Best Campgrounds near Mapleton, UT

Camping locations near Mapleton, Utah range from established campgrounds to dispersed camping areas across both high desert and mountain landscapes. Several developed options include Lakeside RV Campground in Provo, Springville/Provo KOA Holiday with full amenities and cabin options, and Utah Lake State Park Campground which offers both tent and RV sites. The surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities at Sheep Creek and along Squaw Peak Road, where campers can find more primitive sites away from developed facilities.

The camping season varies significantly between lower and higher elevations in the Mapleton area. Most developed campgrounds like Springville/Provo KOA operate year-round, while forest service sites such as Diamond Campground and Payson Lakes are typically open from May through October. Reservations are required at many established campgrounds, with fees ranging from $20-40 per night depending on amenities. Dispersed camping on public lands follows standard 14-day stay limits and requires appropriate waste management. A visitor noted that "campground was literally one of the cleanest I've been to this year. Pit toilets were well maintained as was campsite. Every site had shade with concrete parking and fire pit."

Campers frequently mention the scenic mountain views as a highlight of staying in the Mapleton area. The Spanish Oaks Campground receives positive reviews for its reservoir access and hiking opportunities, with one camper noting it offers "clean campground with plenty of activities for the whole family" including fishing facilities and playground areas. Several campgrounds feature concrete pads with fire rings and picnic tables, while some provide access to hiking trails in the nearby mountains. Sites along Hobble Creek at Jolley's Ranch Campground are popular for families seeking water access. Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months but may have limited amenities compared to valley locations. Cell service is generally reliable at developed sites near town but becomes spotty in more remote forest areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Mapleton, Utah (269)

    1. Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    21 Reviews
    Springville, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 491-0700

    $50 - $300 / night

    "We stayed at the Springville/ Provo Utah KOA in September 2021. This is a full service KOA with nice FHU 50 amp pull-thru sites which were long, wide and level."

    "Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair."

    2. Lakeside RV Campground

    27 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 373-5267

    $31 - $48 / night

    "Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."

    "You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."

    3. Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    30 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    "This 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."

    "That being said, if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle (like me) - it's a solid option and there are some pretty mountain views. You can buy the permit online."

    4. Utah Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 375-0731

    $50 - $100 / night

    "Gorgeous view across the lake. Quiet. Electricity worked well. Extremely clean. Camp hosts were nowhere to be found and another rig had claimed the end lake-adjacent site I paid for."

    "This my 3 stay here at Utah Lake state park. 2x in July and now in September. I’m a single female traveler."

    5. Nunns Park

    27 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 851-8640

    "The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "

    "Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."

    6. Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Provo, UT
    12 miles

    "This site is deep past the meadows near square peak. You continue to follow the dirt road in and on your left is a small depression in the land with a fire pit and ample space for tents or hammocks."

    "Found a beautiful spot tucked away in the trees with a great view of the Timps. Continue exploring along the road for amazing panoramic views."

    7. Diamond Fork

    12 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "The sites are clean and have concrete around the table and cooking area. The tent site was nestled among the trees and was very nice. We did get a visit from the locals."

    "You are really close to fifth water and the start of the trail to the hot pots. There is lots of big cotton wood trees for shade. The spots are big enough for a tent or RV."

    8. Payson Lakes

    17 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $28 - $272 / night

    "Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson Ut. "

    "There is a lake close by within walking distance with a paved trail all around it. The water was low and pretty gross when we went at the end of the summer. I stayed at B23."

    9. Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess."

    "Directions brought us right to the location. Road was rough into the sites and were hard to determine specific sites. Ended up pulling into edge of field. Definitely a good quiet night's sleep"

    10. Diamond Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $28 - $315 / night

    "We were close to the river though and the kids had fun playing in it. There are no fish in this river, which was unfortunate since I was hoping to do a little fishing."

    "All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily. A loop has lots more trees but we certainly were not lacking."

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Recent Reviews near Mapleton, UT

1169 Reviews of 269 Mapleton Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Beautiful Area, But

    Close to civilization but far enough to get a healthy dose of quiet darkness. The campsites are drive-in and a decent size, far apart from each other, but keep your eyes peeled for deep potholes and broken glass. The few times we’ve stayed here we’ve enjoyed ourselves, but this seems to be a very popular spot; on several occasions we’ve made the 1+ hour drive out here, only to find every single spot taken. It appears that the same campers are out here frequently, and for long periods of time. Would be nice if people would limit their own stays for the consideration of others to enjoy this area as well, instead of treating it like their own personal property.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land

    We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.

    The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still.

    There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.

    Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    KOA

    Well it's your topical RV resort. It doesn't have a fire ring and it's by train tracks and a freeway. Also, your packed in like sardines. However, it will do for overnight. I have to say it is clean and kept up well. But if you're into private camping with space, this isn't for you.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Fox Den Campground — Deer Creek State Park

    Beautiful uncrowded campground

    We stopped here after leaving Salt Lake City. It is mid October so the campground is mostly empty. We were able to get our pick of sites. Beautiful views of water and the mountains. Super nice bathrooms that look brand new. Not much hiking right here but close enough to the Alpine Loop to Sundance with hiking along the way. Not far from a bike path along the Provo River. Only a few minutes into Midway with many restaurants to choose from.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Salt Lake City KOA

    Urban campground convenient to SLC

    We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown. The facilities are older but clean. Standard Holiday amenities like pool, dog park, dog wash, basketball court. We’d stay again if I wanted to be close to downtown.

