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BLM and Wasatch-Cache National Forest land east of West Jordan puts dispersed camping within reach without leaving the Salt Lake Valley metro area entirely. Most sites sit on forest roads accessed by heading east into the foothills, with the best options above 6,000 feet where temperatures are cooler through summer. No water, no restrooms, no fees at dispersed sites. free dispersed sites along the Salt Lake City corridor covers the broader inventory of free sites across this whole corridor of the Wasatch Front.
High-clearance helps on the rougher forest roads, though some dispersed areas are reachable by standard passenger cars on graded gravel. Snow closes the higher-elevation routes from November through April. The 14-day stay limit applies on both BLM and forest land in this area.
"You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
"All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water."
"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."
"There was a weird spot when Google maps told us to go right (staying on the paved road) while there was an "alternate" route up a dirt road to the coordinates on the dyrt."
"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."
"Great option just south of salt lake. The lake and Mountain View are beautiful! Pretty flat, the road in is fairly easy."
"I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "
"We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower."
"Campground Review: Mineral Basin is located in the Wasatch Mountains to the East of Salt Lake City."
"The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful."
from $6 / night
"These are all backcountry sites and you have to be at least a 1/2 mile from any road before camping. The best spots are more than a mile in at the meadows anyway!"
"My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby."
"I actually stayed a bit earlier on (at a trailhead parking lot; didn’t see any signs that said I couldn’t) down the road because this section of the road was closed and I just have to say what a fantastic"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Second all slots are extremely close to Alpine road. Wonderful day spot, bummer we couldn’t stay the night!"
"We found a spot that was more of a hill, which made it neat to get around, but the site was LITTERED with spent ammo, broken glass and broken pieces of clay pigeons."
"Camp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4."
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.
TravelerGreat place if you want to be secluded. There are so many spots. Beautiful views of the Leaves changing mixed with the pines.
ScoutThis road will test your skills it you don’t have 4x4 and high-clearance, but it still drivable even further uphill. Wasn’t able to make it to where the pin is, just kept going up the main road and found gorgeous spot! Quite popular place
ScoutCalled to make sure ok to stay a night in parking lot at 1513 pm. Told no by staff at desk.
GuideOne of the most beautiful sites I've been to in utah. The drive up in autumn is absolutely stunning. Pit toilets are located about 4mi down the mountain, road up will require AWD or 4x4.
GuideCamp is about 25 minutes from town via a dirt road 4x4 not required in certain areas just be cautious when selecting certain sites if you don't have 4x4. Also worth noting lots of dirt bikes and side by sides and folks shooting guns, so if you're a light sleeper you may not enjoy this site. Otherwise, it's totally fine.
TravelerSuch amazing views throughout the whole drive and onto the trail. I’ve never been to a dispersed spot as busy as this. Every spot was filled and people drove up until about 7pm still looking for spots. It’s definitely a rich daddy money playground area. Incredible views still.
TravelerWent camping up Cascade springs for our first time in the new Camper, Their are a lot! Of good sites, so hard to choose.. these ended up staying up more toward the top… It had gorgeous views, it seemed more of a tent area but we pulled our teardrop right up in there.. it has 2 fire pits are 3 decent areas to pitch your sleeping area at.. I would give this camp area a 9/10… its to beautiful and peaceful to not go back..
I seen 32 foot rvs at the camp ground below us.. so that should tell you that it’s mostly drivable up,
GuideWe had a wonderful view of the city with few bugs and a visitor in the morning! Roads were tough so we didn’t get up too far but had a wonderful stay.
Dispersed camping near West Jordan, Utah offers a variety of primitive sites within a 30-60 minute drive of the city. These undeveloped camping areas range from 4,500 to 11,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations than in the Salt Lake Valley. Many sites require backcountry permits and can be accessed using high-clearance vehicles, though some demand more technical hiking skills.
Trail running and hiking in Millcreek Canyon: Millcreek Canyon is accessible for outdoor activities year-round with numerous trails. "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running," notes Sean H. about Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts.
Alpine climbing expeditions: For experienced mountaineers, Lone Peak Cirque offers technical climbing opportunities. "I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. Since then I've become an avid climber/mountaineer and decided that the only way I'm gonna stand on top is if I climb the 500' cirque walls to the top," shares Alan B. about his experience at Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed.
