4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Maple Lake Campground permits pets throughout its wooded sites in Payson Canyon, approximately 15 minutes from the town of Payson. Dogs must remain leashed at all campsites and while hiking the surrounding trails. Paved roads make access convenient for pet owners with RVs and trailers, though the narrow road can be challenging when encountering oncoming traffic. Camp Maple Dell, another pet-friendly option near Santaquin, allows pets at its campsites though dogs must be kept under control at all times. Campsites feature concrete fire rings and picnic tables, with many sites having ample shade from the leafy tree cover. Cows occasionally roam near Maple Lake, creating muddy conditions around the shoreline and leaving droppings in camping areas.
Dispersed camping options on public lands provide more freedom for pets with fewer restrictions. Miner's Canyon Dispersed camping area offers free camping with pets allowed, though without amenities like trash service or restrooms. Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area, approximately 30 minutes from Santaquin, permits pets year-round with no formal leash requirements, though owners should maintain control of their animals. These areas typically have space for dogs to explore while staying within sight of camp. The small fishing lake at Maple Lake provides water access where pets can cool off, though owners should be cautious of wildlife encounters. Morning and evening hours offer cooler temperatures for dog walks, as summer days can become extremely hot with limited shade at some dispersed sites. Most camping areas require pets to be contained within your campsite during quiet hours.
"Besides that, it’s nice that they allow pets."
"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. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $272 / night
"The last time I camped there some folks buried their dead cat down by the water access. This seems to be somewhat common as there are two other pet graves located nearby."
"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."
"It has lots of trees and a nice little walking trail. They are pet friendly. They have men's and women's restrooms with showers. They also have a pool for the warmer months."
"Super nice staff, playground for kids, dog park rates are fair, easy to get in and out of."
from $53 - $78 / night
"Clean bathrooms, hot showers, washers n dryers, basketball court, playground, fenced in dog park, a clubhouse building that has arcade games, pool tables, full kitchen, skee ball, dart boards, recliners"
"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."
from $50 - $300 / night
"Outside of the major town on Utah Lake so fairly quiet, although it is next to a smaller airport which has planes coming and going most of the time."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 - $100 / night
"Unreal location, and the lake is beautiful."
from $26 / night
"We don’t need all the frills, we are looking for surrounding beauty and this sure hit the mark! We don’t know if we’ll ever find another one as beautiful as we thought this one was. "
from $40 / night
"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."
"Can be a bit windy some days but nice spread out area with beautiful views of mountains and Utah lake."
"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."
from $26 - $40 / night
"Large open field with plenty of room for distance between parties. When we were there on a Sunday night in mid September, there were probably six other RVs spread far apart."
"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."
GuideLet’s talk pro’s! Super nice staff, playground for kids, dog park rates are fair, easy to get in and out of. Cons: spots are a tad narrow and a somewhat uneven, there is a minor airport next door that does generate some noise so if you are a light sleeper you will notice!
GuideNice spot in the mountains with some trees. We have done a family reunion here a few times. The ponds are decent with some ok fish. Most anyone could catch some fish at them. A lot of roads and trails to go riding OHV's. Saw a moose one year.
GuideNice little spot. I camped in my truck and the spot was fine. Might be tight with a large rig and not as level. But fine for a small rig.
GuideWe camp here during the hunts. The water by camp is usually a river by that time of year. Lots of salmon running in the river. There is a USFS restroom there. Not usually cleaned up and sometimes no TP. But the spot Is a large open area.
GuideNice place to camp If you can find a spot. We went during the hunts so most were taken. Large rigs should stay on the lower part of the mountain. Road gets tighter and less large spots after about 1/3 of the way to the top. Road was pretty dusty that weekend as well.
LegendHad a good experience here. No one bothered us at all during our stay. There are a lot of RVs using the dispersed camps along the road here but this one was open and empty. Not many big rig friendly sites, but there are a couple. I love the the NP pass covers cost. No issue with bugs. There are a few hiking trails close by as well! No trash services so remember to pack it out with you!
TravelerBeautiful fall weather.
