Best Dispersed Camping near Park City, UT

The Wasatch Mountains surrounding Park City, Utah feature predominantly dispersed camping options on national forest land, with sites like Mineral Basin Dispersed and Cascade Springs offering primitive experiences at varying elevations. Most camping areas sit between 7,000-10,000 feet, providing access to alpine lakes, meadows, and forested terrain. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping provides both drive-in and hike-in options, while Albion Basin offers walk-in sites with spectacular mountain views. The region's camping landscape reflects its mountainous terrain, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved forest roads to reach secluded locations.

Road conditions and vehicle requirements vary significantly across camping areas near Park City. As one camper noted, "The road is atrocious. Don't come unless you have some serious high clearance 4WD vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle." Many dispersed sites require permits despite being free, with typical 14-day stay limits enforced on public lands. Weather changes rapidly at higher elevations, with summer thunderstorms and early snow possible even in September. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most camping areas, making offline maps essential. Seasonal closures affect many roads from late fall through spring due to snow accumulation.

Mountain views consistently rank as the top highlight in camper reviews, with many sites offering panoramic vistas of iconic peaks like Mount Timpanogos. "The views are some of the best! Mt. Timpanogos is in full view and the panoramic views are all great," reported one visitor to Cascade Springs. Wildlife sightings, including moose, elk and deer, are common in less trafficked areas. Noise from off-road vehicles affects some locations, particularly during summer weekends. Campers frequently mention the need to pack out trash, as improper waste disposal has impacted some areas. Most sites feature established fire rings but lack other amenities, requiring visitors to bring all supplies including water. Insect activity, especially mosquitoes, can be intense during early summer months following snowmelt.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Park City, Utah (65)

    1. Mineral Basin Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    8 miles

    $6 / night

    "Campground Review: Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City."

    "The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."

    2. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    10 miles
    Website

    "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."

    "All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water."

    3. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    8 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    14 miles
    Website

    "The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top."

    "There was a weird spot when Google maps told us to go right (staying on the paved road) while there was an "alternate" route up a dirt road to the coordinates on the dyrt."

    4. Albion Basin - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    7 miles

    "Area is not illuminated, as is expected, so I prepared a headlamp and a backup lantern for the hike."

    "Another beautiful dispersed campground site that sits in a beautiful meadow at the top of one of the busiest canyons in the country!"

    5. Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    6 miles

    "Hiking up Millcreek Canyon is always a treat, but seeing the sun set over the mountains to the west, and waking up to it rising over Park City is spectacular!"

    "Aire trail there are a few premade dispersed camping spots. 1 is good for groups of 3 tents with a nice big fire pit and the others are smaller for 1 or 2 people sharing a tent."

    6. Salamander Flat

    8 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    16 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."

    "I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic"

    7. Lake Desolation Primitive Sites

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    5 miles

    "The best part about living in Salt Lake City is that you can have brunch at Ruth's Diner at 8am, pack up your car around 10am, leave for the trail by 11am, and be on the trail by 11:30am."

    8. Pittsburg Lake Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review: Dispersed camping at Pittsburg Lake, Utah

    Because I am into hiking and exploring national forest camping this summer, I found a fun adventure at Pittsburg Lake in the Uinta National"

    9. Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    11 miles

    "These are all backcountry sites and you have to be at least a 1/2 mile from any road before camping.  The best spots are more than a mile in at the meadows anyway!"

    10. Dutchman Mine Flats

    1 Review
    Alta, UT
    10 miles

    "There are several 'camp' spots dispersed in this area accessible only during spring-fall when the canyon is open. You cannot car-camp as there is wooden fence blocking off the parking area."

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Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Park City, UT

233 Reviews of 65 Park City Campgrounds



Guide to Park City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Park City, Utah, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking views at Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, where the panoramic scenery makes the rough road worth the journey.
  • The Mineral Basin Dispersed area is known for its secluded camping spots, perfect for those looking to hike and explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • For a unique experience, head to Lake Desolation Primitive Sites, where you can enjoy serene lakeside camping and access multiple hiking trails.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Park City, Utah

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Dispersed Camping Willow Spring, as some routes require high clearance vehicles due to rough terrain.
  • Bring plenty of bug spray when camping at Salamander Flat, as the area can have a high number of insects during warmer months.
  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in at Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping to help maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Park City

  • Enjoy off-roading adventures at Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed, where the rugged terrain offers thrilling trails for experienced drivers.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunities at Pittsburg Lake Dispersed, where you can catch trout in a picturesque alpine setting.
  • For a peaceful retreat, visit Dutchman Mine Flats, where you can set up a hammock and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Park City, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Park City, UT is Mineral Basin Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Park City, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 65 dispersed camping locations near Park City, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.