Top Free Dispersed Camping near Salt Lake City, UT

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Salt Lake City, UT (34)

    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    1. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    395 Saves
    Mounthaven, Utah
    • Backcountry camping is allowed in Millcreek Canyon. You must camp at least 200 feet from trails, water and developed areas (and at least a 1/2 mile from the road).
    • Be sure to “leave no trace” and properly dispose of human waste.
    • A Valid Day/Annual pass is required to access the canyon and camp
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mineral Basin Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    3. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    8 Reviews
    33 Photos
    511 Saves
    Mutual Dell, Utah

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.

    Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.

    There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.

    In most areas, dispersed camping is allowed up to 150 feet from a designated Forest Service Road, with some exceptions. Exceptions are based on protection of resources that may include water quality, soil conditions, and wildlife & fish habitat. No Dispersed camping within 100 feet of water (we recommend 200 feet). No dispersed camping where topography or existing vegetation limits vehicle travel (e.g. steep terrain, trees, brush). No dispersed camping within wet meadows or in saturated soil conditions. In these areas, walk-in tent camping and picnicking are allowed, however vehicle travel into these areas may be restricted. The public is asked to use existing pull-outs off the main road and walk in to take advantage of these areas that help provide clean water, productive soils, and habitats for fish and wildlife. Forest users can obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM’s), that show where dispersed camping is allowed and roads and trails that are designated open to motorized vehicles

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat

    4. Salamander Flat

    8 Reviews
    14 Photos
    402 Saves
    Mutual Dell, Utah

    Salamander Flat trail connects the Timpooneke trail head with the Salamander Flat dispersed camping area and the Pine hollow trail. The trail starts by crossing a stream, then travels through large stands of fir trees, and crosses the road approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. The Salamander Flat dispersed camping sites and Junction with the Willow Hollow trail is .5 miles farther up the trail. From the dispersed sites, it is another .6 miles to the junction with the Pine Hollow trail #047.

    Trail users should be aware of the high level of use that this trail receives, and should expect to see each type of user group on any given day. This trail is subject to a wet trail closure order during the spring and early summer. These closures help to protect and sustain the trail during wet periods. The trail will be signed as closed to all uses except hiking when these closures are in effect.

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.

    Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    7. Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    152 Saves
    Mounthaven, Utah

    Only backcountry camping is allowed in Millcreek Canyon. Camping must be at least 1/2 mile off the road and 200 feet from trails, developed areas and water. Check for any fire restrictions.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Albion Basin - Dispersed

    10. Albion Basin - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    188 Saves
    Alta, Utah
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Salt Lake City

142 Reviews of 34 Salt Lake City Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    October 3, 2024

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Very quiet and secluded

    Arrived very late. Very easy to find. 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    September 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Great Camping and Off-Roading

    The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Miners Canyon BLM
    September 17, 2024

    Miners Canyon BLM

    It was fine

    Rough roads. The main one isn’t so bad but the side roads are awful. Tons of flies. Like actually so many. Campsites are far away from each other which was nice. Fire ring was filled with trash. Lake is disgusting, dead fish on shore and trash, don’t swim in it. An obviously “long term” resident said he wouldn’t swim in it, one of the factories on the other side of the lake dump into it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    September 11, 2024

    Salamander Flat

    It’s a campsite

    After a long day of travel we just wanted to get to any site and camp. This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3day pass, $20 for a 7 day pass.

    The drive up to this site is winding and the cars seem to be used to driving it because they come around the corners pretty fast. Drive carefully and stay on your side of the road. It site is just after mile marker 17.

    The site is huge! Lots of space for people, cars, RVs and trailers. The road is paved until you turn in and then it’s a regular dirt road.

    The major con in this park in general is the bathrooms are yucky especially at this site.

    This seems to be a local hangout for the youngsters as well. They were not a bother to us however, they were letting loose, having a good time at their site. They left around 11 or so.

    No service with AT&T

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    August 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Best views in Utah?

