Dispersed camping opportunities surround Midvale, Utah, with several free primitive sites available in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Notable locations include Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping, Mineral Basin Dispersed, and Cascade Springs Dispersed Site. Most sites require permits, which can be obtained from the respective land management agencies. According to reviews, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles as some areas have experienced issues with accumulated trash from previous campers.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for Cascade Springs Dispersed Site. As one camper noted, "The road is atrocious. Don't come unless you have some serious high clearance 4WD vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle." Standard passenger cars can access some lower elevation sites, but expect rough, rutted roads with occasional stream crossings. During spring runoff or after heavy rain, roads may become impassable.
Most dispersed sites offer established fire rings but no amenities. Campers must pack in all water and supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas. Summer brings mosquitoes, particularly at dusk, so insect repellent is essential. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage but requires preparation for cold overnight temperatures. Wildlife sightings may include deer, elk, and moose, particularly in early morning and evening hours. Several areas experience heavy ATV and dirt bike traffic, especially on weekends and holidays, which may affect the wilderness experience for those seeking solitude.
"You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
"All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water."
"The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top."
"There was a weird spot when Google maps told us to go right (staying on the paved road) while there was an "alternate" route up a dirt road to the coordinates on the dyrt."
"Campground Review: Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City."
"The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."
from $6 / night
"I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "
"We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower."
"These are all backcountry sites and you have to be at least a 1/2 mile from any road before camping. The best spots are more than a mile in at the meadows anyway!"
"My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."
"I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic"
from $10 / night
"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."
"Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."
"Second all slots are extremely close to Alpine road. Wonderful day spot, bummer we couldn’t stay the night!"
"Area is not illuminated, as is expected, so I prepared a headlamp and a backup lantern for the hike."
"Another beautiful dispersed campground site that sits in a beautiful meadow at the top of one of the busiest canyons in the country!"
TravelerRight up the road from where the campsite marker is we found this private little circular site with fire pit. Ground was at a slope, good to keep in mind, for this specific spot.
TravelerGreat place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
RangerOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up in autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
RangerCamp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
ScoutBeautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
TravelerWent camping up Cascade springs for our first time in the new Camper, Their are a lot! Of good sites, so hard to choose.. these ended up staying up more toward the top… It had gorgeous views, it seemed more of a tent area but we pulled our teardrop right up in there.. it has 2 fire pits are 3 decent areas to pitch your sleeping area at.. I would give this camp area a 9/10… its to beautiful and peaceful to not go back..
I seen 32 foot rvs at the camp ground below us.. so that should tell you that it’s mostly drivable up,
Dispersed camping near Midvale, Utah offers backcountry sites at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day with overnight lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July and August. Sites along north-facing ridges tend to retain snow into early June while south-facing slopes dry out earlier in the season.
Hike to alpine lakes: The Pittsburgh Lake trail near Midvale provides 1,500 feet of elevation gain over 1.5 miles to reach a serene alpine destination. "The hike is totally doable even with a lot of gear, just go slow and be careful of your footing. To be honest, I felt sorer after the hike down then after the hike up," notes one Pittsburgh Lake Dispersed visitor.
Trail running: Trails throughout the area offer varied terrain for runners of all levels. "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," explains a camper at Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best chance to spot native animals. "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall," reports a camper who frequents the backcountry areas.
Water activities: Some lakes permit paddleboarding during summer months. "I was able to relax and float and tool around. You can't go very far but being on the water is always a good time," shares a visitor who carried inflatable equipment to one of the higher elevation lakes.
Privacy in primitive settings: Sites separated from main trails provide solitude. "We accessed this area via the east side and Wasatch State Park and Midway, UT. It is a long dirt road which is relatively maintained... The campsite we chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream," shares a camper at Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Pet-friendly options: Many sites welcome four-legged companions. "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. One of our families favorite canyons," explains a visitor who enjoys the versatility of the area.
Fall colors: September and October camping provides spectacular foliage viewing opportunities. "It was so beautiful the color of the leaves were impeccable. The stargazing was very Exquisite," reports a camper who visited during autumn.
Climbing access: Advanced climbers can find routes within hiking distance of camps. "For the more adventurous there is climbing abound from 5 single pitch crags that surround Cecret Lake and adventurous (read: chossy) mixed multi-pitch routes that will take you to the top of Devils Castle," describes a visitor to Albion Basin - Dispersed.
Seasonal road closures: Many access roads remain impassable until summer. "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort," reports one visitor attempting to reach Mineral Basin in late spring.
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites have no facilities. At developed sites, facilities vary widely in quality. "The major con in this park in general is the bathrooms are yucky especially at this site," notes a visitor to Salamander Flat.
Fire restrictions: Some areas prohibit all fires regardless of season. "Another beautiful dispersed campground site that sits in a beautiful meadow at the top of one of the busiest canyons in the country!" notes a camper describing a no-fire zone.
Permit requirements: Check requirements before arriving. "This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3day pass, $20 for a 7 day pass," explains a visitor documenting the current system.
Choose sites with water features: Kids enjoy accessible streams. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," reports a visitor who regularly camps with family.
Wildlife education opportunities: Morning wildlife watching becomes a learning activity. "My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby," shares a camper at Cascade Springs Dispersed Site.
Bring insect protection: Higher elevations experience mosquito activity, especially near water. "I hope to try the spot again later in the season when all this moisture lets up a bit because it really looked lovely," explains a camper who encountered heavy insect activity during early summer.
Check campsite surfaces: Some areas have rough ground. "The campsite had zero shade — so make sure to bring a canopy of some sort; there are no trees around the site. Third, the campsite is all gravel, so if you have a dog, be careful they don't burn their paws," advises a visitor noting terrain considerations.
Check road conditions before committing: Recent storm damage affects accessibility. "The road is a bit rough, mainly due to water runoff but nothing too bad," reports one RVer who successfully navigated to their site.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Pulling our small off road camper up was challenging in spots due to the heavy rutting and runoff but when we made it up it was a spectacular area!" shares a visitor to Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site.
Arrive early for optimal spots: Weekend availability decreases rapidly. "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," advises an RVer who secured a site at a busier location.
Consider trailer size limitations: Small trailers fare better than large ones. "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it. Sure is pretty but we never made it to the top," warns a visitor who attempted to bring a trailer to higher-elevation camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Midvale, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Midvale, UT is Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Midvale, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 dispersed camping locations near Midvale, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
