Best Tent Camping near Mapleton, UT

Several tent camping options exist in the Mapleton, Utah vicinity, with Dry Canyon offering riverside tent sites across a footbridge from the parking area. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed camping provides more primitive tent camping in a higher elevation setting with mountain views. Both locations feature designated tent pads with fire rings, though amenities are minimal. Wasatch National Forest's Sulphur Campground, located approximately 15 miles from Mapleton, offers more developed tent sites with drinking water and toilets.

Access to tent sites varies significantly throughout the area. Dry Canyon features walk-in tent sites requiring campers to carry gear across a bridge from the parking area to reach campsites. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed camping requires vehicles with decent clearance to navigate rough dirt roads, though standard SUVs can typically manage the main gravel routes. Most tent sites in the area provide fire pits, but campers should verify current fire restrictions before trips. Pit toilets are available at some locations like Dry Canyon, while others like Hobble Right Fork lack any facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

Tent campers in the Mapleton area experience varying levels of privacy and scenery. Dry Canyon tent sites offer the pleasant background sound of flowing water, with one camper noting "you're a perfect distance from the river so you can listen to it as you fall asleep, but you don't have to worry about floating away." At Hobble Right Fork, tent sites provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, and the mix of meadows and forest provides diverse camping environments. Sites farther from main roads generally offer greater seclusion, though free-range cattle are common in the Hobble Creek area. The higher elevation at Hobble Right Fork means nights can be particularly cold, requiring appropriate sleeping gear for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Mapleton, Utah (34)

    1. Dry Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    11 miles

    "free parking and overnight camping. each site has a table, fire pit, and plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent. from the parking lot you cross a bridge over the stream to the camp sites. you’re a perfect"

    "Their are nice picnic tables and fire rings a pit style bathroom is available across the river. Lots of amazing scenery around."

    2. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    12 miles

    "stunning views of the surrounding mountains. hardly any light pollution, so the stars were amazing. the dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case"

    "There are a few places to go behind growth for more privacy if desired. There is a small fire pit closer to the back. It is at a fairly high elevation so nights will be cold."

    3. Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 789-3194

    "The cleanest restrooms. 25ft hybrid trailer. Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."

    "a bit further from mirror lake, camp host was nice"

    4. Camp Maple Dell

    3 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    12 miles
    Website

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end."

    "If you don't want to drive for hours to unplug and enjoy nature, Maple Dell is just 5 miles up the Payson Canyon, has a lot of leafy trees for shade, most campsites have a pavilion and picnic table."

    5. Anderson Park

    2 Reviews
    Pleasant Grove, UT
    19 miles

    "Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables.  Large grassy field, two wooded areas, boarders a residential neighborhood, flushing toilets."

    6. American Campground

    1 Review
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    20 miles

    7. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    29 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!"

    8. Cottonwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 466-6411

    "Pretty country, not too far from Salt Lake City... A small stream running through the area (in August!)... But small and right off the road... A picnic table and fire ring... Lovely trees..."

    "This canyon offers different hiking trails and camping sites, with picnic tables."

    9. Red Pine Lake

    7 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    30 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!"

    10. Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054

    9 Reviews
    Heber, UT
    34 miles

    "Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic!"

    "Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I got away for a night and dispersed camp in the Unita National forest near the Mill Creek campground. "

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mapleton, UT

991 Reviews of 34 Mapleton Campgrounds


  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Diamond Fork

    Very clean and super camp host!

    I really loved this campground! And I really love Diamond Fork Hotsprings! I can’t wait to visit again! We camped the Thursday after Labor bad and had the entire campground almost all to ourselves! On Labor Day weekend there wasn’t an empty campsite. Cost is $22 for a single site, $44 for a double. We arrived to camp around 7:30 and pitched our tent then headed up the road a few more miles to the parking area for Diamond Fork (5th water) Hot Springs. I recommend visiting the Hotspring at night in the summer to escape the overwhelming crowds. There were only a handful of people at the springs during our evening visit. The trail to the springs is about 2.4 miles in. We returned to camp around 1 AM and slept soundly in the still, quiet nature. You can hear the stream babble nearby. We slept in and as we were breaking down camp, Marc, the camp host stopped by to se how our visit was and if we needed anything. What a wonderful man! We chatted for quite a while about the area and he offered to give us a tour of the campground in his golf cart. This is a pretty leather campground! 3 separate loops. There are some hike in tent sites but they are set up for dual tents and are priced as such so they are $44 which is quite speedy for a pack in tent site. There is a well maintained nature trail the passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail. There are multiple restrooms throughout the campground. The 2 I used were very clean considering it was post holiday weekend.
    Each campsite had a fire ring, grill, and a picnic table. Tent sites all offered nice level areas for pitching your tent. You can purchase fire wood from the camp host. This is a great place and I can’t wait to return!

