Camping near Mounthaven, Utah ranges from high-altitude alpine sites at 9,400 feet to valley locations with temperatures 20 degrees cooler than Salt Lake City. Many campsites require advance booking through recreation.gov, with popular spots filling months ahead for summer weekends. Winter camping options exist at some locations, with snowshoeing access available at higher elevations.
What to do
Alpine lakes exploration: Hike to Cecret Lake from Albion Basin, a short 0.5-mile trail accessible from the campground. "There is a great hike leaving from the campground to Cecret lake. But again it is very popular, so lots of people," notes Brian N. For more alpine lakes, continue hiking over Catherine Pass to Brighton Basin.
Climbing historic routes: American Fork Canyon contains some of the most historic sport climbing routes in the country. Areas near Little Mill campground include Hell Cave with 5.13+ routes and the Serenity Wall. "This canyon holds some of the most historic sport routes in America as some of the hardest routes in the country, at the time, were established here in the late 80's and early 90's," explains Alan B.
Mountain biking: The Wasatch Crest Trail near Redman Campground offers premier mountain biking through forests and meadows. Park City's extensive trail system is accessible from campgrounds like Park City RV Resort where "You have direct access to the bike path that leads directly into Old Town Park City and links you with lots of other trails," according to Kristin S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple streams and lakes provide fishing options. Near Jordanelle State Park, "The fishing is really good too. We catch something every time we go," reports Derek E. Creek access at Little Mill campground allows for streamside fishing, while reservoirs like Tibble Fork provide additional fishing spots.
What campers like
Alpine wildflowers: Albion Basin becomes particularly stunning during wildflower season. "We go here every august when the flowers are at their peak and it is so indescribably beautiful. I have been there in the other parts of the years and even without the flowers it is still stunning," shares Sam G. Visitors consistently mention the dramatic display of colors.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife sightings. At Redman Campground, "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site. In addition to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site," reports Outdoor T.
Riverside camping: Many campers appreciate the sound of running water at sites adjacent to streams. At Little Mill, "We loved it. You could hear the river and we had a great time," notes Melody F. Similarly, at Spruces Campground, Tom B. reports: "I just recently stayed at the Spruces. Loved it. Very peaceful. I stayed in campground #47. Right near the end of the loop before it's goes into the peaceful forest section. Great one. Right by water."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation campgrounds provide escape from summer heat. At Albion Basin, temperatures can be up to 20 degrees cooler than Salt Lake City. Michael P. notes: "Location wise, the site is at 9400 ft so the temps are usually 20 degrees cooler than the city."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: The best places to camp near Mounthaven fill quickly. For Granite Flat, Ash S. warns: "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked." Many campgrounds open reservations 6 months ahead through recreation.gov.
Pet restrictions: Dogs are prohibited in watershed areas including Big Cottonwood Canyon campgrounds. Andrea P. notes about Tanners Flat: "NO Dogs allowed in the canyon—it is a watershed." Similarly, Natalie B. shares her experience at Redman: "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot."
Weather considerations: Alpine campgrounds have shorter seasons due to snowfall. Albion Basin typically operates only from late July to early September, while lower elevation sites open earlier. Winter camping opportunities exist at Spruces, where Shilah M. notes: "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at!"
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have accessibility challenges. The road to Cascade Springs received this warning: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Educational hikes: Short trails near Spruces campground offer family-friendly adventures. "I love the scenery. You can get to donut falls from the camp ground which is awesome," recommends Becky C. Donut Falls provides a rewarding destination with children.
Wildlife opportunities: Several campgrounds offer reliable wildlife sightings appropriate for children. Craig E. shares: "I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground and the kids love to catch fish in the stream."
Group sites availability: Many campgrounds offer larger group sites ideal for family gatherings. At Pine Creek Campground, a visitor notes: "This campground has 3 loops. 1 for tents, 1 for medium size trailers, 1 for large trailers... There's also a few group sites with pavilions." Redman Campground also provides spacious group areas as Jill B. comments: "We've used one of the group sites and a double site, and they are very roomy."
Recreation activities: Campgrounds near reservoirs offer additional family options. At Wasatch Mountain State Park, Aaron G. recommends: "Close to fishing pond, play area for kids, beautiful golf courses, hikes, Midway/Heber cities, fishing rivers and beautiful drives up the mountains for more exploring."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Pine Creek Campground has separate loops designed for different vehicle sizes. According to David T.: "This campground has 3 loops. 1 for tents, 1 for medium size trailers, 1 for large trailers. Check the website or call the guard station before booking to double check."
Water pressure warnings: At Jordanelle State Park, Trevor S. advises: "Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure." Using a pressure regulator is recommended for all hookups in the area.
Site levelness: RVers should check site descriptions carefully as many mountain campgrounds have uneven sites. One visitor at Pine Creek Campground notes: "My 30' TT was perched with some effort on top of a pull-through that was a mound rather than flat. Unlevel and narrow asphalt sites."
Spacing challenges: Many RV parks place vehicles close together. At Park City RV Resort, Courtney notes: "We paid almost $50 for full hook ups on the second level. A back in site really close to two other RVs on dirt/rocks." Similarly, another visitor warns: "Spots are long but very narrow. Less than 3' between our slides and the neighbor's slides."
