Best Tent Camping near Draper, UT
Tent campsites near Draper, Utah range from backcountry alpine settings to dispersed desert locations, with several options within a 30-minute drive. Red Pine Lake offers tent-only backcountry camping in Little Cottonwood Canyon, while Millcreek Canyon provides primitive tent sites with regulations requiring campers to set up at least half a mile from any road. Silver Lake Backcountry in the nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provides another tent camping destination with alpine views and lake access.
Most tent campgrounds in the Draper area require campers to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary water and supplies. Dispersed camping areas like Mill Hollow typically have no facilities, following Leave No Trace principles where campers must pack out all trash. Higher elevation sites such as Red Pine Lake prohibit campfires due to watershed protection regulations, while lower elevation areas often provide fire rings but may implement seasonal fire restrictions. Access roads to many tent camping areas can be challenging, with several sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or hiking in with gear. A camper noted, "The dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. Make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case."
Tent camping experiences near Draper vary significantly with elevation and season. Lower elevation sites offer earlier spring access, while alpine locations like Red Pine Lake remain snow-covered until summer. Many backcountry tent sites provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with moose and deer commonly spotted in Millcreek Canyon. The proximity to mountain peaks creates dramatic temperature drops at night, even during summer months. Tent campers should be prepared for weather changes at higher elevations. A visitor commented about Mill Hollow, "Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It's very peaceful and scenic! The main road in is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you'll want a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4X4."
