Fivemile Pass Recreation Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Fivemile Pass Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping on BLM land with optional reservations, a day-use area, hiking trails, motocross, motorcycle riding, and more. This could be a perfect stay for those who enjoy primitive camping, as vehicles of all sizes (even big rigs!) can access the trail during most times of the year (weather permitting). It also serves as the perfect hub for day trips to White Mountain, Salt Lake City, The Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake State Park, and more. See all that Utah has to offer during the day, then come back at night to enjoy free camping throughout the area.
Quick Facts About RVing in Fivemile Pass Recreation Area
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: Optional • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on-site • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Generally good with a few spotty areas • Pets: Allowed in most areas • Roads: Dirt • Best Seasons: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Hiking trails for all fitness levels • Off-grid primitive camping • Less than an hour from Salt Lake City • Perfect for relaxation • Close to Utah Lake State Park • Open year-round • Ideal stargazing conditions
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
The Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a beautiful out-and-back trail located near Provo. The partially paved trail takes hikers through lush woodlands, along a river, and near an impressive waterfall. The majestic Bridal Veil Falls is a 607-foot, double cataract waterfall, and the hike provides visitors with an excellent view of it. The best times to visit are between May and September.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Rock Canyon Trail
Located in Rock Canyon Park, the Rock Canyon Trail is a relatively long out-and-back trail. The rocky trail is an excellent spot for hiking and bird watching, and when it snows, it's also a great destination for cross-country skiing. The trail is open year-round, and there's no bad time to visit. Feel free to bring your dogs along with you; they can even be off-leash in some areas.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Lost Creek Falls Trail
The Lost Creek Falls Trail is located in Provo Canyon within the lush Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The out-and-back trail requires a bit of climbing, but it isn't overly difficult to traverse. Ideally, visitors should avoid this route during winter and early spring because of the possibility of avalanches.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Fivemile Pass Recreation Area is located very close to the vast Utah Lake, which offers top-notch opportunities for fishing and boating. Many visitors head to Utah Lake State Park to fish for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, and several species of panfish. The lake is also an excellent place to enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, and a variety of watersports. The lake has an average temperature of 75 degrees, so it will be quite pleasant if you decide to take a dip!
Climbing
Although rock climbing isn't one of the most common activities around the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, there are some exciting nearby opportunities for mountaineering. The closest such opportunity is Flat Top Mountain, which is located only a short distance north of the BLM site. The majestic peak is a popular destination for mountaineering enthusiasts, and with a height of 10,620 feet, the views for those bold enough to reach the summit are absolutely spectacular.
Wildlife Viewing
If you're looking to observe unique wildlife species, the best opportunities near the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area may be found in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to the east. If you explore the forests or hike through the Uinta Mountains, you'll have a great chance of spotting moose, mule deer, elk, coyotes, black bears, ptarmigan, river otters, pine marten, cougars, and many other awesome creatures. You'll want to keep your eyes on the treetops and skies as well; the area is home to roughly 75 percent of Utah's bird species.
Picnicking
There aren't any picnic tables or shelters found at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, but many visitors still partake in picnicking at the site. If you plan to enjoy lunch at the site, you'll want to be sure to bring along a blanket or some type of seating. Then you can eat comfortably while watching your friends or family members ride their OHVs!
OHV Riding
OHV riding is the most popular activity for visitors at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area. The large area features many makeshift motocross tracks as well as miles of ATV trails winding through rugged hills and valleys. While parts of the area are suitable for beginners, experienced OHV riders will get the most out of the tracks and trails. Keep in mind that the area can get very slippery and muddy during and after wet weather.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping is permitted at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, but you won't find any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site. The only conveniences provided for campers at the site are five pit toilet restrooms. If you're in search of a modern campground with amenities and RV hookups, you'll want to travel east toward the nearby cities. A couple of quality nearby options are iPark RV and the Mountain Shadows RV Park.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is available anywhere the road takes you. There are no designated spots for parking or camping, and you can stay up to 14 days in a 28-day period under general BLM regulations. Protected raptors may be nesting nearby, and there are no dump stations, so you must pack out your trash and Leave No Trace. Fires are generally permitted in designated rings around the area, although you'll need to check Utah state fire restrictions before you start placing wood. Fivemile Pass is on the border of Utah and Tooele counties, so any restriction in either county will likely apply to the whole recreation area. Camping is permitted year-round, but only experienced RV drivers should attempt to visit in winter, as snow, storms, and ice can appear on Highway 73 leading to the recreation area.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Yes, as the terrain is mostly flat and sandy, but stable. Parking is available next to roads throughout the area, so you'll have an easy time finding a spot. • Travel Trailers: Yes, the dirt roads are wide enough that you should be able to get by without worrying about turn radius. You may need to drive a little farther down if the roads closest to the parking lot are filled, but otherwise, no issues. • Fifth Wheels: Yes, up to at least 45 feet. Slightly longer trailers might have problems turning on busy holiday weekends if roads are congested, but the rest of the time, you shouldn't have any problems. • Class A Motorhomes: Yes, although it may be difficult accessing the site in winter if the road conditions on Highway 73 are bad. Check the current conditions on the Utah DOT website before you travel. • Class B Motorhomes: Yes. High-clearance Class B motorhomes are the preferred option, but low-clearance vehicles should have no problem. • Class C Motorhomes: Yes. Fivemile Pass is big-rig friendly, so even 40- to 45-foot Class C motorhomes can find a stable spot to park. The area does get a little busy on weekends, which can make finding a spot difficult, but not impossible.
