Dispersed camping near Highland, Utah mostly occurs on U.S. Forest Service land within the Uinta National Forest. Primitive campsites sit at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 8,500 feet, with temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night common during summer months. Access roads typically open from late May through October, though higher elevation sites may remain snow-covered until early July.
What to do
Explore off-road trails: Mineral Basin provides excellent access to remote trails. Campers report the area offers "dirt roads with amazing views" with one visitor noting "the ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful. Very quiet and peaceful, great place to get back to nature and forget about day to day things."
Fish in alpine lakes: Pittsburg Lake Dispersed offers trout fishing in a small alpine lake approximately 0.33 miles around. Access requires a moderate 1.5-mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. One camper mentioned there are even remnants of "an old homestead cabin to explore" near the lake.
Watch paragliders: From Miner's Canyon Dispersed, campers can observe paragliders launching from nearby ridges during weekends. A visitor noted, "Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well," though they also warned "the wind sometimes is fierce and relentless."
Trail running: Several areas offer trail access suitable for running. As one visitor explained, "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."
What campers like
Accessibility from urban areas: Squaw Peak Road Dispersed provides primitive camping within 30 minutes of major urban centers. A camper called it "Perfect overnight getaway from SLC" while another noted it was "Close to home, beautiful sites." Others appreciated being able to "grab pizza from Fat Daddy's in town."
Privacy between sites: Despite popularity on weekends, many areas offer distance between campsites. In Miner's Canyon, a camper stated the sites are "Spacious enough that your neighbors are distant, and quiet for the most part." Another visitor at Mineral Basin Dispersed mentioned, "You can still feel secluded, even though it fills up quickly on the weekends."
Wildlife viewing: Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed and surrounding areas offer opportunities to spot native fauna. Though formally documented sightings remain scarce, visitors report that "I wish I saw more wildlife (I have heard rumors of elk and moose sightings)." At Salamander Flat, campers reported "A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite."
Seasonal water features: During spring runoff or after rainfall, many sites offer stream access. As one Sawmill Picnic area visitor noted, "It has quite a few picnic areas with concrete and metal fire rings along the riverside... We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many primitive sites require high clearance vehicles. At Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, campers warn "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." Another visitor described the roads as having "significant washouts, deep ruts, and occasional stream crossings."
Bathroom facilities are limited: Most dispersed sites lack restroom facilities. One camper at Millcreek Canyon noted it's "as roughing it as it can get" while others at Miner's Canyon reported there are "No facilities, but we're self contained."
Permit requirements: A National Forest permit is required for camping in many areas. As one camper at Salamander Flat explained, "This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3-day pass, $20 for a 7-day pass."
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. A camper at Salamander Flat reported "No service with AT&T" while others at Miner's Canyon noted "Visible and Verizon pretty good. Cricket 2 bars."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible trail opportunities: Several camping areas offer family-friendly hiking directly from campsites. One visitor at Salamander Flat noted, "There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby." Another mentioned "There's a river to play in at a pull off just a few minutes down the road."
Sunset viewpoints: Many sites offer exceptional western views for sunset watching. A camper at Squaw Peak Road Dispersed described the experience: "By far our most favorite campsite... It had plenty of room for tents amongst the trees and in the field... Great view and great camping."
Early arrival recommended: Family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. One visitor advised, "gotta make sure you get there kinda early or most spots will be taken" while another noted "it gets BUSY" and suggested "definitely recommend going during the week rather than a weekend."
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations experience significant temperature drops at night. A camper visiting higher elevations noted, "The weather was quite cold and crisp but worth every second of it." Another advised, "It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RVs and trailers, flat parking areas are limited. A visitor to Miner's Canyon BLM recommended "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely." Another noted "The site itself is OK, it's a little uneven, but we managed fine with our RV."
Size restrictions: Most primitive areas near Highland limit RV length. At Squaw Peak Road, a camper warned it's "Perfect for tent camping and small trailers, spots are not big enough for bigger RVs and trailers." Another advised the sites are best for "tent camping and small trailers."
Generator noise awareness: Generator use at dispersed sites may disturb neighbors. One camper mentioned "Larger RVs occasionally run generators which can be noisy" while another noted hearing "generators running at night."
Dump station locations: Several RVers mentioned planning for waste disposal. As one explained, "Maverick gas station about 5 Miles'ish down the road has free dump station."
