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Best Tent Camping near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

652 Reviews

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers several primitive tent camping options across varied terrain in northern Utah. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo provides free tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access, while Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin offers similar primitive accommodations in more secluded settings. Both areas permit campfires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place and allow alcohol and pets, distinguishing them from established campgrounds with stricter regulations.

Most tent-only sites in this region lack developed amenities, with no drinking water or electric hookups available. Vault toilets can be found at established sites like Hobble Campground, which features picnic tables and designated tent pads, but dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all waste. A camper noted that "there are tons of free sites all up and down the main road" near Monte Cristo, though they advised arriving by mid-afternoon on Fridays as "spots fill quick" during peak season. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry summer months, so campers should check current regulations before planning to build campfires.

Areas with better tree coverage provide natural shade for tent campers, particularly important during Utah's hot summer days. The higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures and stunning views, with one visitor describing Monte Cristo as having "immaculate views" with sites "very spread out" and spectacular fall colors in late September. Tent sites near creek beds like those in Smithfield Canyon provide ambient water sounds but may be extremely loud during spring runoff. Winter access is limited at most locations, though some lower elevation sites remain accessible year-round. Backcountry tent camping options extend beyond designated areas, with permit requirements varying throughout the forest. For those seeking more solitude, the further tent sites along forest service roads typically offer greater privacy and less crowded conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (16)

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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

4 Photos of 16 Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

652 Reviews of 16 Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Campgrounds

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Sunrise Campground

    Good campground, easily accessable

    Sunrise CG is located right of hwy 89 about 10 minutes west of Garden City.  The CG sits above Bear Lake. The sites are pretty spacious, heavily wooded with good shade. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There are 27 sites available. There are no hooks or dump stations. There a vault toilets and no showers. there is drinking wager available. This CG can accommodate walk in tent camping to RVs. You can reserve some sites on rec.gov. 

    This was a good stop that was convenient on the way through northern Utah. The camp host was awesome and funny.

  • Tommy C.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    South Fork (UT)

    AWESOME spot

    Absolutely awesome spot. Hosts were really friendly. Stayed in my pop up camper for a night and there was tons of space for pop up and our site (A1) was the best in the campground, I think. It was secluded with tons of trees. Not all sites had a lot of tree cover. It wasn’t right off the river but it was still only a 30 second walk to the river. There were fire bans in Utah but because of the type of fire set up on concrete and built in fire places, we were able to have a fire all night which was awesome. Also my buddy is a professional singer and brought his guitar so I’m impartial. We had such a great time!!

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2021

    Magpie Campground

    Got the job done

    We were road tripping through with no reservations. The whole South Fork area has many campgrounds. Magpie is the first and one of the smaller of the campgrounds as you drive up the canyon. We drove through all the campgrounds and didn’t find any hosts to talk with to find out if we could occupy a spot. We thought it would be ok but weren’t sure if we could stay in a spot that had a weekend reservation posted. Plus there was simultaneously not very much shade and lots of overgrown vegetation that made tent camping not very feasible. All the sites with actual river frontage were occupied and most folks had campers. This was especially true at South Fork, Lower Meadows, Upper Meadows & Perception Park campgrounds. We finally found a host at Willows campground who explained the process but we didn’t see any sites we liked there. Magpie actually had some shaded sites so we headed back down there. We grabbed a spot that had no obvious river access but good shade right next to the host site. It was pretty overgrown but had enough of a flat spot to set up our tent and a big concrete pad for the picnic table and huge fire ring. Midweek it was only half full. Campground is literally mere feet from the road. Lots of road noise. Bathrooms were good enough. The host when he finally came around was very nice. The adjacent site was vacant (a double site that cost more $$) and we were able to get to the river there. We stayed two nights mid week and it never filled up but all the sites had weekend reservations. There isn’t a lot of hiking but if you like river recreation or we saw lots of paddle boarders headed up to the reservoir. We drove up Monte Cristo which was still closed for the season but probably would have been more our style. Birding was good around the campground probably due to the river. Again, road noise was annoying but expected. Also note that the forest service’s website was out of date as far as all the campgrounds in this area being open.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Wood Camp Campground (Ut) — Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest

    First come, first serve!

    Great area and very clean. The noise from the road isn't very noticeable as you sit along a beautiful creek. It's super relaxing and very afforable! 

    Vault toilets, no water but lots of shade. Each site has a picnic table, tent, and fire pits. Dumpster available when leaving the campground. I would consider this campground more on the primitive side of things.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2019

    South Fork (UT)

    Big Campground by the Creek!

    This campground much like the others in this canyon is situated along the banks of the South Fork of the Ogden River.  Before you get to Causey Reservoir and Weber Memorial Park, this is the biggest campground you'll encounter.  There are 35 single sites @23$ and 8 double sites @46$.  Some campsites are reservable and some are walk in sites.  A picnic table and metal fire ring is at each site along with vault toilets and drinking water scattered throughout the campground.  The campsites in the teens seemed to be the closest to the creek

    As for activities to do in the area, there are plenty of options!  Right by most of the campsites you can fly fish or set off on a tubing adventure down the Ogden River!  It is required that you have a life jacket before setting off.  If you're looking for bigger accumulations of water you can either head back down canyon to the huge Pineview Reservoir or head up canyon to the steep walled Causey Reservoir!

