Best Tent Camping near Payson, UT

Recent Tent Reviews in Payson

838 Reviews of 34 Payson Campgrounds

• 

  Brett R.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 8, 2024

  Spanish Oaks Campground

  Great, cheap stay!

  Quiet and affordable. Really well maintained with a playground and reservoir for the kids. Perfect stop near SLC...definitely coming back!

• 

  James B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 25, 2024

  Little Mill

  Comfortable, last minute find

  Clean facilities, but no water or power. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful. Our site was right near the creek, well shaded, and reasonably separated from neighbors. There are hiking trails that lead to climbing walls; we watched one climber struggle for 20 minutes to get past an obstacle. The downside here is the road noise, which could be overwhelming sometimes when motorcyclists, ATVs, or overwound street racers sped by. Access to some amazing scenery in the Wasatch Mountains makes it worth a visit.

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Flat Canyon

  Nice little campground near lakes

  Smallish beautiful campground. Site 9 but sites 4, 5, 12 good too. 1 is private but away from toilets. Nice view down the valley to Electric Lake. Decent distance to Scofield. Relatively quiet but sites are fairly close together. 

  Food aside: Ate Knorr rice with chicken, spiced it up, and Hatch tortillas for dinner. Also Sprouts Hatch M&C with Wal Mart chicken packet and Old El Paso ranch sauce, both good.

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Maple Canyon

  NIce little place

  Dirt road in, off the hwy, was a bit rutted, but we made it okay in van. Took our chances on a FCFS spot, #8 which looked fairly level but was not. There were 2 bathrooms we saw and the site was mostly equidistant from both, and a bit of distance away. Beautiful canyon with walls rising up both sides but were just passing thru so didn't get to see much and didn't stay but basically overnight. Seems like some interesting pull out boon-docking sites on way in but bathroom in day use parking was locked in the am when we left.

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Payson Lakes

  Very busy area, hard to get reservations

  Stayed in 33B first night and 23C second night. C loop seems a little more sparse and spaced out. Outer loop seems better. Bathrooms very clean and well stocked. Sites mostly level. Pine and aspen, some spots more shaded than others. Easy walk to lake and there is a nice paved trail around it. Spotty cell service at road, none in campground. 

  Food aside: Freeze-dried Pad thai with chicken, supplemented chicken (packet from Wal Mart) and it was very good with a bit of heat. Also added garlic powder (always).

• U

  UT801

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 17, 2024

  Old Folks Flat

  High altitude campground, lots of families but friendly/safe (crowded)

  Stayed in site 8, which has a shallow and uneven driveway. We used several leveling blocks which helped. Site 6 is ideal in terms of proximity to toilets and relatively level site with trees and a water tap just adjacent. There are 9 total sites, 5 are group sites so tend to be LOTS of people around. Group sites are large and are only$20/night and site 9 is roomy, relatively private and has vault toilets adjacent. Walking trails in/around campground.

  Lots of families. Safe. Rather enjoyed a sing-along one night with LOTS of kids.

  2nd stay (June): Stayed again for 2 nights, this time in spot 6 which is roomier than 8 and one of only a few single family campsites. Renovation installed a new picnic table and fire pit but removed the tent pad. Water tap still adjacent. 

  Big family gatherings due to large family spots, across were 6 RVs in one spot and trucks parked everywhere including on the grass. Fairly quiet and respectful but dogs were allowed to run loose and while seemingly friendly, they were not supervised for pooping. This also means bathrooms were under serious strain esp re: available toilet paper.

  Nearby: On Hwy 31, appear to be a variety of dispersed camping spots, most are not well marked. Some appear to have names, but not sure if they are reservable. Most are for "groups" but are typically only $20/night, some smaller group sites are only$10/night. Seem to be largely FCFS. Several have vault toilets adjacent.

  Visited nearby Huntington Lake State Park, which is relatively modest in terms of facilities, basically a lake and a campground (no shade). The sites adjacent to the lake look nice (~sites 1-5) and have partial hookups but the trees are sparse. There is a trail around the lake, but it appears mainly to be a gravel road with some benches here/there.

  Food aside (freeze dried packs with our own add-ons): Had Peak beef pasta marinara with italian and garlic seasoning. FQ (fart quotient) is low. Had garlic mashed and Hatch green chile mac (from Sprouts). Added pepper jerky to the mashed before water and the cheese (Mexican blend) and one packet of fajita chicken (Wal Mart, about $1.25) and some Kinder's smoked garlic into the mac when it was ready. Also crumbled some 4 cheese Triscuits on top. 

  Had Mountain House freeze-dried scrambled eggs in wheat tortillas with cheese, bacon (in at finish), and pepper jerky (in with water). Two servings would have made~4 burritos. Also recommend cutting back on the water to ~2/3-3/4c. Added pepper, garlic powder to eggs. 

