Best Tent Camping near Herriman, UT
Tent campsites near Herriman, Utah include several backcountry options with varied terrain and amenities. Silver Lake Backcountry offers tent-only camping in an alpine setting approximately 40-50 minutes from the Provo area, requiring campers to hike at least half a mile from the trailhead. Red Pine Lake provides primitive tent camping accessed via a moderately difficult 3-4 mile hiking trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon, with no vehicle access to the lake.
Campers should bring all necessary supplies as most tent areas have minimal or no facilities. Sites at Red Pine Lake require camping at least 200 feet from water sources due to watershed restrictions. The dirt road to Silver Lake Backcountry becomes rough after rainfall and requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance to navigate, including crossing a creek with 12-18 inches of water. Millcreek Canyon offers dispersed backcountry camping with the requirement that tent sites must be placed at least half a mile from the main road. Most areas prohibit campfires during dry seasons, and some locations like Red Pine Lake ban fires year-round to protect watershed areas.
The hiking-accessible tent sites provide seclusion and scenic views not available at drive-up campgrounds. At Silver Lake Backcountry, tent campers enjoy views of the Timpanogos Massif looming over the lake, Box Elder Peak to the west, and the Alpine Ridge to the north. The Red Pine Lake area features steep terrain and rocky surfaces that limit flat tent pads, particularly at higher elevations. A visitor commented, "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. The weekend can get very busy so during the week is the best time to camp as it's likely you'll be the only overnight camper." Many backcountry tent sites are snow-covered until late spring, restricting access to summer and early fall.
