Join the fun near Kamas. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Kamas. Find the best campgrounds near Kamas, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping
32 min away
Albion Basin - Dispersed
1 hr 15 min away
"Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"
"Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "
"We’re in a truck and camper and found a little spot to pull in about 20 minutes off the highway."
"Nearly the entire mountain to the south of the official Soapstone campground is open to dispersed camping."
$6 / 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."
"Something worth noting: the road gets pretty rough/there’s a decent sized dip after the first few sites, which we were able to make with a 4WD high clearance car, with a small trailer."
"I was coming from Wyoming and 464 was not too far past Mirror Lake Campground and just before Lilly Lake, on the right."
"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."
"Campground Review: In my attempt to explore as many areas in Utah as I can, I came across this wonderful dispersed camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon. "
"Great dispersed camping area with plenty of room! If going all the way to the marked location on the map, only attempt with a high clearance 4x4 or you will not make it!"
$6 / night
"Campground Review: Dispersed Camping at Pyramid Lake, UT
Pyramid Lake is another gem of a mountain lake found in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. "
"I would not attempt without a 4wheel drive with high clearance. Our 4runner did great even with the camper."
"Didn’t even know people were camping near us until we went for a walk. Will definitely be back here."
"The sites are mixed in with pines and Aspen trees, some with great views out on the rim, and most with rock fire rings and plentiful firewood."
GuideAs beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore. Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc. There also seems to be majority long term campers who have a lot of stuff everywhere around their campsites, as well as 2-3 permanent residents living on the private property that backs up against the public lands. While there are 10-12 spots that are easily accessible, they’re being utilized by the long-term campers. Our first night here we arrived around 8 pm, right before sunset so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore so we just parked in the larger area near the public access area to the lake by 3 other campers. Luckily the next morning a camper van left so we were able to move without being on top of so many people since the people we were around all had dogs barking almost every time we let ours out to go to the bathroom. Overall, I felt like this campsite left more to be desired and took away from the beauty of the area.
LegendCampground Review: In my attempt to explore as many areas in Utah as I can, I came across this wonderful dispersed camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon. I had the intention of staying in a nearby campground. But when I felt the price was a bit too high for just one night, I sought adventure elsewhere. I randomly turned off toward Main Canyon and followed the dirt road until I found a spot I liked. I knew I was in dispersed national forest camping when there are signs indicating a 14 day limit. So all along this dirt road, which got pretty rocky at times, are spots to pull off and camp for the night. It can accommodate single tents, multiple tents, RVs (obviously no hookups) and trailers. There are man-made fire pits so if you start a fire, be sure to put it out completely and observe LNT (leave no trace) camping principles. Whatever you bring in with you is what you have as there are no amenities to speak of. The ground was soft and there were lots of trees from which to hang a hammock. I did forget to fill my water jug before I left my house so I had to search out a small run off stream from which I could filter water. But be sure to have a good water filter if you are going to go this route. The only real negative I have for this site (or area of sites) is that there was a lot of AVT/Side-by-side/dirtbike traffic. If that type of activity was on my list, this area would be first on my list. However, since I chose not to stay in a campground because I wanted the seclusion, the traffic was a little bit of a bummer. But, because the camping was free and everyone who passed waved and was really nice, I didn’t have too much of a problem with it. Also, the site I chose was right off the road (as majority of them are). If I wanted to hike with my stuff a little more, I found a very pretty meadow away from the road that would have been very peaceful. I guess that will have to be my next spot. OI verall, I have a love for free, dispersed camping and this area is large enough to explore for a wide variety of adventures.
Gear Review: Snapbuds
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get the opportunity to test out gear every so often from our amazing partners. I was given the opportunity to test out a new product called Snapbuds. The premise of this product is to help keep your earbud cords organized or untangled by use of magnets. They come in three different colors—grey, black, and white, so you can make them coordinate with your cords or stand out. The instructions are easy to follow and have a few options for how to set these little magnets into different configurations. It also has a really handy measuring tape/picture to make sure you can get the snapbuds in the right spot. I decided to try the standard configuration on my first pair of earbuds. These are designed to be permanent additions to your cords so be sure to pay attention to what direction you snap the magnets on. Once I got them on, I wrapped them up and threw them around in my bag. The magnets held and when I went to use them, all I had to do was pull the magnets apart and the cord was untangled. It was pretty sweet. I also used them while hiking around with my dog.
