Shady Dell Campground

The rhythmic murmur of the Provo River blends with the scent of pine and aspen at Shady Dell Campground, where forest shade and river access create an idyllic mountain retreat just 17 miles from Kamas, Utah. This 20-site campground offers paved parking spurs for RVs up to 90 feet and well-equipped tent sites, each featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and grills amid a mixed conifer forest at 8,200 feet elevation.

The Lower Provo River’s trout-filled waters run adjacent to the campground, while Soapstone Basin’s ATV trail network begins within a 15-minute drive, offering diverse terrain for off-road enthusiasts. Hikers can access the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway’s trailheads, where paths wind through wildflower meadows and stands of quaking aspen. Vault toilets and potable water stations maintain basic comforts while preserving the area’s rustic character, with firewood available from the onsite host during its May-September operating season.

Kamas serves as the nearest provisioning point, with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest’s ranger station providing current trail conditions and fishing regulations. The campground’s proximity to both river recreation and high-alpine trail systems makes it particularly suited for anglers, families seeking classic camping experiences, and off-road adventurers exploring the Uinta Mountains’ eastern slopes. Bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage to maintain the peaceful coexistence that defines this forested riverside sanctuary.