Best Tent Camping near Helper, UT

Tent camping opportunities near Helper, Utah include both established and dispersed sites situated across varying elevations and terrain types. Fish Creek Campground, located directly in Helper, offers primitive tent sites that operate year-round. Nearby options include Dry Canyon, which provides walk-in tent sites that require crossing a bridge from the parking area to access camping spots along the river.

Most tent camping areas near Helper feature minimal amenities. Sites at Dry Canyon include picnic tables and fire pits but lack drinking water facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Toilet facilities vary significantly between locations - Fish Creek has vault toilets while many dispersed areas like Hobble Right Fork Dispersed have no restroom facilities whatsoever. Walk-in tent locations often require carrying gear short distances from parking areas to campsites, particularly at Dry Canyon where a stream crossing is necessary. One camper shared, "You cross a bridge over the stream to the camp sites, and you're a perfect distance from the river so you can listen to it as you fall asleep."

The tent camping experience around Helper offers notable advantages for those seeking natural settings. Sites along waterways provide ambient sound and potential fishing opportunities. Terrain varies from riverside locations to higher elevation dispersed sites that can reach nearly 8,000 feet at locations like Willow Creek Road. Primitive tent setups in the area often benefit from tree cover, with sites like Cottonwood Campground offering shade from cottonwood trees. A review mentioned that "Despite the cattle that reside in the area, lower light pollution makes the stars pretty visible and there's lots of wildlife as well." Campers seeking more remote experiences should consider the dispersed options, though these typically require vehicles with higher clearance to access and preparation for completely self-sufficient camping without amenities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Helper, Utah (20)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Helper, UT

378 Reviews of 20 Helper 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!

  • Pat R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Juniper Point — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

    Juniper Campground

    Juniper is a primitive site with 3 vault toilets and dumpster. A couple of the sites are secluded. All of the campsites are within walking distance to the water. Finding level ground is somewhat challenging. We drove to the improved camping area and pay for shower use. The DNR staff have all been helpful and friendly. Only 2 of the sites have real shade. There appears to be breezes to wind in the evenings. Our tent trailer handled all. Dogs are allowed and most people clean up after. After memorial day the most used vault toilet needed attention.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2022

    Currant Creek

    Currant Creek Reservoir and Campground 2021

    Dirt road is washboard hell, but you are rewarded when you arrive to a clean and quiet campground stay. Plenty of trees, flowers and wildlife including hummingbirds, deer, sandhill cranes, moose, beaver, chipmunks, squirrels and fish. Water is cold, but plenty deep for fishing, boating, canoes and paddle boards.  Fishing was steady.  Be prepared to pay to launch your boat and empty your tanks at the dump station.

    This campground has reservation and first come first served sites. There is tent and trailer camping available. Loop B has group sites. There was no water available in the campground the last few times we were here. There are no hook ups-electric, water, sewer at this campground.

    There are restrooms in each loop of the campground. There is a quiet time enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. No generators after 10 PM.

    Bring cash or check as they do not take credit cards on site.

    We will camp here again.

  • Seth K.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Rabbit Gulch Campground — Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

    Desert-like but awe inspiring

    This campground, specifically, the tent only part is awe inspiring. You have the ability to camp super close to the lake and the pictures you can take are amazing. The bathrooms are quite spartan at the tent camping only site, but showers and flush toilets are available at the other side of the campground. Watch out for rocks going in, we got a flat.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2023

    BLM Mexican Mt Road Dispersed Camping

    BLM Free dispersed

    The Mexican Mt Road starts at the Swinging Bridge North CG, goes past the BLM equestrian CG, then goes for 10 miles till road is blocked at Mexican Mt wilderness. Many nice free dispersed sites along this maintained but dusty road. Some sites down toward the San Rafael river in the bushes, others along the road or in side draws toward the cliffs. No designated sites, no water, no trash, no cell signal. As of now the BLM has no formal rule for portable toilets but that may change in future.

  • 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.

  • J
    May. 9, 2021

    Swinging Bridge Equestrian Campground

    Beautiful 360º Views Next to the San Rafael River

    We stayed this weekend (early May 2021) at the Swinging Bridge South Campground and had a great time. The campground includes:

    • Tent pads at every site
    • Plenty of space to pull up in one's vehicle
    • Accessible unisex pit toilet
    • Picnic tables at every site
    • Metal fire rings

    The cost is $15 per night with a limit to 2 vehicles per site and up to 10 people per site, with half-price discounts for National Parks/Interagency Passes. There are neither trash receptacles on-site nor potable water, so plan to pack in/pack out.

