Dispersed camping opportunities surround Fruit Heights, Utah, with most free sites located in the nearby Wasatch Mountains between 6,000-9,000 feet elevation. The region features extensive public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service where no-cost camping is permitted away from developed areas. Campsites typically open in late spring through fall, with seasonal road closures limiting winter access to many popular locations.
What to do
Trailhead access: Near Bountiful B Dispersed, several trails accommodate mountain biking and dirt biking. According to a recent visitor, "This whole area seems to be a local atv, dirt bike, mountain bike, and shooting area. Definitely lots of people shooting guns into gulleys during the day. Everybody seemed friendly though."
Wildlife viewing: Monte Cristo dispersed camping areas offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road," notes camper Bryce R., though he cautions that "if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Backcountry exploration: For those willing to hike, Lake Desolation Primitive Sites provides remote camping options. Megan W. reports, "Once we got to the lake, we had the entire place to ourselves. Even if you went in the middle of summer, there are enough open, flat areas surrounding the lake to setup camp."
What campers like
Mountain views: Middle Fork Conservation Area delivers scenic vistas in a pastoral setting. Janelle K. describes it as "down a dirt road in a valley surrounded by cattle and deer and elk. Beautiful sunset and moonrise."
Secluded spots: Free camping near Fruit Heights includes secluded options like Monte Cristo Pull-off. Nathan S. writes, "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. Only downside is you can occasionally hear louder vehicles like motorcycles during the day."
Proximity to city: Many campers appreciate the close drive from urban areas. At Mineral Basin Dispersed, Connor O. notes, "This is our go to camping spot when we want to get outside, but not drive too far from the city. You can still feel secluded, even though it fills up quickly on the weekends. Beware, you will be awakened by atvs fairly early."
What you should know
Access considerations: Many roads to free camping areas near Fruit Heights require appropriate vehicles. About Mineral Basin, Jenny R. explains, "It is a long dirt road which is relatively maintained. There is a lot of side by side activity on these roads so some of the corners have been banked/rutted out but a non-lowered vehicle should be able to navigate the roads with only a few bottom scrapes."
Campsite conditions: Free camping sites often lack maintenance. At Bountiful B Dispersed, Taylor R. noted: "Some awesome flat areas with a creek if you go in spring. Nice and quiet. Nearby shooting range."
Seasonal restrictions: Many areas close during winter and early spring. At Millcreek Canyon, Ryan G. warns, "Camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account." Similarly, at Mineral Basin, Loren L. reports, "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Several sites feature streams for children. At Millcreek Canyon, Kelli R. shares, "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time."
Safety awareness: Some areas have multiple recreational uses happening simultaneously. A camper at Bountiful B mentioned finding 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."
Wildlife encounters: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping offers wildlife spotting opportunities according to Alan B.: "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVs require careful site consideration at dispersed camping areas. Brian C. from Monte Cristo notes, "Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small. Has a fire pit but with fire restrictions we didn't have a fire."
Amenities planning: No-cost camping near Fruit Heights means bringing all supplies. Calder P. explains about Bountiful B: "There's 4 fire rings around the coords, probably only 3 actual camp sites. If you continue up the mountain, there's more sites at the top."
Communication preparation: Cell service varies significantly. "I have Verizon and had coverage off and on, it's enough to send texts but not much more," notes one camper about the Bountiful area.