Overall, these are a pretty cool solution to a long standing annoyance of earbud cords.
GuideThis is a great spot just a about 2 miles off the main highway. It’s paved until you get to the campground turn off which is a good dirt road. Wide open space with tons of options to tent or RV. There’s a huge sign that says Sheep Creek Campground so you can’t miss it. Drove here with my front wheel drive sedan and tent camped. Train goes by occasionally but not loud enough to disturb. Access to hiking trails all around because it’s national forest land. You can stay 14 days. No permit required. No amenities.
TravelerOur family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic! The main road in is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you’ll want a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4X4. We cherish the ability to camp like this so we always take out everything we brought in “leave no trace” unfortunately not everyone has the same respect so we typically end up taking out any trash we find from the previous campers. Overall a great place to camp if you’re equipped for dispersed camping!
LegendCampground Review: Dispersed camping at Pittsburg Lake, Utah
Because I am into hiking and exploring national forest camping this summer, I found a fun adventure at Pittsburg Lake in the Uinta National Forest in the Wasatch Mountains. Getting there—the hike is a 1.5 mile hike up to the lake. Getting to the trail head is a dusty, dirt road behind Midway, UT. You are driving on dirt road for approximately 6-7 miles and will encounter at least two stream crossings. One crossing is cobblestoned, the other is driving up the stream for 50 feet right before the trail head. Therefore, a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended, if not necessary. There are a lot of off roading trails back in this area so you will encounter lots of RZRs, dirtbikes, 4-wheelers, jeeps, etc on your way to the trailhead but a non-lowered car can handle the road if the driver is comfortable. The really rocky section is past the trail head. Anyway, long dusty road to the trailhead then then hike is 1.5 miles all uphill with 1500 ft of elevation gain. You are hiking on a very rocky old mining road. My husband and I decided we wanted to really punish ourselves and we hiked up with an inflatable paddle board in addition to my stuff for camping. The hike is totally doable even with a lot of gear, just go slow and be careful of your footing. To be honest, I felt sorer after the hike down then after the hike up. So you make it up the trail and you come to a beautiful, small alpine lake. The lake is approximately .33 miles around and has trout for fishing. There is even an old homestead cabin to explore. The lake has many human-made fire pits scattered all around depending if you want to be right on the lake or if you want to tuck back farther into the woods. I found a spot close to the lake for easy paddle board access where I could hang my hammock. This was my first adventure in hammock camping and I actually enjoyed it. The views are so pretty and you are on the backside of Snowbird Ski Area. The area was beautiful and I wish I saw more wildlife (I have heard rumors of elk and moose sightings).
I am giving this camping area 4 stars not because of the area itself (it is free, beautiful, relaxing, etc.) but because of the other people who were staying up there made it not the best night for a female solo camper with her dog. There was another group camping about 200 meters away but I don’t think they knew I was there and they were up late making a lot of noise. Every time I was about to fall asleep, I would hear them chop wood or yell for an echo or make some other non-natural noise that would keep me awake (plus my imagination would start to run away from me). There was also another couple who decided to camp up there and needed to borrow a lighter but ended up leaving around 2AM. So whenever they came close to my camp, my wonderful protective dog would growl and raise the alarm, again, inhibiting my ability to fall asleep. The other annoyance was the flies. I am not sure if it is just the spot that I chose that had a lot of flies or they would have followed me wherever I set up camp. They didn’t bite and were more annoying than anything. I think my dog ate a few dozen as they buzzed around her head. So due to those negatives, the spot gets dinged a star.
Overall, it was worth carrying the paddle board up to the lake as I was able to relax and float and tool around. You can’t go very far but being on the water is always a good time. I could read my book in the hammock and go for exploratory hikes in the area. Final thought, it is National Forest camping so please, please, please follow leave no trace principles to keep the area nice for future visitors.
