Best Tent Camping near Payson, UT
Tent campers visiting the Payson Canyon area have several established camping options within Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Camp Maple Dell, located just 5 miles up Payson Canyon, offers shaded tent sites with picnic tables and pavilions, while Dry Canyon provides riverside tent camping with fire pits and picnic tables. Both locations are within 20 minutes of Payson, making them convenient weekend getaways for campers seeking forest settings without long drives.
Most tent sites near Payson feature dirt or gravel surfaces with varying amenities. Camp Maple Dell provides drinking water, toilets, and even showers, making it suitable for families and groups. Dry Canyon offers more primitive conditions with a single pit toilet and no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their supplies. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed area permits free primitive tent camping but requires visitors to navigate rougher dirt roads. Seasonal considerations include potential fire restrictions during summer months and colder temperatures at higher elevations, particularly at Hobble Right Fork.
Tent campers can expect varied experiences depending on their chosen location. Camp Maple Dell attracts more visitors, particularly during Scout weeks, but offers leafy tree coverage and established facilities. According to visitor feedback, "each site has a table, fire pit, and plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent" at locations like Dry Canyon, where the stream provides natural ambiance. Those seeking more solitude should consider Hobble Right Fork Dispersed area, which offers stunning mountain views and stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. A visitor noted, "The area is accessible to normal cars from the main gravel road, and if you wish to go further for more privacy and a better spot, you can turn off on a dirt road."
