Dispersed camping options provide solitary retreats in the dense pine forests surrounding Whiterocks, Utah. Located in Ashley National Forest at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet, tent campers find relief from summer heat with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations. Most primitive sites feature natural clearings with user-created fire rings but require visitors to pack in water and supplies.
What to do
Fishing access: Forest Road 838 offers multiple tent sites with stream access. "Lovely little spot...There were large camp sites...seemed to have a ton to do around the area," notes Kate R. about her Forest Road 13 Dispersed Camping experience. The road becomes rough in spots but rewards with secluded fishing locations.
Hiking options: The Uinta Canyon area provides trail access for day hiking. One camper at Uinta Canyon described it as "Absolutely beautiful campground and hike with a lake at the end!" Trailheads near many camping areas connect to wilderness routes ranging from 2-12 miles in length.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot wildlife. "The area is beautiful with pines...There is also a nice trail head close by for hiking or horseback riding," mentions Tammy H. about her family reunion at Uinta Canyon. Dawn and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing hours when animals are most active.
What campers like
Night skies: The higher elevations and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Riverview Campground shared that "The night sky was amazing, could see the whole milky way galaxy." Clear nights typically reveal thousands of stars invisible in urban areas.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between sites. "Well spaced sites, very private. Various sites to choose from, whether it's more wooded or open area," writes one camper about Forest Road 13. Most sites provide natural barriers with trees or terrain features between neighbors.
Temperature relief: Higher elevation tent camping in Whiterocks provides cooler summer nights. Cody W. commented about Riverview Campground, "Almost every spot along the river was taken, but once you were in your camp you could hardly tell neighbors were around." Summer night temperatures often drop into the 40s-50s, requiring warm sleeping gear even in July and August.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to remote tent camping sites can be challenging. Greg L. warns about Forest Service Road 217: "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs." Four-wheel drive may be necessary after rain.
Seasonal limitations: Most higher elevation tent sites are snow-covered until late spring. Rebecca S. visited Forest Service Road 217 in October and noted: "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me."
Water sources: No drinking water exists at dispersed sites. Campers at established sites like Whiterocks Campground have reported: "The river is just right next to the campground...If you drive up on past the campground to the end of the road there is a nice lil trail that takes you to an open area for a lil better fishing."
Tips for camping with families
Group sites availability: Uinta Canyon offers dedicated group camping areas. "We held a family reunion here in the group site which is just north of the regular campsites. There were about 150 people, 14 campers and several tents. There is two bathroom facilities, plenty of picnic tables and a group fire pit with bench seating," shares Tammy H.
Activity options: Geocaching provides family entertainment near several campgrounds. At Uinta Canyon Campground, Kam L. mentions: "Several geocaches in the area so be sure to take your GPS." Most areas have multiple caches registered within walking distance of campsites.
Toilet facilities: Most dispersed tent camping sites have no bathroom facilities. Established sites like Whiterocks Campground offer basic amenities. "It has 2 bathroom facilities that were ehh just ok for me. Each unit has its own firepit and picnic table," notes Cortney M.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger RVs. "I would not go up this road with a trailer unless you had a turnaround open. This area is best suited to overlander tent and truck camper types," advises Greg L. regarding Forest Road 13.
Level sites: Finding flat parking can be challenging on forest roads. "The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine. It evened out around the corner, but the beginning was rough," reports Kate R. about accessing Forest Road 838.
