Camping opportunities near Pleasant Grove, Utah range from densely wooded mountain sites to lakeside locations with elevations varying from 4,500 to 7,400 feet. The camping season typically runs from April through mid-October for mountain sites, while lower elevation areas offer year-round options. Temperature differences between valley and mountain campgrounds can exceed 20°F during summer months, providing relief from valley heat.
What to do
Explore the Timpanogos trail system: The area surrounding Mt. Timpanogos Campground provides access to numerous hiking opportunities. "There are several hiking trails within walking distance, with waterfall destinations, or a peak to summit," notes Melody O. Scout Falls is accessible via a shorter hike, as "Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike," according to John M.
Paddle on nearby reservoirs: Sites near American Fork Canyon offer quick access to water recreation. At Granite Flat Campground, "we were able to paddle board which was a blast," writes Kaitlin R. The campground is "near Tibble Fork which is somewhere I have been wanting to go and explore for a long time." Another camper mentions "two reservoirs close by in Tibble Fork and Silverlake flat that are both beautiful."
Try fishing in various water bodies: From streams to lakes, fishing options abound. At Willow Park Campground, campers appreciate being "next to a nice river to fish at." The Jordan River provides access points for anglers. For lake fishing, Utah Lake offers additional opportunities with boat access points at several locations.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many campers specifically seek sites adjacent to water. At Little Mill Campground, visitors appreciate the "stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it!" as Claire L. describes. Another visitor shares, "We LOVED Little Mill! It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. What more could a camper want?"
Higher elevation escapes: During summer months, mountain campgrounds provide significant temperature advantages. At Timpooneke Campground, situated at 7,400 feet, the higher elevation creates a markedly different camping experience. Andrea P. notes it's a "popular high elevation campground" and mentions the "beautiful" setting. Another camper appreciates that "the dense trees surrounding this campground" make it "a great place to hammock and hike."
Convenient locations: Proximity to towns while maintaining a wilderness feel appeals to many visitors. The dispersed camping at Squaw Peak Road offers what one visitor calls "a perfect overnight getaway from SLC." Another notes it's "close to home, beautiful sites." For those wanting established campgrounds, several reviewers appreciate that Nunns Park is "a quick drive up Provo canyon" yet feels like a getaway.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to some campgrounds requires careful planning. For Squaw Peak Road Dispersed camping, "getting here can be challenging, very steep incline, tight corners, and some spots have bumpy dirt roads," warns Juan G. Another camper details: "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."
Reservations essential for summer weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in peak season. Granite Flat visitors warn "this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked." For Timpooneke, Andrea P. advises to "book EARLY - it's very popular."
Mosquito problems at some locations: Insects can significantly impact camping experiences, especially at lower elevations. At Utah Lake State Park Campground, campers report "the mosquitoes here are terrible" and advise bringing plenty of bug spray. One visitor describes watching them "raise from the ground ready to attack." Higher elevation sites typically have fewer mosquito issues.
Tips for camping with families
Look for developed recreation areas: Campgrounds with additional activities enhance family stays. Brad B. recommends Lakeside RV Campground, noting "the facility was clean" and has "a playground and pavilion for gatherings." Another visitor mentions, "They also have a pool for the warmer months. There are 2 small dog parks one for large and one for small dogs."
Find sites with easy trail access: Family-friendly hiking options from campsites reduce travel time. Little Mill earns praise as "a really easy-access campground so it's great for little kids," according to Caden W. Similarly, Nunns Park provides what one camper calls a "lovely" walk from the campsite to Bridal Falls.
Choose campgrounds with space for activities: Room for games makes family camping more enjoyable. At Willow Park, Jeremy H. appreciates "great trails, playground, river access, and lots of room to spread out!!" Brad B. mentions that Granite Flat has "a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have limited capacity for larger rigs. For Nunns Park, Michael L. reports "our 20' trailer does fine" but notes "sites are a little close." Some dispersed camping areas like Squaw Peak Road are described as "perfect for tent camping and small trailers, spots are not big enough for bigger RVs and trailers."
Consider hookup options: Utilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Susan C. found that Miner's Canyon Dispersed camping provides "very easy access public land right on Utah Lake" but notes there are no hookups. For those needing full services, Robert O. recommends Lakeside RV Campground for its "level sites pull through FHU grassy spot between sites."
Plan for varying road access: RV access routes require advance research. For Granite Flat, recent visitors report "the surrounding area is full of closed roads making this spot inaccessible." At other locations like Little Mill, Myrna G. notes "the only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate."
