mountains and Utah lake."
"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."
$50 - $100 / night
"Gorgeous view across the lake. Quiet. Electricity worked well. Extremely clean. Camp hosts were nowhere to be found and another rig had claimed the end lake-adjacent site I paid for."
"This my 3 stay here at Utah Lake state park. 2x in July and now in September. I’m a single female traveler."
$27 - $355 / night
"Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."
"Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."
"This is our go to campground if we don’t want to drive too far from our house."
"One can hear the cars from the highway, but they are far enough. When I arrived around 8, there was one Atv crusing for another 15 minutes, but then silence for the whole night. Good spot and free!"
"The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
$27 - $227 / night
"We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."
"The site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."
"Pulling up we were a bit confused as there were paid sites near the bathroom. It appears that anything beyond that is dispersed."
TravelerFantastic BLM spot surrounded by the Great Salt Lake. No services but good internet service. Very quiet. Watch out for the cow patties. This area allows shooters so you may hear them. Suggestion is to not stray too far from the paved road.
TravelerThere are a few spot where you can drop off Skyline Rd and camp near a little stream. This one has the best combination of closeness to the highway, but having no street noise. There was a lot of tweaker trash, but I filled a few garbage bags and have it looking good again. It’s perfect for a van or very small RV, but I wouldn’t bring anything bigger down the side road.
ScoutDrove all the way out here and not allowed to park overnight
ScoutThis is a great campground if you’re looking for somewhere simple to stay for a weekend. You’re not able to make reservations but it doesn’t seem very popular so you’re most likely to find a spot if you go early enough. It costs $10 if you stay for 3 days, but it allows you to use the America the Beautiful pass if you have it. There’s a 4 mile hike if you keep following the road down if you’re looking for something else to do.
ScoutWould go again this place had such beautiful trees and wildlife love to experience the outdoors great location.
ScoutYou can only stay one night here but it is a great place for one night stay
ScoutI stayed in site 17 no hookups. Quiet and peaceful
TravelerThis campsite has 5 spot. No water or electric hook up. Pack in pack out policy
GuideThere are mountain views on every side, lake to one side, and wetlands and fields with cows on the other. Very clean, nice campground host. Only 2 showers but they were clean. Airport nearby but it didn’t bother us. Walking trail next to the campground and a paved pier to walk down as well. It seriously blows my mind that so many people had bad things to say about this place, we really enjoyed it!
Dispersed camping near Eagle Mountain, Utah ranges from free BLM sites to developed campgrounds at varying elevations between 4,500-6,400 feet. Weather patterns in the region create significant wind challenges, particularly at higher elevations where paragliders launch from Flight Park State Recreation Area. Local camping options provide both lake access and mountain terrain within 30 minutes of town.
Watch paragliders launch: At Flight Park State Recreation Area, campers can observe paragliding activities throughout the day. "There are lots of RVs up there. The location is where paragliders take off from which I'd imagine is pretty cool to watch," notes one visitor who stayed in the area.
Paddle on nearby lakes: Utah Lake offers water recreation opportunities despite water quality concerns. "The lake isn't safe to swim or drink from at this time due to algae," reports a camper at Miner's Canyon Dispersed, suggesting visitors should check current conditions before planning water activities.
Access hiking trails: Multiple trails are accessible from camping areas in American Fork Canyon. "Close to some really good hikes like Stewart Falls, and tibble fork reservoir just minutes for your camp site," writes a reviewer about Granite Flat. Most trails are open May through October, with seasonal closures in winter months.
Stargazing opportunities: The desert skies provide excellent night viewing conditions. "Holy moly, this place was magnificent! The lights from Provo, the city across the lake, twinkle throughout the night; and it is definitely worth waking up early to catch the sun rising over the mountains," writes a visitor to Miners Canyon BLM.
River sounds: Campsites near water features offer natural white noise. "You could hear the river and we had a great time," notes a camper at Little Mill. Another reviewer adds, "It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away."
Mountain views: Many campsites provide views of Mount Timpanogos. "Stunning sunrise—perfect views of Mt. Timp," reports a camper at Willow Park Campground. The mountain's distinct profile creates a memorable backdrop, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Seasonal bug issues: Insects can be problematic, particularly near water. "EDIT: Okay I lied. 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. I didn't even have any lights on. I'm scared and itchy and I hate bugs," writes a camper at Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Trash concerns: Many dispersed sites suffer from excessive garbage. "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," reports a visitor to Miners Canyon BLM.
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect camping comfort, particularly at higher elevations. "It can get extremely windy at night, but that was to be expected," notes a camper at Flight Park. Another reviewer warns, "Very windy---20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding."
Consider established campgrounds: Families often prefer sites with amenities. "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," notes a visitor to Willow Park Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas. "Has a playground, sand volleyball, boat launch as your near the Jordan River," notes a camper at Willow Park. Recreational facilities provide entertainment options when children tire of hiking or water activities.
Look for flat camping areas: Nunns Park offers level tent sites. "The best part is how close it is to Provo. Super convenient. We didn't stay very long but would recommend this spot to anyone who wants some nice car camping," writes a reviewer. Level sites simplify tent setup and improve sleeping comfort for younger campers.
Water and dump station availability: RVers should note facility limitations. "Full hookups and dump station. Level pads, good space between sites, nice covered tables," reports a visitor to Utah Lake State Park Campground, though they also note "filthy bathrooms and dumpsters overfilled."
Site selection for views: Strategic parking enhances the camping experience. "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely," notes an RVer at Miners Canyon BLM, highlighting the importance of positioning rigs to maximize views.
Expect varied road conditions: Access roads range from paved to rough. "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," writes a visitor to Miner's Canyon Dispersed, advising travelers to "suggest you park on the road and walk in."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available near Eagle Mountain?
Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Eagle Mountain. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry is a popular free option with no amenities where you must carry in all water. It's close to Utah Lake and suitable for RVs, though expect to hear noise from a nearby shooting range and ORV trails. Skyline Drive offers another free dispersed camping area down a dirt road near the ghost town remnants of Tucker, featuring a creek and interesting rock formations with minimal noise after dusk. Fivemile Pass OHV area also provides free camping opportunities near Cedar Valley with basic toilet facilities. These dispersed sites typically have established fire rings but expect minimal privacy and potentially rough road conditions.
Where are the best campgrounds near Eagle Mountain, Utah?
Several quality campgrounds are available near Eagle Mountain. Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park offers full hookups for RVs in a clean, well-maintained setting with beautiful views. For a more traditional camping experience, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park provides a classic outdoor setting, though sites are narrower with mature trees and may be challenging for larger rigs. Both state parks offer amenities like restrooms and access to recreational activities. For those seeking a resort experience, Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City provides premium facilities including an adults-only section for peace and quiet. Payson Lakes, about 45 minutes from Payson, is another excellent option for families, featuring fishing, swimming, and kayaking opportunities.
What camping options with water access are available near Eagle Mountain?
Payson Lakes offers excellent water access about 45 minutes from Payson, making it relatively accessible from Eagle Mountain. The lakes provide great fishing opportunities for children and youth, plus swimming and kayaking in a non-motorized environment that's safe for families. Miner's Canyon Dispersed camping area features beautiful lakeside sites, though reviews note issues with litter that might impact the experience. For a more developed option, Utah Lake State Park Campground provides camping with access to Utah Lake's expansive waters. When camping at any of these water-accessible sites, be prepared with appropriate water safety equipment, especially for children, and check current conditions as water levels can vary seasonally.
Keep Exploring
