Let’s face it, we all need to get outside and unplug for a bit and what better way than to go camping in Utah County. The Valley offers breathtaking landscapes, mountain views, rivers, lakes, and various campgrounds to explore while still being close to home. Some of the best places to camp in Utah can be found in American Fork Canyon, Provo Canyon, and Payson Lakes. Whether you are looking for a place to go camping, find a hiking trail, or even picnic tables, we hope that these 5 campgrounds will be useful as you plan your next outdoor adventure with your friends and family.

 

Timpooneke Campground

Camping in Utah Valley

You may have heard of Timpooneke (Tim-puh-noo-kee) before as it’s one of the most popular hikes in Utah Valley that reaches the top of Mount Timpanogos. The Timpooneke Campground is along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway which you can get to either going up Provo Canyon or American Fork Canyon. The campground offers access to hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, horseback riding, and amazing mountain views of the Wasatch Range.  

Directions:

From I-15, take Highway 92 East for 5 miles. Continue going straight, up the South Fork, and take the Alpine Scenic Loop for 3.5 miles.

Camping Dates:

June 5th, 2020 - September 6th, 2020 (Peak Season)

September 7th, 2020 - October 20th, 2020 (First come, first served) 

Pricing:

$24 a night

 

Diamond Campground

Diamond Campground

This campground has a variety of things to do and see. You have close access to Fifth Water Hot Springs, Diamond Fork Arch, Red Ledges Picnic Area, and Monks Hollow Trail which is great for hiking, biking, and ATVs. There is also a stream close to the campground where you can fish for cutthroat and brown trout. This campground is family-friendly and great for larger groups.

Directions:

Take Highway 6 heading east for 11 miles. Turn left onto Diamond Fork Road for 5 miles. Then turn right on FR041.

Camping Dates

May 15th, 2020 - September 6th, 2020 (Peak season)

September 7th, 2020 - October 18th, 2020 (First come, first serve)

Pricing:

$24 a night

 

Payson Lakes Campground

Payson Lakes Campground

The Payson Lakes Campground consists of 3 different lakes: McCelland Lake, Box Lake, and Big East Lake. All lakes are very easily accessible via the Nebo Scenic Byway and are surrounded by forests of pine, fir, and aspen trees. You can fish and swim in all 3 lakes. The most popular lake is Big East Lake, which offers a small swim beach, picnic tables, and flush toilets. The nearest town (Payson) is only 30 minutes away which is great to pick up those last-minute camping or food items.  

Directions:

From I-15, take exit 250 toward north Payson/Salem and proceed south on Main Street to 100 North/Highway 198. Travel east to 600 East. Turn south onto 600 east, which becomes the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway/Payson Canyon Road. Travel up the canyon to the campground.

Camping Dates

May 22nd, 2020 - September 6th, 2020 (Peak Season)

September 7th, 2020 - October 20th, 2020 (First come, first served)

Pricing:

$24 a night

 

Little Mill Campground

Little Mill Campground

Located up American Fork Canyon and off the main road, Little Mill Campground is super easy to access and perfect for families. The American Fork River runs close to the campsite which is great for fishing. The Campground is near Tibble Fork and Silver Flats Reservoir and only a mile or two away from Timpanogos Cave National Monument. You will find multiple trails with picnic areas and beautiful views of American Fork Canyon. 

Directions:

From I-15, take Highway 92 for 12 miles to the campground.

Camping Dates:

May 15th, 2020 - September 6th, 2020 (Peak Season)

September 7th, 2020 - October 20th, 2020 (First come, first serve)

Pricing:

$24 a night

 

Rock Canyon Campground

The Ultimate Guide to the 50 Best Hikes in Utah Valley

Rock Canyon Campground is nestled in a forest of fir, pine, scrub oak, maple, and aspen trees which provides an abundance of shade for those hot summer nights. You will find beautiful meadows spotted with various wildflowers. There are several hiking and biking trails as well as Kyhv Peak’s trail to the summit. Rock Canyon is also a place for mountain climbers with multiple routes.  

Directions:

From I-15, take exit 272 toward 800 North/Highway 52. Proceed east on 800 North to the mouth of Provo Canyon. Go left into the canyon on Highway 189 for 2 miles to the Kyhv Peak Road turnoff. Turn right onto Kyhv Peak Road and continue 9.5 miles to the campground. The first 5 miles of Kyhv Peak Road are paved. The last 4.5 miles to the campground are on maintained dirt/gravel.

Camping Dates:

May 25th, 2020 - September 6th, 2020 (Peak Season)

September 7th, 2020 - October 4th, 2020 (First come, first serve)

Pricing:

$81 a night

For more ideas on what Utah Valley has to offer, check out our Outdoor Recreation and Hiking & Biking Trails pages.