Dispersed camping areas around Mounthaven, Utah offer primitive overnight options at elevations between 6,000-10,000 feet with seasonal access typically limited from late June through October. The Wasatch Mountains contain numerous backpacking routes with requirements for off-road capabilities or hiking preparation. Most sites have no amenities and require visitors to pack out all waste.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Pittsburgh Lake requires a 1.5-mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. A camper reported that "stargazing was very Exquisite" at this Pittsburgh Lake Dispersed site, which sits behind Midway, UT at the end of a challenging dirt road.
Trail running: Millcreek Canyon trails accommodate various activity 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," notes one visitor to Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer opportunities to spot moose and deer in meadow areas. A camper at Lake Desolation mentioned that "the trail weaves through an Aspen grove and along a meadow, which, if you're lucky, is a popular place to spot moose, deer, and other wildlife."
What campers like
Alpine isolation: The high elevation sites provide escape from summer heat and crowds. At Twin Peaks Wilderness Area, "The best spots are more than a mile in at the meadows anyway! Beware of moose as they are commonly spotted hanging out in the lakes near the meadows."
Night sky views: With minimal light pollution, many sites offer exceptional stargazing. One camper at Albion Basin shared: "If weather permits, leaving off the rain fly provides an exquisite view of the milky way as you drift off to sleep."
Stream access: Several sites feature nearby creeks for ambiance and water filtering. A visitor to Mineral Basin Dispersed noted: "We chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream. The flowing water provided some great ambiance and white noise while we slept."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, "the road is atrocious. Dont come unless you have some serious high clearance 4wd vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle."
Seasonal closures: Most high-elevation sites close during winter and spring snowmelt. "Don't come with a trailer. Just don't do it. Sure is pretty but we never made it to the top," warns one camper about spring conditions at Cascade Springs.
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and season, with complete bans in some areas. A visitor to Millcreek noted: "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons," but be aware that fire restrictions may apply.
Permit requirements: Most dispersed sites around Mounthaven require either wilderness permits or day-use fees. "Be careful there is a 5$ per car fee sneaking at the entrance," mentions one Millcreek Canyon visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For younger children, consider locations with shorter hikes. At Salamander Flat, "There's a river to play in at a pull off just a few minutes down the road. Tons of trails. A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite."
Plan for variable weather: Mountain temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer. "It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer," advises a Salamander Flat visitor.
Set expectations about facilities: Prepare children for primitive conditions without flush toilets or running water. One family sharing their Millcreek experience noted: "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time."
Consider noise levels: Some sites experience significant recreation traffic. A Salamander Flat camper noted: "The campsites are really close to the main Alpine Loop road and there are cars constantly driving past."
Tips from RVers
Site selection limitations: Most rustic camping near Mounthaven, Utah requires tents or small trailers. At Mineral Basin, "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...We have seen tents as well as trailers camping in this area(as long as you are comfortable pulling your trailer on unpaved mountain roads)."
Access challenges: RV owners should research roads carefully before attempting access. "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!" reports a visitor to Cascade Springs.
Parking alternatives: Some trailheads allow overnight parking for accessing hike-in sites. A camper at Neffs Canyon mentioned: "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower."
