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Best Campgrounds near Nephi, UT

616 Reviews

Camping options near Nephi, Utah range from developed RV parks to primitive forest sites along the Wasatch Front. The area includes established campgrounds like Ponderosa and Bear Canyon in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest approximately 7 miles northeast of town. Maple Canyon, located about 30 miles southeast, offers tent and walk-in sites popular with rock climbers. For RV travelers, Rollin Home RV Park and Jones High Country RV Park provide full hookups within city limits, while Nebo Loop Road offers dispersed camping opportunities on public lands with more rustic conditions.

Access to camping areas varies significantly by season and elevation. Many forest service campgrounds including Ponderosa operate seasonally from May through September due to mountain weather conditions, with most sites closing after Labor Day. The Nebo Loop Road, which provides access to several camping areas, typically opens in late spring after snow melts but may close during adverse weather. Lower elevation sites near town remain accessible year-round. Nephi sits at approximately 5,300 feet, while nearby mountain camping areas can reach 9,000 feet, resulting in temperature differences of 15-20 degrees between town and forest campgrounds. According to one review, "Continuing over the 38-mile scenic highway is well worth the drive with sheer drop-offs demanding full attention ending in Nephi."

Camping experiences in the Nephi area feature notable contrasts between developed and primitive options. The higher elevation forest service campgrounds provide cooler temperatures and mountain views, with drinking water available at sites like Bear Canyon and Ponderosa. Several visitors mentioned enjoying the mountain backdrop and tranquility of these locations compared to in-town options. RV parks in Nephi offer convenient access to services but less privacy. A recent review of Rollin Home RV Park noted "Beautiful views if you pick your spot wisely" while highlighting good cell service and accessibility. Many campers appreciate the proximity to both mountain recreation and city amenities, with several mentioning the opportunity to visit nearby trails, fishing spots, and ATV routes accessible from forest campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Nephi, Utah (185)

    1. Rollin' Home RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Nephi, UT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 250-8800

    "Rollin Home RV Park

    Nephi, UT

    Site #10, PT, FHU, 1nt.

    Pros:

    Long wide Pullthrough,  with grass dividers.  2 service centers to pick from  make setting up easy."

    "Spots were full but they let us park in the parking lot for the night and gave us full access to showers and laundry. Great showers that were clean and nicer than some hotels."

    2. Jones High Country RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Nephi, UT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 623-2624

    $20 - $30 / night

    "We stayed here on our way through Nephi. Friendly, Privately owned campground. Lots of pull-through spots. Beautiful mountain backdrop.

    Bathrooms, though old, are kept clean."

    "Close to everything, clean, quiet, and reasonably priced for full hookup. Has late drop box which was convenient."

    3. Maple Canyon

    12 Reviews
    Fountain Green, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 283-4151

    $40 / night

    "You are WALKING distance from sport climbs of all grades.

    Verizon service just outside the campground, where the pavement ends we parked at a turnout."

    "There are a lot of campsites and all are right next to climbing areas. The maple leaves in the fall are fantastic."

    4. Ponderosa Uinta

    7 Reviews
    Nephi, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $51 / night

    "This place was shady and nice all around. The camping spots were spread out okay."

    "stream right next to campsite"

    5. Payson Lakes

    17 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $305 / night

    "Located in National Forest at 8,000 ft with lots of sites, many of them pull through with fire rings."

    "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 Ut. "

    6. Cottonwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 466-6411

    "This canyon offers different hiking trails and camping sites, with picnic tables."

    "Pretty country, not too far from Salt Lake City... A small stream running through the area (in August!)... But small and right off the road... A picnic table and fire ring... Lovely trees..."

    7. Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Nephi, UT
    8 miles

    8. Bear Canyon

    2 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $143 / night

    "It also has individual sites but you must park your car and walk in to your campsite.

    There are flush toilets and the bathrooms are well kept."

    9. Ponderosa

    2 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $21 / night

    "Have been going to this campground every year for nearly 60 years. Things have definitely changed, but still enjoy my visits there."

    10. Oasis Campground — Yuba State Park

    20 Reviews
    Fayette, UT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 758-2611

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Place really gave that “middle of nowhere feel”, lake and surrounding area were beautiful. Campsites were simple and bathrooms were nice."

    "Each spot has a cover over the picnic table and most spots have a view of the lake. The spaces are pretty far apart and you have a decent amount of privacy."

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Recent Camping Photos near Nephi, UT

155 Photos of 185 Nephi Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nephi, UT

616 Reviews of 185 Nephi Campgrounds

  • Cali C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Mud Creek Campground

    Spacious campground close to town

    There are tons of spots to choose from, and it always felt very safe. Lots of people with ATV’s and dirtbikes but not loud at all.

  • Jeff R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Beautiful spot but trash everywhere

    Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but has trash, broken glass and junk everywhere.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Sheep Creek

    Convenient overnight spot

    Plenty of space for any camper. tents to fifth wheels. The night I camped 9/20/25 there were about a dozen vehicles.

  • 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.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Fivemile Pass OHV

    Amazing Night Sky

    This place is pretty amazing with beautiful views of the sunrise, sunset and stars. Lots of ORV trails for the off road enthusiasts. Problem…SO MANY FLIES. They don’t bite or sting but you could not be outside for very long before they were in everyone’s drinks and personal space! By sunset they were gone so watching the stars was enjoyable. I just wished we could have spent more time outside during our time at camp. We did discover someone had dumped all their garbage close by so that might have been part of the problem🤷‍♀️.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    Solid Spot

    Th little nook at the top of the fork provides nice privacy, so felt lucky timing afforded it to me, but ample pull offs along the way ensured there would have been a spot to park. Very busy all along the forest road, though. Lots of cows (and thus manure to drive through some beware if you’re headed toward areas with flies, etc.) The leaves were changing and it was brilliant.

