Camping options around Mapleton, Utah generally range in elevation from 4,800 to 7,000 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that rarely exceed 90°F even during July and August. The surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas across varied terrain. Several locations provide yurt accommodations for campers seeking alternatives to traditional tent or RV setups.
What to do
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Several campgrounds near Mapleton offer access to fishing areas. Utah Lake State Park Campground provides "good fishing in the Provo river or lake fishing. You can build a fire and get firewood from camp host," according to one visitor. At Payson Lakes, visitors note it's "a 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."
Hiking to hot springs: The Diamond Fork area provides hiking access to popular natural hot springs. As one camper at Diamond Fork explains, "If you stay here make sure to take the time to hike up to fifth water hot pots it is amazing." Another visitor notes, "There is a really nice river walk trail that is fun for kids and adults and the fishing is really good in the river that is close by."
Wildlife viewing: The mountains surrounding Mapleton support diverse wildlife populations. One Diamond Fork visitor reports, "I have seen elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, and black bear in and around the area and campsite so don't leave food in your tent and clean up your campsite." At Mt. Timpanogos, campers describe areas "teeming with wildlife" along hiking trails that follow the road or go up the mountain.
What campers like
River proximity: Camping spots along creeks and rivers rank highly among visitors. At Little Mill, one camper states, "We loved it. You could hear the river and we had a great time," while another notes their enjoyment of "sites right beside my American Fork Creek." This campground remains open longer than others in the area, making it valuable for late-season camping.
Shaded sites: Tree cover provides essential relief during summer months. A visitor to Uinta National Forest Whiting Campground appreciated that "every site had shade with concrete parking and fire pit." At Payson Lakes, campers value the "lots of trees for the summer months and lots of shade."
Yurt options for extended seasons: For campers seeking alternatives to tents, yurt camping near Mapleton, Utah provides comfort during cooler seasons. Payson Lakes and Mt. Timpanogos areas offer yurt accommodations with varying levels of amenities. These sturdy structures extend the camping season into spring and fall months when temperatures drop at higher elevations.
What you should know
Insect concerns: Bug populations vary by location and season. At Utah Lake State Park Campground, multiple visitors warn about mosquitoes: "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." Another camper more simply advises, "Lots of mosquitoes. Lots of bug spray."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Nunns Park, a camper notes it's "a great place to go if you don't have time to go look for a spot. It's a quick drive up Provo canyon." However, for more popular sites, as one visitor to Payson Lakes warns: "Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites."
Road noise variations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite forest settings. A Little Mill visitor reported, "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate." Similarly, at Nunns Park, campers note "bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Jolley's Ranch Campground, visitors appreciate that it "has a fun playground close by." Another visitor notes, "it also has (at the entrance) a nice park with a large green lawn and a kid's playground."
Educational opportunities: Some sites provide learning experiences for children. Diamond Fork features "painted bear tracks that tell a story in and around the two loops of the park" according to one visitor, making the campground "very kid friendly."
Swimming options: Water access provides crucial summer entertainment. Payson Lakes gets high marks from families because, as one camper notes, "Great fishing. Very fun for kids." Another visitor appreciates that "the lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds provide electric and water connections. Utah Lake State Park Campground offers full hookups, though visitors have mixed reviews: "Full hookups and dump station. Level pads, good space between sites, nice covered tables. Filthy bathrooms and dumpsters overfilled."
Site sizing considerations: Campground designs vary in RV accommodation. At Whiting Campground, visitors note concrete parking areas at each site, while at Nunns Park, a camper with a modest setup reports, "Our 20' trailer does fine."
Seasonal access limitations: Road conditions affect larger vehicle access. Several campgrounds including Mt. Timpanogos have seasonal road closures, with one visitor noting, "The road to it is closed during winter/spring." Yurt camping near Mapleton provides an alternative when RV access becomes difficult during seasonal transitions.
