Best Tent Camping near Randolph, UT
Dispersed tent camping is widely available in the forests surrounding Randolph, Utah, with notable options like Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin and Monte Cristo offering primitive tent sites in scenic mountain settings. Both areas provide free camping with minimal amenities in forested terrain approximately 20-30 miles from Randolph. Bear Lake State Park Campground, located about 45 minutes northeast, offers established tent campgrounds with more facilities for those seeking a less primitive experience.
Most primitive tent sites near Randolph require campers to be self-sufficient with their own water supply, waste disposal, and camping gear. Sites at Curtis Creek and Monte Cristo typically feature user-created rock fire rings but no formal facilities. A recent review noted, "It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these dispersed campsites, particularly after rain when dirt roads can become rutted and challenging. Seasonal access varies, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snowmelt, and fire restrictions commonly implemented during dry summer months.
Tent campers at dispersed sites enjoy significant privacy compared to established campgrounds. The Monte Cristo area provides multiple secluded spots with impressive mountain views, though one camper wrote that "it can get quite blustery" at exposed sites. Early arrival is essential during peak season (June-September) as the limited number of established primitive tent sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Fall brings spectacular aspen color changes, making September a popular time for tent camping in the area. Most dispersed tent camping follows Forest Service regulations with 14-day stay limits, and campers must practice Leave No Trace principles since garbage service is not provided at primitive sites.
