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Several free dispersed camping areas surround Santaquin, Utah on Bureau of Land Management property. Miner's Canyon and Miners Canyon BLM provide drive-in primitive sites with mountain and Utah Lake views. Campers report the sites are generally level but may contain trash and broken glass. The area experiences high winds, particularly near the lake, and lacks shade trees for protection. No amenities are available - no water, toilets, or trash service.
Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area and Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping offer alternatives to the east in more mountainous terrain. These areas feature some shade trees and access to a creek, though permits may be required. Soldier's Pass Backcountry to the west provides open camping with mountain views, but reviews indicate proximity to shooting ranges and OHV trails creates significant noise. A 14-day camping limit applies to all dispersed sites in the region, with stricter enforcement in popular areas. Recent visitors to Goshen Road noted, "They have discussed blocking them off due to people staying for way too long and leaving trash."
"Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess."
"Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."
"Tents, pillows, sleeping bags, glass, etc."
"I arrived in the evening and was greeted with an incredible view: a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun; the lights from Provo, the city across the lake,"
"This is a great spot just a about 2 miles off the main highway. It’s paved until you get to the campground turn off which is a good dirt road. Wide open space with tons of options to tent or RV."
"Lots of places to pick from but only a couple trees providing shade. Access road is well maintained and low clearance friendly"
"Set up was easy, drove past the BLM sign about half a mile and stayed on a flat open area. Mosquitos were terrible, bring bug spray! Happy camping!"
"Getting here can be challenging, very steep incline , tight corners , and some spots have bumpy dirt roads."
"This site is deep past the meadows near square peak. You continue to follow the dirt road in and on your left is a small depression in the land with a fire pit and ample space for tents or hammocks."
"Here is a clean public restroom, a peaceful river, and shaded trees. Along the way, there are many nice spot .but it's better to arrive early."
"Easy to find and accessible. There is a sign on the highway Sheep Creek. This is open range so you might see some cattle. I am sure you will see some cow patties so watch your step."
"Better for RVs and self contained vans as there were no amenities or even privacy, it was still large enough that we had plenty of distance between us and any other parties."
"This BLM area is a bit nicer than the one up the road by the lake."
TravelerRight up the road from where the campsite marker is we found this private little circular site with fire pit. Ground was at a slope, good to keep in mind, for this specific spot.
TravelerGreat place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
GuideOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up in autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
ScoutBeautiful open area, no shade. About a 2 mile walk to Strawberry Reservoir. Great place if you can find a space!
TravelerWent camping up Cascade springs for our first time in the new Camper, Their are a lot! Of good sites, so hard to choose.. these ended up staying up more toward the top… It had gorgeous views, it seemed more of a tent area but we pulled our teardrop right up in there.. it has 2 fire pits are 3 decent areas to pitch your sleeping area at.. I would give this camp area a 9/10… its to beautiful and peaceful to not go back..
I seen 32 foot rvs at the camp ground below us.. so that should tell you that it’s mostly drivable up,
ScoutVery close to the reservoir. There’s so many options for parking and areas to spread out. Some spots are a bit muddy. Ideal for any rv or trailer. Cows come by throughout the day which is fun!
Primitive camping near Santaquin, Utah offers options on both sides of Utah Lake, with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 feet depending on location. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F in lower elevations while mountain sites remain 10-15 degrees cooler. Wind patterns vary significantly between lakeside and mountain locations.
OHV riding: Chimney Rock Dispersed offers extensive trails for off-highway vehicles. "Not very peaceful during the day because it's a popular spot for OHV vehicles," notes camper Ean P., who adds, "There aren't many dead trees for wood" so bring your own fuel.
Mountain views: Squaw Peak Road Dispersed provides excellent panoramas for photography. "Continue exploring along the road for amazing panoramic views," suggests Meg. The area features "Beautiful rolling meadows with forest on either side add beauty to the area with majestic mountains in the background," according to Spencer L.
Stargazing: Late spring through fall offers the clearest night skies for astronomy. "The stars were incredible and the view was great when we got up in the morning," reports Spencer L. after camping at Sheep Creek. Light pollution remains minimal at higher elevation sites.
