Volcano Peak Campground offers dispersed tent campsites near Wendover, Utah on Bureau of Land Management property. The camping area sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation along the Silver Island Mountains Back Country Byway, providing direct access to desert hiking trails and geological exploration. Road conditions vary with seasonal weather, turning muddy after rain and dusty during dry periods. Wildlife in the area includes jackrabbits, lizards, coyotes, and various desert bird species.
What to do
Mountain biking: The Silver Island Mountains provide numerous routes for off-road cycling with varying difficulty levels. At Volcano Peak Campground, visitors can access multiple trails directly from their campsites. One camper noted, "Great bike and hike possibilities. OHV routes!" The terrain offers both challenging climbs and easier flat sections suitable for different skill levels.
Rock hounding: Search for agate and other interesting specimens in the Silver Island Mountains. According to one visitor at Volcano Peak Campground, "If you want to rock hound there are better pieces of multicolored agate high up near the ridges of the range. There are still some lower on the slopes but are mostly clear to white from being thoroughly picked over." The best specimens are typically found at higher elevations away from frequently visited areas.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. The remote location provides unobstructed views of constellations and astronomical features. A camper observed, "The wind settled at night and the stars were highly visible due to little light pollution." Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for nighttime stargazing sessions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of the camping area allows for significant separation between groups. One visitor at Volcano Peak Campground reported, "Super private, gorgeous views, fire rings and decent cell service. The road gets trickier the higher up you go, but I easily made it to my spot in a 2WD van." Most campsites are naturally separated by terrain features, allowing for a secluded experience even when other campers are present.
Sunrise and sunset views: The positioning of tent campsites near Wendover offers dramatic lighting conditions at dawn and dusk. A camper commented, "We personally loved the never-ending sunsets and shadows that grew to tens of miles long!" The east side of Volcano Peak provides better sunrise views while the western slopes offer superior sunset perspectives.
Cell service reliability: Despite the remote location, most tent camping areas maintain usable cellular connections. According to one review, "AT&T: Weaker 5G, T-Mobile: 2 bars LTE." This connectivity allows visitors to maintain communication while enjoying the wilderness setting. Signal strength varies by location and carrier.
What you should know
Rodent precautions: Small mammals may damage vehicles if appropriate measures aren't taken. One camper at Volcano Peak Campground warned, "Rodents chewed through our windshield fluid lines and god knows what else. Very unfortunate lol." Preventative measures include parking away from burrow areas, checking engine compartments regularly, and storing food in secure containers.
Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate significantly, particularly after weather events. A visitor described, "The road can be a little rough! We had some cool views of the flats, I-80 in the distance and surrounded by the mountains." The final two miles to most camping areas feature washboard surfaces that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles.
Wind management: The open terrain experiences frequent strong winds that can impact camping comfort. According to one camper, "It's quite a windy place, so dinner and breakfast were tough, but the wind settled at night." Strategic tent placement against natural windbreaks like rock formations or hillsides can significantly improve conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose camping locations that balance views with protection from elements. One visitor to Raw Retreat Repeat noted the importance of finding appropriate campsites: "The perfect place for a stop-over after a day of driving or adventuring." For families, sites lower on slopes typically offer better wind protection while maintaining reasonable access to vehicles.
Temperature planning: Desert conditions create extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. Pack appropriate clothing layers for both hot days and cool nights. Morning activities should begin early to avoid midday heat, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Water requirements: The complete absence of water sources requires careful planning for hydration needs. Calculate 1-2 gallons per person per day depending on activities and weather conditions. During warmer months, additional water is necessary for basic cooling and comfort measures.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation challenges: The access roads present specific difficulties for larger vehicles. One RVer shared, "The access road is a pain for any motor home or any vehicle for that matter. It got that wash board feeling and I was afraid it might rip apart my RV when I was going over pedestrian speeds." Maintaining speeds under 10 mph helps reduce vibration damage on washboard sections.
Leveling requirements: Most dispersed camping areas near Wendover require significant leveling efforts. According to a review at Volcano Peak Campground, "Big enough for large rigs. Lots of gravel roads to go down and find a spot anywhere really. There are a few constructed flat spots but the remaining 99% of dispersed is unlevel somewhat but nothing a little wiggle can't fix." RVers should bring extra leveling blocks and be prepared to spend additional time finding and preparing suitable parking locations.