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Fivemile Pass OHV

    Good for free camping

    Not much out here but you’ll likely see a hawk or a Golden Eagle. You will have to put up with crazy OHVers and drunk partiers in some spots but there are a lot of places to go with a few pit toilets spread about.

    This is the desert and there is no water so come prepared. Please leave no trace and clean up after yourself.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

    Pretty location

    Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location

  • Jillian B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Willow Park Campground

    Campground near Provo

    This campground is ok, would expect a little more since you have to pay $25. In a nice little suburban neighborhood. Spots are close together and not much privacy, our site was along the back fence. Each site had fire pit and picnic table. There are two bathrooms, no showers and no electricity. It looks like there are a couple water fill up spigots but not potable.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2022

    Currant Creek

    Currant Creek Reservoir and Campground 2021

    Dirt road is washboard hell, but you are rewarded when you arrive to a clean and quiet campground stay. Plenty of trees, flowers and wildlife including hummingbirds, deer, sandhill cranes, moose, beaver, chipmunks, squirrels and fish. Water is cold, but plenty deep for fishing, boating, canoes and paddle boards.  Fishing was steady.  Be prepared to pay to launch your boat and empty your tanks at the dump station.

    This campground has reservation and first come first served sites. There is tent and trailer camping available. Loop B has group sites. There was no water available in the campground the last few times we were here. There are no hook ups-electric, water, sewer at this campground.

    There are restrooms in each loop of the campground. There is a quiet time enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. No generators after 10 PM.

    Bring cash or check as they do not take credit cards on site.

    We will camp here again.

  • Mary S.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Tanners Flat

    Good location for exploring Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City

    You really need to know this: No dogs are allowed because this campground is in the Salt Lake City watershed.

    And this: As inviting as the water running through the campground may look, you are not allowed to swim, wade or wash in it.

    One more thing: Gate closes at 10 pm although that didn't stop some partiers at the next site in from us. They partied and left around 11 or so. There was no payment tag on the post. The exit is open but has tire shredders if you enter over them.

    A pleasant surprise at a Forest Service campground: 10 lbs of ice for $2! (There was also the usual bundle of firewood for $6.)

    An unpleasant surprise: Old, dirty bathrooms. I've seen cleaner vault toilets elsewhere than these flush toilets.

    There is no water for now (July 2018) in bathroom sinks or at spigots. The host said something about a pipe issue and water needing to be tested. That covers the amenities other than dumpsters.

    What about the sites? We arrived on a Sunday morning when the host was putting up signs indictating which sites were reserved. We had 3 possible sites among 1 through 19 and grabbed #9, a pull through site with a buffer between the road in the parking/small RV area.

    Sites in the other area (higher numbers) were becoming available, but that area's host said many of the sites were only appropriate for tents.

    Our site #9: There are a few steps down to the picnic table, fire ring and grill plus a separate area to the left for a tent. See photos.

    General site info:

    • Some sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table, etc.

    • Many sites have an area for the tent that is away from the picnic table and concealed from the road.

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Strawberry Bay

    Quiet campground on a tranquil lake, $24/site

    Arrived late afternoon on a Wednesday in mid September after trying some of the dispersed spots and not finding quite the right fit. Several of the loops were closed for the season, but we found several good sites right on the bluff above the water. Great views, and a little path down to the waters edge (which we made use of right away with the pups, who enjoyed a good romp in and out of the water). Be forewarned, though: the sand is the dark red variety and a wet dog will need a shower to get this off.

    Plenty of potable water spouts and restrooms. Most of the campers were in RVs or trailers, but a tent would be fine here. The sites each had two picnic tables, metal fire rings and three sided, roofed shelters in case of rain or wind. They aren’t the largest sites, but there is decent spacing between sites. Some have some tree cover, but most are exposed.

    We had a visit from a herd of cows right after sunset on the beach in front of our site. They looked at us curiously for a few minutes before moving on, but we could hear them mooing periodically throughout the evening so I don’t think they went far.

    Good one night spot or longer if you have a boat with you for the lake. It was quite warm in the afternoon when we got here, though it cooled off quickly when the sun went down. Comfortable sleeping.

