7 Must See Free Dispersed Camping Near Salt Lake City, Utah

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by

Salt Lake City has it all, whether you’re seeking a mountain getaway, dispersed camping, a sandy adventure, or a weekend on the water.

Your camping choices along the Wasatch Front are practically infinite, owing to dozens of campgrounds located not more than an hour from the city.

The closeness to fantastic outdoor recreation in Salt Lake City nearly negates the need to own a tent. Taking out a mat and sleeping on the rough ground, on the other hand, has a pure and recalibrating quality to it.

Since there are plenty of incredible camping locations tucked away across the Salt Lake Valley, deciding to go out and enjoy becomes a little easier.

Salt Lake City

We’ve put up a list of the top free dispersed camping near Salt Lake City to help you discover the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.

Although the majority of these campgrounds charge for overnight stays, we’ve included a few free camping choices for extended journeys and backcountry adventurers.

What are the Best Free Camping Near Salt Lake City?

1. Twin Peaks Wilderness Dispersed Camping

The Twin Peaks Wilderness, situated in the central Wasatch Range, spans 11,800 acres and is bordered by Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Salt Lake Valley, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Mineral Fork of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The Twin Peak Wilderness, which includes Twin Summits, Superior Peak, and Dromedary Peak, provides a stunning backdrop for the Salt Lake Valley. Hilly slopes, narrow gorges, and towering summits such as Twin Peaks, Superior Peak, and Dromedary Peak define the landscape.

There are plenty of designated dispersed camping sites in and around the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area. You will find an amazing environment for your adventure.

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Make sure you leave no trash behind while leaving the site.

2. Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed Camping

Lone Peak Wilderness Area has a total area of 30,088 acres. This wilderness is situated to the south of Little Cottonwood Canyon, to the north of American Fork Canyon, to the east of the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys, and to the west of Twin Peaks, and is located in the central Wasatch range.

The Wasatch Front’s developing urban neighborhoods have a stunning background in this area.

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There are small canyons and towering summits in this area, notably the Little Matterhorn standing at 11,300 feet, and Lone Peak which stands at 11,200 feet.

These peaks frequently have snow until mid-summer. Large, open cirque basins and exposed stony ridges characterize much of the upper elevation.

In isolated places on north-facing slopes, subalpine fir, aspen, and Douglas fir thrive. Mountain brush dominates the lower altitudes, with sagebrush and grass scattered.

You may have deduced from the preceding description that this location has all you might want in regards to dispersed camping.

3. Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping

A few readymade dispersed camping areas are about a third of a mile up the Mt. Aire route. The first is suitable for parties of three tents and has a large fire pit, while the rest are ideal for one or two individuals sharing a tent.

They’re directly off the path, but it’s fairly busy so you won’t be truly alone until after 10 p.m. or before 5 a.m.

It’s difficult to walk in as if you’re ‘car camping,’ but it’s worth it to backpack everything in one go because there’s a creek and the canyon is cool, and you can’t beat a camp place that’s only 20 minutes outside of town, which no one ever visits.

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Millcreek does not appear to be a popular camping destination.

You can set up camp at Mt. Aire and hike to the summit for sunset or sunrise, both of which are breathtaking.

4. Albion Basin Dispersed Camping

The Wasatch Range’s Albion Basin Campground is situated at the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

The scenery is breathtaking: Devils Castle and Sugarloaf Mountain tower above the area, and in the summer, the ground is carpeted in wildflowers.

The trailhead for the Cecret Lake Hike starts just at the campground’s gate, and the Catherine’s Pass Trail is only up the hill.

Moose, yellow-bellied marmots, blue grouse, and rufous hummingbirds are all to be seen.

You will be glad to know that you’ll not have to travel far to experience such an amazing environment, as you won’t have to travel much to experience many other fantastic sites in the Wasatch.

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Just below is the tiny village of Alta, historically known as the craziest town in the old west, which has a few restaurants and bars.

