Best Tent Camping near Brighton, UT

The Wasatch-Cache National Forest surrounding Brighton, Utah offers several backcountry tent camping options, with Silver Lake Backcountry and Red Pine Lake providing highly-rated tent-only experiences. Both locations require hikers to walk in at least half a mile from trailheads, making them ideal for those seeking primitive tent camping experiences away from developed areas. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping provides additional tent camping opportunities with a requirement to camp at least half a mile from any road. Kimball Campground, located near Brighton, accommodates both tent and RV camping with drive-in and walk-in access options.

Most tent campsites in the Brighton area feature uneven, natural terrain with minimal site development. Campers should bring water filtration systems as drinking water is generally unavailable at primitive sites. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many trailheads, particularly after rain when forest roads become rutted and challenging. Fire regulations vary by location, with some watershed areas prohibiting fires entirely. Permits are required for most backcountry camping areas, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles, packing out all waste. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, with snow possible well into early summer.

Weekday tent camping provides the most solitude according to experienced campers. One visitor noted that Red Pine Lake offers access to "three different beautiful lakes from this drainage and two beautiful peaks," making it ideal for multi-day exploration. Campers at Silver Lake Backcountry report stunning alpine views with Box Elder Peak to the west and the Timpanogos Massif visible to the south. Tent sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures, with visitors reporting temperature drops of up to 20 degrees compared to Salt Lake City. Wildlife sightings are common, with moose and deer frequently observed in Millcreek Canyon. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide the dual benefit of stream proximity for both ambient sound and water access.

Best Tent Sites Near Brighton, Utah (25)

    1. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    7 miles

    "An amazing spot to drive to and spend the day or backpack in and spend a night or two.  Be warned you will need a 4wd vehicle if trying to go up the road after a rain storm. "

    "You can’t drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot. Camping anywhere along that road will give you gorgeous views, though!"

    2. Red Pine Lake

    7 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    "Red Pine Lake is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south side of the road."

    "wonderful place to backpack up to during the week. can access 3 different beautiful lakes from this drainage and 2 beautiful peaks!"

    3. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."

    "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."

    4. Kimball Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 999-2103

    "It was just off the road and basically no privacy but I was just looking for a safe place to sleep and that’s what I got!"

    "These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."

    5. Lake Blanche Trail - Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    "great hike to the lake!"

    7. closed

    1 Review
    Wanship, UT
    15 miles
    +1 (801) 513-1583

    $59 - $64 / night

    8. Anderson Park

    2 Reviews
    Pleasant Grove, UT
    18 miles

    "Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables.  Large grassy field, two wooded areas, boarders a residential neighborhood, flushing toilets."

    9. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054

    8 Reviews
    Heber, UT
    25 miles

    "Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"

    "Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Brighton, UT

1245 Reviews of 25 Brighton Campgrounds



Guide to Brighton

Brighton, Utah, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Silver Lake Backcountry, where you can camp along the scenic road leading to the lake.
  • Enjoy a quick escape from the city at Salamander Flat, just a short drive from Provo, perfect for hiking and water sports.
  • Discover the beauty of Red Pine Lake, accessible only by a challenging hike that rewards you with stunning alpine scenery.

Tent camping amenities to consider

Tent campers should check out local attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brighton, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brighton, UT is Silver Lake Backcountry with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Brighton, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Brighton, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.