Backcountry tent campsites near North Salt Lake, Utah range in elevation from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct camping experiences across different seasons. The majority of these sites require at least a half-mile hike from trailheads and lack facilities beyond basic vault toilets at some parking areas. Summer temperatures can fluctuate by 30°F between day and night at higher elevations, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Trail running: Millcreek Canyon offers extensive trail networks popular with runners. "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," notes Sean H. in his Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts review.
Alpine paddling: Silver Lake Reservoir permits kayaking and paddleboarding from approximately June to September. "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," explains Michelle B. about her time near Silver Lake Backcountry. The reservoir sits at 8,700 feet elevation with mountain views on all sides.
Winter ice activities: Pineview Reservoir freezes sufficiently for ice fishing and walking during January and February. "The lake will freeze over enough to walk on or fish on. There were plenty of people ice fishing when we went," shares Brendan A. about Port Ramp Marina area. The nearby town of Huntsville creates a seasonal ice skating rink accessible within a 10-minute drive.
Summit hiking: From Red Pine Lake, experienced hikers can access peaks with panoramic valley views. "If you make your way through the talus field to the south you can gain the ridge and summit white baldy which gives one of the best views in the entire Wasatch!" reports Alan B. about opportunities from Red Pine Lake.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Several tent camping areas around North Salt Lake provide reliable wildlife viewing. "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall," states Alan B. about Lambs Canyon Trailhead area in his Millcreek Canyon review. These sightings occur most frequently at dawn and dusk.
Access to multiple alpine lakes: Several trailheads provide access to multiple high-elevation lakes from a single starting point. "You can access 3 different beautiful lakes from this drainage and 2 beautiful peaks!" reports Shilah M. about the Red Pine Lake area. Most of these lakes sit above 9,000 feet elevation.
Weekday solitude: Mid-week camping provides dramatically less crowded experiences even at popular sites. "The weekend can get very busy so during the week is the best time to camp as it's likely you'll be the only overnight camper," notes Alan B. about camping at Silver Lake Backcountry.
Family water play: Several areas combine camping access with stream recreation suitable for children. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," shares Kelli R. about experiences at Millcreek Canyon.
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Many canyon roads close during winter or early summer months. "Camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account," warns Ryan G. about Millcreek Canyon. Most high-elevation access roads remain closed until snow melts completely.
Entrance fees: Some canyons charge daily vehicle entry fees. "Be careful there is a 5$ per car fee sneaking at the entrance," notes Conner about Millcreek Canyon. These fees typically apply daily, with annual passes available for frequent visitors.
Watershed restrictions: Little Cottonwood Canyon prohibits pets and open fires due to watershed protection. "No fires or pets are allowed given that Little Cottonwood Canyon is considered Watershed. So plan on cooking with a backpacking stove/cooker," explains Derek E. about Red Pine Lake.
Four-wheel drive requirements: Certain camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes," warns Ethan H. about access to Silver Lake Backcountry.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking: Some areas provide low-difficulty introduction to overnight hiking for children. "This was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking," shares Adam Z. about his experience at Cook Campsite, which offers campsites within a manageable distance for young hikers.
Dog-friendly options: Millcreek Canyon permits dogs on trails and at campsites. "This is one of the only canyons that allows dogs!" states Sean H., making this area especially suitable for families camping with pets.
Water features: Look for campgrounds with stream access for natural play areas. "We love Millcreek Canyon for camping, hiking, or even just going up for dinner at their day use spots. Pet friendly. One of our families favorite canyons," reports Kelli R.
Challenging terrain: Be realistic about children's hiking abilities for backcountry sites. "The hike to the top is pretty steep so you'll want to pack light," advises Bentz E. about Red Pine Lake, where the final mile gains significant elevation.
Tips from RVers
Camp proximity options: Kimball Campground offers tent and limited RV sites within walking distance of trailheads. "The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake," reports Emily T., though she warns, "the dirt is very chalky and dusty, and keeping your gear clean is not really an option here."
Early arrival essential: First-come sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "Make sure to get here early on summer weekends because this place fills up," advises Connor O. about Kimball Campground. Most sites are claimed by Friday morning during peak season.
Hidden locations: Some of the best tent sites near North Salt Lake require knowledge of unmarked turnoffs. "The campsites are hidden but close together which I loved being a solo female traveler it made me feel so safe knowing people were on both sides of me," explains Bethany R. about her Kimball Campground experience.
