Camping sites near Elk Ridge, Utah span across multiple ecosystems, with elevations ranging from 4,700 feet at Utah Lake to over 7,000 feet in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Summer temperatures in higher-elevation sites can be 10-15 degrees cooler than lower valley campgrounds, making mountain camping a refuge during hot months. The camping season typically runs longer at lake sites, with some areas accessible year-round while mountain locations close by mid-October.
What to do
Hike to natural hot springs: Diamond Fork Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the area's geothermal features. A camper noted, "If you stay here make sure to take the time to hike up to fifth water hot pots it is amazing." The trailhead is just a few miles from the Diamond Fork campsites.
Mountain biking on local trails: Spanish Oaks Campground offers direct access to mountain biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "Fun mbt trails and easy access to paved Spanish Fork river trail," reports one visitor to Spanish Oaks Campground.
Fish stocked waters: Maple Lake provides fishing opportunities without motorized boats. "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe," explains a camper at Payson Lakes.
Explore educational nature trails: The Diamond Fork area features educational paths with interpretive signage. "There is a well maintained nature trail that passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail," mentions a reviewer.
What campers like
Cool mountain temperatures: The higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "This is a great place to camp. You are really close to fifth water and the start of the trail to the hot pots. There is lots of big cotton wood trees for shade," notes a camper at Diamond Fork.
Lake views at sunset: Several campsites offer scenic vantage points of local lakes. "The sunrise is spectacular, especially when you wait for it out by the lake! It's a wonderful place and is family friendly!" shares an enthusiastic visitor to Payson Lakes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. "We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily," reports a camper at Camp Maple Dell. Another camper mentions, "I have seen elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, and black bear in and around the area and campsite."
Uncrowded fishing spots: Diamond Fork offers less pressured fishing experiences. "The fishing for brown trout, and cutthroat trout in diamond fork river or the fifth water river can be amazing and you don't see a lot of anglers so that makes it way fun."
What you should know
Weather variability: Higher elevation camps can experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. "Lots of shade trees make it lots cooler in the summer so you can beat the heat," notes a Diamond Fork visitor.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies greatly across camping areas. At Miner's Canyon, a camper reports, "3 bars verizon. Very quiet. There were about 30 other campers and it was very quiet."
Seasonal insect issues: Bugs can be problematic in certain locations and times. At Utah Lake State Park Campground, a camper warns, "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes."
Livestock encounters: Some areas permit grazing. "We spent the week chasing the cows away, and waking up at 5AM when the cows started mooing," reports a camper at Maple Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Lakeside RV Campground, a visitor notes, "Playground for the kids was fun and also sits above the res and close to the camp sites so its easy for your little ones to have their fun."
Educational trail experiences: Diamond Fork features special trails for children. "This campground is very kid friendly. There are painted bear tracks that tell a story in and around the two loops of the park," explains a reviewer.
Safe water recreation: Non-motorized lakes provide safer environments for young swimmers. A Payson Lakes visitor shares, "The lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake."
Short hiking options: Some areas offer manageable trails for children. "Highly suggest coming here and hike the grotto because it's a short hike and so close to the campground," recommends a Payson Lakes camper.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV spaces vary significantly between campgrounds. At Payson Lakes, a camper warns, "First, their normal campsites are really small. We'd actually accidentally set up residence in a double spot without knowing it."
Road conditions: Access varies seasonally for larger vehicles. At Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor notes, "Road is in ok shape. Only few places small vehicle can park. Not for RV's or larger trucks really. I could barely turn RV around to go out."
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer various levels of services. A Lakeside RV Campground visitor shares, "We stayed in a back in spot which was very spacious and we had a good distance from our neighbor."
Generator noise considerations: At some dispersed sites, generator use can impact the camping experience. At Miner's Canyon Dispersed, a camper mentions, "A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out."
