Free high-country camping an hour from Salt Lake City — alpine lakes and aspen groves.
Most people fly through Salt Lake to ski or hike at famous parks; few realize the Uinta Mountains east of town hold 1,000 lakes, miles of free dispersed camping, and a high plateau that stays cool all summer.
Why it's special
Alpine lake country an hour from a major airport. The Mirror Lake Highway corridor alone has more than 60 lakes within a short walk.
Best time to go
July through September. The Mirror Lake Highway closes in winter.
Getting there
UT-150 (Mirror Lake Hwy) from Kamas, UT.
Know before you go
- $6 recreation pass required along the Mirror Lake corridor.
- Dispersed camping is 100+ ft from any lake or stream.
- Black bear country.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are routine in July.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Soapstone Basin and Whitney Reservoir roads have lots of free sites.
- Bring fishing gear — the Uintas are stuffed with brook trout.
- Park City for resupply on the way in or out.
- Mosquitoes are real until late July.
Combine with
Park City, Heber Valley, Flaming Gorge.