Top 10+ Dispersed Free Camping near Nephi, UT

As beautiful as the view was, I felt it was ruined with all of the trash that people have left behind in the dispersed camping area as well as along the lakeshore. Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc. There also seems to be majority long term campers who have a lot of stuff everywhere around their campsites, as well as 2-3 permanent residents living on the private property that backs up against the public lands. While there are 10-12 spots that are easily accessible, they’re being utilized by the long-term campers. Our first night here we arrived around 8 pm, right before sunset so we didn’t have a lot of time to explore so we just parked in the larger area near the public access area to the lake by 3 other campers. Luckily the next morning a camper van left so we were able to move without being on top of so many people since the people we were around all had dogs barking almost every time we let ours out to go to the bathroom. Overall, I felt like this campsite left more to be desired and took away from the beauty of the area.

This is down a little dirt road near the Ghost town remnants of Tucker, Utah. There is a cute little creek, plenty of places to pull into to camp, and lots of neat rock formations to observe. We stayed 2 nights, and after dusk, the noise was minimal. You can hear some traffic noise from the highway, but it's faint. Be sure to mind the signs posted for private property. It seems as though some people have left their trash behind, and it's very unfortunate because this is by far the best spot we found on this HWY near Spanish Fork. Pack in and pack out is a must as there are no amenities other than nature's amenities. I found a few fossils in my wandering of our site. Some spots by the creek have been washed out, and the ground seems to have given way, so be mindful of where you park. The spot we stayed in was the 3rd spot after the private property signs on the left-hand side. Be sure to scout the turn-off roads before attempting to drive down them. This is a sandy spot, and the ground is not the most sound due to water damage. Cool little spot to unwind and enjoy nature's surroundings.

    This BLM campground now has designated campsites, a picnic table, large deep fire rings, pit toilets and no trash service. Also no water.  The actual site now in October is 

somewhat overgrown with tumble weeds. Ground is very rocky but there are quite a few tents pitched.  

     Views are 7 on a 10 scale.

     Camp fee is now $15 per night. We used a senior pass and paid $7.50

      There also appears to be true dispersed camping on BLM land just to the NE of this organized camp and more about a quarter mile south on a dirt road.  There don’t appear to be any picnic tables, fire rings or toilets.

The sites closest to the little creek have the most shade. There’s only 4 though that are right on the creek and along the first mile or so of skyline. Good shade and soft ground. The creek was low flow when we were there but still had the great sound of a bigger creek. Not sure creekside would be a wise choice during heavy rains as the bank is not very high along the camp spots. Further up the road gets away from the creek and the banks are much higher. Not much shade and more open. Nobody was camped there in a Thursday in late Afternoon August, Fire scars are still pretty obvious but there’s still enough vegetation to be enjoyed. albeit with the constant reminder of why it’s necessary to maybe opt out of a campfire or at least be overly conscious when dry and windy, as well as making sure your fire is completely doused and cold. Leaving just one hot cinder behind can wreck havoc. There is a tempting spot that encroaches on private property. Best to stay away from that. Beyond the open shade less spots there are a few more spots with trees about 5 miles down on skyline drive. We were just scouting after camping the night with our pull behind trailer.

How to get there: From Springville, Utah, go about 10-12 miles up East Canyon Road, and keep to the right up Hobble Creek Road. We passed a golf course, a couple paid forest service campgrounds, and a shooting range. The road will narrow and as you go over a bridge, the road turns to gravel and that’s where the dispersed camping starts. We went about 2-3 miles up Hobble Road from the bridge to find our spot.

Pros: Free camping! The view is amazing and we found a few sites toward the top with fire pits. Road was in good condition all the way. Lots of great hiking.

Cons: No cell service with Verizon, lots of dirt bikers and campsites are close to the road. Very crowded on weekends. Also the road is very narrow and people don’t take the road slowly. Proceed with caution.

Overall, beautiful view and very peaceful at night.

Great spot for camping with a group. Quite a few spots accessible by car. A couple fireplaces here and there too. A fair amount of fallen pine and juniper wood there to use for building fires. Just remember to drown out your fires with water (there’s a sign).

I do not recommend tent camping here solo though. This wasn’t my first time tent camping solo either. As I was laying in my sleeping bag inside my tent around 11pm, some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent. I managed to scare it off by hitting my car’s “panic button” on the keys. I then packed up immediately and left.