  Had Mountain House pad thai with chicken for dinner. Didn't add sriracha seasoning but put our own smoked garlic, Wal Mart applewood smoked chicken packet and the supplied lime, peanut butter, and nuts (supplemented the nuts with our own).

• r

  rachel

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Eagle Mountain Dispersed

  Remote but hard to get to

  This is BLM. A couple of different camping sites. Most have fire rings but no water or bathrooms. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get up the mountain (the road is rough). There are sites at the bottom of the mountain that you can get an RV or car in but those are crowded and around the shooting range. We had a great time at the top with beautiful views and quiet. Nobody else around. oHV area too.

• M

  Marcus K.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 13, 2024

  River's Edge at Deer Park

  Not really pretty and expensive

  The camp ground itself is not bad. You have all the amenities that you could wish for when you are on the road. Including sites with full hook up and showers plus toilets that are in good condition. The camp store has food and drinks available. Very positive were the ladies at the reception. Very helpful and very sweet.

  But the location is rather disappointing. Its located at the end of an old street and right in front of a dam, enclosed by some hills. You can hear the nearby highway. Not very pretty.

  It feels a little cramped, the individual spots are very close to each other, so there is not much privacy. Plus, it is very expensive. I paid 78$ for a full hook up spot.

  Probably better to check out the camp site Hailstone Camp Ground right up the hill, in the Jordanelle state park. It looked so much more beautiful when I passed by there the next morning.

• T

  Ted B.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 9, 2024

  Mountain Shadows RV Park

  Very friendly staff

  They work with u nice and helpful we changed our check out date 3 times and they got it all figured it out.

• 

  Julie M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2024

  Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground

  Lovely spot

  We had one night connected to power and one without and enjoyed both nights. It’s a lovely forested area and the fall colors are just turning. Very friendly gate staff. Highly recommend

• C

  Causley S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Uinta National Forest Hope Campground

  Great space close to Provo

  For only 25min from downtown provo, this is a wonderful place to go for a night. Super kind camp host and well maintained roads.

• 

  Kerry C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Park City RV Resort

  Beware not a resort

  Beware the pretty pics don’t show how bad this place really is.. Ok they can’t help being situated right beside the freeway and the constant noise from it that makes it very unpleasant to sit outside and even the staff wear industrial earplugs at night. It’s the rest of it that’s really bad, from first meeting the arrogant manager he made it pretty clear that he wasn’t here to help or be nice. The laundry required quarters which they couldn’t provide, was told to download an app which he then told us rarely works on an iPhone. I’m not here to help too bad you don’t have quarters Ladies bathroom out of order Gardeners with industrial gas blowers and mowers started at 8am in the morning.. why couldn’t they schedule them for 11. But the rude manager said that’s just the way it is. Have stayed in many RV parks, usually with friendly people, this place is the worst. Also the other items that others have bought up, like parking right next to each other, the list goes on but our recommendation is don’t come here!!!

• C

  Carson S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

  Great Camping and Off-Roading

  The views are great but the road is definitely washed out. You will need 4WD and high clearance to pass through the washouts and rocks which start near the entrance and go all the way to the top.

• 

  Heather O.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2024

  Mountain Valley RV Resort

  Great Central Spot to explore area

  Found this spot last minute. It's fancy. Way fancier than we usually pick, but the price was right. It was full when we arrived on a Saturday. But thinned out later in the week I really enjoyed the split between the folks with kids and those without. 3 pools and hot tubs...2 for the 21+ only crowd. There are tons of clean bathrooms woth showers and 3 clubhouses. 2 dog parks...one was HUGE!! Dogs loved it. Views are amazing. It was honestly kind if refreshing to stay in a resort.

• 

  Christopher P.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 12, 2024

  Granite Flat (utah)

  Nice campground

  Very popular campground. Sites nestled in the trees. Occasional road noise. It is shows as first come first served but somehow people can make reservations ahead of time. We looked for a sign which said OPEN and camped there. Hosts are great.

• 

  Devin B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 11, 2024

  Salamander Flat

  It’s a campsite

  After a long day of travel we just wanted to get to any site and camp. This is a national forest so there is technically a park permit required. However, we have an annual park pass and they accept that as well. It is an honor system kind of park permit. They ask you to scan the QR code or pay at the self pay station. $10 for a 3day pass, $20 for a 7 day pass.

  The drive up to this site is winding and the cars seem to be used to driving it because they come around the corners pretty fast. Drive carefully and stay on your side of the road. It site is just after mile marker 17.

  The site is huge! Lots of space for people, cars, RVs and trailers. The road is paved until you turn in and then it’s a regular dirt road.

  The major con in this park in general is the bathrooms are yucky especially at this site.

  This seems to be a local hangout for the youngsters as well. They were not a bother to us however, they were letting loose, having a good time at their site. They left around 11 or so.

