Tent campsites near Mountain Home, Utah range from 7,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation across the Uinta Mountains, offering significantly cooler temperatures than surrounding desert areas. The camping season typically runs from late May through early October, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until late June due to lingering snow. Water sources throughout the region require filtration or treatment before drinking.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: The Riverview Campground provides easy access to trout fishing on the Yellowstone River. According to one camper, "We showed up Labor Day weekend. Almost every spot along the river was taken, but once you were in your camp you could hardly tell neighbors were around. We didn't fish, but saw a couple of fly fishers catch 4 trout right in front of us."
Hiking to peaks: Many campers use Dollar Lake Campsites as a basecamp for summiting Kings Peak. One backpacker notes, "We stayed here while backpacking king's peak. It's the best camping spot to do so. It's a beautiful area and you have access to shade and water."
Night sky viewing: The region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities during clear nights. At Riverview Campground, one visitor reported, "The night sky was amazing, could see the whole milky way galaxy."
Wildlife watching: The forest around tent sites hosts diverse wildlife. In Uinta Canyon, one camper observed, "I've seen plenty of chipmunks and even had two elk run past my campsite. Such a peaceful and serene place."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campsites maintain good separation despite popularity. A visitor at Uinta Canyon shared, "We held a family reunion here in the group site which is just north of the regular campsites. There were about 150 people, 14 campers and several tents."
Clean facilities: Where available, toilets are generally well-maintained. One camper at Riverview noted, "The Toilets were really clean and well maintained."
Easy creek access: Many sites provide direct water access. At Whiterocks, a visitor mentioned, "This area is beautiful and the river is just right next to the campground. It has 2 bathroom facilities that were ehh just ok for me."
Affordable prices: Dispersed camping areas offer free or low-cost options. At Uinta Canyon, a camper pointed out, "many of these spots are free for 14 days, which is such a great deal and an example of why we need public lands."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: High-clearance vehicles are required for many tent camping areas. At Pyramid Lake Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned, "I would not attempt without a 4wheel drive with high clearance. Our 4runner did great even with the camper. I'm not an experienced off road driver, but we took our time and were careful picking our line. Was a little over an hour to make the last 4 miles."
Early planning needed for holiday weekends: Popular sites fill quickly during peak times. One camper at Riverview noted, "Memorial Day weekend and barely anyone where! Camped right on the Yellowstone and enjoyed a peaceful weekend!"
Weather changes rapidly: High elevation means unpredictable conditions. A camper at Mill Hollow explained, "Couldn't get much higher than the reservoir due to snow on the road. Quiet area with not too many people around."
Limited cell service: Most tent camping areas lack connectivity. A visitor to dispersed camping areas reported, "I had ZERO AT&T service from the moment I crossed state lines from the north."
Tips for camping with families
Group facilities available: Large family gatherings work well at designated sites. At Uinta Canyon, one visitor described, "Very large campground can accommodate many people. Fishing is close by as well as a short hike to smokey springs. Firepits along with a group fire pit, 2 well maintained bathrooms, picnic tables, and wildlife."
Educational opportunities: Some areas offer learning experiences for children. At Mill Hollow, a camper mentioned, "Near the campground (and the site we chose) is an outdoor education center which would be fun to go back and visit later in the summer."
Short hiking options: Families can find accessible trails for younger hikers. One visitor noted, "If you drive up on past the campground to the end of the road there is a nice lil trail that takes you to an open area for a lil better fishing."
Pack for temperature swings: Daily temperature fluctuations can exceed 40°F. A camper advised, "Great escape from the SLC Valley heat…a short 1.5 hour drive and temp drops 20 degrees from the valley."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups available: Most tent campsites near Mountain Home lack RV amenities. In Uinta Canyon's group area, a camper reported, "We held a family reunion here in the group site which is just north of the regular campsites. There were about 150 people, 14 campers and several tents."
Parking challenges: Some areas require strategic vehicle placement. At Dispersed Camping areas, one RVer shared, "Some of them are fairly close together, but there's a good amount of visual privacy from trees etc. We didn't have any issues with loud neighbors which was super nice."
Pack-in water required: No water hookups means self-sufficiency is essential. A visitor noted, "This is LNT(leave no trace) camping so be sure to pack out what you pack in. There are no amenities but you are along a water source so if you have a filter, you have water."
Size restrictions apply: Large RVs cannot access many areas. One camper explained, "The road gets pretty rough/there's a decent sized dip after the first few sites, which we were able to make with a 4WD high clearance car, with a small trailer. But I wouldn't have attempted it in my sedan."
