Best Campgrounds near Santaquin, UT

The foothills and canyons surrounding Santaquin, Utah provide camping options ranging from developed facilities to primitive dispersed sites. Payson Lakes Campground in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers shaded sites with drinking water and basic amenities, operating from May through mid-October. About 15 miles north, Utah Lake State Park Campground provides year-round access with electric hookups and shower facilities. For those seeking free camping, Miner's Canyon dispersed area offers primitive sites with views of Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote spots.

Road conditions vary significantly by season and elevation, with mountain campgrounds like those near Payson typically closed during winter months due to snow. Summer brings warm days but cooler nights at higher elevations, while spring can mean muddy conditions on unpaved access roads. As one camper noted about Payson Lakes, "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe." Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends and holidays, particularly at popular sites with water access or electric hookups.

Campers consistently praise the mountain views and water recreation opportunities throughout the region. Lakeside RV Campground receives high marks for its convenient location and shade trees, with one visitor noting it's "beautifully shaded and quite enjoyable for spending time outside on the grounds—even in July." Dispersed areas like Miner's Canyon offer spectacular scenery but come with challenges. According to one review, "This is a beautiful lakeside camp site ruined by people who dump their trash on the side of camp." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with higher elevation sites generally offering cooler temperatures and more solitude. Cell service is reliable near town but becomes spotty in canyon areas and at higher elevations.

Best Camping Sites Near Santaquin, Utah (219)

    1. Payson Lakes

    17 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    $305 / night

    "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. "

    "There is a lake close by within walking distance with a paved trail all around it. The water was low and pretty gross when we went at the end of the summer.

    I stayed at B23."

    2. Lakeside RV Campground

    26 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 373-5267

    $31 - $48 / night

    "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."

    3. Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "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"

    "Spent a few nights there, easy access to Saratoga Springs for water, dump, and groceries."

    4. Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    19 Reviews
    Springville, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 491-0700

    $50 - $300 / night

    "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."

    "Knowing that this would be more of a "city" KOA, we were prepared for the tight sites but the view of the mountains and access to hot springs, food, gas, etc. is well worth it!"

    5. Maple Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 273-1100

    $26 - $29 / night

    "Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."

    6. Utah Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 375-0731

    $50 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "This my 3 stay here at Utah Lake state park. 2x in July and now in September. I’m a single female traveler."

    7. Camp Maple Dell

    3 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Activities aren't available, it's just a campground outside of Scout weeks."

    "We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily. About 15-20 minutes from Payson City."

    8. Gladstan Golf Course & RV park

    3 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 465-2549

    $40 / night

    9. Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground

    5 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 798-3571

    "Access to lots of pretty places to run around and explore. Great places for kids to play. Lots of tall pine trees. I definitely recommend!"

    10. Miners Canyon BLM

    11 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 219 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santaquin, UT

971 Reviews of 219 Santaquin Campgrounds



Guide to Santaquin

Camping near Santaquin, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and boating: Head to Strawberry Bay for great fishing opportunities. One camper shared, "Strawberry Bay Reservoir is quite the gem... The water is clear and perfect for all water activities."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Granite Flat. A visitor noted, "The drive and location is beautiful... I loved how many trees there were."
  • Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at Nunns Park, where one reviewer mentioned, "Great campground close to town and right off the Provo River trail."

What campers like

  • Natural beauty: Campers rave about the stunning views. One review of Payson Lakes said, "It’s a beautiful spot with lots of hiking and shade."
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the spacious sites at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area. A visitor remarked, "There is space for many campers and it's an easy, paved road up to the park."
  • Clean facilities: Campers at Lakeside RV Campground noted, "Pretty nice place for RV... nice bathroom that's clean and heated."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Little Mill mentioned, "The road noise was a lot more than I expected... especially at night."
  • Reservations: Popular spots like Strawberry Bay fill up quickly. One visitor advised, "It’s FCFS and gets really busy, so arrive early in the morning."
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Miner's Canyon Dispersed lack facilities. A reviewer noted, "There are plenty of camp sites here... but it's definitely not a place you walk around with kids."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. A camper at Springville / Provo KOA Holiday said, "Everything is clean and complete... the recreation hall is great for kids."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One family at Granite Flat enjoyed the nearby Tibble Fork reservoir, stating, "Overall a beautiful location."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A visitor at Nunns Park mentioned, "Road noise is kinda drowned out by the river, but you can still hear it if you try."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lakeside RV Campground noted, "Our spot incredibly tight and the entire camp packed in like sardines."
  • Be prepared for road noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Little Mill warned, "The campsite has quiet hours, but the picnic area across the street stayed loud well past quiet hours."
  • Bring your own firewood: Many campgrounds don’t provide firewood. A camper at Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "No firewood... free."

Camping near Santaquin, Utah, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santaquin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santaquin, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 219 campgrounds and RV parks near Santaquin, UT and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santaquin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santaquin, UT is Payson Lakes with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santaquin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Santaquin, UT.

What parks are near Santaquin, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Santaquin, UT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.