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UTAH COUNTY — Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, less than an hour south of Salt Lake City, is Utah County — also known as Utah Valley. With Mount Timpanogos on the east and Utah Lake on the west, Utah County is a hot spot for many outdoor recreation activities. With its mild summer climate and pristine fall conditions, visitors and residents alike flock to the area to spend nights camping under the stars in many of Utah County’s campsites.
With its family-friendly reputation, Utah County provides many campsites to accommodate families of any size. Here are five recommended places to take your family camping near Utah County.
Timpooneke Campground
Located 25 miles from the heart of Provo, along the popular Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, the Timpooneke Campground provides cooler summer temps and spectacular autumn landscapes. With many sites to choose from, Timpooneke offers “one group site, nine equestrian sites and several family sites,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture website. Sites are also equipped with fire pits, picnic and utility tables, vault toilets and drinking water.
Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing and even scuba diving in nearby reservoirs. With popular trails such as Tibble Fork, Pine Hollow and Mill Canyon all in the vicinity of the campground, folks can mountain bike anywhere from three miles to 15 miles of trail.
Also, with Cascade Springs a mere nine miles from the campground, families can walk or hike the boardwalks that loop around the natural springs.
Payson Lakes
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The other day my husband and I, in need of a mild camping adventure with the kids, decided to set up the tent in the backyard. Not being avid campers — aside from "roughing it" on my family's houseboat — we knew we needed to start somewhere that wouldn't be too taxing on the kids. Or us.If you enjoy fishing, canoeing or swimming, the campsites surrounding Payson Lakes will be the perfect base camp for you and your family. Located in Salem, just 30 miles south of Provo, it is a quick getaway for anyone looking for water activities.
With its $11 per night price tag and beach with shallow water for kids to play in, Payson Lakes is the perfect camping spot for young families.
Utah Lake State Park
One of the largest freshwater lakes in the West, Utah Lake is frequented by many boaters and fishers. With all of the amenities that state parks offer, visitors can enjoy a campsite with running water, barbecue grills, picnic tables and bathrooms.
Of couse, a visit to the lake would not be complete without stopping by the visitor center. Children and adults alike can learn the history behind Utah Lake and learn about vegetation and indigenous animals.
The park also offers other activities including National S’mores Day Celebration, taking place on Aug. 9, where it is teaming up with Macey’s grocery store. There will be a paddle board competition and scavenger hunt for families to enjoy.
Little Mill
Located in American Fork Canyon, the Little Mill campsites are interspersed throughout the woods along the creek. With close proximity to the popular Timpanogos Caves and Tibble Fork Reservoir, this campsite serves as a great place for families to call home while taking advantage of nearby adventures.
However, unlike many other camps, there is no running water or electricity provided at Little Mill. If you plan accordingly, this is a great place to “rough it” for a few days.
Rock Canyon
Found just 12 miles northeast off Highway 189 in Provo, Rock Canyon draws thousands of visitors each year looking for “recreation, renewal and inspiration,” according to RockCanyonUtah.com.
One of the few remaining “Urban Forests,” Rock Canyon provides everything one would be looking for in an outdoor getaway, right close to town. Visitors can experience the canyon’s unique geological features, all while climbing, hiking, biking, bird watching, wilderness training, horseback riding, rappelling, caving or even going for a family walk.
For more places to camp and information on how to reserve many of these camping spots, go to http://stateparks.utah.gov/.
Arianne Brown is a mother of six who loves running the beautiful trails around Utah. For more articles by her, "like" her Facebook page by searching "A Mother's Write" or visit her blogs, timetofititin.com or thestoriesofyourlife.wordpress.com.
