Camping opportunities around Mount Pleasant, Utah provide experiences across diverse elevations, from 5,000 to 9,000+ feet. The area features numerous dispersed camping options throughout Manti-La Sal National Forest alongside established campgrounds. Weather changes quickly in this region, with summer thunderstorms common and early fall snow possible at higher elevations.
What to do
Climbing conglomerate rock walls: Maple Canyon offers unique climbing experiences with routes suitable for various skill levels. "You are WALKING distance from sport climbs of all grades," notes one visitor to Maple Canyon. The canyon's distinctive conglomerate rock formations provide exceptional climbing opportunities year-round, though fall is particularly popular.
Fishing at high-elevation reservoirs: Located at 9,000 feet elevation, Potters Pond Campground provides access to stocked fishing ponds. "The ponds are great for kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing," according to one camper. The cooler temperatures make this an ideal summer retreat when lower elevations become hot.
OHV trail access: The extensive trail network around Mount Pleasant provides hundreds of miles of off-road terrain. "We were able to ride our side by side from this location right onto the Arapeen trail. The main office will give you a simple map on how to get there and they also sell the trail maps for $10.50," reports a visitor to Manti-La Sal KOA.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: The Forest Service campgrounds often provide more space between sites compared to private options. At Lake Canyon Recreation Area, one visitor noted: "The area is spread out yet open enough to feel like everyone has their own space and still together as a group."
Mountain weather refuge: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "Due to the elevation it's best to plan to stay here in July or August," advises a regular visitor to Lake Canyon Recreation Area. The 9,000+ foot elevation at some sites keeps temperatures comfortable even during peak summer months.
Clean facilities: Heritage Grove Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Had very clean restrooms and showers. Lots of amenities like a playground and volleyball net," reports one camper. Private campgrounds typically offer more amenities but with less privacy between sites.
What you should know
Limited services at Forest Service sites: Most national forest campgrounds lack basic services. "The campground does not have any potable water or any services. There are vault toilets spread out throughout the grounds. Also, there are no dumpsters....so what you bring in, you have to take with you," explains a visitor to Potters Pond Campground.
Dirt road access challenges: Many dispersed and established campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. "It is about 8.3 miles of dirt road to the campground from UT 31. The sites are spaced far enough from each other which gives you plenty of room to spread out and relax," notes a camper at Potters Pond.
No cell service at remote sites: Communication becomes limited quickly outside town. "No water and no cell service. Closest cell reception is top of canyon (via hike) or where concrete road ends at mouth of canyon," reports a camper from Maple Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some sites offer recreational facilities on-site. Heritage Grove Campground provides "amenities like a playground and volleyball net" according to visitor reviews, making it suitable for families with children needing entertainment options.
Consider reservoir access for water activities: Joes Valley Reservoir offers options for families. "My kids loved the water despite the wind throughout the day. There were a fair amount of people boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc around the shoreline near the marina, but I didn't feel it was too crowded at all," shares one family camper.
Prepare for quick weather changes: At higher elevations, conditions shift rapidly. "Since I was about 3, my family has gone to Joes Valley Reservoir for an extended family reunion! We tend to reserve the entire lower loop for a week in August," explains a regular visitor, noting this timing helps avoid unpredictable weather in earlier summer months.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before setup: Some campgrounds feature uneven sites. "The sites aren't level and are pretty close to each other. I had to use 3 yellow square leveling blocks on the left side," advises an RVer who stayed at Manti-La Sal KOA.
Research road conditions carefully: Access roads to popular sites may present challenges. "Dirt road in, off the hwy, was a bit rutted, but we made it okay in van. Took our chances on a FCFS spot, #8 which looked fairly level but was not," reports a camper about their experience at Maple Canyon.
Reserve early for summer weekends: The best places to camp near Mount Pleasant, Utah fill quickly during peak season. "I've camped at this campground twice now; once in August of 2020 and once in July of 2021. Both times the experience has been good. Before my two visits, I reserved my sites on recreation.gov. This made the experience hassle-free," advises a Joes Valley Reservoir camper.
