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Dispersed Camping

Salamander Flat

Salamander Flat, near Provo, Utah, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This area offers a mix of tent and RV camping, with several sites featuring private fire pits and nearby trails for exploration.

Visitors rave about the stunning mountain views, with one camper noting, “The mountains up here are truly breathtaking.” The campground is surrounded by trees, providing a nice backdrop for a peaceful getaway. While it’s a free location, be prepared for cooler temperatures at night, so pack a jacket even in summer.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Salamander Flat is a great launch point for hiking and biking adventures. The trails weave right through the area, making it easy to hit the ground running in the morning. Just keep in mind that the campground can get busy, so arriving early is a smart move to snag a good spot.

While the proximity to the main road means you might hear some traffic, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming. Whether you're looking to relax by the fire or tackle a mountain trail, Salamander Flat has got you covered.

Description

Salamander Flat trail connects the Timpooneke trail head with the Salamander Flat dispersed camping area and the Pine hollow trail. The trail starts by crossing a stream, then travels through large stands of fir trees, and crosses the road approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. The Salamander Flat dispersed camping sites and Junction with the Willow Hollow trail is .5 miles farther up the trail. From the dispersed sites, it is another .6 miles to the junction with the Pine Hollow trail #047.

Trail users should be aware of the high level of use that this trail receives, and should expect to see each type of user group on any given day. This trail is subject to a wet trail closure order during the spring and early summer. These closures help to protect and sustain the trail during wet periods. The trail will be signed as closed to all uses except hiking when these closures are in effect.

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.

Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.

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Location

Salamander Flat is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

Beginning at the Information Station located on the American Fork side of SR-92, travel 8.1 miles to Timpooneke Road. Turn right, and continue approximately ¼ mile to the Timpooneke parking lot. Please park in designated spaces. GPS Coordinates: Beginning of trail: N 40° 25’50.1 W 111° 38' 20.27" Junction with SR-92: N 40° 26’6.26 W 111° 37' 49.31" Junction with Willow Hollow #159: N 40° 26’28.66 W 111° 37' 38.32" End of Trail (junction with Pine Hollow Trail #047): N 40° 26’44.11 W 111° 37' 37.78"

Coordinates

40.43929137 N
111.626973 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Salamander Flat needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2024

It’s a campsite

After a long day of travel we just wanted to get to any site and camp. This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3day pass, $20 for a 7 day pass.

The drive up to this site is winding and the cars seem to be used to driving it because they come around the corners pretty fast. Drive carefully and stay on your side of the road. It site is just after mile marker 17.

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.

The major con in this park in general is the bathrooms are yucky especially at this site.

This seems to be a local hangout for the youngsters as well. They were not a bother to us however, they were letting loose, having a good time at their site. They left around 11 or so.

No service with AT&T

Site#2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Devin B., September 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Devin B., September 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Devin B., September 11, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2024

Utah has the worst system

All the sites said no reservation, first come first served, but they were all reserved with no campers. Camp host, as usual, nowhere in sight. I've camped in 43 states for decades and Utah is easily the worst state to camp at due to this system of theirs.

Also the drive up there is about 6 miles of winding hell with idiot children driving so fast I'm surprised there's not a death every day.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2023

Breathtaking view!

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 view! The mountains up here are truly breathtaking and I would highly recommend staying anywhere in this area if you can. The weather was quite cold and crisp but worth every second of it. The night was quiet as I spent most of it in my car but the sunrise was like no other. Highly recommend

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Caitlyn R., November 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Caitlyn R., November 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Caitlyn R., November 22, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2023

Great camping spot!

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.

SiteSalamander Flat
Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Nov. 26, 2021

Up busy AF canyon

Free campground near the top of American Fork canyon (which unfortunately is getting over-crowded). Minimal privacy, but if you need a place to crash for the night to start an early morning hike or ride, this place will do the job. The trails do go right through the campsite.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

Nice campground!

Lots of trees and fire pits. Nice hiking trails around. It gets cooler at this elevation so bring a jacket even in the summer.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Nice area but loud 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.

Downside- the campsites are really close to the main Alpine Loop road and there are cars constantly driving past. There were also several cars that drove by from midnight-3am that we were so loud (inviduals screaming, hooting, while blasting music at full volume with windows down) they woke us up.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Ash S., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Ash S., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Salamander Flat by Ash S., July 18, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

stayed for the weekend

stayed for the weekend and it was great! had the spot right next to the bathrooms but not to stinky or loud. gotta make sure you get there kinda early or most spots will be taken

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Salamander Flat?

    Camping at Salamander Flat can starts at $10.00.

  • What is the elevation of Salamander Flat?

    Salamander Flat is located at 7545 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Salamander Flat?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Salamander Flat, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.