Free Camping 
If you're looking to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, you'll be in luck. Dispersed camping is permitted within the site, and no fee is required. There are also many dirt roads around the site that lead to potential spots for secluded primitive camping if you want to get away from the main area of the BLM site.
RV Rentals Near Fivemile Pass Recreation Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Fivemile Pass Recreation Area BLM trip
When you're planning your trip to the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, you'll want to consider what time of the year it is. During holiday weekends and other peak times for camping, the BLM site tends to be very busy, and it may be difficult to find a quiet, secluded spot for your dispersed campsite. You should also remember that no drinking water, trash receptacles, or any other amenities are provided for campers at the site.
If you end up needing to make a run into town for water, supplies, or recreational equipment of any kind, the closest options will be towns like Saratoga Springs, American Fork, and Lehi. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Fivemile Pass Recreation Area offers no services other than pit toilets. There are a few cities like Odem about 45 miles away, and Salt Lake City, the capital, is about an hour away, so you'll want to resupply there before setting up camp. Most places have excellent cell phone service, but it can get spotty if you head down any of the hiking trails. There are no trees here, so bring plenty of sunscreen, and prepare for high temperatures in summer. You'll also need to bring plenty of potable water as none is available on-site. The wildlife is not especially dangerous, but the raptors that live nearby are attracted to food and other trash, so keep everything in your RV, as there are no dump sites or garbage cans.
Leave No Trace 
The BLM asks that all visitors to its sites adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. If you encounter any wildlife while you're exploring the area, make sure that you only observe the animals from a safe, non-threatening distance.
Fivemile Pass Recreation Area Location
To reach the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area from Salt Lake City, follow Interstate 15 southbound until you reach exit 279 for Lehi. Take the exit, then head west on SR 73 for approximately 25 miles and look for signs for the BLM site's main parking area.
Ready to visit Fivemile Pass Recreation Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Fivemile Pass Recreation Area
• Morning: Start your morning with breakfast and coffee at your campsite, and then take a walk on one of the many hiking trails to enjoy the beautiful scenery. • Afternoon: Head to nearby Utah Lake State Park for fishing, boating, swimming, and more. • Night: Return to Fivemile Pass Recreation Area for dinner, watch the sunset, bring out the chairs, and sit under the stars.
Nearby Attractions
• Visit Historic Fairfield: A local historical site, the town of Fairfield is about five minutes away and has a population of about 160. • Recharge and Refuel in Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City, the largest city in Utah, is about an hour away. Dumpsites, supplies, water, and more can be found here, making it a great stop before you camp. • Eagle Mountain: Once used as a base for the Pony Express mail delivery service, Eagle Mountain has plenty of historical sites and services. It's located about 20 minutes from the park, making it a great stop for last-minute supplies. • Utah Lake State Park: Utah's largest freshwater lake offers fishing, swimming areas, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog? Yes, the area is pet-friendly, and dogs can go off-leash in certain areas (check for the signs). However, it does get very hot and there are no trees for shade, so bring extra water, and make sure your pet stays cool. All waste must be packed out with you into your RV. The trails will have plenty of ATVs and other off-road vehicles, especially on the weekends, so keep a close eye on them. Are generators allowed? There is no specific rule about generators at Fivemile Pass, so standard BLM regulations apply. Generators must not create undue noise, particularly at night, and you must take special care to avoid sparks or heat igniting vegetation. When is the best time of year for camping at Fivemile Pass Recreation Area? Spring and fall are the best seasons for camping, as you can enjoy ideal weather and good road conditions on the drive over. In summer, temperatures can reach or exceed 100°F, and without trees, there's very little shade available. In winter, the area is occasionally closed after storms, and snowfall or ice on the roads can make the passage difficult. Is there cell phone service at Fivemile Pass Recreation Area? The cell phone service is good in most areas here, especially the closer you are to the entrances. As you move farther in, the service can be spotty in some areas, especially on some of the hiking trails. It's a good idea to bring a backup map or a GPS if you plan on camping deep into the area. Is Fivemile Pass Recreation Area a good spot for larger RVs? Yes, the area is big rig friendly, and even the largest campers should have no problem on the dirt roads. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition and that you have adequate fuel, as the nearest gas station is about 15 minutes away from the entrance. So, the deeper into the area you park, the more miles you'll have to cover on your way to get gas or other supplies.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Fivemile Pass Recreation Area is big rig friendly, and almost every RV type should do well in good weather. If you're traveling in winter, you may want to drive a smaller model, especially if there's ice or snow on Highway 73. You'll need an RV big enough to hold all your supplies, as the nearest medium-size town is 30 to 45 minutes away, and there are no services at all at Fivemile Pass. Book your next RV rental near Fivemile Pass Recreation Area today!
Nearby BLM Locations
- Lake Mountains - Bureau of Land Management
- White Rocks - Bureau of Land Management
- Crystal Cave - Bureau of Land Management
- California National Historic Trail (NHT), Salt Lake Cut-Off - Bureau of Land Management
- Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (BCB) East Access - Bureau of Land Management