Tent camping near Draper, Utah offers varied options in both the Wasatch Mountains and Uinta National Forest, with elevations ranging from 4,500 to over 10,000 feet. Many dispersed camping areas remain accessible from May through October, though higher elevation sites may have snow until late June. Water availability can be limited at most sites, requiring campers to bring their own supply or use filtration systems for nearby streams.
What to do
Fishing at Silver Lake Reservoir: Only 40-50 minutes from Provo, Silver Lake Backcountry provides opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding and kayaking. A camper noted, "Sliver lake is amazing and the river running is stunning with amazing hike or UTV Or ATV Riding!"
Hiking to alpine lakes: Red Pine Lake trail offers a challenging but rewarding 3-4 mile hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon. According to one camper, "I backpacked tomorrow Red Pine Lake (first backpacking in 10 years!) and had a great time. The trail up is well kept and the lake itself is stunning. Lots of streams everywhere too which I loved."
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed camping areas provide excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Mill Hollow, one visitor mentioned, "I've seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite. Such a peaceful and serene place...especially at night when the OHV and dirt bikers sleep."
Star gazing: The higher elevation camping spots offer exceptional night sky views away from city lights. A Mill Hollow camper commented, "My favorite part of this spot is the beautiful views and the breathtaking sunsets. And of course the stars."
What campers like
Temperature relief: Tent camping sites near Draper provide a cool escape during summer months. As one Mill Hollow visitor explained, "Great escape from the SLC Valley heat…a short 1.5 hour drive and temp drops 20 degrees from the valley."
Solitude and privacy: Many backcountry tent sites offer peaceful settings away from crowds. A Millcreek Canyon visitor shared, "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."
Accessible adventure: Despite feeling remote, many camping areas are relatively close to town. A Silver Lake Backcountry camper mentioned, "Only 40-50 minutes away from Provo, UT area so easy to get away for a quick day or two of camping."
Hammock camping options: For those who prefer hammocks over tents, some areas provide better setup options. At Dutchman Mine Flats, a camper observed, "Great for hammocks, a little rough on tents... Unfortunately, the majority of the ground camping is relatively rocky and uneven, but there are some gems."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Kimball Campground, a visitor warned, "The roads are really rough don't think you'll be able to do it without 4x4 or awd my Honda CR-V did great!!"
Backcountry preparations: Tent camping near Draper often means primitive conditions. For Red Pine Lake, a camper advised, "The hike up to the lake starts off pretty easily, and since it follows the stream coming down, clean drinking water is always at hand. I didn't have to carry anything beyond my little half liter filter bottle."
Weather changes: Mountain camping means unpredictable weather, even in summer. A Red Pine Lake visitor cautioned, "It stormed pretty hard in the middle of the night, and since the lake is up near the top of the mountain, it got pretty windy. Be prepared for significant foul weather and choose your campsite appropriately."
Seasonal access: High elevation camping areas have limited seasonal windows. A visitor to Mill Hollow reported, "We were here in late May and there was still snow in places and some roads impassable…but we found a premise spot to watch the sunset and camp with a fire."
Tips for camping with families
Group facilities: For family gatherings, some locations offer better amenities. At Anderson Park, a camper described, "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."
Water play options: Children enjoy streams and lakes at various camping areas. A Millcreek Canyon visitor shared, "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. One of our families favorite canyons. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river."
Camping progression: Some areas offer good introductions to backcountry camping. A Red Pine Lake camper suggested, "This can be done in a short 4 hour 7 mile out and back day hike but can be fully enjoyed as a backpacking trip."
Wildlife education: Many tent camping sites near Draper provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. As one camper at Millcreek Canyon reported, "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall."
Tips from RVers
Dispersed options: While many tent camping sites near Draper aren't suitable for RVs, some areas do accommodate smaller campers. A Silver Lake Backcountry visitor noted, "Wide spacious camp sites. ATV paradise, fire pits established in most camp sites, only accessible by 4 wheel drive. Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose."
Early arrival needed: Popular camping areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. A Kimball Campground visitor advised, "The campsites fill up quick my first night was a Wednesday and I got there around 6pm and I found a spot just big enough to park my car for the three nights."
Road conditions: RV and trailer access is limited by rough roads in many areas. A camper at Mill Hollow observed, "Road was very accessible lower down with some more adventurous offshoots requiring higher clearance and likely 4x4. We went up an offshoot and navigated through and around some deeper ruts and snow drifts but found an amazing spot on the rim."
