Best Campgrounds near Saratoga Springs, UT

Dispersed camping options surround Saratoga Springs, Utah, with both primitive sites and developed facilities within easy driving distance. Miners Canyon BLM and Miners Canyon Dispersed provide free camping with views of Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, while established campgrounds like Lakeside RV Campground offer full hookups and amenities for those seeking more comfort. The region includes several state parks within 30-45 minutes, including Utah Lake State Park with RV-friendly sites and water access. Additional camping areas can be found along the foothills and canyons of the nearby mountain ranges, providing both tent and vehicle-based options.

Access to camping areas varies significantly based on location, with dispersed sites generally requiring higher clearance vehicles and developed campgrounds offering paved roads. Primitive camping areas around Utah Lake feature dirt roads that can become challenging after rain or snow. Public lands near Saratoga Springs typically have no drinking water or sanitary facilities, making proper preparation essential. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter brings snow at higher elevations in the Wasatch Range. According to one visitor, "Getting here is fairly easy. If you're heading south on 68, you'll see a Public Land sign on your right and the turn will be on your left near mile marker 19. The road becomes a dirt gravel mixture, and things do get a bit bumpy the further you go."

Campers consistently mention the striking views as a highlight of staying near Saratoga Springs. The panoramic vistas of Utah Lake backed by mountains are particularly noteworthy, with one reviewer describing "an incredible view: a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun." Several visitors noted the convenience of camping near Saratoga Springs while having access to urban amenities, with one mentioning it's "easy access to Saratoga Springs for water, dump, and groceries." A common concern in user reviews involves trash at some dispersed sites, particularly around Miners Canyon. Developed campgrounds provide more amenities but fill quickly during summer weekends, while the dispersed areas often allow for more privacy and solitude despite being closer to town.

Best Camping Sites Near Saratoga Springs, Utah (231)

    1. Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 977-4300

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

    "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."

    2. Willow Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lehi, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 201-1000

    $25 - $175 / night

    "This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."

    "We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."

    3. Lakeside RV Campground

    27 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    12 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."

    4. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $358 / night

    "Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."

    "Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."

    5. Utah Lake State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Orem, UT
    11 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."

    6. Nunns Park

    27 Reviews
    Aspen Grove, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 851-8640

    "The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "

    "Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."

    7. Little Mill

    21 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $229 / night

    "We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."

    "The lake is right up the road and a great place to swim and fish. There is a sliding rock for kids to climb and play on near the camp grounds. So many bike and walking trails."

    8. Miners Canyon BLM

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

    "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,"

    "Can be a bit windy some days but nice spread out area with beautiful views of mountains and Utah lake."

    9. Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    21 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."

    "Near the hwy but not next to. It’s a good place to stay and the monthly rates are fair."

    10. Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Provo, UT
    17 miles

    "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."

    "Found a beautiful spot tucked away in the trees with a great view of the Timps. Continue exploring along the road for amazing panoramic views."

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Recent Reviews near Saratoga Springs, UT

1242 Reviews of 231 Saratoga Springs Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Beautiful Area, But

    Close to civilization but far enough to get a healthy dose of quiet darkness. The campsites are drive-in and a decent size, far apart from each other, but keep your eyes peeled for deep potholes and broken glass. 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. It appears that the same campers are out here frequently, and for long periods of time. Would be nice if people would limit their own stays for the consideration of others to enjoy this area as well, instead of treating it like their own personal property.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land

    We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.

    The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still.

    There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.

    Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    KOA

    Well it's your topical RV resort. It doesn't have a fire ring and it's by train tracks and a freeway. Also, your packed in like sardines. However, it will do for overnight. I have to say it is clean and kept up well. But if you're into private camping with space, this isn't for you.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Fox Den Campground — Deer Creek State Park

    Beautiful uncrowded campground

    We stopped here after leaving Salt Lake City. It is mid October so the campground is mostly empty. We were able to get our pick of sites. Beautiful views of water and the mountains. Super nice bathrooms that look brand new. Not much hiking right here but close enough to the Alpine Loop to Sundance with hiking along the way. Not far from a bike path along the Provo River. Only a few minutes into Midway with many restaurants to choose from.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Salt Lake City KOA

    Urban campground convenient to SLC

    We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown. The facilities are older but clean. Standard Holiday amenities like pool, dog park, dog wash, basketball court. We’d stay again if I wanted to be close to downtown.

  • Claire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Little Mill

    Our favorite place

    Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it! Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig. We will be back Little Mill! Love you

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    Clean and friendly staff.

    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.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Hailstone - Lower Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    Great state park campground

    Convenient location to Park City. Large spacious sites. Nice clean bathrooms. You can hear road noise from highway 40. We got a site without reservation with no problem. Some sites are more level than others. We are enjoying looking at the reservoir from the back of our site. Some construction noise across highway 40 but not too much late on a weekday.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Flight Park State Recreation Area

    Good price

    Instructions for the campsite are a bit confusing. Don’t pay for a site until you get here even if you book online. There are limited spots. People camping around are nice and say hello.

    We camped on a Friday night and it was full when we arrived around 6pm but we snagged the last spot available. Otherwise I would have camped down the road in a dirt patch anyway.


