Best Campgrounds near Kamas, UT
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest surrounds Kamas, Utah, providing access to numerous camping options along Mirror Lake Highway and throughout the eastern slopes of the Wasatch Mountains. Campgrounds such as Yellow Pine, Smith-Morehouse, and Soapstone offer a variety of accommodations including tent sites, RV pads, and in some locations, cabin rentals. Knotty Pine RV Resort provides full hookups and amenities for those seeking more developed camping, while dispersed camping can be found at locations like Slate Creek at the gateway to the Uintas.
Many Forest Service campgrounds in the Kamas area require a Mirror Lake Highway recreation pass, which costs $6 for three days or $12 for a week. "It's a beautiful campground that my family and I have been going to the last few years. It's quiet and each campsite has a nice separation," noted one visitor about Yellow Pine Campground. The camping season typically runs from May through September, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowpack. Most developed campgrounds feature pit toilets and fire rings, while some like Yellow Pine include water hookups. Winter access is limited by snow conditions, with most facilities closing after the first significant snowfall.
Campers consistently highlight the scenic beauty of the area, with several campgrounds situated along creeks or offering mountain views. The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat, with pleasant temperatures even during July and August. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting moose, elk, and deer sightings near their campsites. Proximity to hiking trails is another advantage, as most camping areas connect to the extensive trail network of the Uinta Mountains. While sites close to Mirror Lake Highway may experience some road noise, as one camper noted, "There is a creek that runs between the campground and the road but it was such a slow flow it doesn't really do much to drown out the noise." More remote campgrounds provide greater solitude but require additional driving time from town.