  • A
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Echo Island RV Resort

    Perfect for an overnight stay

    Nicely managed campground, good website, efficient reservation process. Management very helpful and friendly. The campsites are nicely spaced, good tree cover, green well kept lawn at all sites. Gravel slots, picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Good park design for the back up sites to get a large trailer situated no problem. Seems like a large and very nice pool, although I did not us those facilities. Bath and restrooms clean and plenty of them for the size of the campground.

  • Gracie W.
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Twin Coves — Rockport State Park

    Nice Campground

    Campground was clean and had vault toilets. Water spicket was available but no showers (I believe there were only showers at the entrance of the park). Be aware that there are tons of bugs here, an overwhelming amount. Pack your bug spray if you’re tent camping!! Amazing views of the lake, beautiful birds, and the weather was phenomenal. Happy trails!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Botts Campground — Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest

    Nice Little CG close tothe Creek but also the Highway

    Is the 2nd campground heading up canyon and is also the smallest campground in the canyon.  While this is the smallest campground in the canyon half of the sites in this little loop are really close to the road and therefore have a lot of noise associated with that.  The ones closer to the river, however, are great and have tent spots nestled away right next to the river.  there are 5 single sites and 1 double site with picnic tables, fire rings, and prep/serving tables at each site.  There is also drinking water and 2 vault toilets at the entrance to the campground.

    For close recreation Pineview and Causey Reservoir are about equal distance and offer great respite from the sun with different experiences to explore!  At the mountain, cliff lined Causey Reservoir, kayaking and deep water free climbing are popular activities.  While at the larger Pineview Reservoir boating and water sports along with relaxing on the beach are more common activities, due to the gentle slopes of the reservoir.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Lower Meadows Campground — Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest

    Great Sites with Space between neighbors

    While a little bit larger than its Upper Meadows twin it still sits on the south side of the river away from the road and therefore offers a bit of natural tranquility.  The campground is about half the size of the Perception Park Compound but will hold maybe 1/6 of the people so you'll have lots of distance between your neighbors.  You can choose from 17 single sites or 6 double sites @ 23$ and 46$ respectively.  Like the other campgrounds in the canyon the amenities are fairly primitive with fire rings and picnic tables at each site with drinking water spigots and vault toilets scattered throughout the playground.

    For fun things to do in the area there is Causey Reservoir which is only a few miles up canyon!  It is a wonderful spot to kayak, canoe, or SUP around and also to access the cliffs for some deep water solo climbing!

Guide to Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Tent camping near Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah offers a blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out local activities

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Hobble offers essential amenities like picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Cook Campsite, campers can enjoy a reservable site with fire pits, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Big Rock Campground — East Canyon State Park features well-maintained facilities and trash disposal, making it a convenient choice for families.

Tent campers can enjoy these unique features

  • The Green Canyon Yurt provides a unique glamping experience with a potbelly stove and cooking area, ideal for winter adventures.
  • Port Ramp Marina is a fantastic spot for summer camping, offering beautiful lake views and access to water activities.
  • Wasatch National Forest Sunset Campground is conveniently located near town, making it easy to enjoy both nature and local amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to tent camp in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest?

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers excellent tent camping options. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts provides walk-in only tent camping with a requirement to camp at least 1/2 mile from any road. Good approach trails include Church Fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead, with the latter offering more shade and valley views. For a quieter experience, Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin offers peaceful tent camping with existing rock fire rings and beautiful sunset views. Remember that many prime locations in the Uintas require hiking in, making them perfect for authentic tent camping experiences away from RVs and developed sites.

What established campgrounds are available in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest?

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest hosts several established campgrounds. Cook Campsite is family-friendly and great for introducing children to backpacking. Port Ramp Marina offers lakeside camping with beach access (best in late summer or fall when water levels are lower). The forest also features numerous dispersed camping options along with developed sites that typically provide basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets. Many campgrounds throughout the forest offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with water access, with some requiring reservations during peak season.

Do I need permits for tent camping in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest?

While formal camping permits aren't typically required for most areas in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, there are some important considerations. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite and similar dispersed areas usually don't require permits but follow standard Forest Service dispersed camping regulations. Some areas like Millcreek Canyon have day-use fees ($5 per vehicle) collected at entrance stations. For backcountry camping, you'll need to follow regulations about camping at least 1/2 mile from roads and 200 feet from water sources. Always check the official Forest Service website or contact a ranger station before your trip, as permit requirements can change seasonally or in heavily-used areas.

What is the best time of year to tent camp in the Uinta Mountains?

The optimal time for tent camping in the Uinta Mountains is mid-June through September, when most high-elevation areas are snow-free and accessible. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo is particularly beautiful during summer months but becomes popular with hunters in September. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, with areas near Green Canyon Yurt offering winter recreation opportunities including cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Weather can change rapidly in the Uintas, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and early snow possible by late September. Night temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer at higher elevations, so proper cold-weather gear is essential year-round.

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