Dispersed tent campsites near Eagle Mountain, Utah sit at elevations between 4,500 and 10,000 feet, offering dramatic temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Located on the western edge of the Wasatch Range, these sites provide access to alpine lakes, aspen groves, and sagebrush plateaus. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to set up at least half a mile from trailheads or parking areas.
What to do
Paddleboard and kayak local lakes: Anderson Park offers easy water access for non-motorized watercraft. As one visitor noted, "Loved it, great for Paddleboarding and fishing" while staying at Anderson Park.
Fish alpine lakes: Silver Lake Backcountry provides excellent fishing opportunities in higher elevation waters. "Wide spacious camp sites. ATV paradise, fire pits established in most camp sites, only accessible by 4 wheel drive. Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose," explains one Silver Lake Backcountry camper.
Hike challenging trails: Red Pine Lake offers strenuous but rewarding hiking experiences. "I backpacked tomorrow Red Pine Lake (first backpacking in 10 years!) and had a great time. The trail up is well kept and the lake itself is stunning. Lots of streams everywhere too which I loved," reports one satisfied camper.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures in summer: Higher elevation sites provide relief from valley heat. "Only 40-50 minutes away from Provo, UT area so easy to get away for a quick day or two of camping. Lots of hikes to do nearby, beautiful views, and place to paddle board, kayak, etc," notes a camper at Silver Lake Backcountry.
Accessible wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Camp Maple Dell, campers report, "We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily. About 15-20 minutes from Payson City."
Weekday solitude: Sites fill quickly on weekends but remain relatively empty midweek. A Kimball Campground visitor explained, "I stayed here for three nights (July 7-9 2021) and it was great!! I'm on a road trip to Chicago from California and this was the first place I stayed and I absolutely loved it."
What you should know
Rough road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes. The views make the drive there worth it, though," warns a Silver Lake Backcountry camper.
Pack drinking water: Most tent sites near Eagle Mountain lack potable water sources. At Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts, regulations require camping "1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water."
Seasonal camping restrictions: Several areas have limited accessibility during certain months. "Be careful there is a 5$ per car fee sneaking at the entrance. Pretty good trails on the way up but like in the Title I wasn't able to make it," cautions a Millcreek Canyon visitor who attempted to camp in June.
Tips for camping with families
Group campground options: Several sites accommodate larger family gatherings. "This camp can be rented by camp ground for $150 per night. Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more. Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end," notes a Camp Maple Dell user.
Creek access for children: Sites with safe water play areas work well for families with kids. One Millcreek Canyon camper shared, "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. One of our families favorite canyons. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river."
Shade considerations: Look for tent sites with tree cover during summer. "Camp Maple Dell is a beautiful camp. Leafy trees, great area. Yes, it's set up for Scouts, but when it's not Scout week, the camp is available for others to enjoy," explains a frequent visitor to this campsite near Eagle Mountain.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV sites available: Tent camping dominates the Eagle Mountain area with few RV options. At Camp Eagle Mountain, one visitor observed, "This campground has beautiful views. It is a dry area and hot mid-summer, but good base for ATV, bike, and hunting areas. No ATV/bike riding or hunting on the campground - just a good base camp for those types of activities."
Challenging access roads: RVers should scout roads before attempting access. "The dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. Make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case," advises a camper at Dutchman Mine Flats.
Limited hookups: Most sites offer no services for RVs. A camper at Dutchman Mine Flats notes, "There are several 'camp' spots dispersed in this area accessible only during spring-fall when the canyon is open. You cannot car-camp as there is wooden fence blocking off the parking area."
