Dispersed camping opportunities near Taylorsville, Utah range from easily accessible sites to remote wilderness areas requiring substantial hiking. Free camping near Taylorsville can be found throughout the Wasatch Mountains, with sites typically sitting between 5,000-9,000 feet in elevation. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through October, with the highest elevation sites often snow-covered until July in heavy snow years.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts offers access to numerous trails popular with trail runners and mountain bikers. "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running," notes Sean H.
Water activities: Several sites offer stream access for cooling off during summer months. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," shares Kelli R. about Millcreek Canyon.
Wildlife viewing: The higher elevation campsites provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. At Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed, one camper notes: "Be warned however to bring a lot of water (at least 3 L each) and a filter if you plan on staying overnight in the cirque. All water is runoff so also make sure there is still snow up there as that is your only water supply."
Hiking to alpine meadows: Backcountry sites require hiking but reward with solitude. "You'll start from the Scurves parking lot and head up to either the lower or upper meadow. Beware of moose as they are commonly spotted hanging out in the lakes near the meadows," advises a camper about Twin Peaks Wilderness Area.
What campers like
Proximity to Salt Lake City: The accessibility from urban areas makes these sites popular for quick getaways. "This is our go to camping spot when we want to get outside, but not drive too far from the city. You can still feel secluded, even though it fills up quickly on the weekends," says Connor O. about Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Cool temperatures: Higher elevation sites provide relief from summer heat. "It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer," advises Rob M. about Salamander Flat.
Fall colors: Several reviewers mention autumn as the optimal time to visit. "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall," writes Alan B. about Millcreek Canyon.
Water features: Many campsites are situated near streams or lakes. "We chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream. The flowing water provided some great ambiance and white noise while we slept," reports a reviewer at Mineral Basin.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, one camper warns: "The road is a bit rough, mainly due to water runoff but nothing too bad." Another adds: "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry summer months. Several campsites prohibit fires completely, while others allow them only in established rings.
Weekend crowds: Sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday. At Salamander Flat, a camper advises: "Stayed for the weekend and it was great! Had the spot right next to the bathrooms but not too stinky or loud. Gotta make sure you get there kinda early or most spots will be taken."
Seasonal considerations: Many roads close from November through May due to snow. "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort," reports a camper at Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Insects: Mosquitoes can be intense during early summer. "We ended up bailing out and headed back down the mountain because of the mosquitos. I've never seen anything like it! We arrived around dusk and the mosquitoes were on us like starving piranhas as soon as we stepped out of the vehicle," warns a camper at Cascade Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Stream access: Sawmill Picnic offers kid-friendly water play areas. "This place is ADORABLE! Great for kids and animals. Slots with picnic tables and fire rings. Views are to a gorgeous river view," notes a reviewer.
Short hikes: Some dispersed sites require minimal hiking suitable for children. "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower. There is plenty of hikes but there's only a few with views that are worth it," describes Shariah T. about Neffs Canyon.
Noise considerations: Some sites experience significant traffic noise or late-night visitors. "The campsite is all gravel, so if you have a dog, be careful they don't burn their paws," advises a Cascade Springs camper.
Wildlife education: Animal encounters provide learning opportunities. "Beware of bears and mountain lions as well and make sure you follow the food rules and lock your cars. We didn't see or hear anything, but the Sheriff that stopped by warned us," advises a camper at Bountiful B Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "We came up for 2days and had a solid time. Lots of traffic going up and down the mountain roads. Kind of loud. Bathroom wasnt far away of that tickles your fancy," notes Carl D. about Mineral Basin.
Road difficulties: Many access roads present challenges for trailers. "This whole area seems to be a local atv, dirt bike, mountain bike, and shooting area. Definitely lots of people shooting guns into gulleys during the day," reports Calder P. about Bountiful B Dispersed.
Parking limitations: Plan to arrive early for suitable parking at popular sites. "We have seen tents as well as trailers camping in this area (as long as you are comfortable pulling your trailer on unpaved mountain roads)," notes a Mineral Basin reviewer.
