Dispersed camping sites near Uintah, Utah provide primitive accommodations throughout the Wasatch Mountains at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet. The area receives significant snowfall from November through April, with many access roads remaining closed until late spring. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common during July and August.
What to do
Hiking at Pittsburgh Lakes: Access the trailhead from Mineral Basin Dispersed camping area where visitors report "amazing views" along dirt roads leading to the site. According to one camper at Mineral Basin Dispersed, "The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."
Mountain biking opportunities: Green Canyon offers popular trails for mountain bikers just outside Logan. "Local residents love this Trail for trail runs, or mountain biking," notes a reviewer at Green Canyon Dispersed Campground. The area features vault toilets at both the bottom parking lot and the top where Green Canyon meets watershed Canyon.
Wildlife viewing: Look for birds in the caves along valley walls near Curtis Creek. The quiet environment supports various wildlife sightings. A visitor at Curtis Creek mentioned, "It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It's chilly and very pretty around."
Seasonal outdoor activities: Millcreek Canyon transitions between summer and winter recreation. "In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm," explains a review about winter activities.
What campers like
Secluded spots with mountain views: At Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo, campers appreciate the relative isolation. "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful. There were only two or maybe three spots total, so get here early," reports one visitor.
Easy access for quick getaways: Free camping near Uintah provides convenient options for last-minute trips. "This is now my current go to for last minute camping. Picked a pull-off spot about 10 min up the highway and was really surprised. It went pretty deep and truly felt like I was away," notes a camper at Monte Cristo Pull-off.
Flat camping areas near water: Some dispersed sites feature stream access for ambient sound and cooling. According to a camper at Mineral Basin, "The campsite we chose was off a small spur road which offered privacy and was along a small stream. The flowing water provided some great ambiance and white noise while we slept."
Sunset viewing opportunities: Curtis Creek offers excellent skyline views at dusk. As one visitor noted, "It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset. There's no cell service."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads. At Bountiful B Dispersed, one camper reported, "We dealt with rain and even snow on the last morning... the Sheriffs rolls through and are super helpful as well."
Site cleanliness concerns: Some popular dispersed camping areas show evidence of heavy use. A Bountiful B visitor cautioned, "The site was LITTERED with spent ammo, broken glass and broken pieces of clay pigeons. Another group camping near us told us they found the same at their site so be weary of where you step up here."
Wildlife precautions necessary: Bears and mountain lions inhabit the region. A Bountiful B camper advised, "Make sure you follow the food rules and lock your cars. We didn't see or hear anything, but the Sheriff that stopped by warned us."
Seasonal closures affect access: Many roads to dispersed camping close during winter. According to a visitor attempting to reach Mineral Basin in June, "We couldn't access early June road still closed past the ski resort."
Tips for camping with families
Choose less crowded weekday visits: Popular free camping sites near Uintah fill quickly on weekends. One camper at Monte Cristo noted, "There are tons of free site all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Consider noise levels at different sites: Some areas experience significant traffic and recreational activity. A Green Canyon visitor reported, "Very loud, with folks driving around until the AM. Definitely a local party spot."
Look for established fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature rock fire rings from previous campers. At Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin, a visitor observed, "There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Pack extra clothing layers: Mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset. A camper advised, "It's chilly and very pretty around," when describing Curtis Creek conditions.
Tips from RVers
Assess turnaround space before entering: Some sites have limited room for larger vehicles to maneuver. One visitor to Monte Cristo explained, "Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Research road conditions before travel: Unpaved access roads may present challenges for recreational vehicles. According to a Mineral Basin visitor, "It is a long dirt road which is relatively maintained. There is a lot of side by side activity on these roads so some of the corners have been banked/rutted out but a non-lowered vehicle should be able to navigate the roads with only a few bottom scrapes."
Confirm site suitability for your rig size: While tent camping is possible at most locations, RV camping requires more selective site choice. At Green Canyon, a reviewer stated, "My Honda Civic was able to navigate the gravel road far back into the canyon. There are two restrooms - one at the trailhead and one down into the canyon a bit."
