Tent camping near Herriman, Utah provides access to high-elevation backcountry sites ranging from 6,500 to 10,000+ feet. Most dispersed camping options sit within Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons or American Fork Canyon, where summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F during the day and 40-55°F at night. Spring runoff often makes roads to tent sites impassable until late May or early June, depending on winter snowpack levels.
What to do
Explore alpine lakes: Lake Blanche Trail offers a challenging 3-4 mile hiking trail to a pristine mountain lake. "Great hike to the lake!" reports one camper who enjoyed the backcountry experience.
Fish for trout: Backcountry lakes near Herriman provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Silver Lake Backcountry, campers can "paddleboard, kayak, etc." according to one visitor who noted it's "only 40-50 minutes away from Provo, UT area so easy to get away for a quick day or two of camping."
Summit nearby peaks: Many tent camping areas provide access to peak-bagging opportunities. From Dutchman Mine Flats, hikers can reach several summits for panoramic views. One camper notes, "If you're one of the first up, you will be very likely to get a good spot though, especially now with the Tibble Fork access gone from the washout."
What campers like
Early season solitude: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry tent sites offer weekday solitude. "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," reports one frequent visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many tent campers report regular animal sightings. In Millcreek Canyon, campers regularly encounter wildlife: "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall."
Night sky views: The higher elevation tent sites provide excellent stargazing opportunities. At Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "Nights are quiet and the moon is usually super bright."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Most backcountry tent sites have seasonal or permanent fire bans. Always check current restrictions before your trip. At Red Pine Lake, "No fires or pets are allowed given that Little Cottonwood Canyon is considered Watershed. So plan on cooking with a backpacking stove/cooker."
Vehicle requirements: Many dirt roads leading to tent sites require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. One camper at Silver Lake Backcountry notes, "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes."
Permit needs: Some areas require wilderness permits or camping registrations. Always check requirements before heading out. Anderson Park charges "$25" for camping and "allows for camping and accommodates small or large groups."
Creek crossings: Several backcountry tent areas require fording water. Silver Lake Backcountry access includes crossing "a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose."
Tips for camping with families
Shorter backpacking routes: For families new to tent camping near Herriman, choose sites with shorter approach hikes. Kimball Campground offers "campsites hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats" that are "within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake."
Water recreation: Select camping areas near lakes for kid-friendly activities. Anderson Park was described as "great for Paddleboarding and fishing" by one visitor.
Space between sites: For family privacy, seek dispersed sites with adequate separation. At Skull Valley Road, one camper noted "sites are well spaced out" providing room for families to spread out.
Weather protection: Mountain weather changes quickly. One camper at Kimball Campground warns that "the dirt is very chalky and dusty, and keeping your gear clean is not really an option here."
Tips from RVers
Primitive access points: Most tent camping areas near Herriman prohibit RVs or have difficult access. At Camp Eagle Mountain, a reviewer notes it's "a developing camp, so while it's free-range and fairly primitive camping, the current construction is eventually expected to provide potable water, campsites, flushing toilets, and showers."
Road conditions: Monitor seasonal road status before bringing even small trailers. A Skull Valley Road visitor with a larger RV reported: "We brought a 30' RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts."
Parking logistics: Many tent camping areas have limited parking. Silver Lake Backcountry requires you "park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot."