Alta has become a popular destination all year, so make reservations ahead of time if you plan on going during high season. Summer weather is ideal for camping and hiking.

Due to the altitude and snowpack, the open season for Albion Basin Campground typically begins in July and ends in early September.

5. Pittsburg Lake Dispersed Camping

Pittsburg Lake, located in the Uinta National Forest in the Wasatch Mountains, is a great place to go camping and trekking.

The hike to the lake is 1.5 miles long. A dusty, gravel road leads to the trailhead behind Midway, Utah. You’ll be driving on a gravel road for around 6-7 miles and will have to cross at least two streams.

One of the crossings is cobblestoned, while the other is a 50-foot drive up the stream just before the trailhead. As a result, for this path, we suggest a high clearance vehicle.

Because there are so many off-road trails in this area, you’ll see a lot of RZRs, jeeps, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, and other vehicles on your way to the trailhead, but a non-lowered car can manage the road if the driver is confident.

When you arrive at the summit of the trail, you will reward yourself with a stunning view of a little alpine lake. The lake is 0.33 miles in diameter and includes trout for fishing.

There’s even an old homestead cabin to look around in. There are numerous human-made fire pits dotted over the lake, depending on whether you want to be right on the water or snuggle further into the trees.

Dispersed camping is ideal around the lake. You’re on the backside of Snowbird Ski Area, so the views are spectacular.

6. Horseshoe Knolls Dispersed Camping

Horseshoe Knolls, situated towards the east of the roadway and on the opposite side of Horseshoe Springs, is a popular dispersed camping and recreation site.

In the spring and fall, this is everyone’s favorite site for primitive camping, track riding, and simply enjoying.

The region is fairly sandy, and plenty of juniper trees provide shade.

Several OHV paths snake through the woods and into sandy washes, providing pleasure for riders of all ages. There are no established facilities, no running water, and no charges.

Target shooting is prohibited at this location.

There are no services or hookups. Horseshoe Knolls is simply a section of BLM land where several reasonably level plots have been removed.

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Some sites most likely require 4WD-only.

It seems to offer a lot of fun for OHVs. If you’re car camping, you will not have to be anxious regarding running out of space.

There are no reservations required; simply find a parking spot that fits your vehicle.

7. Antelope Island State Park

The Great Salt Lake encircles Antelope Island State Park, which happens to be a tiny island. 

The island is famous for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife watching and is only accessible by car over a thin causeway.

The buffaloes are the most well-known residents, but the pronghorn antelope, North America’s fastest animal, can also be found here.

Antelope State Park has 4 campgrounds: Bridger Bay is the first and most used one, and White Rock and Lakeside are also popular among the visitors. Ladyfinger is the last campground. Tents and RVs are allowed in Bridger Bay, White Rock, and Lakeside campgrounds.

However, the Ladyfinger is a hike-in campground about 230 feet from the parking lot. Reservations must be made at least two days ahead of time; otherwise, campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Conclusion

This article discussed everything about the best free camping near Salt Lake City, Utah.

Camping enthusiasts have always loved camping throughout Utah for its scenic landscapes.

Dispersed camping near Salt Lake City is no exception when it comes to witnessing the eloquence and serenity of nature.

We highly recommend exploring Utah for more dispersed camping sites.

We hope you’ve found all you need to plan for an amazing dispersed camping vacation near Salt Lake City, Utah, and we’re confident you’ll find the right spot for your next adventure!

FAQ

Where is the best dispersed camping site near Salt Lake City?

Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Salt Lake City, Utah:

  • Twin Peaks Wilderness Dispersed Camping
  • Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping
  • Lone Peak Cirque Dispersed Camping
  • Albion Basin Dispersed Camping
  • Horseshoe Knolls Dispersed Camping
  • Pittsburg Lake Dispersed Camping
  • Antelope Island State Park

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Utah?

You may boondock almost anywhere in Utah, but the Wasatch mountain range extends from the north to the middle of the state, and the southern section, which is home to the Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Parks, are your best chances.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.