Best Tent Camping near North Salt Lake, UT

The Wasatch Mountains east of North Salt Lake, Utah provide numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities within a short drive from the city. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry offers walk-in tent sites requiring campers to hike at least half a mile from any road, with permits required for overnight stays. Red Pine Lake, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, provides highly-rated primitive tent campsites accessible via a 3-4 mile hike with an elevation gain that becomes steeper in the final mile. Silver Lake Backcountry and Lake Blanche Trail also offer established tent-only sites for those seeking alpine camping experiences within 30 minutes of North Salt Lake.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region require campers to be self-sufficient. Sites typically feature ungraded dirt or forest floor surfaces with minimal infrastructure. Water is rarely available at backcountry tent sites, requiring visitors to either filter from streams or pack in their own supply. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many watershed areas prohibiting open flames year-round. Vault toilets exist at some trailheads but not at remote tent camping locations. Standard regulations require campers to maintain at least 200 feet distance from water sources and pack out all waste, with 14-day stay limits enforced at most locations.

Weekday tent camping provides the greatest solitude at these backcountry sites. According to reviews, Red Pine Lake offers "peaceful camping even on Saturday nights" despite being busy with day hikers. One visitor noted that Millcreek Canyon provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with moose and deer commonly spotted near tent sites, particularly during fall months. The terrain at higher elevations can experience significant weather changes, with one camper reporting strong overnight storms at Red Pine Lake requiring careful campsite selection. Silver Lake Backcountry campers should be prepared for limited shade, as one review mentioned "not a lot of shade, bring your own," though the alpine views compensate for the exposure.

Best Tent Sites Near North Salt Lake, Utah (24)

    1. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    16 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."

    2. Cook Campsite

    1 Review
    Fruit Heights, UT
    14 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."

    3. Red Pine Lake

    7 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    24 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!"

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

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

    $20 / night

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

    5. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    26 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!"

    6. Lake Blanche Trail - Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Mounthaven, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    "great hike to the lake!"

    7. Aspen Forest Campsite

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

    $59 - $64 / night

    8. Kimball Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 999-2103

    "It was just off the road and basically no privacy but I was just looking for a safe place to sleep and that’s what I got!"

    "These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."

    10. Port Ramp Marina

    2 Reviews
    Huntsville, UT
    30 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near North Salt Lake, UT

1091 Reviews of 24 North Salt Lake Campgrounds



Guide to North Salt Lake

Nestled near North Salt Lake, Utah, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here are some top spots to consider for your next outdoor adventure.

Tips for tent camping near North Salt Lake

  • Big Rock Campground — East Canyon State Park: This campground allows pets and features picnic tables, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.
  • Red Pine Lake: Accessible only by hiking, this site rewards campers with breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • Ladyfinger Campground — Antelope Island State Park: With vault toilets and a beautiful view of Salt Lake, this campground is ideal for those who appreciate a bit of rustic charm.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Silver Lake Rec Area: This location offers showers and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy fishing and picnicking by the lake.
  • Aspen Forest Campsite: Featuring electric hookups and drinking water, this private site provides a more luxurious camping experience in a forested setting.
  • Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites — Antelope Island State Park: Known for its hiking trails and wildlife sightings, this site offers a more rugged experience with essential amenities like toilets.

Local activities for tent campers

  • Wasatch National Forest Sunset Campground: Located close to hiking trails, this campground is perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a cozy campfire.
  • Cook Campsite: This hike-in spot is ideal for families wanting to introduce their kids to backpacking, with easy access to nearby trails.
  • Lake Blanche Trail - Backcountry Camp: A stunning hike leads you to this backcountry camp, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Salt Lake, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Salt Lake, UT is Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near North Salt Lake, UT?

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