Best Tent Camping near Clearfield, UT
Tent camping options near Clearfield, Utah include established sites in nearby canyons and dispersed backcountry areas. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping offers tent-only sites within the Wasatch Mountains, while Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites on Antelope Island State Park provides lakeside tent camping with scenic views. Monte Cristo dispersed camping areas in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest offer more primitive tent camping experiences about 40 miles northeast of Clearfield.
Most tent sites in the Clearfield area require campers to hike at least a half-mile from parking areas, particularly in watershed areas like Millcreek Canyon. Tent campers should note that many backcountry areas have seasonal closures, with some sites not opening until July 1st. Permits are required for several locations, including Red Pine Lake and Millcreek Canyon. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with complete bans in watershed areas. Most dispersed camping follows the standard 14-day stay limit on public lands, and campers must pack out all waste as toilets are limited or non-existent at primitive sites.
The higher elevation tent sites near Clearfield provide relief from summer heat with cooler temperatures and alpine settings. Red Pine Lake offers tent camping beside alpine lakes after a 3-4 mile hike with moderate difficulty. Silver Lake Backcountry provides tent sites with mountain views and access to fishing. A visitor commented, "You do have to hike in at least a 0.5 mile from the trailhead" at Silver Lake. Skull Valley Road dispersed camping offers more accessible tent sites but with fewer amenities and more exposure to wind. Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife, with one camper noting, "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer" in the Millcreek Canyon area.