Reaching Salamander Flat requires navigating roughly six miles of winding road through American Fork Canyon, where reviewers consistently warn that local drivers take corners fast. The road is paved to the turnoff, then transitions to a dirt surface into the sites. Campers with rigs up to 30 feet can access the area, and permits run $10 for a three-day pass or $20 for a week, paid on an honor system via QR code or a self-pay station. No AT&T cell service has been reported at this location.
Set within campsites near Uinta National Forest, Salamander Flat sits in forested terrain near a creek, with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails running through and around the campground. Sites are spacious. As Devin B. notes, there are "lots of space for people, cars, RVs and trailers," and several fire pits are distributed across the area. A river accessible from a pull-off a short distance down the road gives campers another option for time outside camp.
Crowding is a recurring theme in reviews, particularly on weekends, so arriving early improves the odds of securing a site. The campground draws a local crowd, and some reviewers have noted noise from passing cars on the adjacent Alpine Loop road, including late-night traffic. Toilets are on-site but have received consistent complaints about their condition. Trash service is provided.
Campers wanting a more developed setup nearby might consider Timpooneke, located roughly half a mile to the southwest.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSalamander Flat is located in Utah near Mutual Dell
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/26/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV 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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 6 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 hrs 33 min from Ogden, UT
- 3 hrs 17 min from Logan, UT
