Best Campgrounds near Highland, UT

The Wasatch Front foothills near Highland, Utah feature several established campgrounds surrounded by mountains and canyons. Granite Flat and Little Mill campgrounds in American Fork Canyon provide developed sites suitable for tent and RV camping, while areas around Utah Lake State Park offer waterfront options. Most campsites in the region accommodate both tent and RV setups, though amenities vary considerably between locations. The campground selection includes options ranging from fully developed sites with electric hookups and showers to more primitive locations with basic vault toilets and fire rings.

The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most mountain campgrounds closing during winter months. "We LOVED Little Mill! It's the perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument," noted one visitor about a popular camping area. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through Recreation.gov, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Road access to higher elevation sites can be limited by snow until late spring, while canyon campgrounds like Little Mill remain accessible earlier in the season. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, with mountain campgrounds experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell phone coverage is generally available near major roads but becomes spotty in more remote areas and deep canyons.

Campgrounds with creek or river access receive particularly positive reviews, with campers highlighting opportunities for fishing, wading, and the pleasant ambient sound of running water. Several visitors mentioned road noise as a potential drawback at Little Mill Campground despite its scenic setting. American Fork Canyon provides convenient access to popular attractions like Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Tibble Fork Reservoir, making the nearby campgrounds excellent base camps for exploration. The proximity to urban areas means many campgrounds fill quickly on weekends, with visitors recommending mid-week stays for those seeking more solitude. Wildlife sightings including deer, elk, and wild turkeys are frequently mentioned in visitor reviews, adding to the outdoor experience while remaining close to urban amenities in the nearby Utah Valley.

Best Camping Sites Near Highland, Utah (261)

    1. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $358 / night

    "Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."

    "Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."

    2. Little Mill

    21 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $229 / night

    "We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."

    "The lake is right up the road and a great place to swim and fish. There is a sliding rock for kids to climb and play on near the camp grounds. So many bike and walking trails."

    3. Nunns Park

    27 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 851-8640

    "The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "

    "Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."

    4. Willow Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lehi, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 201-1000

    $25 - $175 / night

    "This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."

    "We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."

    5. Lakeside RV Campground

    27 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 373-5267

    $31 - $48 / night

    "Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."

    "You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."

    6. Tanners Flat

    19 Reviews
    Snowbird, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $217 / night

    "It was quiet, tucked away from anyone.  Didn't really see anyone for the three days we are there.  Our site was next to the river, which really helped drown out all other sounds! "

    "We had site 11 close to the bathroom and in a flat, sunny clearing surrounded by trees. You could hear the nearby road a bit and see the mountains a little bit."

    7. Spruces - Big Cottonwood

    33 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $346 / night

    "Bathrooms always close by, no showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. If you’re lucky, you can get a site close to the creek. Nice, cool nights in the summer."

    "Right up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the"

    8. Timpooneke

    15 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $205 / night

    "I love how it is near a river. You can hear it at night. It's so nice to get to a cool area out of the hot valley and into the cool scenic back country of Utah county."

    "While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work."

    9. Utah Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 375-0731

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Gorgeous view across the lake. Quiet. Electricity worked well. Extremely clean. Camp hosts were nowhere to be found and another rig had claimed the end lake-adjacent site I paid for."

    "This my 3 stay here at Utah Lake state park. 2x in July and now in September. I’m a single female traveler."

    10. Mt. Timpanogos

    12 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 / night

    "This campground is within 40 minutes of town, but feels like you are far away from your worries. There is a stream that runs thru it and a lot of trees that provide plenty of shade."

    "This area, really all of American Fork Canyon is among the prettiest places in Utah Valley. Go! Camp! Hike Timp!"

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Recent Reviews near Highland, UT

1411 Reviews of 261 Highland Campgrounds


  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land

    We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.

    The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. 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.

    There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.

    Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    KOA

    Well it's your topical RV resort. It doesn't have a fire ring and it's by train tracks and a freeway. Also, your packed in like sardines. However, it will do for overnight. I have to say it is clean and kept up well. But if you're into private camping with space, this isn't for you.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Fox Den Campground — Deer Creek State Park

    Beautiful uncrowded campground

    We stopped here after leaving Salt Lake City. It is mid October so the campground is mostly empty. We were able to get our pick of sites. Beautiful views of water and the mountains. Super nice bathrooms that look brand new. Not much hiking right here but close enough to the Alpine Loop to Sundance with hiking along the way. Not far from a bike path along the Provo River. Only a few minutes into Midway with many restaurants to choose from.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Salt Lake City KOA

    Urban campground convenient to SLC

    We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown. The facilities are older but clean. Standard Holiday amenities like pool, dog park, dog wash, basketball court. We’d stay again if I wanted to be close to downtown.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Valley View RV Resort

    Newer place with some nice ammenities

    Nice RV Resort with many amenities including pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit, pickleball courts. Friendly staff. Laundry machines are limited given the size of the park. Also showers are inexplicably small. Bathrooms with toilet, sink, shower are adequate size but the showers are quite small (and I am not a large person). Paved sites but not level. I’d stay again but perhaps do my laundry somewhere else on the way in.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park

    Beautiful remote campground

    The positives: a beautiful remote spot with huge spaces between campsites. Gorgeous views of the Great Salt Lake. Right now there is no water on the island due to construction at the visitors center. The visitors center is closed though there is a temporary one. One other detractor is the mosquitoes here. We were out at dusk locking our bikes and were swarmed by them!! It has been very windy here. Don’t know if that is usual or a temporary weather thing due to remnants of a Pacific hurricane. If you are looking for solitude without backpacking into the mountains the primitive loop at Bridger Bay campground could be your thing. Nice place to bike also if it weren’t for the wind.

