Tent camping near Ogden, Utah ranges in elevation from 4,300 feet in the valleys to over 9,000 feet in the high mountain areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F at lower elevations while higher elevation sites like Curtis Creek stay 10-15 degrees cooler. Camping season generally runs May through September, with higher elevation sites often snow-covered until late June.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: At Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites, campers can observe diverse local wildlife. A visitor noted it has "Good hiking trails with great views and lots of animals to see."
Hiking near alpine lakes: Trails near Red Pine Lake provide access to multiple water bodies. One camper shared, "Nearby are the upper and lower red pine lakes in addition to a couple smaller ponds in the red pine drainage."
Ice fishing and winter sports: Some areas offer unique winter camping experiences. Near Port Ramp Marina, "the lake will freeze over enough to walk on or fish on. There were plenty of people ice fishing when we went."
Outdoor shooting: At certain dispersed sites like Skull Valley Road, visitors can target shoot legally and safely. One review mentioned, "This location is also right in an outdoor shooting range with multiple spots so that's a plus if you're looking for entertainment."
What campers like
Secluded views: Dispersed camping areas offer privacy with scenery. At Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo, one visitor mentioned, "We came during a week day and the whole site was empty! Very quiet, very pretty, and very colorful."
Accessible water sources: Some tent sites offer convenient water access. A hiker at Red Pine Lake shared, "The hike up to the lake starts off pretty easily, and since it follows the stream coming down, clean drinking water is always at hand."
Fall foliage: Autumn brings spectacular colors to many camping areas. One visitor camping near Monte Cristo noted, "It was the end of September and all the leaves were changing."
Diverse ecosystem experiences: Camping options range from forest to desert environments. A camper at Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping reported, "Beautiful views, wide open spaces and super quiet."
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Many sites have limited access depending on weather conditions. For Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping, a visitor warned, "Camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account."
Distance requirements: Some areas have specific rules about campsite placement. In Millcreek Canyon, regulations require "you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak times. About Monte Cristo, a camper advised, "If you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick."
Weather preparation: High elevation sites experience significant weather changes. A Red Pine Lake camper noted, "It stormed pretty hard in the middle of the night, and since the lake is up near the top of the mountain, it got pretty windy."
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking options: For families with young children, some areas offer gentle introduction to overnight hiking. At Cook Campsite, a parent shared, "This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking."
Fishing opportunities: Many lakes and streams in the region hold fish for family angling. At Red Pine Lake, campers report seeing "large trout" in the waters.
Winter recreation: Some camping areas transform for cold-weather activities. Port Ramp Marina offers winter options where "it gets loads of snow for snow sports, and it is right next to Powder Mountain and Snow Basin!"
Water play areas: Streams provide safe places for children to explore. In Millcreek Canyon, "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river."
Tips for RVers
Limited access for larger vehicles: Many dispersed camping areas have size restrictions. At Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin, visitors often use smaller setups, with one mentioning, "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to many sites require appropriate vehicles. A Monte Cristo camper with a 17-foot trailer noted it "was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. While Curtis Creek has "no cell service," other areas like Skull Valley maintain connections, with one camper reporting "Verizon cell service was strong."
Boondocking preparations: RVers need to be self-sufficient. A visitor to Monte Cristo advised it offers "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs."