LegendNice little campground with several pull through spots and several back ins Showers and bathrooms were clean and nice. Outside of the major town on Utah Lake so fairly quiet, although it is next to a smaller airport which has planes coming and going most of the time. At least they are all small planes so they don’t make too much noise. Nice playground.
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.
Dispersed camping near Santaquin, Utah offers several options for outdoor enthusiasts at elevations ranging from 4,500 to nearly 8,000 feet. The surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest terrain features both desert-like conditions in lower elevations and alpine environments in higher areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day hours but can drop to 40-50°F overnight.
Fishing opportunities: Payson Lakes provides a non-motorized lake ideal for fishing. "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," notes James B.
Short hiking trails: Multiple trails with varying difficulty levels surround the camping areas. "Hike the grotto because it's a short hike and so close to the campground," suggests Veronica S., who camped at Payson Lakes with her family.
Mountain biking: The forest roads and designated trails offer terrain for cyclists. "Lots of bike trails and amazing views all around," reports Brad B., who considers Payson Lakes "one of my favorite summer get away spots."
Horseback riding: Uinta National Forest Blackhawk Campground features dedicated equestrian sites. Andrea P. shares: "We booked equestrian sites up at the top - highest elevation. Good views, pavilions, fire pits and pit toilets. Don't have to have horses to book equestrian."
Secluded spots: Campers appreciate finding quiet locations away from crowds. At Blackhawk Campground, Becky J. notes that "my favorite thing is how secluded it is."
Lake activities: Lakeside RV Campground provides easy water access. "We enjoyed a one night stay. Pull through sites with grass between. Pool was very nice," writes Denise P.
Affordable options: Free dispersed camping appeals to budget-conscious travelers. "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," explains Aliyah B. about Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area.
Scenic views: The surrounding mountains create dramatic backdrops. Jessica from Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area advises: "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... The view is amazing."
Seasonal conditions: Summer heat can be intense during daytime hours. "The initial campground was definitely an RV only type of place as there was no coverage to take care of business. But if you keep going up the road there are more than a few turnouts worth staying at for those of us with tents," advises Andrew S. about Sheep Creek.
Reservation needs: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "Great campground. Popular and crowded. Should reserve well in advance or get there early for the walk-in sites," recommends David C. about Payson Lakes.
Campsite sizes: Sites vary considerably in size and spacing. "Their normal campsites are really small. We'd actually accidentally set up residence in a double spot without knowing it. So that was unexpected, given the spots are kind of pricey already," reports Sheila M. from Payson Lakes.
Potential crowds: Miner's Canyon Dispersed can get busy despite being free. Katie D. notes: "The few times we've stayed here we've enjoyed ourselves, but this seems to be a very popular spot; on several occasions we've made the 1+ hour drive out here, only to find every single spot taken."
Look for shaded sites: "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids," says Courtney S. about Payson Lakes.
Water activities: Lakeside options keep children engaged. "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," shares James B. about Payson Lakes, adding: "The lake isn't too big so if your teen blows across the lake on his kayak or raft he can easily walk it back around the lake."
Dog-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome pets with specific rules. "It does have running water and a hole in the ground bathroom to use. I would be back again, the only real complaint is that it feels too pricey. One night is $23 and an additional vehicle is $8," explains Shantelle P. who camped at Payson Lakes.
Site selection: At Springville / Provo KOA Holiday, site size matters. "Spots are a little tight. Noise level is a 5. Near the hwy but not next to. It's a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair," explains Nicholas L.
Access considerations: Check road conditions before attempting with larger rigs. "Road is in ok shape. Only few places small vehicle can park. Not for RV's or larger trucks really. This site and one right next to it are the same. I could barely turn RV around to go out," warns Rick W. about Sheep Creek Dispersed Camping Area.
Water management: Some campgrounds require water regulators. "Make sure to follow the instructions to get to the RV park or else you'll end up driving your rig through a tiny parking lot to turn around. The golf course and mountain range is very nice. However, the spots are not level, and the water pressure is high. Make sure you have a water regulator," advises Kelly N. about Gladstan Golf Course & RV park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Santaquin, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Santaquin, UT is Payson Lakes with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Santaquin, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 165 dog-friendly camping locations near Santaquin, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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