Best Tent Camping near Kingston, UT

The area around Kingston, Utah includes access for tent camping in the Fishlake National Forest and nearby public lands. Tent campsites are available at established locations like Birch Creek Campground, which offers basic amenities for tent-only camping, and City Creek Campground near Junction, which operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-September. For those seeking more solitude, primitive tent setups can be found at Timid Springs and South Creek Upper Trailhead, both offering backcountry camping experiences within reasonable driving distance of Kingston.

Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at some locations but drinking water rarely provided. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal bags. Birch Creek Campground provides picnic tables and toilets with both drive-in and walk-in access specifically designed for tent camping. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with several campgrounds like South Creek Upper Trailhead prohibiting fires entirely. The terrain typically consists of natural surfaces with limited site preparation, requiring campers to select level spots for their tents.

"The campground is beautiful with woods surrounding our site. Lots of wildlife walking around our tent at night," noted one camper about their experience in the region. Tent-only camping areas near Kingston provide good tree cover for shade during hot summer days, while higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting encounters near their tent sites after dark. The primitive nature of these tent campsites appeals to those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience away from developed facilities. Walk-in tent sites at locations like Raven's Nest Campground provide additional privacy and a sense of wilderness immersion despite being relatively close to roads. During peak summer months, higher elevation tent campgrounds offer relief from valley heat while providing access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Best Tent Sites Near Kingston, Utah (24)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Kingston, UT

8 Photos of 24 Kingston Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Kingston, UT

1247 Reviews of 24 Kingston Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tom's Best Spring Road Dixie National Forest

    Lots of spots off this road!

    Plenty of spots (though we were here on a weekday) and SO CLOSE to Bryce NP! The stars were beautiful at night - even got some photos with my phone. There were some cows but they mostly stayed clear of the road. Road was pretty level and easy for cars to get back (and there were spots right off the road). I already want to come back!

    There was a fire ban in July so bring your camp stove and leave no trace!

  • R
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    A small scenic campground at the north end of the Park

    This campground is situated at the north end of the Park at a high elevation. It's free and has picnic tables, fire rings and a vault toilet but no water. If you want to make a fire, you must bring your own firewood. There are excellent views of the valley below only a short walk from the campsites.

  • E
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Canyons of Escalante RV Park

    Beautiful backpacking trip

    Did an awesome 3 day hike of the hurricane wash. Hiked in, set up camp, explored further, slept first night. Left our tents and gear and did a day pack hike totalling 16 miles down and back up the canyon. Third day was back out. It was amazing...other than the extreme leave no trace rules (ALL waste carried out).

  • Bubble G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2024

    Castle Rock Campground — Fremont Indian State Park

    Great location, quiet, semi private

    The site we camped had a private walk to the little creek, fire ring and picnic table. Well built bathrooms and a garbage dump available for use. $5 for all you can carry in your arms in fire wood… felt private without anyone parked on either side but later people came and the noise went up a little, but overall cute camp. Got one of the first come first serve sites, payment in cash only $20 for the night (established site, no water, no electric, no sewer) Pets allowed-leashed.

  • K
    Jun. 20, 2021

    North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    Nicely spaced

    It’s true that they are full by noon! We arrived at 2pm and the whole place was full, so we got a hotel room in town and went back at 9am the next morning and got a wonderful spot in the tent only loop. Spots are nicely spaced and you don’t feel like you eavesdropping on your neighbors conversations. Flush toilets, but no showers in this loop. Fire rings, mostly level places for tents, picnic tables that are easy to move and space to park your car.

