239 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Payson sits at the base of the Wasatch Plateau about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City, with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest starting a short drive east of downtown. Camping runs from Forest Service campgrounds with designated sites to dispersed sites on forest roads climbing into the canyon. Payson's free dispersed forest sites spread across the higher terrain with no fees, no reservations, and no services.
Payson Lakes Campground is the main developed option and fills fast on summer weekends. It has vault toilets, a boat launch on the lake, and sites accommodating most tent and smaller RV setups. Reservations through recreation.gov are recommended from June through August. The access road gains elevation quickly, so larger rigs should check site dimensions before committing. Spring camping is limited until snowmelt clears the upper roads, typically late May or early June.
American Fork's campground options are worth checking as an alternative when Payson Lake fills up. Sites there cover similar terrain and have similar booking windows. Dogs are allowed at most campgrounds on leash. No cell service at upper elevations.
"Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."
"You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."
from $53 - $78 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Lots of fish in the lake, great bike trails and amazing views all around. With it being a 15 minute drive from Payson makes for a great time. Nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and in the trees."
from $27 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Directions brought us right to the location. Road was rough into the sites and were hard to determine specific sites. Ended up pulling into edge of field. Definitely a good quiet night's sleep"
"We stayed at the Springville/ Provo Utah KOA in September 2021. This is a full service KOA with nice FHU 50 amp pull-thru sites which were long, wide and level."
"Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair."
from $50 - $300 / night
Check Availability"Payson canyon is one of the best canyons I’ve ever seen"
"Gorgeous view across the lake. Quiet. Electricity worked well. Extremely clean. Camp hosts were nowhere to be found and another rig had claimed the end lake-adjacent site I paid for."
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Can be a bit windy some days but nice spread out area with beautiful views of mountains and Utah lake."
"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."
"This is a great spot just a about 2 miles off the main highway. It’s paved until you get to the campground turn off which is a good dirt road. Wide open space with tons of options to tent or RV."
"That being said, if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle (like me) - it's a solid option and there are some pretty mountain views. You can buy the permit online."
"Paved road drive up campsites overlook Utah Valley and Wasatch Mountains. Restrooms, fish cleaning station, fire rings and picnic tables."
"We loved the views from out camp spot, seeing the sun come up and down over the big lake out in the distance as well as the res right under you was beautiful. Made it perfect for relaxing."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We don’t need all the frills, we are looking for surrounding beauty and this sure hit the mark! We don’t know if we’ll ever find another one as beautiful as we thought this one was. "
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
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TravelerI was doing a multi day drive and didn’t want to stop anywhere that cost money and was just going to sleep in the back of my car. This place was clean, well lit, safe, great bathrooms… just what I needed to rest up and keep going.
It is not a campground, but I couldn’t ask for better. There are plenty of semis and other cars staying overnight.
GuideVery nice campsite, but a lot (I mean alot) of cows and copies of course
ScoutVery close to the reservoir. There’s so many options for parking and areas to spread out. Some spots are a bit muddy. Ideal for any rv or trailer. Cows come by throughout the day which is fun!
ScoutFine camp, but I thought it was $30 and was a little grumpy when I got there and realized it was $50 to camp for a single site ($100 for a double site)
TravelerNice canyon and lots of walking trails. They dont have potable water, so bring plenty of water
TravelerThis was my first time at an RV resort. It was our first time out in our new fifth wheel so we only stayed two nights. There is a family section and an adults only section. Three pools, pickleball courts, and fire pits. It is very clean and quiet. Highly recommended if you like RV resorts.
ScoutIt’s cheap ($33per night), has running water, bathrooms, and dumpsters. There are also 2 hiking trails that connect to this campground (lower loop). Doughnut falls is a can’t miss!
GuideLittle to no cell signal at the main RV park. Check in is NOT AT THE PRO SHOP they were not friendly when I asked how to get to the RV location. Given it was on a different road altogether. Sites are barren no tables no shade it’s AWFUL thankfully only stayed 1 night. Also the shower/bath house was disgusting.
GuideThis campground was right on the water, but the water level is down. The campground is easily accessible off the main highway, paved, is it to dump, and basically in town. Not my idea of great camping but the water was fun. Stayed only one night.
Dispersed camping areas near Payson, Utah provide alternatives to developed campgrounds for those seeking more primitive experiences. Positioned at elevations between 4,700 and 9,000 feet, these sites experience significant temperature variations with summer days reaching 90°F and nights dropping to 45°F. Winter access becomes limited above 7,000 feet from November through April due to snow accumulation on forest roads.
