H
Hannah B.
Scout
ScoutMountain Valley RV Resort
Feb Ski Trip
Loved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Mutual Dell, UT
Mutual Dell, Utah sits in a region with diverse camping opportunities ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Granite Flat Campground, located near Provo, provides tent and RV sites with amenities like drinking water and fire rings, while Timpooneke Campground offers a more rustic experience with vault toilets and trash service. Several campgrounds in the area feature water access, with sites near lakes and streams particularly popular during summer months. The proximity to Utah Lake and various mountain reservoirs creates opportunities for both lakeside camping and higher-elevation forest experiences.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access throughout the region. Many campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with higher elevation sites opening later in the season. "This campground has many spots! They were all clean and convenient. If you stay on the northern side of the campground, expect to hear cars and trucks through the night," noted one visitor about Lost Creek Campground. Winter conditions make most forest roads impassable, while spring runoff can affect water levels and trail access. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage in campgrounds closer to Provo and limited or no service in more remote forest locations.
The mountain setting provides distinctive camping experiences with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Campers report high satisfaction with sites featuring water proximity, particularly those along creeks or near lakes. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Only about 45 mins away from Payson. Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with those near highways experiencing more traffic sounds. Shaded sites under mature trees are especially valued during summer months, providing natural cooling when temperatures rise. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with early morning and evening being optimal times for observation.
Best Camping Sites Near Mutual Dell, Utah (271)
1. Granite Flat (utah)
38 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT3 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $355 / night
"Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."
"Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."
2. Nunns Park
27 ReviewsAspen Grove, UT8 milesWebsite+1 (801) 851-8640"The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
3. Little Mill
21 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT1 mileWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $227 / night
"We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."
"The site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."
4. Spruces - Big Cottonwood
32 ReviewsMounthaven, UT13 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $327 / night
"Bathrooms always close by, no showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. If you’re lucky, you can get a site close to the creek. Nice, cool nights in the summer."
"Right up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the"
5. Timpooneke
15 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT1 mileWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $204 / night
"I love how it is near a river. You can hear it at night. It's so nice to get to a cool area out of the hot valley and into the cool scenic back country of Utah county."
"While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work."
6. Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park
38 ReviewsPark City, UT17 milesWebsite+1 (435) 649-9540$35 - $50 / night
"This isn't the prettiest lake. It is nice and big, but since it is one of the closest to Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, it gets a lot of traffic."
"We stayed at the "McHenry" campground in a spot right next to a creek. The traffic noise was a bit prevalent during the day because it's close to the highway. Great tent pad."
7. Tanners Flat
19 ReviewsSnowbird, UT9 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $215 / night
"It was quiet, tucked away from anyone. Didn't really see anyone for the three days we are there. Our site was next to the river, which really helped drown out all other sounds! "
"We had site 11 close to the bathroom and in a flat, sunny clearing surrounded by trees. You could hear the nearby road a bit and see the mountains a little bit."
8. Mountain Valley RV Resort
22 ReviewsHeber, UT13 milesWebsite+1 (435) 657-6100$30 - $129 / night
"Located in beautiful Heber City, Utah. We felt at home as soon as we arrived and were greeted by a nice man on a golf cart who lead us to where we’d be staying."
"He was helpful and provided wonderful advice for the rest of our trip in Utah (Moab). The sites are a bit close, but the campground was quiet and clean. Our girls enjoyed the pool and hot tub."
9. Mt. Timpanogos
12 ReviewsAspen Grove, UT4 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$28 / night
"This campground is within 40 minutes of town, but feels like you are far away from your worries. There is a stream that runs thru it and a lot of trees that provide plenty of shade."
"This area, really all of American Fork Canyon is among the prettiest places in Utah Valley. Go! Camp! Hike Timp!"
10. Lakeside RV Campground
27 ReviewsOrem, UT15 milesWebsite+1 (801) 373-5267$31 - $48 / night
"Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."
"You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."
Recent Camping Photos near Mutual Dell, UT
364 Photos of 271 Mutual Dell Campgrounds
Ash S.
Salamander Flat
Lilliana J.
