Linda Z.
Scout
ScoutUinta National Forest Rock Canyon Campground
Rock Canyon Camping
Great place for dispersed camping. Sometimes there are fire bans so pay attention to that. Be sure to practice leave no trace!
Tent Camping near Payson, UT
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Payson (33)
1. Camp Maple Dell
"Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end."
"If you don't want to drive for hours to unplug and enjoy nature, Maple Dell is just 5 miles up the Payson Canyon, has a lot of leafy trees for shade, most campsites have a pavilion and picnic table."
from $26 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Cottonwood Campground
"Pretty country, not too far from Salt Lake City... A small stream running through the area (in August!)... But small and right off the road... A picnic table and fire ring... Lovely trees..."
"This canyon offers different hiking trails and camping sites, with picnic tables."
3. Dry Canyon
"free parking and overnight camping. each site has a table, fire pit, and plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent. from the parking lot you cross a bridge over the stream to the camp sites. you’re a perfect"
"Their are nice picnic tables and fire rings a pit style bathroom is available across the river. Lots of amazing scenery around."
4. Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground
"The cleanest restrooms. 25ft hybrid trailer. Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."
"a bit further from mirror lake, camp host was nice"
5. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed
"stunning views of the surrounding mountains. hardly any light pollution, so the stars were amazing. the dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case"
"There are a few places to go behind growth for more privacy if desired. There is a small fire pit closer to the back. It is at a fairly high elevation so nights will be cold."
6. American Campground
7. Anderson Park
"Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables. Large grassy field, two wooded areas, boarders a residential neighborhood, flushing toilets."
8. Paul Bunyon's Woodpile
"Road was easy enough dry, imagine it would be tough after a storm. There are a number of well dispersed sites, some with good wind protection, others less so."
"We found a great campsite right by the trailhead, the only spot with trees and shade. Easy hike to see the formation, but very hot in July!"
9. Soldier Pass by Miner's Canyon
10. Silver Lake Backcountry
"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!"
Drive Time
- 16 min from Provo, UT
- 47 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 1 hr 15 min from Ogden, UT
- 1 hr 59 min from Logan, UT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Payson, UT
35 Photos of 33 Payson Campgrounds
Tent Camping Reviews near Payson, UT
935 Reviews of 33 Payson Campgrounds
Jeremy H.
GuideFivemile Pass OHV
Good for free camping
Not much out here but you’ll likely see a hawk or a Golden Eagle. You will have to put up with crazy OHVers and drunk partiers in some spots but there are a lot of places to go with a few pit toilets spread about.
This is the desert and there is no water so come prepared. Please leave no trace and clean up after yourself.
Carrie C.
LegendDiamond Fork
Very clean and super camp host!
I really loved this campground! And I really love Diamond Fork Hotsprings! I can’t wait to visit again! We camped the Thursday after Labor bad and had the entire campground almost all to ourselves! On Labor Day weekend there wasn’t an empty campsite. Cost is $22 for a single site, $44 for a double. We arrived to camp around 7:30 and pitched our tent then headed up the road a few more miles to the parking area for Diamond Fork (5th water) Hot Springs. I recommend visiting the Hotspring at night in the summer to escape the overwhelming crowds. There were only a handful of people at the springs during our evening visit. The trail to the springs is about 2.4 miles in. We returned to camp around 1 AM and slept soundly in the still, quiet nature. You can hear the stream babble nearby. We slept in and as we were breaking down camp, Marc, the camp host stopped by to se how our visit was and if we needed anything. What a wonderful man! We chatted for quite a while about the area and he offered to give us a tour of the campground in his golf cart. This is a pretty leather campground! 3 separate loops. There are some hike in tent sites but they are set up for dual tents and are priced as such so they are $44 which is quite speedy for a pack in tent site. There is a well maintained nature trail the passes through the campground. There are educational kiosks along the trail. There are multiple restrooms throughout the campground. The 2 I used were very clean considering it was post holiday weekend.
