Hope
4.2145 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Squaw Peak Rd, Provo, UT, 84604
Hope
$15.00 - $62.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single sites cost $31.00/night (capacity: 8 people, 1 vehicle). Double sites cost $62.00/night (capacity: 16 people, 2 vehicles). Day use costs $15.00. Additional vehicle fee is $10 per vehicle/day, and firewood costs $9.
About this campground
Tucked away at 6,500 feet in the majestic Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Hope Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This primitive mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, just a scenic drive from Orem and Provo. Here, adventurers discover a network of winding hiking trails, breathtaking vistas that stretch across the Wasatch Range, and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from being surrounded by towering trees and mountain air.
Hope Campground provides primitive camping options and accommodates tents, RVs, and groups. The campground includes 21 single sites and 2 double sites.
Historical SignificanceWhile Hope Campground may not have documented historical landmarks, its untouched wilderness speaks to the timeless appeal of Utah's high country, offering visitors a chance to create their own stories in this pristine mountain setting.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Hope Campground unfold under brilliant blue skies, with comfortable temperatures that make hiking and exploring a joy. The low humidity keeps the air crisp and clear, perfect for stargazing on warm evenings. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a painter's palette of gold, amber, and crimson, though visitors should pack layers for the cool mountain nights that herald the changing season.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, Hope Campground offers that sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The elevation gifts visitors with sweeping mountain panoramas and noticeably cooler temperatures, making it an ideal retreat when the lowlands swelter.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of maple, scrub oak, and stately fir trees creates a natural sanctuary at Hope Campground. Dappled sunlight filters through the dense canopy, providing welcome shade during warm afternoons. Come fall, this forest transforms into one of Utah's most spectacular displays, as maples burst into flame-colored brilliance against the evergreen backdrop of firs.
Geological RegionHope Campground rests within the dramatic landscape near Provo Canyon, part of the vast Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest system. This geological wonderland showcases the diverse ecosystems of Utah's mountains, where ancient geological forces have created a terrain clothed in rich forests of maple, scrub oak, and fir. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell the story of millions of years of mountain building, now serving as a playground for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeCampsite sizes vary significantly; some are large and spacious, accommodating multiple tents and vehicles, while others are described as small and challenging for larger tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary widely. Some sites are secluded and private, while others are close together with minimal separation, leading to complaints about noise and lack of privacy.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 18 is highly praised for its spaciousness and privacy. Site 12 is recommended for larger groups due to its double-site capacity.
Best CampsitesSite 6 and Site 15 are recommended by reviews for their privacy and layout.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum occupancy per single site is 8 people
- generally restricted to 2-night minimum on weekends and 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per single site and 16 people per double site.
Groups
Group camping details are not explicitly outlined beyond the availability of double sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground offers 21 single sites and 2 double sites, some of which are secluded. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 9 to September 27. First-come, first-served reservations start June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov app or website.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability begins on June 20. No guarantee of availability at this campground.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or through the app. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s use fee. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The location supports a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. Nearby trails like the Rock Canyon Trail and Squaw Peak Trail offer scenic hiking opportunities. Squaw Peak Road is accessible for mountain biking. Wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities are available in nearby parks.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Rock Canyon Trail and Squaw Peak Trail, both popular for their scenic views and challenging terrain. The area also offers proximity to Mount Timpanogos, with its 14-mile round-trip summit trail.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Vivian Park and Deer Creek State Park, which also offer picnicking and boating.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at Deer Creek State Park, approximately 30 minutes from the campground.Biking
Squaw Peak Road and nearby trails are open to mountain biking, offering exciting terrain for enthusiasts.Boating
Boating is available at Deer Creek State Park, about 30 minutes away, catering to various recreational water activities.Wildlife viewing
Campers report sightings of deer and foxes around the campground. Nearby areas offer additional opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
The campground does not appear to offer specific winter activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned, but general boating activities are available in nearby parks.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated rings, subject to current fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThis campground is in bear country; proper food storage is mandatory to avoid wildlife interactions.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Pleasant Grove Ranger District: 801-785-3563; nearest hospital located in Provo, approximately 20 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 to September 27.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground. Campers must bring trash bags to carry out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Provo River and Vivian Park, but no running water or streams within the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include uneven tent areas, proximity of campsites leading to lack of privacy, and hornets/bees during warmer months.
HostHosts vary by season, but reviews describe hosts as either friendly and helpful or occasionally rude and inattentive.
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Squaw Peak Rd, Provo, UT, 84604
Driving directionsFrom I-15, take exit 272 onto 800 North toward Orem. Turn east on Highway 52 to the mouth of Provo Canyon. Go east on Highway 189 for 2 miles to the Squaw Peak turnoff. Turn right onto Squaw Peak Road and continue 5 miles to campground.
The road up to the campground is narrow, steep, and winding. The last segment is a narrow dirt road, not recommended for vehicles longer than 30 feet.Nearby places
Orem (20 minutes), Provo (20 minutes), Sundance Resort (15 miles), Deer Creek State Park (30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores in Orem and Provo are approximately 20 minutes away, offering camping essentials and firewood.
Camper Reviews
4.2
45 reviews
Hope is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is generally positive, with an average rating of 4.19. Campers appreciate the natural beauty, seclusion, and proximity to hiking trails. However, there are complaints about the lack of water, uneven campsites, and occasional issues with camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to outdoor activities. One reviewer described it as "by far the best camp site I have ever been to."...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of running water and trash facilities, uneven or rocky tent spaces, and occasional conflicts with camp hosts. Some reviewers noted, "No running water," and "The sites are...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing ample water and firewood, as neither is available on-site. Several users suggest arriving early to secure the best sites and suggest cash or checks for payments. One camper...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are described as ideal seasons due to mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer brings challenges such as wasps and dry conditions, while winter activities are not mentioned.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "So far, it's my most favorite camp site ever...plenty of nearby places to hike." - "Gorgeous drive up in the fall. Arrived at 3pm and only a few places taken." - "No water at all, so bring your...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 18: "Super private back there, with no other sites within view." - Site 8: "Great secluded spot." - Site 15: "Very unlevel and difficult to back in." - Site 12: "Good flat areas for big tents."
Based on 45 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews or mentions related to accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 45 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but rules include leashing and immediate cleaning of waste. Some reviewers shared experiences with pet-friendly policies: "Owners must control dogs by leash not to exceed six feet."
Based on 45 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025