    I want to start positive and say that the views are some of the best! Mt Tiponogous is in full view and the panoramic views are all great as well. It was only my group that camped up there the night we camped, but a couple people did drive by for some off road action. Speaking of off road action, the road is atrocious. Dont come unless you have some serious high clearance 4wd vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle. I’m saying this as someone from Lake City CO who grew up driving the Alpine Loop, the road is BAD!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Squaw Peak Road Dispersed
    August 17, 2024

    Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    Bumpy road

    The road leading here is very bumpy. There are two specific spots that are really bad. 4x4 is almost a requirement. I did however see some people make it up in a van so it is possible. The coordinates lead to an open field with a lot of campsites. I would suggest parking in the lot a little further ahead on the left. This road is a popular destination so people ride up and down it a lot. The views are well worth it and there is also some hiking trails around here as well. There are more dispersed camping sites further along this road. I was able to get a very spotty one bar signal of Verizon while near the coordinates.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)
    August 10, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Rocky Rough Road

    Great dispersed camping area with plenty of room! If going all the way to the marked location on the map, only attempt with a high clearance 4x4 or you will not make it! We have a TRX and overland camper and bottomed out on a culvert that dropped off sharply. We went to the marked location only to find a single camping spot on a moderate slope. Recommend stopping two miles earlier in the “Big Glade” meadow, flat and plenty of camping spots. We ended up a mile before that at a cross roads at 8900’. Concur with the ATv traffic from previous reviews, but overall relatively quiet

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping
    August 5, 2024

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Very busy, but beautiful

    It was easy to find and the road can be a little scary when wet. There is a couple of miles with pretty rocky roads so i wouldn't risk a low clearance car. It was extremely busy when we went, but managed to find a spot mostly to ourselves. No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby. They were polite and had reasonable time for no noise. Cool pathways to walk or ride on and very nice views even though most the wildflowers seemed to have just finished their blooms.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Miners Canyon BLM
    July 19, 2024

    Miners Canyon BLM

    Busy

    It was very easy to find, since we could see RV since a long way down the road. We turned in and took one of the first sites though there were a lot of RVs further down.

    A lot of the RVs looked like they were laughing the 14 day limit, almost to the point we were convinced they were living at this site. There was also several people with lose dogs, which made us not wanting to go closer to the water.

    Otherwise the site itself is OK, it’s a little uneven, but we managed fine with our RV.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    July 9, 2024

    Salamander Flat

    Utah has the worst system

    All the sites said no reservation, first come first served, but they were all reserved with no campers. Camp host, as usual, nowhere in sight. I've camped in 43 states for decades and Utah is easily the worst state to camp at due to this system of theirs.

    Also the drive up there is about 6 miles of winding hell with idiot children driving so fast I'm surprised there's not a death every day.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054
    July 2, 2024

    Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054

    Amazing spots the further up you go

    Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Road was very accessible lower down with some more adventurous offshoots requiring higher clearance and likely 4x4. We went up an offshoot and navigated through and around some deeper ruts and snow drifts but found an amazing spot on the rim. Fewer people the more altitude we gained. Lots of spots here. Keep driving until you find one, closer in spots are usually taken up with trailers and small rvs. Highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Uinta Campsite
    July 2, 2024

    Dispersed Uinta Campsite

    Open space, nature and road noise

    Plenty of spots on an easy dirt road, campfire rings and lots of space. There's so many birds and critters so you get the nature sounds but it's close to the road so there's road noise all night. Beautiful space. I think I heard a moose in the night-possibly not, but possibly?

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cascade Springs Dispersed Site
    June 22, 2024

    Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

    Beautiful but not private

    Honestly, the only saving thing about this campsite is how beautiful it is. It truly feels like you are on top of the world. But, there were many downsides and we will not be returning. First, the road to get there was horrible. Don’t go up there unless you’re ready to do some off-roading. Second, the campsite had zero shade — so make sure to bring a canopy of some sort; there are no trees around the site. Third, the campsite is all gravel, so if you have a dog, be careful they don’t burn their paws (it was hot! We had to keep our dog in our man-made shade)! Lastly, at least 20 cars drove through the campsite per day, and this seems to be a spot a lot of people stop and get out and walk around. Then, someone set up camp right next to us! So, if you truly want to primitive camp, where it’s just you and nature, and have privacy, this is not the place to go.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Miner's Canyon Dispersed
    June 21, 2024

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Nice free spot near Salt Lake City

    Easy drive into the area, paved road up until you turn down toward the lake. Nice gravel road for the next half mile. 6 other RVs here when I stopped on June 20th.

    A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out.

