Provo's camping options sit along the Wasatch Front mountain range at elevations between 4,500-7,400 feet. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures above 90°F and cold winters with significant snowfall at higher elevations. Most established campgrounds near Provo remain operational from late May through mid-October, with dispersed camping available year-round in designated forest service areas.
What to do
Hike to Scout Falls: Access this moderate 2-mile trail (4 miles round trip) from Timpooneke Campground where you'll find the trailhead to Mt. Timpanogos. "Scout falls is about 1 mile into the hike. Make sure you camp in designated spots as fires are prohibited everywhere else," notes one camper.
Fishing in Diamond Fork: The rivers near Diamond Fork Campground offer less crowded fishing spots for trout. "The fishing for brown trout, and cutthroat trout in diamond fork river or the fifth water river can be amazing and you don't see a lot of anglers so that makes it way fun," reports a regular visitor.
Rock climbing in American Fork Canyon: The canyon holds historically significant sport climbing routes established in the 1980s-90s. Multiple walls with routes for beginners through advanced climbers sit within walking distance of several campgrounds. "Within about 5-10 minutes are over 50 beginner, moderate, and intermediate routes with a few tough ones mixed in," notes a climbing enthusiast.
What campers like
River campsites: Many campers seek sites adjacent to flowing water. At Little Mill Campground, "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. The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise," according to one review.
Concrete pads at improved sites: Several campgrounds feature concrete parking and cooking areas. At Whiting Campground, "Campsites are concrete with tables and firepits, very clean. Pit toilets are well maintained." This feature helps during rain and provides stable cooking surfaces.
Higher elevation options: Timpooneke Campground sits at 7,400 feet elevation, offering cooler summer temperatures. "High elevation campground up the popular Alpine Loop. Near hiking trails and reservoirs (no motor sports)." The higher elevation means cooler nights even during summer heat waves.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Multiple campgrounds report significant mosquito activity, particularly near water. At Utah Lake State Park Campground, visitors warn, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. Granite Flat notes, "Book EARLY! This campsite is always full." One visitor shared their difficulty: "I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked."
Road closures affect access: Forest Service roads occasionally close due to weather or maintenance. One camper reported, "The surrounding area is full of closed roads making this spot inaccessible." Check with the Forest Service before planning trips to remote glamping sites.
Tips for camping with families
Educational nature trails: Nunns Park offers accessible recreation for families. "The camp spots here are super nice. The best part is how close it is to Provo. Super convenient," notes one visitor. The nearby Provo River trail provides a paved surface suitable for bikes, strollers, and younger hikers.
Playground access: Jolley's Ranch Campground features play equipment adjacent to camping areas. "This campground was really crowded when we went and we had really loud people right by us which was frustrating but overall it was a good site with a fun playground close by," explains a family camper.
Spacing considerations: For families needing room to spread out, Diamond Fork offers larger group sites. "There are lots of single sites for $24 a night or group sites of $48. You can also reserve a huge group site with pavilion and up to 75 people for $145 a night which is awesome if you want to do a family party."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most Forest Service campgrounds offer no electrical or water hookups. Those seeking glamping in Provo with RV amenities should focus on Utah Lake State Park Campground, which provides "Full hookups and dump station. Level pads, good space between sites, nice covered tables."
Size restrictions: Canyon roads limit vehicle size in many locations. Little Mill accommodates moderate-sized RVs, with one camper noting, "Nice little park, sites are a little close. Our 20' trailer does fine. Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
Early gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict late entry. "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in." This applies particularly to glamping locations in narrow canyon areas where noise restrictions are strictly enforced.
