Camper submitted image from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping, near Utah's Wasatch National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy a more rugged camping experience. This area is all about embracing the great outdoors, with no facilities to distract you from nature's beauty.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the wide-open spaces filled with wildflowers. As one camper put it, “It’s gorgeous. Wildflowers as far as you can see.” The lack of amenities means you’ll need to rough it a bit, but that’s part of the charm. Just remember to pack in what you need and pack out your trash, as there are no trash bins or water hookups available.

The area is popular, especially during weekends, so be prepared for some company. Many campers have noted the presence of ATVs and dirt bikes, which can add a bit of excitement to your stay. If you’re okay with a little noise from nearby recreational vehicles, you’ll find plenty of spots to set up camp. One reviewer mentioned, “If you’re okay with some ATV brap braps, this is a great spot.”

For those looking to explore, the surrounding Wasatch National Forest offers hidden lakes and beautiful trails. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking in the scenery, Soapstone Basin is a great base for your outdoor adventures.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.53187045 N
111.03190918 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 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 Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

46%
55%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2025

Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land

We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.

The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still.

There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.

Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Elise A., October 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Elise A., October 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Elise A., October 17, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2025

Great first trip

This area has many camp sites to choose from, traveling from the highway 150 will absolutely require 4x4 but the other end could manage without.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Eddie P., June 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Eddie P., June 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Eddie P., June 27, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2024

Very busy, but beautiful

It was easy to find and the road can be a little scary when wet. There is a couple of miles with pretty rocky roads so i wouldn't risk a low clearance car. It was extremely busy when we went, but managed to find a spot mostly to ourselves. No bathrooms, primitive and huge families with atvs and dirt bikes everywhere nearby. They were polite and had reasonable time for no noise. Cool pathways to walk or ride on and very nice views even though most the wildflowers seemed to have just finished their blooms.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Taylor I., August 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Taylor I., August 5, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2023

Cooler weather

Headed up this way to escape the valley heat. Temps are significantly cooler. Decent dispersed camping sites, but coming in on a Friday afternoon a lot of sites already filled. There is a lot of road traffic in the area, keep an eye out for side by sides, motorcycles and 4 wheelers because a lot of them aren’t.

Sitena
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Taylor S., August 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Taylor S., August 5, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Our favorite

We go several times a year. You have to be willing to “rough it”. There are no facilities and no toilets. But it’s gorgeous. Wildflowers as far as you can see. Wide open spaces. Dispersed camp sites.

Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

So Beautiful

So many beautiful views! Lots of people but everyone was nice and respectful. Will be going again.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Kati C., July 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Kati C., July 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Kati C., July 25, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

Gorgeous meadows and aspens!

Beautiful spot to camp. Lots of places to park. Lots of ATVs and fifth wheels, too. If you’re okay with some ATV brap braps, this is a great spot. We’re in a truck and camper and found a little spot to pull in about 20 minutes off the highway. It’s probably best to have a high-clearance vehicle, but we also saw a Corolla way back where we were, so it’s up to you.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Nicki A., June 27, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Nice forest road camping

Very pretty and easy to get to from Salt Lake. We went on a Friday afternoon and there were a lot of large groups (multiple campers, trucks, ATVs) but we were able to find a spot a little ways down the road. I would say 4x4 isn't needed but a higher clearance SUV or truck would be a good idea. Overall, I'd recommend!

  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Jake T., September 20, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2020

Dispersed camping

Soapstone basin is dispersed camping at its best! I stayed here for three nights in July, it was quiet and secluded. The road at times was a bit rough for my little Ford escape and tab camper however the sunsets were amazing as was the dark moonless night. one night while falling asleep I hear a few little sneezes outside. It was a squirrel. Later I was told female squirrels will sneeze after mating! Not sure that's entirely true but the sneezing part was pretty cute!

  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Carol B., September 11, 2020
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Carol B., September 11, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2020

All-time favorite place to camp

The Wasatch National Forrest is beautiful. There are many hidden lakes to explore and lots of big trees to help keep cool in the summer. Lots of dispersed camping sites.

  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Preston G., July 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Preston G., July 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Preston G., July 22, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Dispersed Camping Heaven!

Nearly the entire mountain to the south of the official Soapstone campground is open to dispersed camping. There are several dirt roads (best accessed with SUV's or Trucks) that wind around the mountain top, in and out of trees and meadows. Nearly every few hundred yards there are different pull-offs where you can just set up camp. There are obviously no water hookups or vault toilets, so pack-in, pack-out. 

The area is pretty busy during the summer months, and even busier during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July Weekend, 24th of July Weekend, etc.). You'll also likely see deer and even moose wandering around your campground in the early morning and late evening. So, if you want a close getaway to do some "rough-it" camping, this is your spot!

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Derek E., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Derek E., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping by Derek E., June 1, 2019
  • (29) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Soapstone Basin campground?

Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. There are no facilities such as toilets, water sources, or trash services available. Campers need to come fully prepared for self-sufficient camping and follow leave-no-trace principles. The area offers beautiful natural surroundings with trees for shade in some spots, but you'll need to bring everything you need for your stay, including water and waste disposal solutions.

Where is Soapstone Basin located in Utah?

Soapstone Basin is located in the Wasatch National Forest in northeastern Utah. It's easily accessible from Salt Lake City, making it a popular weekend getaway destination. The area can be accessed from Highway 150. The basin features beautiful mountain scenery with abundant trees and meadows. Its relatively close proximity to Salt Lake City while still offering a genuine wilderness experience makes it a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape from urban areas.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Soapstone Basin?

Yes, dispersed camping is not only allowed but is the primary form of camping at Soapstone Basin. The entire mountain area south of the official Soapstone campground is open to dispersed camping. There are numerous dirt roads winding through the mountain top, with established pull-off sites every few hundred yards. These dispersed sites are scattered throughout trees and meadows, offering secluded camping experiences. No permits are required, but campers should follow standard Forest Service dispersed camping regulations.

What activities can you do while camping at Soapstone Basin?

Soapstone Basin offers numerous recreational activities for campers. The area is popular for ATV and side-by-side riding, with many trails and roads to explore. Hiking opportunities abound with beautiful wildflower meadows and scenic views. Wildlife watching is rewarding, especially at dawn and dusk. The basin contains hidden lakes to discover and explore. Stargazing is exceptional on clear, moonless nights due to minimal light pollution. During summer, the higher elevation provides a cool escape from valley heat, making it perfect for relaxing in nature.