  • a
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Willow Park Campground

    Easy to get to, next to River

    We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything. Spot was decently clean except for a leftover watermelon (which the kids gave to a family of ducks that visited the next morning.)

    Nighttime was quiet after about 10pm. Crickets and some frogs serenaded most of the night. No neighbors on a Thursday night.

    Stunning sunrise—perfect views of Mt. Timp.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Spanish Oaks Campground

    Spanish Fork campsite with view

    Up in the hills, Spanish Oaks campground is not a typical campground. It’s close to a suburban area and there is active development of homes in the immediate area. It’s a very convenient location if you are passing through the area..

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Easy drive and beautiful view

    EDIT: Okay I lied. The bugs have infiltrated my tent. I don’t even know how but they have. I can hear the rest of them outside trying to find a way in. I didn’t even have any lights on. I’m scared and itchy and I hate bugs. Come here to watch the sunset and leave.

    The sites are trashed. I think people live here full time. You can hear generators running at night and occasional gunshots in the distance (shooting range). There’s giant fly swarms all over that you hear buzzing all night. There’s little to no privacy. I should really give it two or three stars but DAMN is it beautiful. Great sunrise and sunset spot right on the water with the mountains in front and behind you. Plenty of spots you can get to with 2WD. I didn’t venture up the hill because it seems a little more unlikely I’d make it, but like I said, plenty of other spots.

Guide to Nephi

Camping near Nephi, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Payson Lakes. One reviewer mentioned, "They regularly stock the lakes here with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. It is a fantastic place to bring your kids for fishing."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Diamond Fork. A visitor shared, "There are plenty of areas to do dispersed camping up Diamond Fork. With a bonus of being able to hike to some of the better hot springs close to Salt Lake."
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, Maple Canyon is a great spot. A climber said, "Nice campground with great rock climbing. Well maintained sites and toilet facilities."

What campers like

  • Space and Views: Campers appreciate the open fields at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area. One review noted, "This was really just a big empty grass lot with plenty of space to spread out."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness at Yuba Campground. A visitor remarked, "The campsite is pretty with clear views of the water and mountains. Bathrooms and showers."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness at Miner's Canyon Dispersed. One reviewer said, "There were about 30 other campers and it was very quiet."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Sheep Creek have no drinking water or toilets. A camper pointed out, "No services. Has a nice wooden fence around the site."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Yuba Campground mentioned, "I can imagine it gets pretty busy on weekends and in warmer weather."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds, like Diamond Fork, can have noise from nearby roads. One camper noted, "It looked like they had been there for a week or two."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Springville / Provo KOA Holiday that have amenities for kids. A parent shared, "Everything is clean and complete. Even the kitchen is clean and large in the hall."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family enjoyed the game room at the KOA, saying, "Had a great time playing a shrunken bowling game in the game room."
  • Check Weather Conditions: Be prepared for changing weather, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Yuba Campground mentioned, "It was 25 degrees overnight so we were grateful to have the electric hook up!"

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like Yuba Campground are noted for accommodating larger RVs. One reviewer said, "We have a 42 ft motorhome and a separate pickup with a 6x12 trailer and we fit both in a pull-through site."
  • Be Ready for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds, such as Springville / Provo KOA Holiday, can feel cramped. A visitor noted, "Your door opens right to the neighbors' hookups."
  • Check for Cell Service: Make sure to check cell coverage if you need to stay connected. A camper at Diamond Fork mentioned, "Verizon/Xfinity mobile had no service but ATT does."

Camping near Nephi, Utah, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Nephi, Utah?

Nephi offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Payson Lakes is a top choice about 45 minutes away, featuring beautiful lakes for fishing, swimming, and kayaking in a serene setting at 8,000 feet elevation with pull-through sites and fire rings. Another excellent option is Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground, which offers a tranquil experience with abundant trees and brush that create a remote wilderness feel. For those seeking free camping options, Nebo Loop Road provides scenic dispersed camping, while Bear Canyon offers reservable sites with water and toilets.

Can I camp in Nephi Canyon and what facilities are available?

Camping is available in the Nephi Canyon area with varying facilities. Cottonwood Campground is a free option in the canyon, though facilities are basic with just one pit toilet. For those seeking a more scenic experience, Skyline Drive offers dispersed camping along a dirt road near Tucker, Utah, with a creek and interesting rock formations but minimal facilities. Both locations are suitable for those seeking budget-friendly options, though you should be prepared to bring your own water and supplies. The canyon area provides good access for outdoor activities, but facilities are generally limited to basic fire rings at established sites.

Is Cottonwood Campground a good place to camp in Nephi?

Cottonwood Campground has mixed reviews as a camping destination. It's a free campground outside Nephi, but its condition is often described as somewhat trashy with old toilet seats and scattered garbage. The campground has developed a reputation as a local party spot, which may impact the experience for families or those seeking tranquility. There is a single pit toilet on site. For those seeking a more maintained camping experience near Nephi, Ponderosa offers reservable sites with water and toilets, making it a more developed alternative with better facilities, though it does require a fee unlike the free Cottonwood Campground.

What RV parks are available near Nephi, Utah?

Jones High Country RV Park is a friendly, privately owned campground in Nephi offering numerous pull-through spots with a beautiful mountain backdrop. It's budget-friendly at $25 per night for Good Sam members or $150 weekly. While the bathrooms are older, they're maintained clean. Another option is Canyon View RV Park, which provides convenient access for RVers passing through the area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Oasis Campground at Yuba State Park offers RV sites with lake views, covered picnic tables, and more privacy between spaces, plus swimming and beach access.

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