    Some established fire pits. Overall the place was clean and felt safe.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping
    June 17, 2024

    Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    (Along 196) Endless off road fun and private dispersed

    First of all there is no pull out at the coordinates. In fact it represents just as a reference for the highway road off the 80 highway you go along 196 and there are pull off roads leading to either straight up the side of a mountain or along the valley.

    I parked at lone rock which is basically just a shooting range. You name it they obliterated it with ammo. Oh well I climbed to the top of the lone rock which was pretty epic. Fucking windy night and dusty I hate dust so much. Maybe if I parked down road inside the sagebrush it would have broke the wind. Also lone rock was full of trash :(

    Glad I live in lush Colorado away from these deserts. Except alamoda area I guess.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping
    June 16, 2024

    Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    Really good with little bad

    Especially if you get here before sunset, you can hike a little ways up the mountain and watch the sun go down, but once it does start to go down it gets real windy. All the breeze from the salt flats comes right your way. This location is also right in an outdoor shooting range with multiple spots so that’s a plus if you’re looking for entertainment. As a bonus for me at least, it’s close enough to the road that getting back to it won’t be a problem, and I don’t think the noise will be a factor because the wind takes the cake. Dirt road is also real rough, probably not for sedans.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping
    May 2, 2024

    Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping

    Quiet

    Stayed for 1 night. Very quiet and private. I imagine if during the busy season this place would not be a great place to stay but the last week of April was not busy and it was very quiet.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping
    April 28, 2024

    Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    Silver mountain byway

    My favorite place to camp. Other campers are respectful at night and friendly during the day. Nights are quiet and the moon is usually super bright.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Salamander Flat
    November 22, 2023

    Salamander Flat

    Breathtaking view!

    I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic view! The mountains up here are truly breathtaking and I would highly recommend staying anywhere in this area if you can. The weather was quite cold and crisp but worth every second of it. The night was quiet as I spent most of it in my car but the sunrise was like no other. Highly recommend



Guide to Salt Lake City

Camping near Salt Lake City offers a fantastic mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Antelope Island State Park: This park is home to the Bridger Bay Campground. Campers rave about the "beautiful views of the lake" and the chance to see bison lounging on the beach. It's a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
  • Visit Jordanelle State Park: The Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground is perfect for water sports. Reviewers mention it’s "clean" and has "great access to Park City," making it a great base for both relaxation and adventure.
  • Check out the Provo River Trail: Nunns Park is right by the river and offers scenic views. Campers enjoy the "great little secluded access points into the river" for cooling off on hot days.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers at Granite Flat appreciate the "beautiful campground in the pine trees" and the feeling of privacy despite the number of sites.
  • Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers. For instance, at Mountain Valley RV Resort, one reviewer noted it was "the cleanest campground" they had visited.
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers at Bridger Bay Campground enjoy seeing pronghorns and bison, adding a unique touch to their camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Campers at Bridger Bay Campground warned about "literal swarms of no-see-ums and mosquitoes," especially near the water's edge.
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds, like Little Mill, are close to busy highways. One camper mentioned, "the road noise was a lot more than I expected," so be prepared for some background sounds.
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds like Nunns Park lack showers and have small sites. Reviewers noted that while the location is nice, the facilities could be better.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: The Salt Lake City KOA has a pool and game room, making it a hit with families. One reviewer said it was "perfect for a quick stop over" with kids.
  • Look for shaded sites: Campers at Spruces - Big Cottonwood appreciated the "lots of shade," which is great for keeping kids cool during hot summer days.
  • Plan for nearby attractions: Campers at Mountain Valley RV Resort enjoyed the proximity to Park City and other attractions, making it easy to explore the area.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for full hookups: Campgrounds like Echo Island RV Resort offer full hookups, which many RVers find convenient. One reviewer mentioned, "full hookups and decent space between RVs" made for a comfortable stay.
  • Be aware of site sizes: At Salt Lake City KOA, some sites are close together. A reviewer noted, "sites are close," so if you prefer more space, check the layout before booking.
  • Look for amenities: Campgrounds like Mountain Valley RV Resort have great amenities like pools and hot tubs, which can enhance your stay. One camper said, "the pools are heated so they aren't freezing," making it a fun spot for families.

Camping near Salt Lake City has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun. Just remember to check the specific campground details to find the perfect fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salt Lake City, UT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salt Lake City, UT is Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salt Lake City, UT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Salt Lake City, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.