Sawmill Picnic
Stacy R.
Little Mill
Andrea P.
Timpooneke
Kaitlin R.
Granite Flat (utah)
Elijah C.
Mount Timpanogos Campground
Sherezade F.
Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
Kaelin P.
Mt. Timpanogos
Emma H.
Silver Lake Backcountry
Denice P.
Little Deer Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park
Michelle B.
Anderson Park
Derek E.
Red Pine Lake
Recent Reviews near Mutual Dell, UT
1363 Reviews of 271 Mutual Dell Campgrounds
- EElise F.
TravelerSalt Lake City KOA
Winter camping in Salt Lake City
We winter camped here so we could ski. It’s a great location about 40-50 minutes to 6 resorts. It is in the city so not in the wilderness but all the sites have one tree and a patch of grass and a picnic table. There is a small off leash dog pen and a self dog wash. Also hot tub, showers, toilets that were clean. We did not use the hot tub or the laundry. The campground is well maintained. Our first site was slightly unleveled so we asked to switch and they accommodated that request. We did have to pay a little extra for that site. We stayed a total of 3 nights. We were going to stay longer but learned that you can’t have dogs in Cottonwood Canyon which meant we couldn’t ski at those resorts so we asked to get out of our reservation early and the KOA accommodated that as well.
- SSandraTraveler
Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park
Stayed in yurt
The yurt was a great experience during the winter. The entire campground was closed, except for the yurt and the couple cabins on site. It was super quiet. It had 2 electric fireplaces which kept the yurt nice and toasty. It has a bunk bed with queen size mattresses which were comfy. There was a refrigerator and microwave. There is access to potable water right outside the yurt. You do have to walk about 500 yards to the yurt from the parking space, but the privacy is worth it. Rate was $75 per night during the week and $100 per night during the weekend. I will definitely be returning.
- DDouglas C.Scout
Saratoga Springs Backcountry
Multiple spots for dispersed camping
3 stars as dry and dusty with no facilities, but a good place to stop for a night if passing thru or many nights if you're an ATVer.
We live near the area and if you take the dirt Soldier Pass road off highway 68 between Lake Utah and Cedar Fort, there a many many good and level dispersed sites. Lots of junipers once you climb in elevation. No houses within miles. The Utah County gun range is located ~1 mile off highway 68 on this road, but better camping spots are further on anyway. The main dirt road is county maintained and can be done by any car. As is the road up to the Lake Mountain summit for great views and additional sites.
There is a free formal BLM dispersed camping area off highway 68 a few miles north of Soldier Pass road. Zero facilities. There are campers on it year round. Spots on both sides of the highway. Look for signs. To me, these sites are kinda bleak, but have good lake views. Between late May and late Sept sites near the lake will experience Utah Lake midges. They're a love bug that live in the lake and emerge only to mate. They don't bite, but they do swarm. You'll experience fewer as you move away from the lake.
Chris R.
GuideCrandall Cove Campground — Rockport State Park
Great view and good for quick overnight stay
We had the campground loop all to ourselves in mid October. Sites have a gazebo with table means less stuff to unpack and setup. We just pulled out the tent and camp stove and that was it. Clean and maintained restrooms all close in tight loop. Firepit next to tables. The view is really great and birds are nearby as it seems to be a bird sanctuary. Easy to get to and not far from highway. Star show was good as well.
- PPam J.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Return Trip
We stayed here in the summer of 2024 and placed it on our places to return to. We returned here in July 2025. The sites we were in was long and level. We loved sitting outside watching the numerous birds and chipmunks that were in the campground. The camp hosts were friendly and kept the campgrounds looking nice.
Adam O.TravelerSplit Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites — Antelope Island State Park
Incredible, with some caveats
Disclaimer, this was my first backpacking trip, and my first solo camping experience.
The first thing I’ll note is that I could not find a map that showed exactly where on the split rock loop trail the sites were. The maps you get at the gate do not show it. You just have to start hiking and hope you see it. That eventually led to the main issue I had with the campsite, more on that later.
I have 37lbs on my back, partly because it’s November and I want to make sure I’m warm, and partly because I’m toting in 5.5L of water since there is no water source.