  • I
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Little Cottonwood Campground

    Great Overnight stop car camping

    Checked in at 8:30pm on a Monday during a cross country drive.  Host was gracious and suggested spot 12.  There  was plenty of availability even late eve (weekday).  All were good, quiet spots.  Spot 12 was across from wheelchair path to creek (Beaver River).  There was a nice bench where path met creek, great for sitting and enjoying morning coffee/fishing/relaxing.  Spots had faucet, picnic table and level tent pad filled with pea gravel-bring good footprint/tarp.  It was quiet, and the creek noise was pleasant.  The road was very close, and you could hear the traffic, but it wasn't a bother (about 2-3cars/hour).  One very nice thing about this campground is the gravel covering all the picnic/firepit and frequented areas.  This completely eliminated the dust that typically gets on everything while camping.  There was shade from trees, but this was is a pretty tight canyon, so there are very few hours of direct sunlight anyway.  Host delivered wood.  Long trails leave right from campground.  No showers, clean vault toilets.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Rosebud Atv

    Rosebud ATV cg

    Good all season gravel road into the CG. Only 4 sites but nice tables and fire rings. One vault toilet. This is a fee CG, $20/$10 senior. No water or trash at CG but just before the main Hwy there is a pullout with potable water spigot and a small dumpster. Water was shut off Sept 28 on my visit. No cell signal though.

  • B
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents

    Might be adequate, if you are not picky

    We spent a single night in one of the tent sites, which are immediately behind the office/owner's residence. Sites have a parking space, fire ring with grill attachment, a picnic table and a gravel tent pad. They are small, and not separated from one another, so if you're looking for any level of privacy you won't find it here. On the other hand, if you like sharing space with other campers you may enjoy it. You also may experience those staying in the RV section walking through your site in order to get to the restrooms/showers.

    The campground has both firewood and ice available for purchase. The remainder of the campground store is currently closed due to Covid regulations.

    If you have any concerns about Covid (this is being written in September 2020), SC is not a site I would recommend. While the owners have placed signs suggesting social distancing guidelines, including masks while in the restrooms/shower area, compliance among the campers in a nearly full campground was minimal. One unmasked female camper was loudly discussing all the airports she had passed through on her way to the area, including Chicago and Denver. 

    Even little details were missed, like the soap in the restrooms being organic and not antibacterial.

    Sand Creek is located on Hwy 24, and the road noise didn't quiet down until around 11 PM. Probably not a good choice any time for a light sleeper.

    If you have a self-contained RV and are just looking for a place to park for the night, Sand Creek is likely to fit your needs. For a tent camper, its main recommendation is the ability to reserve a site in advance, as most of the other campgrounds in the area are first come, first serve.

  • Dylan T.
    Mar. 21, 2021

    Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    Beautiful free camping

    The dispersed camping here is awesome. Flat spots for tents, developed fire pits, some good tree cover as well. Only about 20 minutes from the park entrance. My only complaint is that there was some road noise but other sites here may not have that issue.


Guide to Kingston

Tent camping near Kingston, Utah offers a chance to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you'll find options that cater to different preferences and needs.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • At Three Creeks Reservoir, campers can enjoy picturesque views and a serene environment, perfect for relaxation and photography.
  • The Tushar Lakeside Campground provides access to hiking trails with breathtaking mountain scenery, ideal for adventurous souls looking to explore the outdoors.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Raven's Nest Utah Campground offers a wild setting just a short distance from town, allowing for peaceful nights under the stars.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Kingston

  • Bring your own water and firewood when visiting Birch Creek Campground, as these amenities are not provided, ensuring a more self-sufficient camping experience.
  • If you're camping at Fisherman's Beach Recreation Site, be prepared for a rustic experience with no drinking water or trash services available.
  • Make sure to pack essentials like trash bags and lighting when heading to Mudsprings Trail Backcountry Camping, as this site is more remote and lacks many amenities.

Campground Features to Consider

  • Tushar Lakeside Campground is big rig friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for families and larger groups.
  • At City Creek Campground, you'll find picnic tables and toilets, providing a bit more comfort for your camping experience.
  • For a unique experience, consider Timid Springs, where pets are allowed, making it a perfect spot for those who want to bring their furry friends along.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kingston, UT is Betenson Flat Trailhead with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Kingston, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.