Best Tent Camping near Richmond, UT
Smithfield Canyon offers several dispersed tent camping options near Richmond, Utah, with sites positioned along a creek in a mountainous setting. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite provides primitive tent-only sites located at the end of a canyon road, while additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Cache National Forest. The Green Canyon area also features walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more secluded backcountry experience.
Most tent sites in the Smithfield area are small clearings suitable for one or two tents, with minimal site improvements. Campers should bring their own water supplies, as drinking water is not available at primitive sites. Fires are permitted at many locations, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods. The road into Smithfield Canyon narrows significantly past the established campground, limiting access for larger vehicles but creating ideal walk-in tent opportunities. Sites typically feature flat dirt or forest duff surfaces with informal fire rings. No facilities or trash service are available at dispersed sites.
Areas farther from the main Smithfield campground provide deeper seclusion and less noise for backcountry tent campers. The canyon setting offers shade trees and creek access at many sites, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest. For those willing to hike in, more remote tent sites can be found along forest trails, offering greater solitude than drive-in locations. A camper noted that "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 or maybe a couple of hammocks." In higher elevation areas, tent campers should be prepared for cooler overnight temperatures even in summer months, making these primitive sites ideal for experienced campers with appropriate gear.