I begin hiking and eventually I see another backpacker coming the other way. I say “did you camp?” He says no, he was going to stay the night, but there’s a herd of Bison that are currently crossing the trail and he didn’t want to wait. As I’m coming up on the spot he’s talking about, I catch the end of the herd moving south and I’m able to pass them with minimal wait time.
I continue hiking, up to the split rock bay loop, where conveniently there is a sign that points toward the campground. Yay! By this time I’ve seen a huge herd of Bison (50 or more individuals), a big buck, 20 or so other deer, and with the fog and haziness, some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. Quite incredible.
I find the tent site #3 (my watch says exactly 4.5 miles from the car) and set up my tent. During this time, I’m hearing some weird grunting sounds in the distance, I pop my head out of the tent and look west toward the lake shore. And there’s the herd of Bison I encountered before who crossed the trail. They went west around elephant rock, and I went east. I beat them by about 20 to 30 minutes. At this time I record a video with my phone and state “hope they aren’t coming over here”.
I’m filling my sleeping pad with a mini pump and when I’m done I pop my head out of the tent. They had, in fact, started coming over here. They were quite close. In sort of a panic, I grab some essentials, zip up the tent, and head for the rocks on the hills and wait them out.
Unfortunately I didn’t grab my Garmin or my warm clothes, and it is taking them forever to get past the tent site. The sun starts getting low and I’m getting cold. The Bison sometimes get curious about my tent and approach it, but never do anything. I have my Apple watch and it has an SOS feature, I thought about using it, but eventually they pass and I can get back to set up.
So, this is where knowing exactly where the campsite was in relation to everything else would have been useful. I would have seen the direction they were going and possibly known that they would be crossing right into the camp area, and I probably would have made some slightly different choices.
They (the Bison) stopped for the night in split rock canyon, so I could hear them all night while in my tent. It was always difficult to tell if they were getting closer or farther away, so the night was a bit sleepless.
Also, though the weather says the temperature is 40F, the higher humidity and breeze from the lake can make it feel a lot colder. I did have some chilly moments with a 20F comfort rated bag and a 5.4R value pad. In the morning, condensation was everywhere.
The next morning had a “dense fog” warning in effect, which made for some more awesome scenery.
I broke camp and started back to the car at around 8AM. I decided to take a detour out to Elephant Rock to see if I could see the camp site from up there. This added another 3 miles to the track back, so 7.5 miles total. As I’m coming around the corner at the top to the spot where I’d be able to see the sites, I encounter a lone Bison bull just chilling up there on the trail, no other animals in sight. So, I couldn’t actually get to the spot to see over, but the view was amazing and it was fun to see a Bison in a spot it felt like he shouldn’t be able to get to.
As I turn around, the “dense fog” warning becomes a reality, and it suddenly gets much much colder. Makes for some amazing visuals way up there.
Overall, it was a very awe inspiring and fun trip, with some interesting bits. I do think they should better mark the spots on the map just so people can plan better, especially if there’s going to be massive herds of Bison cruising through camp at any point.
tl;dr: pack warmer than you think (if you’re going to go in the later months) and watch out for Bison. Incredible views and wildlife encounters make it all worth it.
Tamie S.GuideGreat Horned Owl Campground — Deer Creek State Park
Quiet and secluded
We took a wrong turn in the campground and ended up in an area with no hookups. But it was quiet and secluded and close to the water. The campsite was fairly level and there were clean restrooms.
- Tamie S.Guide
Strawberry Bay
Fishing and Hiking
The campsite was clean, the restrooms nice, and the hosts great. We didn’t have any hookups, but they weren’t needed. Great fishing and hiking opportunities.
Guide to Mutual Dell
Dispersed camping sites near Mutual Dell, Utah range from 6,400 to 7,400 feet in elevation with significant temperature variations between day and night. Most forest roads accessing primitive camping areas close during winter months, typically from late October through April, depending on snow conditions. Camping in this area requires preparation for rapidly changing weather patterns, even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to glacial lakes: Timpooneke Campground provides direct access to trails leading to alpine scenery. "This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos, it is divided into 3 areas, one of which has horse corrals," notes Michael J. The trails from camp lead to several destinations including Scout Falls, approximately 1 mile from the trailhead.
