Dispersed camping near Saratoga Springs, Utah offers primitive sites on BLM lands with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 8,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, with summer highs reaching 95°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Several campsites require high-clearance vehicles, while others remain accessible to standard passenger cars on maintained dirt roads.
What to do
Morning hiking: 3-4 miles to neighboring peaks at Squaw Peak Road Dispersed offers moderate trails with minimal elevation gain. "We were just looking for a place to park our RV while we visited our daughter in Eagle Mountain. There was plenty of room. There were a number of trucks with flatbed trailers that I assume transported ORV's," notes one visitor.
Paraglider watching: Dawn hours recommended at Miner's Canyon Dispersed. "Watching the paragliders on the weekends is cool as well," shares one camper. Many launch from nearby hillsides, providing aerial entertainment for those in camp.
Off-road driving: Higher elevation options at Cascade Springs Dispersed Site require proper equipment. "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," advises one visitor.
What campers like
Mountain panoramas: Optimal at sunrise/sunset when light conditions enhance visibility. At Mineral Basin Dispersed, "The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful. Very quiet and peaceful, great place to get back to nature and forget about day to day things."
Lake access: Morning hours recommended when winds are typically calmer. "Simple primitive camping, a few spots for rv and trailers to pull through, good amount of area to pitch a tent. Rock fire rings, not too far from town. Pretty quiet, some road noise. Fantastic lake and mountain views," reports a visitor to Miners Canyon BLM.
Night sky viewing: Best during new moon phase for optimal star visibility. At Miner's Canyon Dispersed, "I'm enjoying the views from this spot, it's flat after a wiggle or two. couple of abandoned tents and people coming and going either for a visit or overnight," notes one camper.
What you should know
Site availability: Weekday arrivals recommended as weekend traffic increases significantly. "We didn't stay. It's pretty as you drive in and if you keep to yourself you might be okay but there are quite a few long term residents along with all their garbage," reports one visitor to Miners Canyon BLM.
Water sources: None available at sites throughout the region. At Salamander Flat, "Nice area and large camping sites. Toilet available. There's a river to play in at a pull off just a few minutes down the road. Tons of trails. A couple of deer wandered right through our campsite."
Weather considerations: Strong winds common particularly at lakeside locations. "The wind sometimes is fierce and relentless," warns a camper at Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Flat areas with natural boundaries provide better containment for young children. At Squaw Peak Road Dispersed, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn/dusk optimal for spotting local deer and small mammals. "Stayed for the weekend and it was great! Had the spot right next to the bathrooms but not too stinky or loud. Gotta make sure you get there kinda early or most spots will be taken," advises a visitor to Salamander Flat.
Alternative facilities: 20-minute drive to town for bathroom access when needed. "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," reports a camper at Eagle Mountain Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks/levelers as most sites feature uneven terrain. "This is BLM. A couple of different camping sites. Most have fire rings but no water or bathrooms. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get up the mountain (the road is rough). There are sites at the bottom of the mountain that you can get an RV or car in but those are crowded," notes a visitor to Eagle Mountain Dispersed.
Dump station locations: Maverick gas station approximately 5 miles from main camping areas. "With 5th wheel, took a couple sites before we were happy. Landed with large windows facing lake, lovely. 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. No facilities, but we're self contained. Maverick gas station about 5 Miles'ish down the road has free dump station," shares an RVer at Miners Canyon BLM.
Site selection: Arrive before noon for best chances at flat, accessible spots. "We have seen tents as well as trailers camping in this area (as long as you are comfortable pulling your trailer on unpaved mountain roads). The campsite we chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream."