Best Campgrounds near Richmond, UT
The landscapes around Richmond, Utah accommodate multiple camping styles across national forest lands and dispersed sites. Public lands in this area include the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, where camping options range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations. Smithfield Campground provides developed camping near Richmond, while Green Canyon and Smithfield Dispersed areas offer free primitive camping. Tony Grove Lake and Campground, situated at higher elevations, provides both tent and RV camping with more facilities. Camping types span from no-fee dispersed sites to reservation-required established campgrounds with tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Road conditions vary significantly between locations, with paved access to developed sites and rough dirt roads leading to dispersed areas. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable access, as many forest service roads close during winter months due to snow. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come basis without reservations, while established campgrounds like Tony Grove may require advance booking during peak summer weekends. Water availability differs by location - Tony Grove and Red Banks campgrounds provide drinking water, while dispersed sites require campers to bring their own supplies. A camper noted, "After you've passed the Smithfield campground there are plenty of spots on both sides of the road where you can pull off and have dispersed camping. Most of the spots are pretty small and would only work for one or two tents."
The higher elevation camping areas near Richmond deliver cooler temperatures even during summer heat. Forested sites provide natural shade, especially around Tony Grove Lake, which sits at approximately 8,400 feet and remains snow-covered until late spring. Proximity to creeks and streams enhances many camping experiences, particularly at Smithfield Campground. One visitor described it as "next to a beautiful creek. Secluded. No cell service." Campers frequently mention the hiking opportunities throughout the area, with trailheads accessible from several campgrounds. The small size of Smithfield Campground limits the possibility of crowding, with a reviewer noting, "This little spot has five or six campsites that are spaced nicely and are all very clean." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, though bear-safe food storage is recommended at all locations.
