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Best Tent Camping near Park Valley, UT

117 Reviews

Tent campers seeking primitive sites near Park Valley, Utah can find several established campgrounds in the nearby City of Rocks National Reserve in southern Idaho. Twin Sisters Group Campsite and Bread Loaves Group Campsite both accommodate tent camping with walk-in access. Independence Lakes Campground, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Park Valley, offers tent-only sites in a secluded mountain setting accessible from July to October.

Most tent sites in the region require preparation for minimal amenities. The McClendon Spring Campground features vault toilets but no drinking water, making it essential for campers to bring their own supplies. Sites typically consist of ungraded natural surfaces with limited development. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the tent campgrounds, particularly Independence Lakes, where the road becomes rough and marshy conditions may be present earlier in the season. Permanent fire rings are available at some locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.

The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional seclusion and natural beauty. Independence Lakes provides access to hiking trails leading to alpine lakes, with multiple tent sites spaced for privacy. The City of Rocks tent sites offer proximity to climbing routes and California Trail historical sites. McClendon Spring Campground provides views of surrounding mountains and Malta valley below, with sites nestled among trees near a small creek. A review noted, "Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful. Lights of a nearby town could be seen from a distance making this spot even more lovely at night." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, especially at higher elevations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Park Valley, Utah (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Park Valley, UT

1 Photos of 8 Park Valley Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Park Valley, UT

117 Reviews of 8 Park Valley Campgrounds

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

    Climbers delight

    City Of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho

    Fascinating, desolate, historical State Park. The visitors center is out on the main road and has a short informational trail with some authentic pioneer wagons. The signage is good, if you need water go to the dump site on the way in, there are no spigots at the campsites. When we visited the water was turned off so I was glad I always carry water with me. The sites are well spaced out, intermixed with the rock formations. Our site was huge, with a picnic table, tent pad and fire ring. There was a rock formation on the back side that you can walk up on and see the surrounding area. There were several rock climbers on Practice Rock across from our site. The dogs were permitted , on leash, on the trails however I was concerned about the numerous cactus so we stayed to the dirt roads mostly.

  • C
    May. 8, 2021

    City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

    Each site is very different...

    Be careful which site you book. Many are walk in tent sites or don’t have room for even a sprinter van. We had site number 29 which was beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in the 1-30 sites. Many back up to rocks but all are very different.

  • Curtis W.
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Twin Springs Campground

    Primitive Campground, dry, filled with Grass and Sagebrush

    This review is from July 2024, and it appears to have been a dry year.

    I found the campground over run with Red Currant Bushes which were full of mature fruit.  There was also a lot of Crested Wheatgrass and Sagebrush.  The 5 campsites are still in good repair, but due to the Red Currant Bushes, access to the springs area was difficult if not impossible.  The Springs themselves, due to the low water table were all but dried up, with only a small puddle of water marking each one.  The water pump is still missing it's handle, and is now dry, so no water could be pumped.  There was a moose present when I was there, but he was down in the outflow area, and did not seem interested in anything but lying down there.  The Vault toilet was clean, odor free, and well maintained.

    I cannot recommend this campground for mid summer or fall.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Thompson Flat Campground

    Gorgeous Alpine Camping in Southern Idaho!

    This is one of the last campgrounds you come across before arriving at the turnoff for Lake Cleveland.  It has a ton a ton of spots but they are pretty close together so try to camp here during the weekday or if you have to come here on a weekend go to the campground immediately before Lake Cleveland as it is a little more secluded and the sites are more spaced out.  If you're planning on having a large get together or party in the mountains then this is the best campground to come to!

    Each campsite has a minimum of a metal fire ring and BBQ grill, picnic tables and some even have a large metal BBQ pit thing.  The large sites also have massive fire rings where you could basically get a bonfire going!  There are trash cans and vault toilets scattered throughout the campground.  The only problem I had with the campground is that there isn't a map and the roads through it are narrow and confusing.  Other than that this is an amazing spot to spend the weekend or a few days during the week

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2018

    Independence Lakes Campground

    Perfect for Seclusion

    First and foremost this campground needs a high clearance vehicle to reach and is best visited in late summer fall as it is very marshy there earlier in the year.

    The campground has permanent fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The campgrounds are pretty close together but we were the only ones there so it didn't really matter. Nearby is a stream to cool off in and a hike to the top of Independence Peak can give you an amazing 360 of the surrounding area!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2019

    Lake Cleveland - East Side

    Great Place to Escape the Heat of the Valley!

    Driving up to Lake Cleveland I realized that this was the same road we traveled in the winter to get to one of our local ski mountains.  I had never been up here in the summer so I never thought that the road went any further.  So, if you're passing by in the winter time definitely make a stop by Pommerelle and ski some turns!

