Best Tent Camping near Layton, UT

Tent campgrounds near Layton, Utah include established sites and dispersed locations throughout the Wasatch Mountains and surrounding public lands. Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry tent camping where visitors must hike at least half a mile from roads and 200 feet from developed areas and water sources. Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites on Antelope Island State Park provides a more structured tent camping experience with drive-in and hike-in access options, while Monte Cristo area offers free dispersed tent camping in a scenic mountain setting.

Most tent campsites around Layton require self-sufficiency as amenities vary widely. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo features primitive sites on forest service land with fire rings but no drinking water or toilets. A $5 entrance fee applies at Millcreek Canyon, where camping season typically runs from July through fall, creating limited availability during peak months. Split Rock Bay offers more facilities including toilets, picnic tables, and electric hookups, unusual amenities for tent campers in this region. Campers should verify current fire restrictions before trips, as bans are common during dry summer months.

The tent camping experience near Layton varies by location and elevation. Higher elevation sites at Monte Cristo offer aspen forests and cooler temperatures, particularly desirable during summer heat. Millcreek Canyon provides extensive hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, with moose and deer commonly spotted. Antelope Island campsites offer unique lake views and wildlife observation, though insects can be problematic in certain seasons. According to one visitor at Monte Cristo, "There are tons of free sites all up and down the main road. The only problem is it is busy if you leave on Friday plan to get there by 3 at the latest. Spots fill quick." Early arrival is essential for securing preferred tent sites, especially at no-reservation dispersed camping areas during summer weekends and fall color season.

Best Tent Sites Near Layton, Utah (20)

    1. Cook Campsite

    1 Review
    Fruit Heights, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 544-1788

    "Aside from the excessive litter in a few places, This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking."

    2. Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites — Antelope Island State Park

    3 Reviews
    Syracuse, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 773-2941

    $20 / night

    "Good hiking trails with great views and lots if animals to see."

    3. Port Ramp Marina

    2 Reviews
    Huntsville, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 625-5112

    $650 / night

    "Not only is it more beautiful (IMO) in the winter, but it gets loads of snow for snow sports, and it is right next to Powder Mountain and Snow Basin!"

    "Beautiful lake, nice beaches, but only if you go in the late summer or fall."

    4. Hobble

    1 Review
    Huntsville, UT
    21 miles

    5. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    30 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."

    6. Dispersed camping near Monte Cristo

    8 Reviews
    Eden, UT
    34 miles

    "Two nice boondocking spots just a short drive on a tight dirt road off the highway. The campsite on the right is bigger, the one on the left is very small."

    7. closed

    1 Review
    Wanship, UT
    31 miles
    +1 (801) 513-1583

    $59 - $64 / night

    8. Red Pine Lake

    7 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    "Red Pine Lake is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south side of the road."

    "wonderful place to backpack up to during the week. can access 3 different beautiful lakes from this drainage and 2 beautiful peaks!"

    9. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    41 miles

    "An amazing spot to drive to and spend the day or backpack in and spend a night or two.  Be warned you will need a 4wd vehicle if trying to go up the road after a rain storm. "

    "You can’t drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot. Camping anywhere along that road will give you gorgeous views, though!"

    10. Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Grantsville, UT
    43 miles

    "In fact it represents just as a reference for the highway road off the 80 highway you go along 196 and there are pull off roads leading to either straight up the side of a mountain or along the valley."

    "This location is also right in an outdoor shooting range with multiple spots so that’s a plus if you’re looking for entertainment."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Layton, UT

864 Reviews of 20 Layton Campgrounds



Guide to Layton

Nestled near Layton, Utah, tent camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

Tent campers should check out Antelope Island State Park

Activities for outdoor enthusiasts

Tips for tent camping near Layton

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Layton, UT is Cook Campsite with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Layton, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.