Guide to Saratoga Springs

Camping spots near Saratoga Springs, Utah range from basic dirt pull-ins to well-maintained campgrounds with facilities. The region sits at the western edge of Utah Lake at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during peak camping season. Winds can be significant along the western shore of Utah Lake, especially in dispersed camping areas where tent stakes should be secured thoroughly.

What to Do

Trail access from Little Mill campground: Located in American Fork Canyon, Little Mill offers proximity to numerous hiking routes. "We LOVED Little Mill! It's the perfect campground. It has the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook, and it is just down the road from Timpanogos Cave National Monument," notes camper Stacy R.

Water sports at Timpooneke: For anglers and paddlers, the nearby reservoirs provide non-motorized water recreation. "This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos. While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work," writes Michael J. about Timpooneke.

Paraglider watching at dispersed sites: The western shore offers unique aerial entertainment. "The view is gorgeous in the mornings and evenings. Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well," explains Robby K. about the free camping at Miner's Canyon Dispersed.

What Campers Like

Quick urban escape: The accessibility from metropolitan areas makes these camping areas popular for short getaways. "This is a great place to camp within the city of Lehi. It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away," writes Brad B. about Willow Park Campground.

Evening skyline views: Sites along Utah Lake offer dual natural and urban vistas. "A vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains glowing in the light from the setting sun; the lights from Provo, the city across the lake, twinkle throughout the night," describes Erin about Miners Canyon BLM.

Mountain backdrop scenery: Multiple campsites feature dramatic mountain backdrops. "The campground is clean, full hook ups and nice bathroom that's clean and heated," notes Zachary B. about Utah Lake State Park, though he adds that "$60 a night for full hookup" seemed expensive to him.

What You Should Know

Insect conditions: Bug populations can be significant, especially around the lake during warmer months. "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," warns Bren M. at Utah Lake State Park.

Reservation requirements: Many established sites require advance planning. "Book EARLY- it's very popular," advises Andrea P. about Timpooneke, which sits at 7,400 feet elevation up the Alpine Loop.

Trash management issues: Several dispersed camping areas struggle with litter problems. "I didn't give Miner's Canyon five stars because of the excessive trash dumping that occurs at the sites. Otherwise it is a very enjoyable campsite," explains Joshua E. about Miners Canyon BLM.

Tips for Camping with Families

Protected play areas: Several campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for younger visitors. "This has been a great experience so far been here twice this year. I really enjoy this camping ground, clean very friendly staff and running water bathrooms," reports Cody S. about Willow Park.

Short nature trails: Accessible hiking suitable for children exists near several sites. "We take our scout troop to this campsite at least once a year. It is close to the city but feels like it is not. Really nice bathrooms, tables, and pavilions. Close to a river and have lots of space," notes Brad B.

Space for activities: Some campgrounds provide ample room for recreation. "Great for families with little kids. The camp spots are all weeds and stick into everything. On the plus side it's next to a nice river to fish at and the bathrooms are well maintained," explains Matt R.

Tips from RVers

Satellite connectivity: For those working remotely while camping, connectivity varies by location. "Starlink is a little slower, but maybe cos I am roaming. 60 meg down, 7 or 8 meg up. Visible and Verizon pretty good," reports Kevin H. at Lakeside RV Campground.

Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas require preparation for larger vehicles. "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely," notes Kevin H. about his experience at Miner's Canyon.

Spacing between sites: RV campers often comment on the proximity to neighbors at established campgrounds. "Full hook-up site was surprisingly spacious with green space in-between and trees for shade. Facilities are clean and comfortable and camp store is well stocked," writes Mark C. about Lakeside RV Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or cheap camping options around Saratoga Springs?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Saratoga Springs. Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers free camping with no amenities, requiring you to carry in all water. It's close to Utah Lake and suitable for ATVs and off-road vehicles, with established fire rings in common camping areas. Skyline Drive is another free option down a dirt road near the ghost town remnants of Tucker, featuring a creek and interesting rock formations. Both areas have multiple sites to choose from, though they tend to have minimal privacy and varying levels of trash. Be prepared for possible noise from nearby shooting ranges, off-road trails, or highway traffic.

What are the most scenic camping spots in the Saratoga Springs area?

Miners Canyon BLM offers magnificent views with a vast lake backed by snowcapped mountains that glow during sunset. The twinkling lights of Provo across the lake create a beautiful nighttime panorama. For mountain vistas, Cascade Springs Dispersed Site provides some of the best views in the area with Mt. Timpanogos in full view and stunning panoramic vistas. Though more developed and slightly further from Saratoga Springs, Payson Lakes is known for its beautiful alpine setting with excellent swimming and kayaking opportunities in crystal-clear waters surrounded by forests. These locations offer diverse scenic experiences from lakeside sunsets to impressive mountain backdrops.

Where are campgrounds located near Saratoga Springs, Utah?

Several campgrounds are located in proximity to Saratoga Springs, Utah. Miner's Canyon Dispersed offers easy access to Saratoga Springs for water, dump stations, and groceries. The campground features relatively level sites with views of Utah Lake. For those seeking established facilities, Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park is a newer RV campground with full hook-ups located northeast of Saratoga Springs. Other nearby options include Willow Park Campground near Lehi and Pine Creek Campground in Wasatch Mountain State Park, each offering different amenities and experiences within a reasonable driving distance from Saratoga Springs.