Best Tent Camping near Salem, UT

Public lands surrounding Salem, Utah offer diverse tent camping options, from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Camp Maple Dell, located just 5 miles up Payson Canyon, provides shaded tent campsites with amenities including drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables. Dry Canyon offers primitive tent-only camping with sites positioned near a stream, providing natural white noise for sleeping. Cottonwood Campground in the Stansbury Mountains, about 25 miles southwest of Salem, features tent sites with basic amenities operating from April through October.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal grading. Road conditions vary significantly, with many backcountry areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to campers at Mill Hollow, "the main road is fairly easy to navigate but if you venture off the main path you'll need a vehicle with clearance and possibly 4x4." Walk-in tent sites at Silver Lake Backcountry require parking at designated lots and hiking at least half a mile to camping areas. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though primitive areas follow Leave No Trace principles with no facilities. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in drought conditions.

Tent campers frequently report wildlife sightings throughout the region. One visitor to Dry Canyon noted, "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area, so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent." Sites at higher elevations provide temperature relief during summer, with temperatures often 20 degrees cooler than in the valley. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends, particularly at popular backcountry tent camping destinations like Red Pine Lake. Many tent-only sites feature streams nearby, allowing campers with water filters to access drinking water. Campsites in the Uinta National Forest provide peaceful settings with fewer crowds during weekdays and shoulder seasons.

Best Tent Sites Near Salem, Utah (32)

    1. Camp Maple Dell

    3 Reviews
    Elk Ridge, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    $26 - $40 / night

    "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."

    2. Dry Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    16 miles

    "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."

    3. Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 789-3194

    "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"

    4. Cottonwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 466-6411

    "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."

    5. American Campground

    1 Review
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    19 miles

    6. Anderson Park

    2 Reviews
    Pleasant Grove, UT
    22 miles

    "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."

    7. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    33 miles

    "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!"

    8. Red Pine Lake

    7 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    "Red Pine Lake is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south side of the road."

    "wonderful place to backpack up to during the week. can access 3 different beautiful lakes from this drainage and 2 beautiful peaks!"

    9. Paul Bunyon's Woodpile

    3 Reviews
    Eureka, UT
    30 miles
    +1 (435) 743-3100

    "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!"

    10. Kimball Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 999-2103

    "It was just off the road and basically no privacy but I was just looking for a safe place to sleep and that’s what I got!"

    "These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Salem, UT

847 Reviews of 32 Salem Campgrounds



Guide to Salem

Tent camping near Salem, Utah, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from riverfront sites to shaded areas, there's something for every tent camper.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Dry Canyon, campers can enjoy spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, all while being close to the river.
  • Camp Maple Dell features drinking water, showers, and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
  • Anderson Park offers reservable sites with picnic tables and flushing toilets, perfect for those looking for a more structured camping experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $14

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Salamander Flat is a great spot for hiking and enjoying breathtaking mountain views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Paul Bunyon's Woodpile provides easy access to hiking trails and is known for its unique rock formations.
  • Spanish Fork - Scofield Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing and paddleboarding, making it a versatile camping destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salem, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salem, UT is Camp Maple Dell with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Salem, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Salem, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.