    This dog-friendly BLM campground made a great home base for adventuring in the Buckhorn Wash and Little Grand Canyon overlook area. There was minimal road noise at night, though you can hear neighboring campers since it's a fairly open campground. On our night it was rather windy so plan to bring strong tie-downs for your ground tent if you plan to use the tent pads.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Buckhorn Draw Fee Campground Sites 18-21

    Buckhorn 18-21 Fee area campsites

    This is a cluster of 4 campsites scattered in a draw. Roads are sandy though so recon first. May be more suited to trucks and tenters instead of RVs. $15/$7.50 senior as of Jan 2023. Vault toilet at this cluster, tables and fire rings. No water, no trash, no cell signal.

  • 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.


Guide to Helper

Tent campsites near Helper, Utah range from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, offering varied terrain and temperature conditions throughout the camping season. Most dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, especially after rainfall when dirt roads become more challenging. Winter camping options are limited due to snow closure of many forest service roads from November through April.

What to do

Fishing access: At Willow Creek Road - Dispersed Site, campers can fish in nearby streams at elevations approaching 8,000 feet. One visitor noted, "You are at almost 8000 ft so not a winter camping spot. There is some ATV traffic but respectfully slow."

Mountain biking trails: Many dispersed sites connect directly to trail systems. As one camper at Willow Creek explained, "It is RIGHT next to a mountain bike trail, so expect some early-morning bikers to be coming down."

Hot springs proximity: Camp at Dry Canyon for convenient access to natural hot springs. A camper reported, "It's a good location and pretty close to the hot springs but not so close that you can smell the sulfur."

Stargazing opportunities: Light pollution decreases significantly at higher elevation sites. Campers should bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures drop rapidly after sunset. According to one review, "Lower light pollution makes the stars pretty visible and there's lots of wildlife as well."

What campers like

River sounds: Several campsites position visitors near flowing water without flood risks. A Dry Canyon visitor explained, "You're a perfect distance from the river so you can listen to it as you fall asleep, but you don't have to worry about floating away."

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. One Hobble Right Fork Dispersed camper shared, "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent."

Privacy options: For those seeking solitude, driving further on access roads typically increases campsite privacy. A camper observed, "The further you drive, the more privacy you get. Despite the cattle that reside in the area of course."

Elevation benefits: Higher elevation campsites offer cooler temperatures during summer months when valley temperatures exceed 90°F. Sites above 7,000 feet can be 15-20 degrees cooler than Helper, with one camper noting, "It is at a fairly high elevation so nights will be cold."

What you should know

Road conditions: Most dispersed camping areas require navigating unpaved forest roads. According to a Cottonwood Campground visitor, "The road going into Cottonwood Campground has free dispersed camping along it. There are no amenities, however you can't beat free."

Livestock presence: Free-range cattle commonly graze throughout camping areas. One camper advised, "You will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills. Download a map prior to entering Hobble Creek as you lose reception at the beginning."

Weekend congestion: Popular sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday during summer months. A reviewer cautioned, "On summer weekends, this whole road is PACKED with campers and 4-wheelers."

Water availability: No dispersed sites provide potable water. Campers must bring all drinking water and water for washing. A visitor explained, "This is a great spot for self-contained campers, van campers, or tent campers who don't need water."

Tips for camping with families

Site accessibility: Some campsites require significant walking from parking areas. One Dry Canyon visitor advised, "Do have to carry everything from the parking lot, across the bridge, to your campsite."

Shade availability: During summer, seek sites with natural shade. A Dry Canyon camper noted, "Beautiful scenery. Lots of shade and dappled sunlight. River steps away. River not too cold."

Toilet considerations: Most dispersed areas lack sanitation facilities. As one camper mentioned, "There's one pit toilet but for this small camp area, it does the trick. The sites are spacious and private and right by the river."

Canyon activities: Family-friendly options include short hikes and stream exploration. A visitor recommended, "This canyon offers different hiking trails and camping sites, with picnic tables."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle requirements: Many access roads require higher clearance. One visitor to Hobble Right Fork recommended, "You won't need high clearance but a good suspension or airing down will help."

Spare tire essential: Rough roads increase the risk of tire damage. A camper warned, "The dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. Make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case."

Site selection: RVs should arrive early to secure flatter parking areas. A visitor suggested, "The area is accessible to normal cars (sedans/SUVs) from the main gravel road and if you wish to go further for more privacy, and a better spot in my opinion, you can turn off on a dirt road."

Weekday advantages: Arrive Sunday through Thursday for better site selection and easier navigation of narrow forest roads. One camper observed, "We got there on a Sunday night and quite a bit of traffic heading out. I imagine the weekends are busy."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Helper, UT is Nuck Woodward Road Trailhead with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Helper, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.