Best Dispersed Camping near Mona, UT

Several primitive camping areas surround Mona, Utah, primarily on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The region includes notable dispersed camping zones such as Nebo Loop Road, Goshen Road, Miners Canyon, and Soldier's Pass. These areas permit no-fee camping in undeveloped sites with varying levels of accessibility. Most locations lack developed facilities, though Nebo Loop Road offers vault toilets at some points along the route, unusual for dispersed areas. Primitive sites are typically found along forest service roads, canyon access points, and in clearings near Utah Lake.

Access routes to many dispersed sites near Mona consist of dirt and gravel roads with conditions that change seasonally. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations, particularly at Miners Canyon and Soldier's Pass. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with complete bans possible during dry periods. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, though several locations require permits, including Nebo Loop Road and Sheep Creek. Visitors should expect no drinking water, trash service, or hookups at any site. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage at higher elevation points.

The dispersed sites provide contrasting landscapes from mountain views along Nebo Loop to desert terrain and lake access at Miners Canyon. According to one camper, "Nebo Loop has a clean public restroom, a peaceful river, and shaded trees," making it one of the higher-rated dispersed areas. Miners Canyon offers views of Utah Lake but experiences significant wind. A visitor noted that "it was very windy for a couple of hours but settled down after a while" and that "the lake and mountain views are spectacular." Several locations suffer from improper waste disposal. Campers report varying levels of privacy, with some areas like Miners Canyon allowing significant distance between sites while others experience higher traffic, particularly from off-highway vehicles and recreational shooters at Soldier's Pass.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mona, Utah (56)

    1. Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Nephi, UT
    8 miles

    "Here is a clean public restroom, a peaceful river, and shaded trees. Along the way, there are many nice spot .but it's better to arrive early."

    3. Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    27 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."

    "Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."

    4. Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    30 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    30 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."

    "Lots of places to pick from but only a couple trees providing shade. Access road is well maintained and low clearance friendly"

    5. Miners Canyon BLM

    11 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc."

    "I arrived in the evening and was greeted with an incredible view: a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun; the lights from Provo, the city across the lake,"

    6. camp koholowo

    1 Review
    Santaquin, UT
    10 miles

    7. Sheep Creek

    13 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 342-5260

    "Easy to find and accessible. There is a sign on the highway Sheep Creek. This is open range so you might see some cattle. I am sure you will see some cow patties so watch your step."

    "Better for RVs and self contained vans as there were no amenities or even privacy, it was still large enough that we had plenty of distance between us and any other parties."

    10. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry

    6 Reviews
    Eagle Mountain, UT
    25 miles

    "Set up was easy, drove past the BLM sign about half a mile and stayed on a flat open area. Mosquitos were terrible, bring bug spray! Happy camping!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mona, UT

198 Reviews of 56 Mona Campgrounds


  • Bethany W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Miners Canyon BLM

    A lot of trash

    As beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore. Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc. There also seems to be majority long term campers who have a lot of stuff everywhere around their campsites, as well as 2-3 permanent residents living on the private property that backs up against the public lands. While there are 10-12 spots that are easily accessible, they’re being utilized by the long-term campers. Our first night here we arrived around 8 pm, right before sunset so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore so we just parked in the larger area near the public access area to the lake by 3 other campers. Luckily the next morning a camper van left so we were able to move without being on top of so many people since the people we were around all had dogs barking almost every time we let ours out to go to the bathroom. Overall, I felt like this campsite left more to be desired and took away from the beauty of the area.

  • Jenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2018

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Ranger Review: Snapbuds and Dispersed Camping toward Willow Spring

    Campground Review: In my attempt to explore as many areas in Utah as I can, I came across this wonderful dispersed camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon. I had the intention of staying in a nearby campground. But when I felt the price was a bit too high for just one night, I sought adventure elsewhere. I randomly turned off toward Main Canyon and followed the dirt road until I found a spot I liked. I knew I was in dispersed national forest camping when there are signs indicating a 14 day limit. So all along this dirt road, which got pretty rocky at times, are spots to pull off and camp for the night. It can accommodate single tents, multiple tents, RVs (obviously no hookups) and trailers.  There are man-made fire pits so if you start a fire, be sure to put it out completely and observe LNT (leave no trace) camping principles. Whatever you bring in with you is what you have as there are no amenities to speak of. The ground was soft and there were lots of trees from which to hang a hammock. I did forget to fill my water jug before I left my house so I had to search out a small run off stream from which I could filter water. But be sure to have a good water filter if you are going to go this route.  The only real negative I have for this site (or area of sites) is that there was a lot of AVT/Side-by-side/dirtbike traffic. If that type of activity was on my list, this area would be first on my list. However, since I chose not to stay in a campground because I wanted the seclusion, the traffic was a little bit of a bummer. But, because the camping was free and everyone who passed waved and was really nice, I didn’t have too much of a problem with it. Also, the site I chose was right off the road (as majority of them are). If I wanted to hike with my stuff a little more, I found a very pretty meadow away from the road that would have been very peaceful. I guess that will have to be my next spot. OI verall, I have a love for free, dispersed camping and this area is large enough to explore for a wide variety of adventures.

