Tent camping options around Nephi, Utah extend across multiple elevation ranges, from 5,000 feet in the valley to over 8,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. These higher elevation sites typically offer cooler temperatures, with summer averages 10-15°F lower than in town. Most dispersed camping areas follow Forest Service roads that become increasingly rough beyond the first few miles, with high clearance vehicles recommended during wet conditions.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Camp at Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site where one camper noted "This was a great site to stop and pitch my rooftop tent. Not too far up the canyon, and it was very quiet. It is RIGHT next to a mountain bike trail, so expect some early-morning bikers to be coming down."
Photography opportunities: Several sites near Paul Bunyon's Woodpile provide access to unique geological formations. A camper reported: "Easy hike to see the formation, but very hot in July! Went on a usually busy weekend but we were the only people there."
Stargazing: The remote locations around Nephi offer excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The Stars were beautiful and the sand was soft and fun to walk in. We set up two tents and thoroughly enjoyed the visit," mentioned a visitor to White Sands Campground.
What campers like
Private camping spots: At Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, campers appreciate the seclusion despite proximity to Interstate 15. One visitor reported: "Lots of places to get back in the junioers a lil and have a nice private place to sleep. Really quiet despite being so close to the interstate."
Higher elevation cooling: Tent camping near Nephi gets significantly cooler at higher elevations. A camper at Willow Creek noted: "You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot. There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow."
Natural water features: Many campers value sites with streams or rivers. At Dry Canyon, a visitor shared: "The river ran right by our site and it was lovely," while another mentioned: "you're a perfect distance from the river so you can listen to it as you fall asleep, but you don't have to worry about floating away."
What you should know
Dispersed camping etiquette: Most free sites require pack-in/pack-out practices. "Road was easy enough dry, imagine it would be tough after a storm. There are a number of well dispersed sites, some with good wind protection, others less so," reported a camper at Paul Bunyon's Woodpile.
Weekend traffic patterns: Weekends see increased activity on forest roads. At Willow Creek Road, a camper advised: "There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow. Good roads in but we got there on a Sunday night and quite a bit of traffic heading out. I imagine the weekends are busy."
Wildlife awareness: The area has active wildlife. One visitor to Camp Maple Dell mentioned: "We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily," while another at Fish Lake National Forest Campsite cautioned about nocturnal animals: "some creature started stalking me around midnight. I could hear it moving and breathing outside my tent."
Tips for camping with families
Scout camp facilities: Camp Maple Dell offers family-friendly amenities when not hosting scout activities. A visitor shared: "Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more. Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end. Ample area for kitchen set up, nice fire pit, water from pump, shower houses, flushing toilets."
Sand play areas: For families with children, the sand dunes provide natural entertainment. At Jericho Picnic & Camping Area, a visitor explained: "Great recreation area just a couple hours from Salt Lake City. Lots of sand dunes and opportunities for play. Our Boy Scout Troop sand boarded and rolled down the dunes."
Short hiking distances: Many tent camping sites near Nephi connect to family-appropriate trails. At Dry Canyon, a camper noted: "Only about a mile from the fifth water parking lot and a few miles hike from the hot pots. Really good fishing in both the fifth water river and Diamond Fork."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas around Nephi have narrow access roads. At Fish Lake National Forest Campsite, a camper observed: "There looked to be 3-4 more small spots for tents or vans. Not sure how many could accommodate a bigger rig."
Road conditions: Forest Service roads deteriorate seasonally. A Fish Lake visitor advised: "Road is fine. A few ruts. Super quiet," while another noted: "The road was pretty doable in our truck, but it think it would be easy in a sedan too."
Pull-through availability: Few dedicated RV spots exist in the area. For smaller rigs, Paul Bunyon's Woodpile offers some options, with a reviewer noting: "Good, easy dispersed camping options on the way to Paul Bunyan Woodpile Trailhead."