  • Claire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Little Mill

    Our favorite place

    Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it! Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig. We will be back Little Mill! Love you

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    Clean and friendly staff.

    Spots are a little tight. Noise level is a 5. Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Hailstone - Lower Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    Great state park campground

    Convenient location to Park City. Large spacious sites. Nice clean bathrooms. You can hear road noise from highway 40. We got a site without reservation with no problem. Some sites are more level than others. We are enjoying looking at the reservoir from the back of our site. Some construction noise across highway 40 but not too much late on a weekday.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Flight Park State Recreation Area

    Good price

    Instructions for the campsite are a bit confusing. Don’t pay for a site until you get here even if you book online. There are limited spots. People camping around are nice and say hello.

    We camped on a Friday night and it was full when we arrived around 6pm but we snagged the last spot available. Otherwise I would have camped down the road in a dirt patch anyway.


Guide to Mapleton

Dispersed camping options near Mapleton, Utah extend beyond the more well-known sites at Sheep Creek and Squaw Peak Road. Situated between 4,700-8,000 feet elevation, the area encompasses both desert terrain and alpine forests within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Winter temperatures in higher elevation camps can drop below 20°F, while summer brings wildflower blooms and temperatures that remain 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations.

What to do

Fishing at nearby lakes: Utah Lake State Park Campground provides lake access for anglers. "Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time," notes a camper about Payson Lakes.

Hot springs hiking: Several campgrounds offer quick access to natural hot springs. "This is a great place to camp. You are really close to fifth water and the start of the trail to the hot pots. There is lots of big cotton wood trees for shade," shares a visitor about Diamond Campground.

Mountain biking: Forest service roads provide varied terrain for cyclists of all skill levels. At Nunns Park, campers appreciate the access to trails, with one noting: "The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise. It is in provo canyon and the cliffs on either side are very impressive. The walk from the campsite to bridal falls is also lovely!"

What campers like

Riverside camping options: Sites along creeks provide natural white noise and recreational opportunities. A visitor to Diamond Fork mentioned, "We walked up the creek and across the road to explore the Red Ledges. Discovered the cool arch. This campground is very kid friendly."

Proximity to towns: Many campers appreciate quick access to urban amenities while still enjoying nature. "Close to shopping and gas. Nothing special. Safe," notes a camper about Springville / Provo KOA Holiday.

Wildlife sightings: The area hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Miner's Canyon Dispersed enjoyed "watching the paragliders on the weekends" and mentioned "the view is gorgeous in the mornings and evenings."

What you should know

Seasonal road access: Higher elevation sites have limited accessibility during winter months. A camper at Squaw Peak Road Dispersed cautioned: "Road is in ok shape. Only few places small vehicle can park. Not for RV's or larger trucks really."

Bug activity: Insect populations vary by season and location. "Simple primitive camping, a few spots for rv and trailers to pull through, good amount of area to pitch a tent. Rock fire rings, not too far from town," reports a visitor to Miner's Canyon Dispersed.

Noise considerations: Proximity to highways and popular recreation areas affects campsite quietness. At Nunns Park, a camper noted: "Bike path and highway noise can be distracting," while others mentioned it's "great for gatherings" with "lots of area on some of them though for multiple tents."

Tips for camping with families

Educational activities: Some campgrounds feature interpretive trails for children. "There are painted bear tracks that tell a story in and around the two loops of the park. The river is nice, with fun fishing holes. Be sure to wear big repellent," advises a visitor to Diamond Fork.

Swimming locations: Payson Lakes offers non-motorized water access safe for children. A camper shared: "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe."

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play structures for younger campers. One visitor to Lakeside RV Campground reported: "This place is very cute for established camping. It has lots of trees and a nice little walking trail. They have men's and women's restrooms with showers. They also have a pool for the warmer months."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds, affecting setup time. A camper at Diamond Campground noted: "All driveways and roads up to and around camp were paved. We have a 31 ft class A motor home and we navigated around easily."

Generator noise: Some dispersed sites have noise issues from generators. At Miner's Canyon Dispersed, a camper observed: "A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out."

RV size limitations: Many forest service roads restrict larger vehicles. "Road was rough into the sites and were hard to determine specific sites. Ended up pulling into edge of field. Definitely a good quiet night's sleep," reports a visitor to Miner's Canyon Dispersed, one of the best places to camp near Mapleton, Utah for those seeking seclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mapleton Canyon Campground located?

Mapleton Canyon Campground is located in central Utah, near Utah County. While not directly in Mapleton Canyon itself, several camping options exist in the surrounding area. Payson Lakes is about 45 minutes from Payson, making it easily accessible from the Mapleton area. For those willing to venture slightly further, Diamond Fork offers camping opportunities near Spanish Fork, which is adjacent to Mapleton.

What facilities and amenities are available at Mapleton camping areas?

Camping areas near Mapleton offer diverse amenities depending on the site type. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry provides free dispersed camping with established fire rings but no amenities - you must carry in all water. The area is popular for ATVs and has easy to moderate hiking trails. For those seeking more facilities, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers traditional camping with narrow loop roads and asphalt sites, though many sites are not designed for larger RVs.

When is the best season to camp in Mapleton?

The best season to camp in the Mapleton area is late spring through early fall (May to September), when weather conditions are most favorable. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Timpanogos during these months, making it a prime warm-weather destination. For those seeking year-round options, Mountain Valley RV Resort in nearby Heber City provides excellent facilities regardless of season, with concrete pads and an adult-only section for a quieter experience.