Orem camping areas sit at elevations between 4,700-7,400 feet, with higher sites experiencing temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to valley floors. The camping season typically runs May through October, with some lower elevation sites remaining open year-round. Mountain sites receive significant snowfall from November through April, making access difficult or impossible during winter months.
What to do
Hiking to Scout Falls: Access this waterfall hike directly from Timpooneke Campground, about a mile into the trail. "Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike. Make sure you camp in designated spots as fires are prohibited everywhere else," notes John M.
Paddleboarding on reservoirs: Several small reservoirs near Granite Flat Campground offer calm waters for paddleboarding and canoeing. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing," shares Kaitlin R.
Rock climbing: American Fork Canyon contains historically significant sport climbing routes. Sites near Little Mill Campground include beginner to advanced options. The Serenity Wall provides moderate routes within 5-10 minutes of camp, while the infamous Hell Cave offers challenging 5.13+ routes for experienced climbers.
What campers like
River sounds for sleeping: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to running water at Little Mill Campground. "You could hear the river and we had a great time," shares Melody F. The campground runs parallel to a creek, providing natural white noise throughout the night.
Accessibility from urban areas: Nunns Park receives positive reviews for its proximity to Provo. "This is one of the closest campgrounds to Provo. It is quick and easy for the kind of trip to just get away but it won't feel like you are backwoods because of the smallness of the park and closeness to a very busy highway," notes Kyler N.
Free dispersed options: Squaw Peak Road Dispersed areas provide no-cost alternatives with excellent views. "Continued on the road ~0.5 mile beyond the marked spot on the Dyrt map. Found a beautiful spot tucked away in the trees with a great view of the Timps," writes Meg. These sites lack amenities but offer more seclusion.
What you should know
Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes plague certain campgrounds, particularly at Utah Lake State Park. "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes. You can literally watch them raise from the ground ready to attack," warns Bren M. Utah Lake sites experience peak mosquito activity June through August.
Weekend availability: Securing reservations requires advance planning, especially for popular areas. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked," notes Ash S. regarding Granite Flat.
Road conditions: Access to higher elevation sites can be challenging without appropriate vehicles. The road to Squaw Peak dispersed camping areas becomes progressively more difficult. "Up to Hood Campground, the road was a normal, winding road. Really great. After that, however, a stretch began that was really only suitable for 4WDs. Rocks, deep ruts, etc.," reports Thomas R.
Tips for camping with families
Large group accommodations: Nunns Park offers spacious sites for families with multiple tents. "There were a couple spots that were semi private but most were very exposed. Lots of area on some of them though for multiple tents," explains Helen A. The riverside location provides ambient sound that helps mask noise from neighboring sites.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Orem: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets, though policies vary. At Lakeside RV Campground, "They have men's and women's restrooms with showers. They also have a pool for the warmer months. There are 2 small dog parks one for large and one for small dogs," notes Erin A., but adds "If you are tent camping they do not allow you to have pets."
Playground access: Several established campgrounds provide play areas. Lakeside RV features a playground and pavilion for gatherings. Utah Lake State Park also receives positive reviews for its play facilities, making it suitable for families seeking pet-friendly camping options near Orem with recreational structures for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Springville/Provo KOA Holiday provides full hookups but limited privacy. "The setup is generally the same at a lot of KOA. This well kept KOA has lots of amenities, but sites have zero privacy. Parking spots are paved," explains Dene H.
Spacing between sites: RV campers note variable site spacing at different campgrounds. At Lakeside RV Campground, "We stayed in a back in spot which was very spacious and we had a good distance from our neighbor," reports Erin A., while at the KOA, reviews consistently mention tight spacing.
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects certain RV parks. "Road noise, train noise, small spaces, long term neighbors," are cited as drawbacks at Springville/Provo KOA by one reviewer. Conversely, Lakeside RV receives more positive reviews for noise levels, though its proximity to Provo airport means early morning aircraft activity beginning around 6am.