Each campsite had a fire ring, grill, and a picnic table. Tent sites all offered nice level areas for pitching your tent. You can purchase fire wood from the camp host. This is a great place and I can’t wait to return!
MaryAnn
TravelerDiamond Campground
Great Camping With Kids
Fun campground with a discovery walking nature trail. Dry camping with easy river/creek access. Stayed in loop A - lots of trees, birds and insects. Clean and close to the Salt Lake Valley. Fun place to camp with family. Limited cell service, clean vault toilets, great fire rings, picnic tables.
- Michelle B.Guide
Camp Maple Dell
Great Camp
This camp can be rented by camp ground for $150 per night. Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more. Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end. Ample area for kitchen set up, nice fire pit, water from pump, shower houses, flushing toilets, port-o-potties also available throught the entire camp. Camp store available during summer months. Great for groups small to large. We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily. About 15-20 minutes from Payson City.
- AAaron M.Scout
Goshen Road Dispersed Camping
Pretty location
Site is pretty dirty, some have never heard of leave no trace . It is 7 pm and still extremely hot not much shade up here at this location
Jillian B.GuideWillow Park Campground
Campground near Provo
This campground is ok, would expect a little more since you have to pay $25. In a nice little suburban neighborhood. Spots are close together and not much privacy, our site was along the back fence. Each site had fire pit and picnic table. There are two bathrooms, no showers and no electricity. It looks like there are a couple water fill up spigots but not potable.
- MMichelle E.Guide
Currant Creek
Currant Creek Reservoir and Campground 2021
Dirt road is washboard hell, but you are rewarded when you arrive to a clean and quiet campground stay. Plenty of trees, flowers and wildlife including hummingbirds, deer, sandhill cranes, moose, beaver, chipmunks, squirrels and fish. Water is cold, but plenty deep for fishing, boating, canoes and paddle boards. Fishing was steady. Be prepared to pay to launch your boat and empty your tanks at the dump station.
This campground has reservation and first come first served sites. There is tent and trailer camping available. Loop B has group sites. There was no water available in the campground the last few times we were here. There are no hook ups-electric, water, sewer at this campground.
There are restrooms in each loop of the campground. There is a quiet time enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM. No generators after 10 PM.
Bring cash or check as they do not take credit cards on site.
We will camp here again.
Mary S.LegendTanners Flat
Good location for exploring Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City
You really need to know this: No dogs are allowed because this campground is in the Salt Lake City watershed.
And this: As inviting as the water running through the campground may look, you are not allowed to swim, wade or wash in it.
One more thing: Gate closes at 10 pm although that didn't stop some partiers at the next site in from us. They partied and left around 11 or so. There was no payment tag on the post. The exit is open but has tire shredders if you enter over them.
A pleasant surprise at a Forest Service campground: 10 lbs of ice for $2! (There was also the usual bundle of firewood for $6.)
An unpleasant surprise: Old, dirty bathrooms. I've seen cleaner vault toilets elsewhere than these flush toilets.
There is no water for now (July 2018) in bathroom sinks or at spigots. The host said something about a pipe issue and water needing to be tested. That covers the amenities other than dumpsters.
What about the sites? We arrived on a Sunday morning when the host was putting up signs indictating which sites were reserved. We had 3 possible sites among 1 through 19 and grabbed #9, a pull through site with a buffer between the road in the parking/small RV area.
Sites in the other area (higher numbers) were becoming available, but that area's host said many of the sites were only appropriate for tents.
Our site #9: There are a few steps down to the picnic table, fire ring and grill plus a separate area to the left for a tent. See photos.
General site info:
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Some sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table, etc.
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Many sites have an area for the tent that is away from the picnic table and concealed from the road.
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Guide to Payson
Tent camping near Payson, Utah provides access to multiple elevations within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, ranging from 5,000 to over 9,000 feet. The area receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually, creating diverse ecosystems from desert scrub at lower elevations to alpine meadows at higher points. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking to hot springs: Diamond Fork area near Dry Canyon offers hiking to natural hot springs. "My roommates and I camped here in late-September and loved it. It's a good location and pretty close to the hot springs but not so close that you can smell the sulfur," reports Jamie M.