Paddle sports on nearby reservoirs: Granite Flat Campground serves as a base for water activities at nearby Tibble Fork Reservoir. "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The hosts were lovely and helpful. The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs," reports Ash S. Non-motorized watercraft are permitted on most reservoir areas.
Rock climbing access: Little Mill Campground offers quick access to sport climbing routes. "We've been up this canyon many times before, mostly for climbing. 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. Routes for beginners through advanced climbers are available within a 5-10 minute walk from camp.
What campers like
Proximity to water features: Little Mill Campground offers sites adjacent to American Fork Creek. "We loved Little Mill! It's the perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument," shares Stacy R. Sites nearest to the mountain side provide more distance from road noise.
Quick overnight options: Nunns Park provides convenient camping in Provo Canyon. "Nunns is a great place to go if you don't have time to go look for a spot. It's a quick drive up Provo canyon. The downside it it is close to a bike/running path so if you want to sleep in it might not happen," explains Jonathan Y. Sites include river access, though privacy is limited.
High elevation escapes: The Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon sits at higher elevation with cooler temperatures. "Right up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the office the next day," mentions Jenny W. The gate closes late at night, requiring campers to walk in if arriving after hours.
What you should know
Road closures impact access: Mt. Timpanogos campground and surrounding areas have seasonal limitations. "Behind Mount Timp along the 92 passed Sundance and Aspen Grove is a beautiful area full aspen and fir. Plenty of room for dispersed camping. I know it is free for one or two nights. The road to it is closed during winter/spring," reports Helen A. Forest Service typically opens higher elevation roads by late May.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends. "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full," warns Andrea P. about Granite Flat. Similarly, at Timpooneke, "we only saw 2 with the W designation and everything else had a reserved sign up," reported Stacy D. regarding walk-up availability.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds. "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it," notes Myrna G. about Little Mill. Sites deeper in campgrounds typically offer more buffer from traffic sounds.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tanners Flat Campground offers natural surroundings for wildlife observation. "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors. The camp hosts were excellent as well," says Sara M. Fall months provide better wildlife viewing with fewer crowds.
Swimming areas: Jordanelle State Park provides developed swimming areas with safety features. "Stayed here for a weekend getaway and loved it. Great place close to SLC and park city and for the most part it was surprisingly quiet," reports Angie G. The reservoir offers designated swimming zones separate from boating areas.
On-site activities: Mountain Valley RV Resort contains multiple recreational facilities. "This RV park is by far the nicest park I've ever stayed at. The facilities are very new and always clean, nice big private restrooms with showers, two laundry facilities, two hot tubs and two pools, basketball and other gaming courts," describes Zoe M. Structured activities provide options during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Lakeside RV Campground provides full hookups with reliable services. "We enjoyed a one night stay. Pull through sites with grass between. Pool was very nice. Cute little store," says Denise P. Sites include water, electric and sewer connections with level concrete pads.
Height and length restrictions: Forest Service campgrounds have varying size limitations for rigs. "We stayed in a back in spot which was very spacious and we had a good distance from our neighbor," notes Erin A. about Lakeside RV Campground. Mountain roads leading to forest campgrounds often have tight turns and overhead clearance issues.
Weather preparations: Seasonal temperature variations require planning. "If you're looking for a little more privacy from neighbors this may not be your best bet," comments Sydney Z. about Granite Flat. Higher elevation campgrounds experience frost even during summer months, requiring additional heating or cooling equipment depending on season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mutual Dell, UT?
What camping is available near Mutual Dell, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mutual Dell, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 271 campgrounds and RV parks near Mutual Dell, UT and 71 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mutual Dell, UT?
Which is the most popular campground near Mutual Dell, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mutual Dell, UT is Granite Flat (utah) with a 4.3-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mutual Dell, UT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mutual Dell, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 71 free dispersed camping spots near Mutual Dell, UT.
Keep Exploring