Tent camping near Roosevelt, Utah offers sites across elevations ranging from 4,700 to 8,000 feet, providing varied camping conditions through multiple seasons. The area receives less than 10 inches of annual precipitation, creating a high desert environment with cool nights even during summer months. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during daytime hours while dropping to the 40s overnight in higher elevation campsites.
What to do
Fish the Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River provides excellent fishing opportunities at Ashley National Forest Riverview Campground, where campers have spotted fly fishers catching multiple trout within view of camping areas. "We showed up Labor Day weekend. Almost every spot along the river was taken, but once you were in your camp you could hardly tell neighbors were around. We didn't fish, but saw a couple of fly fishers catch 4 trout right in front of us," notes Cody W.
Hike to petroglyphs: Just 1.7 miles before reaching Rainbow Park Campground, visitors can explore ancient rock art. "Lots is small and winding trails all over the landscape to explore. Very close to some of the coolest petroglyphs also," reports Farah C. The site offers multiple loop trails leading up nearby hills for better viewing.
Summit Kings Peak: For experienced hikers, Dollar Lake Campsites serve as a base camp for climbing Utah's highest peak. "The sites are approximately 12 miles from the summit of kings peak. There are no bathrooms and you must pack everything out so plan for that," advises Cortney M. The hike to Dollar Lake itself is about 8 miles from the parking area.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of Rainbow Park Campground creates exceptional conditions for night sky viewing. "Absolutely pitch black out. There was no one here and no one for miles. Great view of the Milky Way. Totally silent," shares Grant M. about his October visit. The campground's location away from light pollution makes it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Privacy between sites: Despite high weekend demand, many campers note the spaciousness of sites at Forest Road 13. "Well spaced sites, very private. Various sites to choose from, whether it's more wooded or open area," explains Drifting M. The dispersed camping areas maintain separation even during peak season.
Access to mountain wildlife: Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed camping areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, though hunters frequent the area in fall. "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me. Be warned though you definitely will hear the gunshots of them hunting in the forest below," notes Rebecca S.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites in the Roosevelt area lack running water and modern restrooms. At Dollar Lake Campsites, "This area is located a little over 8 miles from the parking area. It is walk or horse ride in only. The hike is not too taxing and there are small streams that cross the trail a couple times if you need to stop and filter water," explains Cortney M. Campers must carry in everything needed and pack out all waste.
Road conditions: Many of the best tent camping areas near Roosevelt require navigating unpaved roads. "FS road #13 has large diameter cobble base and makes for a bumpy road. There are much better dispersed sites across the hwy on FS roads #839 and #838 for RVs and TTs," suggests Greg L. Rain can significantly worsen conditions on these access roads.
Seasonal changes: Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer campers, while spring may present access challenges due to snowmelt. The Riverview Campground visitor Bharath K. reports, "The night sky was amazing, could see the whole milky way galaxy," highlighting the clear autumn skies that make shoulder season camping appealing despite colder temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families with younger children, Uinta Canyon offers structured camping with convenient facilities. "We recently had our family reunion at the group site a little farther up the road. It easily accommodated 30 trailers, 8 large tents, about 70 of us, and 10 dogs. It had 2 toilet buildings that were cleaned and stocked daily by DNR," reports Cortney M.
Plan for temperature swings: Pack additional layers for children, as nighttime temperatures can drop rapidly in higher elevation sites. "We held a family reunion here in the group site which is just north of the regular campsites. The rangers came in once a day to see if we needed anything and were very friendly," notes Tammy H.
Look for geocaching opportunities: Several sites offer geocaching activities that can engage children. "Very large campground can accommodate many people. Fishing is close by as well as a short hike to smokey springs. Several geocaches in the area so be sure to take your GPS," suggests Kam L.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many of the best tent camping spots near Roosevelt, Utah have limited access for larger vehicles. At Whiterocks, "This is a very nice get away spot about an 75 minutes outside of Vernal Utah. The campsite itself is nestled in the pines with craggy mountains all around it. The sites themselves are well maintained with a lot of open space between the sites," explains Tammy H., though noting RVs should carefully assess site access.
Consider forest road alternatives: For those with suitable vehicles, Forest Road 13 dispersed camping offers free options. "The road was pretty rough, some large divits and larger rocks on the road. I drive an outback so I just went slow and it was fine. It evened out around the corner, but the beginning was rough," reports Kate R., suggesting smaller RVs and truck campers may navigate these roads while larger units should avoid them.
Water availability varies: RVers should arrive with full tanks as most sites lack hookups. Many campers filter water from nearby streams for non-drinking purposes while maintaining separate potable water supplies.