Morning views: Sheep Creek visitors appreciate the sunrise vistas. Jennifer R. describes it as "large open field for camping with views in all directions." The open setting means "not much shade but there were 2 or 3 areas with a few trees," notes GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Wildlife watching: Nebo Loop Road Dispersed Camping offers habitat for local fauna. "Mountain view and if you can get close there is a stream," mentions Aaron B., making this a prime spot for wildlife viewing in early mornings or evenings.
Convenience from highway: Sheep Creek provides quick access for overnight stops. "Great open area with plenty of space. Great for kids and dogs and close to the highway," says Catherine S. Robert C. adds, "Plenty of space for any camper, tents to fifth wheels. The night I camped 9/20/25 there were about a dozen vehicles."
Wind factors: Lake-adjacent sites experience strong gusts, especially afternoons. "Sheep Creek can be a bit windy due to how open it is. The nice part about the wind is it keeps the bugs away," shares GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Crowds and timing: Miners Canyon BLM fills quickly on weekends. Meggy B. advises, "We arrived at about midnight and found it easily using other reviews' directions. We were traveling north on 68 and looked for mile marker 19 on the right and the pull off is directly in front of it."
Road conditions: Mountain access requires appropriate vehicles. For Squaw Peak Road, Thomas R. warns, "After Hood Campground, a stretch began that was really only suitable for 4WDs. Rocks, deep ruts, etc. We managed it with the 2WD, but we had to give it our all."
Bug preparation: Bring appropriate repellent for lake areas. "Mosquitos were terrible, bring bug spray! Happy camping!" advises Bill M. from Soldier's Pass.
Space considerations: Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area offers room for group activities. Jessica notes, "If you keep going up the mountain there is a super small turn off to the right then brings you up a little hill and there's a few more sites I would have missed if I wasn't so nosey."
Weather planning: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. "It was incredibly windy for a couple of hours but settled down after a while. It wasn't as cold as we were expecting in our RTT," reports Meggy B. about Miners Canyon.
Site selection: Miners Canyon BLM requires scouting for level spots. Kevin H. explains, "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely." He adds practical information: "Maverick gas station about 5 Miles'ish down the road has free dump station."
Communications: Cell coverage varies dramatically. "Starlink is a little slower, but maybe cos I am roaming. 60 meg down, 7 or 8 meg up. Visible and Verizon pretty good. Cricket 2 bars," reports Kevin H., making this information valuable for remote workers.
Surface conditions: Seasonal changes affect accessibility. Isabelle K. cautions about Sheep Creek Dispersed: "Be wary that when it rains, this field turns into a super slick and deep mud."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Santaquin Canyon?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Santaquin Canyon. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed offers numerous spots for both group and individual camping throughout the canyon, though you may encounter cattle roaming the hills. Download maps before entering as cell reception disappears at the canyon entrance. For another option, Goshen Road Dispersed Camping provides camping opportunities in the Santaquin/Goshen area, though shade can be limited during hot summer days. Both areas require driving on dirt roads, so vehicles with decent clearance are recommended.
What amenities are available at Santaquin dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping sites around Santaquin offer very minimal amenities. At Miners Canyon BLM, you'll find no developed facilities - no toilets, water sources, trash service, or picnic tables. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site similarly has no amenities, though it offers great views for those with 4WD vehicles that can handle the challenging access road. Most Santaquin area dispersed sites feature natural features like creeks or scenic views rather than facilities. Come fully prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper. Cell service is typically unavailable in these remote areas.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Santaquin and Goshen?
Dispersed camping near Santaquin and Goshen follows Leave No Trace principles. At Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054, campers must pack out all trash and leave sites as they found them. Most dispersed areas in the region allow up to 14 days of camping. Fires may be restricted during dry seasons, so check current fire regulations before your trip. Respect private property boundaries and stay on established dispersed sites. Skyline Drive and similar areas require proper waste disposal and maintaining reasonable noise levels, particularly after dusk.
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