    Gear Review: Snapbuds

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get the opportunity to test out gear every so often from our amazing partners. I was given the opportunity to test out a new product called Snapbuds. The premise of this product is to help keep your earbud cords organized or untangled by use of magnets. They come in three different colors—grey, black, and white, so you can make them coordinate with your cords or stand out. The instructions are easy to follow and have a few options for how to set these little magnets into different configurations. It also has a really handy measuring tape/picture to make sure you can get the snapbuds in the right spot. I decided to try the standard configuration on my first pair of earbuds. These are designed to be permanent additions to your cords so be sure to pay attention to what direction you snap the magnets on. Once I got them on, I wrapped them up and threw them around in my bag. The magnets held and when I went to use them, all I had to do was pull the magnets apart and the cord was untangled. It was pretty sweet. I also used them while hiking around with my dog.

    Overall, these are a pretty cool solution to a long standing annoyance of earbud cords.

  • Aliyah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Great Free Dispersed Camping

    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. There’s a huge sign that says Sheep Creek Campground so you can’t miss it. Drove here with my front wheel drive sedan and tent camped. Train goes by occasionally but not loud enough to disturb. Access to hiking trails all around because it’s national forest land. You can stay 14 days. No permit required. No amenities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Many Sites of Varying Sizes

    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. Some are pretty reasonable, others are like mine fields. Suggest you park on the road and walk in. Many sites are “pull-throughs” so one entrance can be better than the other. Some great spots up the hill but you’ll need high clearance and 4wd. Bugs weren’t bad on this warm mid-September day. Some trash but I’ve been to more formal places with more trash than this. Access to the lake and lots of space to hike. Nice view of lights from the Provo side of the lake at night.

  • Tyrinn B.
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Skyline Drive

    Roadside Oasis

    This is down a little dirt road near the Ghost town remnants of Tucker, Utah. There is a cute little creek, plenty of places to pull into to camp, and lots of neat rock formations to observe. We stayed 2 nights, and after dusk, the noise was minimal. You can hear some traffic noise from the highway, but it's faint. Be sure to mind the signs posted for private property. It seems as though some people have left their trash behind, and it's very unfortunate because this is by far the best spot we found on this HWY near Spanish Fork. Pack in and pack out is a must as there are no amenities other than nature's amenities. I found a few fossils in my wandering of our site. Some spots by the creek have been washed out, and the ground seems to have given way, so be mindful of where you park. The spot we stayed in was the 3rd spot after the private property signs on the left-hand side. Be sure to scout the turn-off roads before attempting to drive down them. This is a sandy spot, and the ground is not the most sound due to water damage. Cool little spot to unwind and enjoy nature's surroundings.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Great Camping and Off-Roading

    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.

  • Whitney W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    Beauty in Abundance

    I love this canyon. There are so many places to disperse camp as a group or a an individual. One thing to know is that you will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills. Download a map prior to entering Hobble Creek as you lose reception at the beginning.

    You will have to drive a dirt road that is less than fair at times. You won't need high clearance but a good suspension or airing down will help.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

    Pretty location

    Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location

  • Jon J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Amazing looking spot and very isolated

    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. The dirt road is the correct way to get up there, don't follow the paved road.

    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!

    I'm sure this is a seasonal thing but 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. Seriously, 40+ swarming each tire, all over the doors and windows, and us even after drenching ourselves with bug spray.

    We hope to try the spot again later in the season when all this moisture lets up a bit because it really looked lovely


Guide to Mona

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mona, Utah, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping

  • This location features a peaceful river and shaded trees, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
  • Visitors have noted the importance of arriving early to secure a good spot, as it can get busy during peak times.
  • Facilities include clean public restrooms, although it's essential to bring your own supplies like toilet paper.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mona, Utah

  • Consider Goshen Road Dispersed Camping for a budget-friendly option, as it offers free camping with access to nearby creekside sites.
  • Be mindful of the environment; some areas have faced issues with littering, so always pack out what you pack in.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, Miner's Canyon Dispersed is known for its secluded spots and minimal noise from other campers.

Beautiful views await at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area

  • This area is praised for its scenic mountain views and open spaces, making it a great choice for those who enjoy wide vistas.
  • The site is accessible for both drive-in and walk-in campers, providing flexibility for different camping styles.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as cows often roam the area, adding to the rustic charm of your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mona, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mona, UT is Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mona, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 dispersed camping locations near Mona, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.