Primitive camping near Fruitland, Utah offers varied terrain and camping spots at approximately 8,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas, with evening temperatures often dropping into the 40s even during July and August. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained forest roads that can become muddy after rain.
What to do
Fishing access points: Currant Creek Reservoir provides good fishing opportunities with less pressure than the main Strawberry Reservoir. "We camped overnight and fly fished the currant the next day. It was July 4 weekend but still not crowded," notes a visitor to Currant Creek Rd Dispersed.
Off-road trails: The area around Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping contains numerous off-road routes. "This area has many camp sites to choose from, traveling from the highway 150 will absolutely require 4x4 but the other end could manage without," reports one camper who visited the area.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings present opportunities to see local wildlife. "I've seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite," mentions a camper at Mill Hollow. The higher elevation meadows and aspen groves provide habitat for deer, elk, and various bird species.
What campers like
Secluded aspen groves: Several dispersed camping areas feature private spots among aspens. At Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054, one reviewer noted: "There are only a few solid spots south of Mill Hollow to dispersed car camp, but it makes for a quiet trip if you're lucky enough to nab one of the spots. The few that we've found to be the most comfortable and simple to access are along the river just south of the lake."
Ridge-top views: Camping areas along higher elevations provide panoramic vistas. A camper at Wolf Creek Pass Primitive Areas shared: "The sites are mixed in with pines and Aspen trees, some with great views out on the rim, and most with rock fire rings and plentiful firewood."
Temperature relief: The higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during hot summer months. "We were here in late May and there was still snow in places and some roads impassable...but we found a premise spot to watch the sunset and camp with a fire," reported a visitor to Mill Hollow.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Forest roads leading to prime camping spots can be challenging. According to a visitor at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area: "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."
Seasonal crowding: Summer weekends see heavy usage, especially for off-road recreation. "We went on a Monday and it was packed, a lot of people cleared out on Tuesday morning. There were a lot of hunters, OHV vehicles (even at 6am)," observed a camper at Clyde Creek.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. One camper at Soapstone Basin explained: "We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the area. "Cell service for T-Mobile was decent although intermittent," reported a Clyde Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing spots: The reservoir shoreline has areas suitable for family fishing. "We were only a couple mins away from the water. No bugs no nothing it was a fantastic weekend," shared a camper at Clyde Creek Dispersed Camping.
Avoid peak traffic times: For families seeking quieter experiences, midweek visits are recommended. A Mud Creek Campground visitor noted: "There are tons of spots to choose from, and it always felt very safe. Lots of people with ATV's and dirtbikes but not loud at all."
Child-friendly exploration: Several areas feature small streams and meadows for safe exploration. "I've hiked and it's been great. I've seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite. Such a peaceful and serene place…especially at night when the OHV and dirt bikers sleep," observed a Mill Hollow visitor.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal access considerations: Wet spring conditions can make roads impassable for larger rigs. At Dispersed Camping Willow Spring, a reviewer warned: "Great dispersed camping area with plenty of room! If going all the way to the marked location on the map, only attempt with a high clearance 4x4 or you will not make it! We have a TRX and overland camper and bottomed out on a culvert that dropped off sharply."
Level site scarcity: Many areas feature sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Biggest drawback for us was that the fields were mostly a steep incline (requiring a delicate balance of additional materials to get level)," noted a Clyde Creek visitor.
Limited turnaround space: Some forest roads have minimal space for larger vehicles to maneuver. A Sheep Creek visitor advised: "Be wary that when it rains, this field turns into a super slick and deep mud."
