Dispersed camping options near Kingston, Utah range from reservoir-side sites to forest settings at elevations between 5,500-8,000 feet. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching 85-95°F while nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees cooler. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though services at undeveloped sites become limited during winter months.
What to do
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Kents Lake Campground offers rainbow trout fishing opportunities with a variety of angler skill levels accommodated. As one camper noted, "The canoe did get in the water and it was a nice, calm lake. Fishing was okay, not excellent, but we got a few bites."
ATV trail access: Kents Lake Campground provides direct trail access for off-road vehicles. A visitor mentioned, "The area has several lakes, ATV trails, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Lakes have trout, some allow small motorized boats."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native animals. At Little Cottonwood Campground, campers report seeing "deer, beavers, and turkeys. The stars are spectacular and you can see the Milky Way on a clear night."
Kayaking at sunrise: The calm morning waters at Otter Creek make for ideal paddling. One visitor at Otter Creek Dispersed Camping shared, "We went kayaking at sunrise, the water was warm and smooth as glass! Be careful finding the right area to put in your kayak."
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Proximity to water ranks high among camper preferences. At Otter Creek Dispersed Camping, a visitor found a "nice spot right by the water with alot of space. Very peaceful and free! Got there Friday later in the evening and had no issues finding a spot."
Well-maintained grounds: Campers appreciate clean facilities and thoughtful campground design. A Little Cottonwood visitor noted, "The campsite is very well maintained. The fire pit is sunk in and there is gravel around it and where the picnic bench is."
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation creates separation at many campgrounds. As one camper at Little Cottonwood mentioned, "I enjoyed all the natural greenery and shrubbery that grew in between the sites. I could not see our neighbors and it felt secluded."
Free camping options: Several areas offer no-cost camping. At Piute State Park Campground, campers can "pick your camping location among the cottonwood trees or out in the open for full solar. No services other than pit toilets."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Many campgrounds require traveling on unpaved roads. For Kents Lake, a camper advised, "The dirt road up to the campground is pretty steep and long so make sure you put it in a low gear and go slower to avoid overheating if you are pulling a heavy load."
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging throughout the region. At Anderson Meadow Campground, visitors should expect no cell service, while at Little Cottonwood, "We have Verizon and did not get service at our site. Drive about a mile in towards town and we would get service."
Weather variability: Expect significant temperature changes. At Kents Lake, one camper reported it "got cold when the sun went down and the wind was ripping off the lake. Rain was forecasted but was surprised with snow."
Water conditions: Lake levels and water quality change seasonally. A visitor to Kents Lake noted, "The lake was full (not just on the surface) of harmful grass clipping algae... We put our paddle boards in hoping to hop off the boards into the water out in the middle of the lake, but it was so gross and scary looking."
Tips for camping with families
Look for flat camping areas: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can make family setups challenging. At LeBaron Reservoir Campground, campers find "nice flat areas for tents and gorgeous trees surrounding. The lake is amazing and we caught trout all weekend."
Choose less crowded weekdays: For families needing space, timing matters. As one camper at LeBaron Reservoir Campground observed, "Take a walk and explore the gorgeous meadows and behind the damn a fast running stream where you most likely will bump into some cows and there babies."
Consider sites with natural entertainment: Wildlife viewing keeps children engaged. At Otter Creek Dispersed Camping, a visitor "saw lots of fish jumping in the water as well as ducks, gulls, geese, pelicans and more. Watched a deer stop by for a drink and a cow cross my camping spot."
Check bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. At Anderson Meadow, the "amazing camp host keeps incredibly clean for a forest bathroom" while other locations may have more basic facilities.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Several campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Junction RV Park, there are "only 10 or so spaces" but they're described as "nice clean, neat" with "super nice hosts."
Partial hookups available: Few campgrounds offer full hookups. At Otter Creek State Park, "The price is compatible to other parks around the area except sewer, you dump when you leave."
Look for level sites: Many forest campgrounds present challenges for RVs. A camper at Little Cottonwood noted the campground has "14 sites" that are "well maintained" and suitable for smaller RVs with "separate male and female restrooms with flush toilets."
Reserve ahead for summer weekends: Popular RV campgrounds fill quickly. One visitor to Circleville RV Park found it had "relatively quiet place, and clean, even with an event happening nearby, and the campground being packed."