  No service with AT&T

• R

  Rebecca L.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 7, 2024

  Goshen Road Dispersed Camping

  Goshen Rd free campsites

  There is one campsite with a sign that says 3 day public camping. It is a huge dirt lot with a few shade trees and creek. About 1/4 mile after this location are 5 more Creekside campsites on the left side of the road ( if coming from Goshen ) they are unmarked. All campsites in this area are on BLM or state land. Please do not overstay your welcome. They have discussed blocking them off due to people staying for way to long and leaving trash.

• 

  DL M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 7, 2024

  Maple Canyon

  Great conglomerate rock climbing

  Forested campsites in a narrow canyon. Busy on weekends. Got the last first served sit at 3pm Friday. Sites next to the main road. Traffic peering into the campsite. Young fit crowd. Weak cell reception.

• J

  John E.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Redman Campground

  Excellent forested campsite for a mid-week stay

  Stopped on a Sunday evening during a westbound cross country journey. Our 20’ van had no issues circling the road to find an open First-come-first-served spot, but would advise not much longer of a rig. We had to figure out the rules for finding and paying for an open spot, but it was all fine. This is a popular campground with many sites reserved far in advance, so last-minute FCFS openings on weekends may be rare.

• 

  Sue O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Strawberry Bay

  Detail

  Strawberry Bay is a picturesque and serene location, often sought after for its natural beauty and tranquility. It's a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. The bay offers a stunning view of the water, surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for picnics, boating, and peaceful strolls along the shoreline. For those interested in legal matters or court cases in the area, you might want to explore the Cuyahoga court docket details to stay informed about any ongoing legal proceedings or upcoming hearings that could be relevant to your visit. Whether you're planning a peaceful retreat or need to keep an eye on important legal updates, combining these interests can help you make the most of your time in Strawberry Bay.

• 

  joey M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Keetley Campground — Jordanelle State Park

  Great views for the family and pets!

  This is a hike in area of camping. Luckily the park provides free wagons so that you can pack up and hike to your area. The hike is about a quarter mile to the general area where there are lots. This area is tent camping only. The views are great and the water is great! It is dog friendly with a leash. Each lot has a paved area with a picnic bench and fire pit. Really enjoyed this place!

• 

  Skylar G.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 22, 2024

  Cascade Springs Dispersed Site

  Best views in Utah?

  I want to start positive and say that the views are some of the best! Mt Tiponogous is in full view and the panoramic views are all great as well. It was only my group that camped up there the night we camped, but a couple people did drive by for some off road action. Speaking of off road action, the road is atrocious. Dont come unless you have some serious high clearance 4wd vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle. I’m saying this as someone from Lake City CO who grew up driving the Alpine Loop, the road is BAD!

• C

  Cari K.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 17, 2024

  Hailstone - Wasatch Campground — Jordanelle State Park

  Lovely reservoir

  Campsites are well spaced, several loops available for rvs. Clean showers and bathrooms. Nice perimeter trail around the water. Boat’s available for rent. Very popular location so books up early.

• 

  Ben H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 17, 2024

  Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

  Bumpy road

  The road leading here is very bumpy. There are two specific spots that are really bad. 4x4 is almost a requirement. I did however see some people make it up in a van so it is possible. The coordinates lead to an open field with a lot of campsites. I would suggest parking in the lot a little further ahead on the left. This road is a popular destination so people ride up and down it a lot. The views are well worth it and there is also some hiking trails around here as well. There are more dispersed camping sites further along this road. I was able to get a very spotty one bar signal of Verizon while near the coordinates.

• C

  Callie F.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Dispersed Camping Willow Spring (Wasatch)

  Rocky Rough Road

  Great dispersed camping area with plenty of room! If going all the way to the marked location on the map, only attempt with a high clearance 4x4 or you will not make it! We have a TRX and overland camper and bottomed out on a culvert that dropped off sharply. We went to the marked location only to find a single camping spot on a moderate slope. Recommend stopping two miles earlier in the “Big Glade” meadow, flat and plenty of camping spots. We ended up a mile before that at a cross roads at 8900’. Concur with the ATv traffic from previous reviews, but overall relatively quiet

• 

  Blue Tansy D.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 9, 2024

  Strawberry Bay

  Beautiful Resevoir

  The campground was quiet and clean and host was fantastic! We stayed at campsite C19 and it was perfect with some shade for our tent which was great. Steps away from the reservoir which provided glorious sunrises! Bathrooms were close and clean, running water and flush. We opted to have dinner at the marina cafe and it was convenient and delicious with a great staff! The entrance to the reservoir from our site was a bit murky but if you have a watercraft of sorts then it’s smooth sailing, convenient and water was clear.

• 

  Mindy W.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Little Mill

  Great for short trip

  My family of five enjoyed this campground. We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks. Downside is it's right next to a busy highway and picnic areas. Although the campsite has quiet hours, the picnic area across the street stayed loud well past quiet hours. The road noise was a lot more than I expected.. especially at night. Definitely bring ear plugs or plan to stay only a nite or two. We planned on staying three nights, but were so exhausted by lack of sleep we left a day early.