    As soon as you start to level out on the one lane road that leads to the lake you'll be able to see a board and a campsite on your left.  This is the first site for the east side and was one of our favorite sites that we encountered exploring the canyon.  At each of the sites there were metal fire rings with BBQ grills attached and picnic tables.  There were also a few vault toilets scattered around between the sites.  The lake itself was very beautiful and had crystal clear water!  We could see fish swimming among the rocks from 20' above on the road!  Walking down to the lake there were even more trout than we had initially seen, so it would be a shame not to bring a pole up here!

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2021

    City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

    Beautiful and unique campground with many different sites.

    Stayed: 5/13/2021

    Cost: $14/night plus $10 reservation fee 

    Site: 61

    Vehicle: Volkswagen Atlas

    Equipment: Tent

    AT&T and T-Mobile: No Service

    This is a very unique campground. Sites are dispersed throughout the entire park, as opposed to being condensed into one central location. It makes for some very unique and private sites - no two alike.

    We went for site 61 for two reasons. 1) It was the most private that was remaining, even though 2) it was very close to a bathroom. Most of the sites near bathrooms, were more grouped together. The bathroom itself is less than a 1 min walk from the site. We had one neighbor on the other side of us, but you could only see them if you walked by to go to the bathroom. I think that site 61 could be the most private of all, with site 63 having some of the most beautiful sunset views (pictured).

    This site was also nice, because it is tucked-in next to a large rock wall, blocking the wind coming from the north. Do be aware, that Area 7 of the campground (sites 61-64), are at a much higher elevation. Driving to the site from the main part of the park, we climbed over 1,000 feet (up a winding, dirt road), ending at 7,000+ feet. So, the temperature is going to be a little different than it is when you’re checking the weather in Almo. It was about a 10º difference when we were there.

    Overall, this is a very nice campground with a fire ring and picnic table. All pictures are from Site 61, with the exception of the sunset from Site 63.

    #DareToEverywhere

  • C
    Feb. 17, 2021

    Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park

    Beautiful location on the edge of City of Rocks National Preserve

    The relationship between City of Rocks National Preserve and Castle Rocks State Park is still not clear to me as this campground appears on the National Park Service website, although it is an Idaho State Park. That said, the park rangers seem to work cooperatively. This campground is delightful. Located about a 7-mile drive/walk to the entrance of City of Rocks, Smoky Mountain Campground is situated above the valley providing a wonderful view from many sites including space #19 where I parked my campervan.  I believe the walking distance to the reserve could be shorter by taking any of the hiking trails from the campgrounds rather than going along the paved roads which first go away from the City of Rocks then back up again, making a big "U". 

    During my one-night stay in February, water, showers and bathrooms in the campground were closed for the winter season. A very clean, pit toilet is located in the equestrian parking lot across from the campground entrance. The distance from the campsites to the bathroom will vary from quite close to about 1/4 mile max. And during the winter season, there won't be much competition for the spaces close to the bathroom, as I was the sole user during my time there. 

    In addition to the breathtaking views, the sites offer privacy from 3 sides though all face the loop access road. There are picnic tables, fire rings and electrical power. I did not note if water was available as it would have been shut off in February in any event.  There is a dump station about 1 mile down the road toward the exit. I do not know if it is open in the winter.

    Check-in during the off-season is accomplished by envelope collected at the entrance or directly to the ranger who came by in the morning to check-in. The rate was $27 per night. Definitely worth the money to stay in this tranquil campground so close to the magnificent City of Rocks.

Guide to Park Valley

Tent camping near Park Valley, Utah, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out T4 GLAMP’N RANCH

  • This site provides a blend of comfort and adventure, featuring amenities like firewood and trash disposal, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • Located near the stunning City of Rocks, T4 GLAMP’N RANCH is perfect for those looking to explore beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  • With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, this campground ensures a memorable experience for all visitors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Bread Loaves Group Campsite

  • The Bread Loaves Group Campsite offers a large group site with easy access to bathrooms and parking, ideal for families or larger gatherings.
  • Campers can enjoy numerous dispersed tent sites that provide a rugged yet comfortable camping experience, perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • The site is well-known for its proximity to climbing routes, making it a favorite among rock climbing enthusiasts.

Explore local attractions near Twin Sisters Group Campsite

  • Nestled in the City of Rocks National Reserve, Twin Sisters Group Campsite provides a serene environment for stargazing and enjoying the quiet of nature.
  • The California Trail runs nearby, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history and opportunities for exploration.
  • With multiple walk-in tent sites, this campground allows for a more secluded camping experience, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Park Valley, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Park Valley, UT is Bread Loaves Group Campsite — City of Rocks National Reserve with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Park Valley, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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