Camping advice, Passing thru SLC area Dirtbags unite

Hey'all,

Making the big jump from california to Colorado,

going from Reno to Salt lake city area tomorrow saturday 9/6/14, via the 80, where would be a nice place to find some (preferably free) camping near a crag/boulders around SLC. Back country camping is fine, as long as it's relatively easily accessable, I have a 4x4 truck and can make it on dirt roads, the closer to SLC and rock the better. I know what i'm looking for is out there just need a little help to find it.

anything helps. Thanks guys

also, either i'm terrible at finding this information on the internet or i'm just missing it but can you do dispersed camping in Little Cotton Wood Canyon?
Is is national forest?

Not a lot of dispersed car camping in Big or Little Cottonwood. It is National Forest, but the rule is 1/2 mile from the road for camping, and hiking a half mile from the road usually puts you up on the side of a cliff. Both canyons just have a single paved road without much in the way of side roads to pull over and hide out in. If you do try to camp in the woods, watch out for belongings in your truck; there are lots of break-ins. The American Alpine Club "SLC Craggin' Classic" is starting Saturday and the poster says free camping at the Tanner Flat Campground in Little Cottonwood, which would be a great place for you to stay. I don't know if you have to be registered for the event to get the free camping, but maybe just show up and try to crash the party. Hope that helps and have a nice visit. Jim

There is no dispersed camping anywhere in the Wasatch National Forest very close to SLC. The closest dispersed camping would be up on Skyline drive near Bountiful. Not much climbing up there though. Just a little ways west in the Stansbury Mountains there is dispersed campin and pretty close access to crags in South Willow Canyon. The climbing there is excellent quality.

Stansbury Moutains about 40 miles west of Salt Lake are a good bet. Take off at the Grantsville exit. You can find some good dispersed camping options in North Willow Canyon which you should be able to get up with a 4X4. South Willow has a better road and more established sites, both are scenic.