Top 10+ Dispersed Free Camping near Salt Lake City, UT

The mountains around Salt Lake City have numerous dispersed camping spots on national forest land, though none within the city itself. Most free camping sites sit 30-45 minutes from downtown, requiring you to bring everything you need. The Forest Service roads leading to these areas vary from well-graded to quite rough, with many requiring high clearance vehicles after spring runoff or heavy rain. You'll need to haul out all trash and waste since these areas have no facilities or garbage service. Finding drinking water can be challenging, so plan to bring at least a gallon per person per day from the city. Fire bans frequently affect the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains during summer and fall, so pack a camp stove as backup. Spring and fall camping works best in this region, as summer brings intense heat to lower elevations. While camping, you can easily take day trips to Salt Lake's urban amenities or drive further to Utah's national parks like Arches or Zion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salt Lake City, Utah (38)

    1. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    7 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Bountiful B Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Bountiful, UT
    11 miles

    "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."

    "Some awesome flat areas with a creek if you go in spring. Nice and quiet. Nearby shooting range."

    3. Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Millcreek, UT
    11 miles

    "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower."

    4. Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    16 miles

    "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!"

    5. Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    17 miles

    "Aire trail there are a few premade dispersed camping spots. 1 is good for groups of 3 tents with a nice big fire pit and the others are smaller for 1 or 2 people sharing a tent."

    "The hike is moderately difficult, especially carrying overnight gear, but it’s super worth it. There are dozens of locations along the trail you can just venture off into to camp."

    6. Mineral Basin Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    23 miles

    $6 / night

    "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."

    7. Lake Desolation Primitive Sites

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    19 miles

    "The best part about living in Salt Lake City is that you can have brunch at Ruth's Diner at 8am, pack up your car around 10am, leave for the trail by 11am, and be on the trail by 11:30am."

    8. Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alpine, UT
    19 miles

    "I've been wanting to summit Lone Peak since I first moved to Utah in 2012. "

    9. Albion Basin - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    21 miles

    "Area is not illuminated, as is expected, so I prepared a headlamp and a backup lantern for the hike."

    "Another beautiful dispersed campground site that sits in a beautiful meadow at the top of one of the busiest canyons in the country!"

    10. Pittsburg Lake Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    22 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review: Dispersed camping at Pittsburg Lake, Utah

    Because I am into hiking and exploring national forest camping this summer, I found a fun adventure at Pittsburg Lake in the Uinta National"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salt Lake City, UT

148 Reviews of 38 Salt Lake City Campgrounds



Guide to Salt Lake City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salt Lake City, Utah, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of stunning locations, you can enjoy the great outdoors while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities at Mineral Basin Dispersed, where the dirt roads lead to serene camping spots surrounded by nature.
  • The Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts area offers beautiful trails perfect for hiking and trail running, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Neffs Canyon Dispersed Site provides a quiet atmosphere with thick trees, ideal for hanging hammocks and enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness.

Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Salt Lake City

  • Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife at Twin Peaks Wilderness Area - Dispersed, where backcountry sites are nestled in meadows just a short hike from the parking area.
  • The Lake Desolation Primitive Sites are known for their stunning surroundings and opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife while enjoying a peaceful camping experience.
  • At Pittsburg Lake Dispersed, visitors can enjoy fishing and the chance to see various animals, all while surrounded by the beauty of the Uinta National Forest.

Top Activities for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy a variety of recreational activities at Albion Basin - Dispersed, where hiking trails lead to multiple lakes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • For those looking for a challenge, Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed offers a rugged hike with rewarding views and the opportunity to camp in a secluded alpine cirque.
  • The Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping area is perfect for short trips, with plenty of trails that overlook the city and provide stunning sunset views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salt Lake City, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salt Lake City, UT is Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salt Lake City, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Salt Lake City, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.