Tent camping opportunities near Cedar Hills, Utah range from 4,500 to 10,000 feet in elevation, providing different ecosystems across various seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F at higher elevations, cooling significantly at night even during July and August. Most backcountry tent sites require campers to be self-sufficient with no facilities available beyond occasional vault toilets at trailheads.
What to do
Paddle sports at nearby reservoirs: Silver Lake Backcountry offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. A visitor noted, "Only 40-50 minutes away from Provo, UT area so easy to get away for a quick day or two of camping. Lots of hikes to do nearby, beautiful views, and place to paddle board, kayak, etc."
Photography during fall season: The best tent camping near Cedar Hills, Utah includes spots like Hobble Right Fork Dispersed where autumn colors provide scenic backdrops. A camper shared, "The leaves were changing and it was brilliant."
Fishing in mountain lakes: Multiple fishing spots exist within 30-45 minutes of Cedar Hills. According to one reviewer at Anderson Park, it's "Great for Paddleboarding and fishing."
What campers like
High elevation escapes: The area offers tent sites between 8,000-10,000 feet where summer temperatures remain moderate. At Lake Blanche Trail - Backcountry Camp, hikers enjoy "great hike to the lake!" with cooler temperatures than the valley.
Privacy options: Campers appreciate secluded spots away from crowds. At Hobble Right Fork Dispersed, a reviewer explained, "The further you drive, the more privacy you get. Despite the cattle that reside in the area of course. Lower light pollution makes the stars pretty visible."
Wildlife viewing: The mountains surrounding Cedar Hills provide opportunities to see deer, moose, and various bird species. At Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping, campers report, "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall."
What you should know
High clearance vehicles needed: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A Kimball Campground visitor warned, "The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable. The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake."
Seasonal access limitations: Many backcountry areas close during winter months. At Millcreek Canyon, a camper noted, "Camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account."
Water filtration requirements: Streams and lakes require treatment before drinking. One camper at Dutchman Mine Flats observed, "There are several 'camp' spots dispersed in this area accessible only during spring-fall when the canyon is open."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly areas: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family groups with appropriate facilities. At Anderson Park, a visitor mentioned, "This park allows for camping and accommodates small or large groups. Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavilion with three rows of picnic tables."
Kid-friendly water play: Look for camping areas with safe water features for children. A reviewer at Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts shared, "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time."
Easy access first-time sites: For families new to tent camping near Cedar Hills, choose locations with simpler approaches. One visitor at Silver Lake Backcountry noted, "This area is easy to drive to. You do have to drive through a small river and must camp half a mile from the lake."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most tent camping sites near Cedar Hills have limited space for larger vehicles. At Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground, a camper with a trailer advised, "The camp spots are narrow, the road in/out is narrow. Our 25ft trailer seemed to be a max length, but there were some 32 ft goosenecks and motor homes there."
Water resupply options: RVers should plan for limited water access. A camper at Sulphur Campground explained, "Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."
Dump station planning: No tent camping areas near Cedar Hills provide dump stations, requiring advance planning. RVers staying at Kimball Campground need to use facilities in nearby towns, approximately 30-45 minutes away.
