Dispersed camping areas near Peoa, Utah range in elevation from 7,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations even during summer months. These high-elevation sites often experience afternoon thunderstorms from July through September, particularly in the Uinta Mountains northeast of town. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even in summer at the highest camping areas.
What to do
Fishing alpine lakes: For anglers seeking solitude, Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping offers productive trout fishing. "The trout were very active midday into the late afternoon. The only other people that came up were riding UTVs," notes a visitor who hiked the last half-mile when their vehicle couldn't make it all the way to the lake.
Paddleboarding mountain reservoirs: Silver Lake Backcountry provides calm water for paddleboarding with easy shoreline access. "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," shares a camper who stayed there. The lake features shallow entry points suitable for beginners and deeper central areas for more experienced paddlers.
Trail running: Several trails near Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping cater specifically to trail runners. A visitor notes, "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running." Many trails are moderate in difficulty with clearly marked routes.
What campers like
High-elevation cooling: Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054 provides a significant temperature drop from urban areas. "Great escape from the SLC Valley heat…a short 1.5 hour drive and temp drops 20 degrees from the valley," reports one camper who visited in late May when there was still snow in places.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several camping areas offer wildlife encounters. A visitor to Silver Lake Backcountry reported, "We hiked 1,000 vertical feet to Silver Lake. It was so beautiful. We saw a herd of deer run by our camp." Bear activity has been reported in the area, so proper food storage is essential.
Stargazing: The remote camping spots near Peoa provide exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping described their experience as "Totally alone and absolutely silent! So nice!" Many sites away from developed areas offer unobstructed celestial views with minimal light pollution.
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: Many forest roads become impassable during certain times. "We went up in late May and there was still snow on the road and some roads impassable," a camper at Mill Hollow reported. Spring snowmelt often continues through June at higher elevations.
Vehicle requirements: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Dispersed Camping areas often require specific vehicles. "Definitely rough reading for a portion of it... the road gets pretty rough/there's a decent sized dip after the first few sites, which we were able to make with a 4WD high clearance car, with a small trailer. But I wouldn't have attempted it in my sedan," explains a recent visitor.
Backcountry regulations: Specific rules apply to camping in watershed areas. When visiting Red Pine Lake, campers must follow guidelines as explained by a reviewer: "There is a sign asking that campsites be kept 200ft from the water, as the lake is a source of drinking water for the area. That's also why dogs aren't allowed on any of the Cottonwood canyon trails."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: Shingle Creek ATV Campground offers accessible creek access for children. "Nice campsites near a creek. The shingle creek trailhead was close and the hiking is beautiful. We saw a moose about 30 feet from our campsite drinking from the creek," shares a family that visited the area.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several camping areas feature frequent wildlife sightings that can become learning experiences. One visitor to Millcreek Canyon noted, "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time."
Short backpacking experiences: For families wanting to try backpacking, Red Pine Lake offers a manageable introduction. A camper described it as "a 3-4 mile hike up the trail, most of which is rather gradual. However the last mile or so is moderately difficult." The destination rewards families with a mountain lake that holds trout visible from shore.
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: Most dispersed sites near Peoa have limited space for RVs. At Kimball Campground, a visitor warned, "The campsites are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable." Most suitable RV sites are located at lower elevations with better road access.
Dust protection: Prepare for dusty conditions that can affect RV systems. A camper at Kimball noted, "The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake. Only complaint is the dirt is very chalky and dusty, and keeping your gear clean is not really an option here." RV filters may need more frequent cleaning due to these conditions.
