High-clearance access matters more here than most Salt Lake Valley suburbs suggest. Herriman sits at the base of the Oquirrh Mountains, and the dispersed camping on the mountain-edge BLM parcels requires navigating unpaved roads that wash out after spring runoff. No water, no restrooms, no designated sites. Herriman's developed campgrounds cover the organized tent sites with defined pads and vault toilets if you want established infrastructure closer to the city.
The 14-day stay limit applies across all BLM parcels here. This is a fringe suburban dispersed option, useful mainly for campers who want proximity to Salt Lake without driving deep into the Wasatch. Expect ATVs and trail traffic on weekends.
"Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess."
"Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."
"Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc."
"I arrived in the evening and was greeted with an incredible view: a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun; the lights from Provo, the city across the lake,"
"The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top."
"There was a weird spot when Google maps told us to go right (staying on the paved road) while there was an "alternate" route up a dirt road to the coordinates on the dyrt."
"I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "
"Getting here can be challenging, very steep incline , tight corners , and some spots have bumpy dirt roads."
"This site is deep past the meadows near square peak. You continue to follow the dirt road in and on your left is a small depression in the land with a fire pit and ample space for tents or hammocks."
"My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."
"I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic"
from $10 / night
"Second all slots are extremely close to Alpine road. Wonderful day spot, bummer we couldn’t stay the night!"
"Campground Review: Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City."
"The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."
from $6 / night
"You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
"All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water."
"This is BLM. A couple of different camping sites. Most have fire rings but no water or bathrooms. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get up the mountain (the road is rough)."
TravelerRight up the road from where the campsite marker is we found this private little circular site with fire pit. Ground was at a slope, good to keep in mind, for this specific spot.
TravelerGreat place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
RangerOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up in autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
ScoutThe rock formations are cool and fun to explore, but unfortunately the flies completely ruined this spot for us. I’ve camped in plenty of places with bugs, but I’ve never experienced flies this bad. If you stood still for more than a few seconds, you would literally be swarmed by them. There are cattle and bison in the surrounding area, so I’m guessing that contributes to the fly problem. Whatever the cause, they were relentless. It was so bad that after about 20 minutes, we gave up, packed everything back up, and left. Based on our experience, I would never camp here again.
RangerCamp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
ScoutBeautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
Dispersed camping near Herriman, Utah offers rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 4,500 to over 11,000 feet across multiple public land options. Most primitive sites lie within a 45-minute drive of Herriman, making remote camping accessible for weekend excursions. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F in lower elevations while mountain sites remain 10-15 degrees cooler.
Observe wildlife year-round: Eagle Mountain Dispersed camping provides natural habitat viewing opportunities away from developed areas. One camper noted, "We had a great time at the top with beautiful views and quiet. Nobody else around. OHV area too."
Watch paragliding activities: The open terrain near Miners Canyon BLM creates perfect conditions for aerial sports. A visitor mentioned, "Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well," adding another dimension to the camping experience beyond hiking.
Explore seasonal wildflowers: Mid-June through July brings vibrant blooms to many sites. At Miner's Canyon Dispersed, one camper observed, "I'm enjoying the views from this spot, it's flat after a wiggle or two," making it ideal for nature photography and plant identification.
Accessibility to Salt Lake City: Many rustic camping areas near Herriman provide quick weekend escapes. A Cascade Springs Dispersed Site visitor shared, "Went up in early June and it was perfect. Didn't go all the way up as we arrived late but we encountered no snow. The road is a bit rough, mainly due to water runoff but nothing too bad."
Varied camping elevations: Sites range from lake level to alpine zones, offering temperature options. A camper at Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping explained, "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
Cell service availability: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at many sites. One Miners Canyon BLM camper reported, "Starlink is a little slower, but maybe cos I am roaming. 60 meg down, 7 or 8 meg up. Visible and Verizon pretty good. Cricket 2 bars," allowing remote workers to extend stays.
Water sources are limited: Most sites have no reliable water sources outside spring snowmelt. At Squaw Peak Road Dispersed a visitor advised, "Definitely recommend going during the week rather than a weekend because it gets BUSY," which also applies to water availability at shared natural sources.
Vehicle requirements vary by location: Many roads deteriorate after spring runoff. A Cascade Springs camper warned, "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it. Sure is pretty but we never made it to the top," highlighting the need for appropriate transportation planning.
Mosquito populations fluctuate seasonally: Early summer brings heavy insect activity after wet periods. One camper reported, "We hope to try the spot again later in the season when all this moisture lets up a bit because it really looked lovely," after experiencing intense mosquito swarms that drove them away despite bug spray.
Start with established sites: Newer campers should begin at places with basic facilities. A Salamander Flat visitor noted, "Nice area and large camping sites. Toilet available. There's a river to play in at a pull off just a few minutes down the road. Tons of trails. A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite."
Consider noise factors: Some primitive areas experience recreational vehicle traffic. A camper observed, "This seems to be a local hangout for the youngsters as well. They were not a bother to us however, they were letting loose, having a good time at their site. They left around 11 or so."
Scout sites before arriving with children: Pre-trip reconnaissance prevents disappointment. One Miner's Canyon camper advised, "Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess."
Satellite connectivity works at most sites: Digital nomads can maintain connections. A Miners Canyon BLM reviewer mentioned, "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely," indicating satellite positioning considerations.
Side road conditions require inspection: Many access roads have deteriorated significantly. A visitor warned, "Easy drive into the area, paved road up until you turn down toward the lake. Nice gravel road for the next half mile," but cautioned about variable conditions beyond main access points.
Free dump stations exist nearby: Self-contained units can manage waste properly. According to one RVer, "Maverick gas station about 5 Miles'ish down the road has free dump station," providing essential services for longer stays without fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available near Herriman?
Yes, free camping is available near Herriman on public lands. Miners Canyon BLM offers free dispersed camping with beautiful views of the lake, though be prepared to practice Leave No Trace ethics as some areas have trash issues. Another option is Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054, located in the Uinta National Forest. This peaceful area offers scenic camping opportunities at no cost. When using these free sites, remember there are no facilities or hookups available. Always check current regulations before heading out as some areas may have seasonal restrictions or fire bans in effect. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Herriman?
Several dispersed camping areas are available within driving distance of Herriman. Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping offers multiple cleared sites, though you may need to drive south on route 196 to find accessible spots. For those willing to drive a bit further, Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area is just about 2 miles off the main highway with a good dirt road providing access. This area offers wide open spaces with numerous options for both tent and RV camping, and it's clearly marked with a large sign. Look for dispersed camping opportunities in nearby canyons and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, but always check local regulations as they may change seasonally.
What off-grid camping options exist near Herriman?
Several off-grid camping options exist within reasonable driving distance from Herriman. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities for both groups and individuals. You'll need to download maps beforehand as cell reception is lost at the canyon entrance, and expect to encounter free-roaming cattle. For those seeking a more adventurous option, Cascade Springs Dispersed Site provides great views but requires 4WD and high clearance vehicles due to washed-out roads with rocks. These areas have no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal systems. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check for any seasonal restrictions or fire bans before heading out.
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