Best Tent Camping near Santaquin, UT

Tent camping options near Santaquin, Utah include established campgrounds in forested areas and dispersed sites across nearby canyons. Camp Maple Dell provides shaded tent camping with pavilions and picnic tables just 5 miles up Payson Canyon, while Dry Canyon offers riverside tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables in a primitive setting. Hobble Right Fork provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more solitude in higher elevations.

Most tent sites in the area have basic amenities with varying levels of development. Camp Maple Dell features flushing toilets and shower facilities, making it suitable for campers wanting more comforts. In contrast, Hobble Right Fork and other dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency with no water sources or toilets. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some locations implementing fire bans during dry periods. Many campgrounds feature fire rings, and some provide access to water, though visitors to dispersed sites should bring their own supply. Roads to dispersed camping locations often require vehicles with adequate clearance.

The tent camping experience offers proximity to natural features like rivers, mountain views, and hiking trails. Camp Maple Dell provides shade under leafy trees, while Hobble Right Fork campers enjoy mountain vistas and stargazing with minimal light pollution. Tent campers at Dry Canyon can listen to the stream while falling asleep, with sites positioned at an ideal distance from the water. According to one visitor, "There are lots of amazing scenery around with great hikes, great fishing, and amazing views." Wildlife sightings are common in the region, with visitors reporting deer, elk, and occasional bears, particularly in the Dry Canyon area. Campers should practice appropriate food storage techniques, especially in more remote tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Santaquin, Utah (34)

    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. Cottonwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mona, UT
    14 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."

    3. Dry Canyon

    6 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    24 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."

    4. Paul Bunyon's Woodpile

    3 Reviews
    Eureka, UT
    22 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!"

    5. Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    22 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"

    6. Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Mapleton, UT
    27 miles

    "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."

    7. American Campground

    1 Review
    Saratoga Springs, UT
    22 miles

    8. Anderson Park

    2 Reviews
    Pleasant Grove, UT
    27 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."

    9. BLM Little Sahara RA - White Sands Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lynndyl, UT
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 743-3100

    "The Stars were beautiful and the sand was soft and fun to walk in. We set up two tents and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Highly recommended!"

    10. Silver Lake Backcountry

    8 Reviews
    Alta, UT
    39 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!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Santaquin, UT

859 Reviews of 34 Santaquin Campgrounds


  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Diamond 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!

  • Jeremy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Fivemile 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.

  • Sam D.
    Oct. 15, 2017

    Fishlake National Forest Oak Creek Rec Site

    Oak Creek campground

    Awesome campground at about 8,600’ elevation, has a couple small creeks running through, water and toilets on site as well. Each site has a metal fire ring (crucial for a campfire during burn bans), picnic table, grill, some sites had an extra fire ring and bench seats. It’s nestled on the mountainside surrounded by aspen forests and farm land. Plenty of wildlife in the area, watch for deer and cattle in the road. We had temps dip down into the teens overnight with a dusting of snow in late September, be sure to pack layers. Overall a perfect spot for tent camping, small campers max, no RV parking or hookups. Not too far from Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Highly recommend staying here and going to Grand Staircase for a hike in the slot canyons.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Willow 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2022

    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.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Tanners 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:

    • Some sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table, etc.

    • Many sites have an area for the tent that is away from the picnic table and concealed from the road.

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Strawberry Bay

    Quiet campground on a tranquil lake, $24/site

    Arrived late afternoon on a Wednesday in mid September after trying some of the dispersed spots and not finding quite the right fit. Several of the loops were closed for the season, but we found several good sites right on the bluff above the water. Great views, and a little path down to the waters edge (which we made use of right away with the pups, who enjoyed a good romp in and out of the water). Be forewarned, though: the sand is the dark red variety and a wet dog will need a shower to get this off.

    Plenty of potable water spouts and restrooms. Most of the campers were in RVs or trailers, but a tent would be fine here. The sites each had two picnic tables, metal fire rings and three sided, roofed shelters in case of rain or wind. They aren’t the largest sites, but there is decent spacing between sites. Some have some tree cover, but most are exposed.

    We had a visit from a herd of cows right after sunset on the beach in front of our site. They looked at us curiously for a few minutes before moving on, but we could hear them mooing periodically throughout the evening so I don’t think they went far.

    Good one night spot or longer if you have a boat with you for the lake. It was quite warm in the afternoon when we got here, though it cooled off quickly when the sun went down. Comfortable sleeping.


Guide to Santaquin

Dispersed camping near Santaquin, Utah offers primitive sites throughout nearby canyons with seasonal access typically from May through October. The area sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation with surrounding mountains reaching over 11,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency with no water sources and limited to no facilities.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Battle Creek Falls is accessible from Anderson Park, making it a convenient day trip from your campsite. According to one camper, "Battle Creek Falls is a close hike... 15 minutes from shopping, good hikes nearby" with convenient access to town amenities.

Paddleboarding and fishing: Silver Lake Backcountry provides water recreation opportunities within 40-50 minutes of Provo. One visitor notes, "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."

Wildlife viewing: Cattle, deer, and occasionally larger mammals inhabit the area. At Hobble Right Fork Dispersed, a camper reports: "You will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills. Download a map prior to entering Hobble Creek as you lose reception at the beginning."

What campers like

Mountain views and stargazing: The higher elevation sites offer exceptional night sky viewing. One camper at Hobble Right Fork Dispersed described: "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."

Fall colors: Autumn transforms the canyons with vibrant foliage. A visitor to Hobble Right Fork noted, "The leaves were changing and it was brilliant," while highlighting the privacy found "at the top of the fork."

Stream sounds: Dry Canyon offers riverside sites with natural white noise. As one camper described it, "You're a perfect distance from the river so you can listen to it as you fall asleep, but you don't have to worry about floating away."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require appropriate clearance. At Hobble Right Fork, a camper advises: "You will have to drive a dirt road that is less than fair at times. You won't need high clearance but a good suspension or airing down will help."

Variable conditions: Weather can change quickly at higher elevations. For Silver Lake Backcountry, one visitor warns: "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes."

Limited facilities: Most areas have minimal or no amenities. At Cottonwood Campground, a visitor found: "This is a free campground located in central Utah outside of the town of Nephi. The campground is a local party place and is somewhat trashy... There is one pit toilet that did have toilet paper."

Tips for camping with families

Group accommodations: Some sites can handle multiple tents. At Camp Maple Dell, a visitor reported: "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."

Easy access options: Not all sites require difficult travel. Anderson Park offers convenience as one camper noted: "This park allows for camping and accommodates small or large groups. Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavilion with three rows of picnic tables."

Wildlife precautions: Teach children about proper food storage. A camper at Dry Canyon observed: "I have seen elk, deer, moose, and black bear in this area so bring a camera and don't leave food in your tent."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for smaller RVs: Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground accommodates smaller trailers with limitations. One RVer advised: "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 considerations: Many sites lack hookups but offer alternatives. The same camper at Sulphur Campground shared: "Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."

Dispersed RV options: Free camping exists along some roads leading to established campgrounds. For Cottonwood Campground, a visitor noted: "The road going into Cottonwood Campground has free dispersed camping along it. There are no amenities, however you can't beat free."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Santaquin, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.