Dispersed camping areas near Eden, Utah offer free primitive camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,900 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Temperature variations can be significant with summer days reaching the 80s while nighttime temperatures frequently drop into the 40s, even in July and August. Most free camping sites around Eden require self-sufficiency with minimal or no facilities.
What to do
Hiking from camp sites: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct access to hiking trails. At Monte Cristo Pull-off, campers can find "lots of potential sites" with one reviewer noting they "picked a pull-off spot about 10 min up the highway and was really surprised. It went pretty deep and truly felt like I was away."
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding mountains offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. Near Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin, campers might spot deer, moose, and various bird species. The area is "very quiet, barely any people" with "nice view of the sunset" according to visitors.
Seasonal color changes: Fall brings spectacular foliage displays to the mountains surrounding Eden. One camper at Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo described it as "the end of September and all the leaves were changing" with "immaculate" views.
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed sites offer more privacy. A camper at Monte Cristo noted: "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful. There were only two or maybe three spots total, so get here early."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping near Eden, Utah appeals to cost-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. The Bountiful B Dispersed area offers "awesome flat areas with a creek if you go in spring. Nice and quiet. Nearby shooting range."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. One visitor to Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin mentioned: "It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset. There's no cell service."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, one camper reported: "Camped with friends we had cell service via t-mobile, att&t, and visible with varying strengths. No cost, first come first serve."
Popular site competition: Free sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Monte Cristo, a camper warned: "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Site conditions: Many free sites show evidence of heavy use. At Bountiful B, campers found sites "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."
Land management restrictions: Some areas that historically allowed dispersed camping have changed status. At East Fork Little Bear River, a camper discovered: "From googling, it looks like you used to be allowed to camp anywhere along La Plata road on the way up to Porcupine Reservoir, but they stopped allowing people to camp 2 years ago because it was getting trashed."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. At Bountiful B, campers were advised: "watch out for bears and mountain lions as well and make sure you follow the food rules and lock your cars."
Access to water play: Some free camping sites near Eden offer creek access for children. One reviewer at Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts shared: "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time."
Timing considerations: Summer weekends see highest use and noise levels. A Green Canyon visitor reported: "Very loud, with folks driving around until the AM. Definitely a local party spot."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly even in summer. A camper at Curtis Creek noted: "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people... It's chilly and very pretty around."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many dispersed sites have limited turnaround space for larger vehicles. One camper with modest equipment explained their Monte Cristo experience: "Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads vary seasonally. At Woodruff Narrows Public Access Area, an RV owner noted: "Very private boondocking area about 10 miles off the highway. Wide open area; fairly level in the campsites we saw. The road is okay if you go slowly; we came in with our 31' class A pulling a 12' box trailer."
Winter road closures: Some camping areas restrict winter access. A camper reported about Green Canyon: "Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15. Permit fee is $10 for 3 days."
