Best Tent Camping near Fairview, UT

The mountains and canyons surrounding Fairview, Utah provide several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Cottonwood Campground near Nephi offers established tent sites with basic amenities, while Dry Canyon provides walk-in tent sites along a river with more privacy. Willow Creek Road dispersed sites at nearly 8,000 feet elevation offer primitive tent camping opportunities for those seeking backcountry solitude. Most tent-only sites in the area operate seasonally, with Cottonwood Campground typically open from April to October, while higher elevation areas may have shorter seasons due to snow conditions.

Road conditions vary significantly across tent campgrounds in the region. Dispersed sites along Willow Creek Road have good access roads, though weekend traffic increases substantially. Campers report that roads to Paul Bunyon's Woodpile dispersed sites are manageable in dry conditions but potentially challenging after storms. Most established tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, while primitive sites require pack-in, pack-out practices. Pit toilets are available at Cottonwood Campground and Dry Canyon, but most dispersed tent camping areas lack facilities entirely. Water sources are limited, with few campgrounds offering potable water, making personal water supplies essential for tent campers.

Tent sites in the area offer varying levels of privacy and natural features. According to reviews, Dry Canyon provides spacious tent sites with "plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent" and proximity to a stream that creates pleasant background sounds without flooding concerns. Campers noted that sites at Willow Creek Road are particularly quiet on weekdays, with one visitor reporting seeing only two other people on a Thursday. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, elk, and even black bears reported in some areas, requiring proper food storage for tent campers. The elevation of many sites provides cooler temperatures during summer months, making these locations popular alternatives to lower-elevation camping areas that experience intense desert heat.

Best Tent Sites Near Fairview, Utah (31)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fairview, UT

529 Reviews of 31 Fairview Campgrounds


  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Diamond Fork

    Very clean and super camp host!

    I really loved this campground! And I really love Diamond Fork Hotsprings! I can’t wait to visit again! We camped the Thursday after Labor bad and had the entire campground almost all to ourselves! On Labor Day weekend there wasn’t an empty campsite. Cost is $22 for a single site, $44 for a double. We arrived to camp around 7:30 and pitched our tent then headed up the road a few more miles to the parking area for Diamond Fork (5th water) Hot Springs. I recommend visiting the Hotspring at night in the summer to escape the overwhelming crowds. There were only a handful of people at the springs during our evening visit. The trail to the springs is about 2.4 miles in. We returned to camp around 1 AM and slept soundly in the still, quiet nature. You can hear the stream babble nearby. We slept in and as we were breaking down camp, Marc, the camp host stopped by to se how our visit was and if we needed anything. What a wonderful man! We chatted for quite a while about the area and he offered to give us a tour of the campground in his golf cart. This is a pretty leather campground! 3 separate loops. There are some hike in tent sites but they are set up for dual tents and are priced as such so they are $44 which is quite speedy for a pack in tent site. There is a well maintained nature trail the passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail. There are multiple restrooms throughout the campground. The 2 I used were very clean considering it was post holiday weekend.
    Each campsite had a fire ring, grill, and a picnic table. Tent sites all offered nice level areas for pitching your tent. You can purchase fire wood from the camp host. This is a great place and I can’t wait to return!

  • Sam D.
    Oct. 15, 2017

    Fishlake National Forest Oak Creek Rec Site

    Oak Creek campground

    Awesome campground at about 8,600’ elevation, has a couple small creeks running through, water and toilets on site as well. Each site has a metal fire ring (crucial for a campfire during burn bans), picnic table, grill, some sites had an extra fire ring and bench seats. It’s nestled on the mountainside surrounded by aspen forests and farm land. Plenty of wildlife in the area, watch for deer and cattle in the road. We had temps dip down into the teens overnight with a dusting of snow in late September, be sure to pack layers. Overall a perfect spot for tent camping, small campers max, no RV parking or hookups. Not too far from Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Highly recommend staying here and going to Grand Staircase for a hike in the slot canyons.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

    Pretty location

    Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Strawberry Bay

    Quiet campground on a tranquil lake, $24/site

    Arrived late afternoon on a Wednesday in mid September after trying some of the dispersed spots and not finding quite the right fit. Several of the loops were closed for the season, but we found several good sites right on the bluff above the water. Great views, and a little path down to the waters edge (which we made use of right away with the pups, who enjoyed a good romp in and out of the water). Be forewarned, though: the sand is the dark red variety and a wet dog will need a shower to get this off.

    Plenty of potable water spouts and restrooms. Most of the campers were in RVs or trailers, but a tent would be fine here. The sites each had two picnic tables, metal fire rings and three sided, roofed shelters in case of rain or wind. They aren’t the largest sites, but there is decent spacing between sites. Some have some tree cover, but most are exposed.

    We had a visit from a herd of cows right after sunset on the beach in front of our site. They looked at us curiously for a few minutes before moving on, but we could hear them mooing periodically throughout the evening so I don’t think they went far.

