Tent camping sites near South Weber, Utah range from primitive backcountry spots to hike-in locations at alpine lakes. The area sits where the Wasatch Mountains meet the Great Salt Lake Basin, with elevations ranging from 4,700 to over 10,000 feet. Campsites in surrounding canyons typically experience 30-40°F temperature drops at night, even during summer months, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Access Red Pine Lake via a 3-4 mile trail with moderate difficulty in the final mile. "I backpacked to Red Pine Lake (first backpacking in 10 years!) and had a great time. The trail up is well kept and the lake itself is stunning. Lots of streams everywhere too which I loved," reports one camper who found peaceful camping even on busy weekends.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Silver Lake Backcountry offers water recreation opportunities 40-50 minutes from Provo. A camper notes, "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir." The lake requires a short hike from the parking area and proper watercraft carry-in equipment.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for moose, deer and other wildlife around backcountry camping areas. At Silver Lake, one visitor mentioned, "We even saw a herd of deer run by our camp." Fall months (September-October) typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are more active during cooler temperatures.
What campers like
Accessibility to urban areas: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry provides quick escapes from nearby cities. One reviewer states, "Millcreek is a great escape from the city. All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water." This makes it ideal for overnight trips when time is limited.
Autumn colors: Fall camping at Curtis Creek / Arbs Basin offers spectacular foliage displays. "We stayed here for the night on our rooftop tent. It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here. It's chilly and very pretty around. Nice view of the sunset," reports one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to stocked lakes and streams. At Red Pine Lake, a camper observed: "Both lakes were loaded with large trout, but I didn't have a fishing rod, so all I could do was look at them this time. I did see signs of an old campfire and some trout bones so someone had a tasty meal at one point."
What you should know
Campsite accessibility varies: Many of the best tent camping near South Weber, Utah requires hiking or high-clearance vehicles. One camper at Silver Lake Backcountry 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. The views make the drive there worth it, though."
Seasonal restrictions: Several campgrounds close during winter and early spring. "Camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account," notes a visitor to Millcreek Canyon. This limitation typically applies to higher elevation sites where snow and mud persist into summer.
Distance requirements from water sources: Regulations at Port Ramp Marina and other watershed areas specify minimum distances for camping. "Once at the lake, there is a sign asking that campsites be kept 200ft from the water, as the lake is a source of drinking water for the area," explains a Red Pine Lake visitor.
Arrival timing matters: Campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends. For early arrivals at dispersed sites, weekdays offer better availability than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking opportunities: Introduce children to backpacking with shorter hikes. At Cook Campsite, one parent shared: "Aside from the excessive litter in a few places, this was a great place to give my 5 year old a taste of backpacking."
Weather preparedness: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations, especially at higher elevations. "It stormed pretty hard in the middle of the night, and since the lake is up near the top of the mountain, it got pretty windy. Be prepared for significant foul weather and choose your campsite appropriately," advises a Red Pine Lake camper.
Winter alternatives: Some areas offer winter camping experiences with nearby recreation. A Port Ramp Marina visitor notes: "This is a fantastic spot to go in the winter. Not only is it more beautiful (IMO) in the winter, but it gets loads of snow for snow sports, and it is right next to Powder Mountain and Snow Basin!"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping spots near South Weber restrict RV access due to road conditions or space limitations. At Curtis Creek/Arbs Basin, which does allow RVs, "It's very quiet, barely any people. There's man-made firepits made out of rocks of people who have stayed here."
Boondocking options: Some dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs with proper clearance. "About 1/4 mile down a dirt road from Hwy 39 is a good single boondocking spot with a great view. Not for large RVs. Our 17 ft trailer with 4x4 was tricky to get into the spot because the loop was so small," reports a visitor to dispersed camping near Monte Cristo.
River crossings: Several access roads require water crossings that vary seasonally. "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which campsite you choose," notes a Silver Lake Backcountry visitor, highlighting the need for appropriate vehicles when accessing more remote sites.
