Camping areas near Highland, Utah range in elevation from 5,000 to 7,400 feet, offering diverse terrain from alpine forests to desert landscapes. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during the day while dropping to 50-60°F at night. Most campgrounds in the region open from May through October with peak season occurring from June through August.
What to do
Trail access at Granite Flat: Located in American Fork Canyon, this campground sits at 6,400 feet elevation and provides access to multiple fishing lakes and hiking trails. "It's clean. Has access to many fishing lakes and hiking trails!" notes Whitney J. The area offers opportunities for paddle boarding at nearby reservoirs. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rock climbing," shares Kaitlin R.
Water activities on Jordan River: Willow Park Campground offers riverside camping with access to non-motorized watercraft. "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," reports alex L. The park provides boat launch facilities for kayaking and canoeing on the river.
Mountain biking trails: Numerous trails around Highland accommodate mountain bikers of all skill levels. The area features routes with varying technical difficulty and elevation gains. Many trails interconnect, allowing riders to create custom loops based on their experience level and time constraints.
What campers like
Convenient location: Nunns Park offers camping minutes from Provo, making it ideal for quick getaways. "Nunns is a great place to go if you don't have time to go look for a spot. It's a quick drive up Provo canyon," explains Jonathan Y. Many visitors appreciate the accessibility of camping options so close to urban areas.
Natural sounds: Many campers mention the calming soundscape at local sites. "The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise. It is in provo canyon and the cliffs on either side are very impressive," says Helen A. about Nunns Park. This natural feature enhances the camping experience despite proximity to populated areas.
Alpine environments: Mount Timpanogos Campground provides high-elevation camping with cooler temperatures. "We didn't spend much time during the day as we were visiting relatives near Provo and enjoyed the cooler getaway in the evening," shares Daniel L. The campground offers relief from summer heat while remaining accessible.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most Highland-area campgrounds operate seasonally. "High up American Fork Canyon tucked in the forest. The elevation is about 6400 ft- so no spring camping. Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," advises Andrea P. about Granite Flat. Sites typically open late May and close by early October.
Site selection for equestrians: While limited horse campgrounds exist near Highland, Utah, Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry provides dispersed camping with space for horse trailers. "FREE! No amenities! Must carry in all water... Great for ATVs and off road vehicles. Hiking is easy to moderate in ability. Fire ring established in most common camp areas," notes Michelle B. The area lacks designated equine facilities but offers adequate parking for trailers.
Weather variability: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. At higher elevations, even summer nights can be quite cold. Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months, particularly July and August. Prepare for changing conditions regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Large group sites: Silver Lake Backcountry offers spacious areas for family camping. "Wide spacious camp sites. ATV paradise, fire pits established in most camp sites, only accessible by 4 wheel drive," describes Michelle B. The area provides room for multiple tents and vehicles, making it suitable for extended family gatherings.
Nature activities: Areas near Highland feature numerous kid-friendly exploration opportunities. Some sites include streams for wading, open areas for games, and wildlife viewing possibilities. "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," adds Michelle B. about activities at Silver Lake.
Ground conditions: Be aware of potential issues affecting tent camping comfort. Dusty or rocky soil can present challenges. "The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake. Loved camping here, only complaint is the dirt is very chalky and dusty, and keeping your gear clean is not really an option here," warns Emily T. about Kimball Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most campgrounds close to Highland accommodate smaller RVs better than large ones. "Sites are small and primarily tent sites. There are a couple sites which would accommodate a small 16 ft trailer. We had to unhook and park diagonal to fit small trailer and short truck," explains Daniel L. about Mount Timpanogos Campground.
Leveling considerations: Terrain at many sites requires leveling equipment. "The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks," notes Justin J. about Granite Flat. This applies to RVs as well, so bring leveling blocks.
Limited hookups: Full hookups are scarce near Highland. Many campgrounds offer partial or no hookups. For those requiring full hookups, options increase when willing to travel 25-30 miles from Highland. Research available amenities before arrival as most sites have limited or no water hookups.
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