  • Clayton M.
    Feb. 23, 2019

    Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054

    Great Place To Camp With Right Equipment

    Our family really likes dispersed camping near Mill hollow reservoir. It’s very peaceful and scenic! The main road in is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you’ll want a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4X4. We cherish the ability to camp like this so we always take out everything we brought in “leave no trace” unfortunately not everyone has the same respect so we typically end up taking out any trash we find from the previous campers. Overall a great place to camp if you’re equipped for dispersed camping!


Guide to Mapleton

Dispersed camping options near Mapleton, Utah range from accessible sites with mountain views to high-elevation backcountry locations with stargazing opportunities. The area spans elevations from 4,700 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet in nearby wilderness areas, creating significant temperature variations between camping locations. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s in lower elevations while higher campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler.

What to do

Fishing at multiple elevations: Silver Lake Backcountry offers both lake and stream fishing opportunities about 40-50 minutes from Provo. According to Bentz E., there are "lots of hikes to do nearby, beautiful views, and place to paddle board, kayak, etc."

Hiking to alpine lakes: For the best tent camping near Mapleton, Utah with hiking access, Red Pine Lake provides exceptional options. The lake requires a 3-4 mile hike with moderate difficulty in the final mile. "The hike up to the top is pretty steep so you'll want to pack light," notes Bentz E., who recommends Red Pine Lake for mid-summer visits to avoid cold overnight temperatures.

Hot springs access: Tent camping spots near Dry Canyon provide convenient access to local hot springs. Jamie M. mentions, "It's a good location and pretty close to the hot springs but not so close that you can smell the sulfur."

What campers like

Mountain views from higher elevation sites: Hobble Right Fork Dispersed camping sits at higher elevation with cooler temperatures and mountain vistas. "I love this canyon. There are so many places to disperse camp as a group or an individual," writes Whitney W., who recommends Hobble Right Fork Dispersed for its scenic value but warns "you will likely encounter cattle" roaming the hills.

Riverside camping spots: Several campers note the value of river proximity. Natalie G. describes Dry Canyon as offering "beautiful riverfront camping" with "spacious and private" sites right by the river, though she notes these are best for "self-contained campers, van campers, or tent campers who don't need water."

Star visibility at night: Higher elevation sites like Dispersed Camping--Mill Hollow/Utah FR054 offer exceptional stargazing. Belinda H. mentions "the sunsets, the moon out during the day, and the stars at night...just incredible!" The site provides a "great escape from the SLC Valley heat" with temperatures typically "20 degrees from the valley" during summer months.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful vehicle consideration. At Mill Hollow, Clayton M. advises, "The main road in is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you'll want a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4X4."

Wildlife encounters: While camping near Mapleton, prepare for wildlife interactions. Brad B. reports seeing "elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area" and recommends bringing "a camera and don't leave food in your tent."

Fire restrictions change seasonally: Always verify current fire restrictions before your trip. Ethan H. noted at Silver Lake Backcountry, "you're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes. The views make the drive there worth it, though."

Tips for camping with families

Toilet facilities at developed sites: For families needing bathroom access, look for campgrounds with facilities. Sulphur Campground offers "the cleanest restrooms" according to Justin A., who also appreciated the "great tasting water" and bear-proof dumpsters for trash disposal.

Activities for children: Camp Maple Dell provides more structured options for families. Angela S. describes it as an "idyllic, leafy, beautiful campground" that's "just 5 miles up the Payson Canyon" and features "a lot of leafy trees for shade" with most campsites including "a pavilion and picnic table."

Water recreation access: For family water activities, consider Anderson Park, which Becky J. rates highly as "great for Paddleboarding and fishing." The park accommodates "small or large groups" with "several fire pits, large covered lighted pavilion with three rows of picnic tables."

Tips from RVers

Water access points: For RVers needing to fill tanks, Sulphur Campground provides solutions. Justin A. explains, "We used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank" and notes while "the camp spots are narrow, the road in/out is narrow," their "25ft trailer seemed to be a max length" though they observed "some 32 ft goosenecks and motor homes there."

Parking considerations for tent camping: When tent camping near the best sites around Mapleton, Utah, parking areas often separate from tent sites. Ash S. notes at Dry Canyon, you "have to carry everything from the parking lot, across the bridge, to your campsite."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mapleton, UT is Dry Canyon with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Mapleton, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.