Gear Review: Matador Camera Base Layer
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get the opportunity to test out gear from our awesome partners once in a while. While I was camping at Pittsburg Lake, I had the opportunity to try out the Matador Camera Base Layer. Because I am a glutton for punishment, I decided to haul a bunch of gear up to Pittsburg Lake and it included by nice DSLR camera. Photography is a fun hobby I have been playing around with for a few years, but I come across the problem of how to safely get my camera places without carrying either an additional camera bag that takes up a lot of space or wrapping my camera up in a sweatshirt or other piece of clothing to protect it with a smaller profile. Well, the Matador camera base layer has officially solved my problem. Hooray! The base layer is basically a padded, contoured, dry sack for my camera. Place the camera lens down, then roll and clip the top like a dry sack. It has holes to allow your camera neck or wrist straps to come through so you can wear your camera while it is being protected. Because it is from Matador, it is super lightweight but it does not feel flimsy, thin, or not durable. I was able to stuff my camera in the top of my paddle board bag while hiking up and down and I felt comfortable that nothing would be broken when I got to the top. It protected it from the dirt and dust that gets on everything when you are camping so it helped to keep things cleaner. I also took my camera for a hike with no additional backpacks and I clipped the base layer around my wrist so it wouldn’t get in the way. Besides being a bit hot, it was a great way to keep track of the base layer. I cannot convey how happy I am to have this piece of equipment in my gear box. While I am no Ansel Adams, being able to take more pictures with my camera and not just my phone while I am out on adventures will add another dimension to my activities and help me develop a new skill. The only thing I might want to improve is a small piece of Velcro on the bottom to help keep the waterproof cover inside its little pocket. But this is so minor in the grand scheme of things. If you are into photography at all, I highly recommend looking into this product.
LegendOver Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. We were planning to stay at the campground but it was closed, so we took advantage of free dispersed camping right outside. This is LNT(leave no trace) camping so be sure to pack out what you pack in. There are no amenities but you are along a water source so if you have a filter, you have water. All along the road there are open fields that can accommodate trailers and bigger parties then just a single tent. Near the campground (and the site we chose) is an outdoor education center which would be fun to go back and visit later in the summer. We really enjoyed camping here as it was peaceful and private (at least when we visited). Later in the summer that may not be the case, especially close to the road. The biggest issue may be the road. My Mazda3 was able to make it up, but the road was quite rutted and rough and you had to go through a small runoff stream. If you have a lowered vehicle, you may have a tough time but anything with a higher clearance will do just fine. Overall, I loved exploring a new area that I will definitely return to.
TravelerThe 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.
RangerI love this canyon. There are so many places to disperse camp as a group or a an individual. One thing to know is that you will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills. Download a map prior to entering Hobble Creek as you lose reception at the beginning.
You will have to drive a dirt road that is less than fair at times. You won't need high clearance but a good suspension or airing down will help.
GuideBeautiful spot to camp. Lots of places to park. Lots of ATVs and fifth wheels, too. If you’re okay with some ATV brap braps, this is a great spot. We’re in a truck and camper and found a little spot to pull in about 20 minutes off the highway. It’s probably best to have a high-clearance vehicle, but we also saw a Corolla way back where we were, so it’s up to you.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kamas, Utah, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seasons are best for dispersed camping around Kamas, Utah?
Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Kamas. Pittsburg Lake Dispersed in the Uinta National Forest is accessible during summer months when hiking the 1.5-mile trail to the lake is most enjoyable. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054 is particularly pleasant from late May through September when the area is free of snow and roads are passable. Many higher elevation areas in the Uintas typically open by Memorial Day weekend, though this varies with snowpack. Fall brings spectacular colors but cooler temperatures, especially at night. Winter camping is possible in lower elevation spots but requires proper cold-weather gear and potentially 4WD vehicles. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.
Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Kamas, Utah?
The Kamas area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area is particularly accessible, located just about 2 miles off the main highway on a good dirt road with wide open spaces suitable for both tents and RVs. Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping provides beautiful surroundings about 20 minutes off the highway, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the best experience. Other notable spots include Mill Hollow, Hobble Right Fork, and Cascade Springs, each offering unique wilderness experiences. Most sites in the area feature scenic mountain views and provide a peaceful retreat from developed campgrounds, though you'll want to arrive early during peak season to secure the best locations.
What permits or regulations do I need to know about for dispersed camping in Kamas?
Dispersed camping around Kamas follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Duchesne Tunnel Campground, you'll need to pay a fee to the Forest Service ($20 per week or $10 for 3 days). Many other areas like Willow Spring offer free camping under Leave No Trace principles. General regulations include camping at least 100-200 feet from water sources, staying no more than 14 days in a 30-day period, and properly disposing of human waste. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during dry periods or high fire danger. Some areas require a hard-sided container for food storage due to wildlife concerns. Always pack out all trash – this is particularly important as some areas like Miners Canyon have suffered from visitor neglect. Check with the Kamas Ranger District for the most current regulations before your trip.
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