State: Utah
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 42
Elevation: 7400
Free: No
Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information
About: Timpooneke Campground is located along the beautiful Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in a mountainous area amid thick stands of aspens, fir and spruce trees, at an elevation of 7,400 feet and is adjacent to the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Area. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant, and autumn leaves put on quite a show in September.
Hiking is very popular in the area, with the 15-mile roundtrip Timpooneke Trail beginning in the campground and climbing to the summit of rugged Mount Timpanogos. Aspen Grove Trail is nearby, leading to the summit as well. The rough dirt Timpooneke Road also begins at the campground, nearly circumnavigates Mount Timpanogos, and offers excellent mountain biking and birding. A beaver pond, stream, and riparian area are located within the campground. Horses are also allowed on Timpooneke Trail, but not Aspen Grove Trail.
Cascade Springs is just nine miles from the campground and offers family-friendly and wheelchair accessible boardwalks around the natural springs. Tibble Fork Reservoir with rainbow and brown trout fishing, and Silver Flat Reservoir with rainbow and brook trout fishing are a short drive away. A portion of the north shore at Tibble Fork is wheelchair accessible. Both reservoirs are open to non-motorized boats only, and are great for canoeing and kayaking. Tibble Fork Reservoir also has good scuba diving off the south shore, and numerous hiking/biking trails begin at the reservoir.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is just a few miles down American Fork Canyon, with a rewarding but steep 1.5-mile hike to a guided tour of the spectacular three-room cave system, and stunning views of American Fork Canyon. American Fork Creek also offers good fly-fishing with light pressure. Lone Peak Wilderness Area is nearby and offers a myriad of additional hiking and biking opportunities. The 20-mile paved Alpine Loop Scenic Byway travels through alpine canyons, mountain meadows, aspen groves, and pine forests, with breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range. This road is not recommended for vehicles over 30 feet in length. Sundance Ski and Summer Resort is located at the south entrance to the Alpine Loop and offers lift-served hiking and mountain biking, and stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and Stewart Falls.
This campground is shaded, with paved roads and gravel parking spurs. Loop A is for equestrian camping, and each site on this loop has a small horse corral. There are several double campsites in the campground and one group site for up to 40 people. Some first come, first served sites are available.
Fees: Single sites, $16.00 Double sites, $32.00 Group sites, $75.00 (2011)
Water: Yes
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Directions: From Salt Lake City, Utah, take Highway 15 to the Alpine-Highland exit (exit 284) and go east on Highway 92 for 5 miles to the junction of Highway 92 and the North Fork of American Fork Canyon. Keep going straight east, up the South Fork, and continue on the Alpine Scenic Loop for 3.5 miles to the campground.