Best Tent Camping near Midway, UT
Scattered throughout the foothills and mountains surrounding Midway, Utah, tent campers find options ranging from dispersed backcountry sites to established primitive campgrounds. The region offers notable tent camping areas including Silver Lake Backcountry and Red Pine Lake in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, as well as Mill Hollow dispersed camping areas where tent-specific sites are available along forest roads and near alpine lakes.
Most tent sites in the Midway region require significant preparation as amenities are minimal. Dispersed camping at Mill Hollow and Hobble Right Fork offers fire rings but no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Road conditions often determine accessibility, with many backcountry tent locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. A camper noted that "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." Many areas operate on Leave No Trace principles, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Permits are required for numerous backcountry tent sites, particularly in watershed areas where fire restrictions are common.
Tent campers in the higher elevations around Midway experience dramatic temperature changes and should prepare for cold nights even in summer months. Several tent-only backcountry sites offer exceptional privacy compared to developed campgrounds. The backcountry tent sites near Red Pine Lake provide access to multiple alpine lakes and hiking trails, allowing campers to reach remote locations away from crowds. Areas like Silver Lake Backcountry require at least a half-mile hike from parking areas, creating natural barriers that enhance the wilderness experience. Walk-in tent sites are particularly valued for their proximity to streams and lakes. One visitor remarked, "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."
