Tent campsites near Spanish Fork, Utah range from 5,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, offering both lower-elevation riparian zones and alpine settings. The area's camping season typically runs from May through October, with most higher elevation sites inaccessible until June due to snowpack. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: 10-15 miles available near Camp Maple Dell, which is "a beautiful camp. Leafy trees, great area" according to Angela S. The camp serves as a convenient base for accessing nearby trails of varying difficulty.
Paddle sports on Silver Lake Reservoir: The small alpine lake provides calm waters for non-motorized craft. One camper at Silver Lake Backcountry noted, "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," making it a popular summer activity when water levels are sufficient.
Fish multiple water bodies: Streams and lakes in the area support rainbow and brown trout. At Dry Canyon, one visitor mentioned "Great fishing in both the fifth water river and Diamond Fork." Both fly fishing and spin casting are productive in these waters.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates ideal night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Hobble Right Fork noted "Lower light pollution makes the stars pretty visible" while another at Silver Lake Backcountry said "the stars during the night were spectacular!"
What campers like
Privacy in wooded settings: Tent campers value secluded sites at Hobble Right Fork Dispersed, where "The further you drive, the more privacy you get." Sites range from meadow openings to pine-shaded spots.
Stream proximity for sleeping soundscapes: Many tent sites offer the soothing background of flowing water. At Dry Canyon, a camper appreciated that "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."
Group camping facilities: Larger sites can accommodate multiple tents. A Camp Maple Dell visitor reported: "Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more. Covered pavillion with three picnic tables connected end to end."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several areas offer opportunities to spot native mammals. One camper at Camp Maple Dell enjoyed "seeing deer walk through our camp daily," while Hobble Right Fork campers mentioned seeing "lots of wildlife."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A Kimball Campground visitor warned: "The roads are really rough don't think you'll be able to do it without 4x4 or awd my Honda CR-V did great!!"
Early arrival necessary: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "Make sure to get here early on summer weekends because this place fills up," advised a Kimball Campground reviewer.
Varying toilet facilities: Bathroom options range from none to vault toilets to flush toilets. Dry Canyon has "one pit toilet but for this small camp area, it does the trick," while Silver Lake Backcountry requires backcountry waste management practices.
Free range cattle encounters: Expect to share some areas with livestock. At Hobble Right Fork, a camper noted "You will likely encounter cattle. They roam all over the hills," which can affect site selection and water quality in some areas.
Tips for camping with families
Short hiking options: Child-friendly trails under 3 miles provide outdoor activities. At Anderson Park, "Battle Creek Falls is a close hike" making it appropriate for families with younger children.
Water play opportunities: Several sites offer safe stream access for children. Anderson Park has "irragation ditches run throughout the park with bridges for crossing," providing safe water play options.
Large group facilities: Some areas accommodate family reunions or multi-family trips. Anderson Park "allows for camping and accomodates small or large groups. Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables."
Wildlife education chances: Animal sightings create learning opportunities. A Silver Lake Backcountry visitor mentioned, "There were a lot of off road vehicles and people fishing. More crowded then we were expecting, but the views were amazing! Not a lot of shade, as in bring your own. Perfect place for dogs to play!"
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Most tent camping areas near Spanish Fork have tight access roads limiting RV size. At Cottonwood Campground, "This is a small campground" that can accommodate smaller trailers but not large rigs.
Water refill options: Some sites lack hookups but offer potable water. One RVer at Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground noted, "Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."
Narrow access roads: RVers should know about tight turns and limited passing areas. A Wasatch National Forest Sulphur Campground visitor cautioned, "The camp spots are narrow, the road in/out is narrow. Our 25ft trailer seemed to be a max length."
Dispersed options for self-contained units: Some areas accommodate small trailers without facilities. At Dry Canyon, "This is a great spot for self-contained campers, van campers, or tent campers who don't need water."