    Good one night spot or longer if you have a boat with you for the lake. It was quite warm in the afternoon when we got here, though it cooled off quickly when the sun went down. Comfortable sleeping.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Paul Bunyon's Woodpile

    Easy to access, nice primitive sites

    Road was easy enough dry, imagine it would be tough after a storm.  There are a number of well dispersed sites, some with good wind protection, others less so.

  • J
    Apr. 16, 2022

    Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

    Some amenities

    This is a disperse campground. It a a portable toilet which is amazingly clean and maintained. Now they’ve set up a dumpster for all of your garbage. It is a compact dirt road. You can find a spot anywhere if you are pulling in your van/car/truck but if you have a rig you want to get in here early as it gets full with RVs. It’s an entrance for off roading so it gets noisy and dusty at 8:00 am.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Lodgepole Campground

    Campground in the Aspens

    Very nice campground in a mix of lodgepole and aspen trees. 35 sites..so itme are reserveable (1-22)..but #23-35 are FF. As of this review the water system was not working so no water, the flush toilet restrooms are not available but a new vault toilet was recently installed. and no access to the RV dump either. Hopefully this is a temp issue. Some hwy noise from #191. Sites are designed for trailers and RVs and a 4-5 sites are pull thru. $18 nite/$10 senior. Cell service good on ATT but not so good on Verizon (extended network.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Aug. 31, 2015

    Millsite State Park Campground

    Nice Campground located on reservoir and mouth of Ferron Canyon

    We stayed here twice this summer and really liked it both times. All the tenting campsites are on the Millsite Reservoir but if you go higher than site number 17 you are a bit further from the water. The campground is open, so not totally private, but it was so quiet it didn't really matter. We went for a couple of hikes in the Ferron Canyon which you can walk to, and they have paddle boarding on the reservoir which we didn't have time to do. They don't have typical fire rings on the ground - they are up off the ground. See photo.


Guide to Fairview

Tent camping near Fairview, Utah ranges from primitive mountain sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Located in central Utah where the Wasatch Plateau meets Sanpete Valley, camping options typically sit between 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, offering significantly cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys during summer months. Winter access to most dispersed sites becomes limited due to snow accumulation from November through April.

What to do

Hiking to hot springs: Diamond Fork Hot Springs (Fifth Water) is accessible from Dry Canyon campground. "My roommates and I camped here in late-September and loved it. It's a good location and pretty close to the hot springs but not so close that you can smell the sulfur," reports Jamie M.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple streams offer trout fishing within minutes of campsites. "Great fishing in both the fifth water river and Diamond Fork," notes Brad B. about the waterways near camping areas. Fish Creek and local reservoirs provide additional angling options throughout the camping season.

Mountain biking trails: Willow Creek Road provides direct access to mountain biking routes. Daniel S. mentions "It is RIGHT next to a mountain bike trail, so expect some early-morning bikers to be coming down."

What campers like

River sounds for sleeping: Campsites along streams offer natural white noise. "The river ran right by our site and it was lovely," shares a camper about their Dry Canyon experience. Another notes you can "listen to it as you fall asleep, but you don't have to worry about floating away."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife. Brad B. reports "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent." Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing times from campsite perimeters.

Budget-friendly options: Free dispersed camping exists throughout the region. "Free parking and overnight camping. Each site has a table, fire pit," notes Ethan H. about camping opportunities. Leah W. adds "[The] road going into Cottonwood Campground has free dispersed camping along it. There are no amenities, however you can't beat free."

What you should know

Weekend congestion: Many accessible sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday during summer months. "On summer weekends, this whole road is PACKED with campers and 4-wheelers," warns Leah W. about Cottonwood Campground access roads.

Local party spots: Some established campgrounds experience rowdy behavior on weekends. "This campground is a local party place and is somewhat trashy, old toilet seats and some garbage laying around," cautions connie C. about one location. Consider midweek visits for quieter experiences.

Toilet facilities vary significantly: From none at dispersed sites to maintained pit toilets at established areas. "There is one pit toilet that did have toilet paper," notes a reviewer. At walk-in sites, toilet facilities require short hikes from camping areas.

Tips for camping with families

Group camping options: Camp Maple Dell accommodates larger family gatherings. "This camp can be rented by camp ground for $150 per night. Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more," shares Michelle B.

Stream access for kids: Sites near gentle water features provide natural entertainment. "River not too cold," mentions Ash S. about creek access at walk-in sites. Children can explore shallow areas under supervision.

Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife observation protocols. "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent," advises an experienced camper.

Tips from RVers

High-clearance access required: Many dispersed camping roads become rutted during wet weather. Tracey W. notes "Good roads in but we got there on a Sunday night and quite a bit of traffic heading out. I imagine the weekends are busy."

Limited amenities: Few campgrounds offer hookups or dump stations within 30 miles. RVers must be self-contained with sufficient water and waste capacity for their entire stay. Dump stations are available in larger towns like Nephi and Mount Pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fairview, UT is Cottonwood Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Fairview, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.