  • Claire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Little Mill

    Our favorite place

    Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it! Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig. We will be back Little Mill! Love you

  • Claire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Valley View RV Resort

    Stunning views and the sound of freedom

    We’ve stayed here several times and have to say the vibes are patriotic and welcoming. The Air Force base and surrounding mountains feel like you’re in a Top Gun movie. Clean bathrooms, clean pool and spa, super cool staff, and my kids had a blast making memories. Thanks Valley View - Claire

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    Clean and friendly staff.

    Spots are a little tight. Noise level is a 5. Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair.


Guide to Highland

The Highland, Utah area offers rugged canyon camping experiences with elevations ranging from 4,600 to 7,400 feet. Dispersed camping opportunities in American Fork Canyon transition from scrub oak at lower elevations to dense pine forests at higher altitudes. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can exceed 30°F even during summer months, requiring campers to pack appropriate gear for variable conditions.

What to do

Hiking to mountain lakes: From Timpooneke Campground, visitors can access the Mount Timpanogos trail system. "There are a couple of nearby trails and amazing views all around. It can get cold at night - high elevation," notes Angee D. The campground provides "easy access to one of the best hikes. Mt Timpanogous provides some stellar views of the backcountry and the valley below," according to Shad G.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple reservoirs and streams offer diverse fishing options near camping areas. "Great small reservoirs nearby for fishing, or canoeing - no motor sports allowed," writes Andrea P. about Granite Flat Campground. The Jordan River at Willow Park Campground provides accessible fishing for families, with one visitor mentioning "a nice little walking trail" along the river.

Water recreation: Several lakes and reservoirs permit non-motorized watercraft. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing," shares Kaitlin R. about her experience at Granite Flat. Another camper notes that Tibble Fork Reservoir, accessible from multiple campgrounds, offers "beautiful" water recreation opportunities.

What campers like

Creek-side campsites: Many visitors specifically request sites adjacent to flowing water. "We had a great tent site that was on the side near the mountain and across from us were campsites next to the road and the river. We did not hear any road noise at all, just the sound of wind in the trees and the water flowing," writes Stacy R. about her stay at Little Mill Campground.

Proximity to climbing areas: The American Fork Canyon area features significant climbing history and routes. "This canyon holds some of the most historic sport routes in America as some of the hardest routes in the country, at the time, were established here in the late 80's and early 90's," explains Alan B. who stayed at Little Mill. "A place of particular interest if you're looking for hard routes is the infamous Hell Cave with all routes being 5.13 and up."

Cool mountain temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer valley heat. At Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, campers appreciate the climate difference. "We live in the Valley but need a getaway for a weekend and this was perfect. Not only was it less than 20 min from our house we felt as if we were lost in the wilderness," shares Andy M.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill completely during peak season. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," warns Ash S. about Granite Flat. For Tanners Flat Campground, Alan B. advises, "be sure to make your reservation early as you are unlikely to get a walk in."

Wildlife encounters: The mountain environments support diverse wildlife populations. "Wildlife sightings including deer, elk, and wild turkeys are frequently mentioned in visitor reviews," and campers at Spruces report, "I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground."

Bug preparedness: Insects can be problematic depending on location and season. At lakeside sites, mosquitoes are particularly abundant. "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes," reports Bren M.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and open spaces: Several campgrounds include recreational facilities for children. At Willow Park Campground, families appreciate that it "has a playground, sand volleyball, boat launch as you're near the Jordan River." Another reviewer mentions there are "lots of space to spread out" making it ideal for families.

Accessibility for young children: Some campgrounds are better suited for families with small children. "This is a really easy-access campground so it's great for little kids. Beautiful canyon, lots of spots, and just a great time!" recommends Caden W. about Little Mill Campground.

Water features for kids: Stream and creek access provides natural entertainment. "The camp spots here are super nice. The best part is how close it is to Provo. Super convenient," notes Joshua C. about Nunns Park, adding "The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain for RVs. "The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks," reports Justin J. about Granite Flat. For larger rigs, site selection becomes critical.

Full hookup options: Limited full-service sites exist in the area. At Lakeside RV Campground, campers appreciate that "Pull through sites with grass between" are available, and the campground offers full hookups for extended stays.

Loop road considerations: Many canyon campgrounds feature tight access roads. "Little Mill campground is a quick trip up American Fork Canyon. Runs parallel to the popular alpine loop road and the creek," notes Andrea P., explaining the campground's layout which can be challenging for larger rigs to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free places to camp in Highland?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near Highland. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers no-cost camping without amenities, requiring you to bring your own water. The area is popular with off-road enthusiasts, with established fire rings at common camping spots. Skyline Drive is another free option, featuring a dirt road with multiple pull-offs near a creek and interesting rock formations. Just be aware that dispersed areas generally lack facilities and sometimes suffer from trash problems.

Where are the best camping spots in Highland?

For scenic views and outdoor recreation, Cascade Springs Dispersed Site stands out with panoramic vistas of Mt. Timpanogos, though it requires a vehicle capable of handling rougher terrain. Families might prefer Payson Lakes, about 45 minutes from Payson, offering excellent fishing, swimming, and kayaking opportunities in a no-motorized-boat environment. For those seeking more amenities, Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City provides a premium experience with concrete pads and even an adults-only section for those seeking quiet.

What campgrounds are available in Highland?

The Highland area offers several developed campgrounds including Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park, which features full RV hookups and clean facilities. For a traditional camping experience, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park provides established sites, though they accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. Additional options include Payson Lakes, a family-friendly destination with fishing and non-motorized boating, and Mountain Valley RV Resort in nearby Heber City for those wanting more amenities.