Off-road adventures: Many dispersed sites around West Jordan provide access to off-road vehicle trails. "The ride up to mineral basin was dirt roads with amazing views. The campsite we settled on was absolutely beautiful," reports Mike L. from Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Proximity to the city: Many campers appreciate how close primitive camping areas are to West Jordan. "This is our go to camping spot when we want to get outside, but not drive too far from the city. You can still feel secluded, even though it fills up quickly on the weekends," explains Connor O. about Mineral Basin Dispersed.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The mountains around West Jordan host diverse wildlife. "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower. There is plenty of hikes but there's only a few with views that are worth it," notes Shariah T. about Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site.
Water access: Several sites feature streams or lakes for recreation. "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. One of our families favorite canyons. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river," shares Kelli R.
Road quality varies dramatically: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough terrain. "This season there are some fairly deep ruts especially as you get to less popular roads and closer to campsites. That being said it was more than worth the trip," advises landon B. about Cascade Springs Dispersed Site.
Seasonal closures affect access: Many roads close seasonally due to snow or maintenance. "Road closed as of 3/12/21," reported Jessica Y. about Squaw Peak Road Dispersed. Always check current conditions before departing.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack amenities. "All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed ares and water," explains Dan G. about Millcreek Canyon.
Consider established picnic areas for day trips: Some areas offer day-use options that work well for families. "My boyfriend and I car camped here for the first time and it was great! There are multiple spots to set up camp with private fire pits and trails nearby," notes Valerie T. about Salamander Flat.
Water play opportunities: Kids enjoy stream access at certain sites. "The site is huge! Lots of space for people, cars, RVs and trailers. The road is paved until you turn in and then it's a regular dirt road," reports Devin B.
Plan for noise at some sites: Certain locations experience regular traffic. "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," shares Ash S.
Limited big rig access: Most dispersed sites near West Jordan aren't suitable for large RVs. "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 Clayton P. about Miner's Canyon Dispersed.
Cell service considerations: 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," notes Kevin H.
Generator etiquette: Be mindful of noise in shared areas. "A little loud from the generators but sound of waves from the lake help drown it out," adds Clayton P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping in West Jordan?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near West Jordan. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054 offers peaceful, scenic spots in the Uinta National Forest. The main road is fairly easy to navigate, though off-road paths require higher clearance vehicles. Another option is Hobble Right Fork Dispersed, which provides numerous places for both group and individual camping. Remember to download maps before entering Hobble Creek as cell reception disappears at the canyon entrance. Both locations follow Leave No Trace principles, so pack out all trash and minimize your impact on these beautiful natural areas.
Where can I find secluded boondocking locations around West Jordan?
For secluded boondocking near West Jordan, Pittsburg Lake Dispersed in the Uinta National Forest offers remote camping opportunities. Reaching this location requires a 1.5-mile hike up to the lake, ensuring separation from crowds. Another option is Cascade Springs Dispersed Site, which features great views but requires 4WD and high clearance vehicles to navigate the washed-out roads with rocks from entrance to top. The extra effort to reach these sites means fewer people and more privacy. For true backcountry seclusion, consider Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed, accessible only by hiking trails.
How much does it cost to camp at free camping spots in West Jordan?
Dispersed camping spots around West Jordan are completely free of charge. Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch) offers cost-free camping off Highway 40, south of Heber City toward Main Canyon—a great alternative to nearby paid campgrounds. Similarly, Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping provides free sites on BLM land, particularly convenient for travelers along I-80. While these sites have no fees, they also offer no hookups or services. Remember that free camping comes with the responsibility to practice Leave No Trace ethics—pack out all trash, respect fire restrictions, and leave your site better than you found it.
What amenities are available at dry camping sites in West Jordan?
Dry camping sites around West Jordan offer minimal to no amenities, true to the dispersed camping experience. Miners Canyon BLM provides beautiful views but no facilities—visitors should be prepared for true self-sufficient camping. Similarly, Goshen Road Dispersed Camping has no services and limited shade in some areas. Most dispersed sites require you to bring your own water, waste disposal systems, and all necessary supplies. Cell service is typically unavailable or unreliable. Some areas have space for different vehicle sizes, but no hookups exist. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared with maps, as navigation can be challenging without reception.
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