Camping options near Lindon, Utah range from 4,500 to 7,400 feet elevation across the Wasatch Front. Most established campgrounds in American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to mountain snow conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F at higher elevations, providing relief from valley heat that can exceed 95°F.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Battle Creek Falls near Pleasant Grove offers a moderate 1.6-mile round trip hike with creek access. "This is one of the closest campgrounds to Provo. It is quick and easy for the kind of trip to just get away but it won't feel like you are backwoods because of the smallness of the park and closeness to a very busy highway through Provo Canyon. Really close to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls," notes a visitor at Nunns Park.
Paddleboarding at reservoirs: Several small mountain lakes are accessible within a 20-minute drive of Lindon. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing. We were right next to a beautiful river and it was pretty quiet," shares a camper who visited Granite Flat.
Mountain hiking: Mt. Timpanogos trail access is available from multiple campgrounds in the area. "Each camping area is nice, however, it is very very busy and pretty tight quarters. If you're looking for a little more privacy from neighbors this may not be your best bet," warns a reviewer about weekend conditions at Granite Flat.
What campers like
Stream-adjacent sites: Many campgrounds feature sites directly along mountain creeks. "The sites were nice. People were polite and stuck to the quite hours. There was a drop toilet within walking distance from our site and a water spigot. The sites were spacious and relaxing," reports a visitor to Mt. Timpanogos campground.
Proximity to Salt Lake City: Most campgrounds are within 45 minutes of the city. "I love that you can go from the busy city to this amazing site in about 30 minutes. I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground and the kids love to catch fish in the stream," says a regular at Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Diverse terrain: Sites range from wooded mountain settings to lakeside options. "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The hosts were lovely and helpful. The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs," mentions a Granite Flat visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Nearly all campgrounds fill quickly during summer. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked," warns a Granite Flat camper.
Seasonal limitations: Most mountain campgrounds close by mid-October. "High elevation(7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Book EARLY- its very popular," advises a Timpooneke visitor about the Timpooneke campground.
Watershed restrictions: Dogs are prohibited in some canyons. "NO Dogs allowed in the canyon- it is a watershed," notes a visitor to Tanners Flat, highlighting important restrictions in certain areas offering glamping close to Lindon, Utah.
Tips for camping with families
Bring insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes. You can literally watch them raise from the ground ready to attack," warns a visitor to Utah Lake State Park.
Consider campground noise levels: Some sites experience traffic noise. "Bike path and highway noise can be distracting," mentions a camper at Nunns Park, important for families seeking quiet glamping near Lindon areas.
Look for sites with play areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for children. "There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on. Can't remember the site we had but there was a huge rock that was fun for the scouts to climb on," shares a visitor at Granite Flat.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most mountain campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs only. "Our 20' trailer does fine. Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it," reports a visitor to Nunns Park.
Limited hookups: Most mountain sites lack full hookups. "This is a fun place to stay when you want to go someplace close. There are lots of trees for the summer months and lots of shade. There are a couple good beaches. This is Utah's biggest fresh water lake. There are lots, and lot of bug so bring bug spray," advises a visitor to Utah Lake State Park, one of the few locations offering glamping opportunities with hookups near Lindon.
Level site challenges: Terrain can be uneven at mountain sites. "The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks. Otherwise, it was great. We will be back," notes a camper at Granite Flat who still enjoyed their stay despite this limitation.