Fishing for specific species: Maple Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities in a forested setting. "They regularly stock the lakes here with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. It is a fantastic place to bring your kids for fishing," notes one camper at Payson Lakes.
Hot springs access: Several campsites provide proximity to natural hot springs. "Although I did not camp here, I did hike here. Absolutely beautiful views if you take the gravel road off of Diamond Fork Road. Cows everywhere!" reports a visitor to Diamond Fork.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails branch out from camping areas. "It is walking distance to a state park and recreational lake and there is a beautiful running/walking trail along the river directly behind the RV park," mentions a visitor at Lakeside RV Campground.
Sunrise views: Early mornings reveal spectacular scenery across the mountain terrain. "The sunrise is spectacular, especially when you wait for it out by the lake! It's a wonderful place and is family friendly!" shares a camper at Payson Lakes.
Cooler temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat in the valley. "Lots of shade trees make it lots cooler in the summer so you can beat the heat," notes a camper about Diamond Fork.
Lake accessibility: Several camping spots provide direct water access. "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," writes a reviewer about Payson Lakes, adding "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking."
Site availability challenges: Popular locations fill quickly during peak season. "Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites," advises a camper about Payson Lakes.
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies by season and proximity to water. "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes," warns a camper about Utah Lake State Park Campground.
Campsite spacing: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "Although some of the sites were pretty close to each other, it wasn't terrible. The sites were clean and well maintained," notes a visitor to Diamond Fork.
Waste management concerns: Trash accumulation affects certain areas. "Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but has trash, broken glass and junk everywhere," reports a visitor about Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," shares a visitor to Payson Lakes.
Educational opportunities: Several sites feature nature programs. "There is a well maintained nature trail that passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail," notes a camper at Diamond Fork.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. "I have seen elk, deer, moose, wild turkeys, and black bear in and around the area and campsite so don't leave food in your tent and clean up your campsite," advises a camper at Diamond Fork.
Site dimensions: Size restrictions impact vehicle placement options. "Our slide was in our neighbors yard area, we were both there for only one night, so we made it work," reports an RVer at Springville/Provo KOA Holiday.
Road conditions: Access challenges exist for larger vehicles. "Road is in ok shape. Only few places small vehicle can park. Not for RV's or larger trucks really," warns a camper at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area.
Hookup availability: Utility access varies between locations. "Full hook-up site was surprisingly spacious with green space in-between and trees for shade. Facilities are clean and comfortable and camp store is well stocked," notes a visitor at Lakeside RV Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping options near Payson, Utah for visitors?
Visitors to Payson, Utah have several camping options within a short drive. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers free dispersed camping with no amenities where you must carry in all water. It's great for ATVs and off-road vehicles but sits near a shooting range. For developed camping, Utah Lake State Park Campground provides facilities close to Payson. Additional options include Springville/Provo KOA Holiday, Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area near Spanish Fork, and Miners Canyon BLM. The area offers a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and dispersed backcountry sites for more adventurous campers within 15-45 minutes of Payson.
Where are the best camping spots in Payson Canyon?
Maple Lake is a standout camping spot in Payson Canyon, located just 15-20 minutes from the canyon mouth. This easily accessible campground features metal and concrete fire rings with abundant firewood nearby. Another excellent option is Payson Lakes, about 25 minutes up Payson Canyon. This popular destination offers good parking, paved paths around the main lake, and a genuine backwoods feel despite its amenities. Payson Canyon itself is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the region, providing beautiful views and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the area.
What campgrounds are available in Payson, Utah?
Camp Maple Dell is available near Payson for $150 per night with group camping options. Each site accommodates multiple tents and includes covered pavilions with picnic tables, fire pits, water pumps, shower houses, and flushing toilets. For those seeking state park amenities, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers camping with traditional sites, though they're designed for smaller rigs with narrow loop roads and mature trees. Other options in the broader area include Manti-LaSal National Forest Potters Pond Campground and Diamond Fork, providing a range of experiences from primitive to more developed facilities.
Is Payson Lake a good camping destination?
Yes, Payson Lake is an excellent camping destination, especially for families. Located about 45 minutes from Payson, Payson Lakes offers quality facilities including nice bathrooms, tables, fire pits, and shaded sites among trees. The lake itself is a great fishery regularly stocked with Brook and Rainbow Trout, making it perfect for teaching children to fish. Non-motorized boating is permitted, creating a safe environment for swimming and kayaking. The area also features bike trails and stunning views. While finding a spot on busy weekends can be challenging, the combination of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and convenient amenities makes Payson Lake a top choice for local getaways.
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