Eden, Utah camping opportunities extend beyond the popular Monte Cristo area, with tent sites scattered throughout the surrounding national forest. Primitive campsites range from 3,800 to 8,900 feet elevation, creating varied camping conditions. Fall camping sees temperatures dropping to near freezing at higher elevations, while summer days remain relatively mild compared to Utah's desert regions.
What to do
Winter recreation access: Port Ramp Marina serves as a base for winter activities. According to Brendan A., "This is a fantastic spot to go in the winter. Not only is it more beautiful (IMO) in the winter, but it gets loads of snow for snow sports, and it is right next to Powder Mountain and Snow Basin!"
Ice fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide winter lake access when properly frozen. One camper notes at Port Ramp Marina that "the lake will freeze over enough to walk on or fish on. There were plenty of people ice fishing when we went."
Hiking nearby: Millcreek Canyon offers extensive trail networks. Sean H. mentions, "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."
What campers like
Fall colors: Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo provides exceptional autumn views. Colyer D. reports, "We could not have asked for a more perfect spot. The views were immaculate, the sites were very spread out, it was the end of September and all the leaves were changing."
Privacy between sites: Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin offers good separation between campsites. Hannah M. notes, "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Beach access: When water levels are right, Port Ramp Marina provides beach camping. One review states, "Beautiful lake, nice beaches, but only if you go in the late summer or fall. Spring runoff makes this lake rise significantly, which completely submerged the beach we were playing on."
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Several campgrounds have limited access outside summer months. A Millcreek Canyon visitor warns, "Warning - road is closed 3.5 miles into the park before where camping spots were indicated. No notice on when it would reopen."
Arrival timing matters: Dispersed sites fill quickly on weekends. At Monte Cristo, Bryce R. advises, "The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal burning limitations are common. At Monte Cristo, one camper mentioned, "Very popular for hunters in September, so you'll have lots of people walking right by your camp. The views are beautiful, but it can get quite blustery. We weren't able to have a fire when we stayed there."
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking options: Cook Campsite provides beginner-friendly hike-in camping. Adam Z. shares, "Aside from the excessive litter in a few places, This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking."
Water activities: Pineview Reservoir offers swimming during summer months. Kelli R. reports from a nearby canyon, "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river."
Limited facilities: Most sites require bringing all supplies. As Brian C. notes about Monte Cristo, "Has a fire pit but with fire restrictions we didn't have a fire. The view is fantastic of hills covered with aspen and fir trees. Quiet but cars can be heard now and then."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many dispersed areas have tight access roads. One RVer at Monte Cristo cautions, "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping is most viable mid-summer through early fall. Locoty C. notes about Monte Cristo, "Very surprised by this dispersed camping. Good Spread, amazing views and the road up ain't bad at all."
Parking challenges: Some sites require creative positioning. At Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin, tent campers note adequate space for smaller rigs, though reviews mention, "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people."