Fishing in mountain streams: Multiple fishing opportunities exist along Diamond Fork River. "Really good fishing in both the fifth water river and Diamond Fork. The camp sites are first come first serve," shares Brad B., who camped at Dry Canyon.
Stargazing at higher elevations: For optimal stargazing, Hobble Right Fork Dispersed camping area provides clear night skies. "Lower light pollution makes the stars pretty visible and there's lots of wildlife as well. I personally like the mix of meadows and trees," notes Connor P.
Paddleboarding on nearby reservoirs: Visit Silver Lake Backcountry for water activities. "Only 40-50 minutes away from Provo, UT area so easy to get away for a quick day or two of camping. Lots of hikes to do nearby, beautiful views, and place to paddle board, kayak, etc.," suggests Bentz E.
What campers like
Stream-side camping: Campers appreciate sites near running water. "The river ran right by our site and it was lovely," notes Jamie M. about Dry Canyon. Another camper, Ash S., added, "Beautiful scenery. Lots of shade and dappled sunlight. River steps away. River not too cold."
Mountain views: Silver Lake Backcountry receives high marks for scenery. "The views make the drive there worth it, though. The fall colors during the day and the stars during the night were spectacular!" reports Ethan H.
Wildlife encounters: Payson Canyon area supports diverse wildlife. "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent," advises Brad B. at Dry Canyon. At Camp Maple Dell, Michelle B. reports, "We enjoyed seeing deer walk through our camp daily."
Flat tent sites: Campers frequently mention the quality of tent sites. According to Ethan H., Hobble Right Fork offers "plenty of dispersed camp sites with flat spots to pitch a tent."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to higher elevation sites requires careful planning. "The dirt road in was pretty rough, but manageable. Make sure you have a spare tire on you just in case," warns Ethan H. about Hobble Right Fork.
Creek crossings: Some sites require water crossings. At Silver Lake Backcountry, Michelle B. notes, "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose."
Cattle presence: Free-range cattle roam throughout public lands. "One thing to know is that you will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills," advises Whitney W. about Hobble Right Fork. Ethan H. adds, "Lots of free ranges cows along the roads so be cautious."
Water sources: Not all sites provide drinking water. Natalie G. says about Dry Canyon: "This is a great spot for self-contained campers, van campers, or tent campers who don't need water. There's one pit toilet but for this small camp area, it does the trick."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly pavilions: Anderson Park offers organized facilities. Michelle B. reports, "This park allows for camping and accommodates small or large groups. Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavilion with three rows of picnic tables."
Scout-focused facilities: Families can utilize scout camps when not in use. Angela S. notes about Camp Maple Dell, "Yes, it's set up for Scouts, but when it's not Scout week, the camp is available for others to enjoy."
Water activities for kids: Multiple locations offer water recreation. According to Michelle B., at Silver Lake Backcountry, "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir."
Bathroom accessibility: Consider bathroom facilities when camping with children. The Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground offers "the cleanest restrooms" according to Justin A., who adds, "There were bear proof dumpsters for your bags of trash."
Tips for RVers
Length limitations: Larger RVs face challenges at most Payson area campgrounds. Justin A. notes about Sulphur Campground, "The camp spots are narrow, the road in/out is narrow. Our 25ft trailer seemed to be a max length, but there were some 32 ft goosenecks and motor homes there."
Water access: Plan for limited hookups. "We used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank," suggests Justin A. from Sulphur Campground.
Parking constraints: RVers should arrive early for limited parking. According to Ethan H., at Hobble Right Fork, "The area is accessible to normal cars (sedans/SUVs) from the main gravel road" but for better spots "you can turn off on a dirt road. For that, I'd recommend a vehicle with decent clearance."
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Payson, UT is Camp Maple Dell with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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