Tent camping near Springville, Utah offers diverse backcountry experiences across the Wasatch National Forest and Uinta Mountains. The area's terrain varies from 4,500 feet in Springville to over 10,000 feet at higher alpine campsites like Red Pine Lake, creating dramatic temperature differences even in summer months. Forest roads accessing dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles, with many becoming impassible during and after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Silver Lake Backcountry provides access to multiple lakes within walking distance of dispersed camping areas. As one camper 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."
Explore mountain trails: The Red Pine Lake trail system offers access to multiple alpine environments. According to a backpacker, "Nearby are the upper and lower red pine lakes in addition to a couple smaller ponds in the red pine drainage. If you make your way through the talus field to the south you can gain the ridge and summit white baldy which gives one of the best views in the entire Wasatch!"
Off-road adventures: Forest roads around Hobble Right Fork Dispersed provide extensive terrain for vehicles. 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."
What campers like
Streamside camping sites: Many tent campers seek sites near water. At Dry Canyon, a visitor explains, "Beautiful scenery. Lots of shade and dappled sunlight. River steps away. River not too cold. Do have to carry everything from the parking lot, across the bridge, to your campsite."
Stargazing opportunities: The mountain elevation creates exceptional night viewing conditions. One camper at Hobble Right Fork reports, "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."
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week visits offer significantly less crowded experiences. A Silver Lake Backcountry camper explains, "During the week in mid August, is relatively uncrowded at night. There are a lot of day hikers but not too many overnighters."
What you should know
Camping regulations: Watershed protection areas have specific rules. At Silver Lake Backcountry, a visitor notes, "You need to stay at least 1/2 mile away from the lake to camp. Maybe they open the road up at some point during the year, but as of July 2nd, it was gated off, so come prepared to backpack up to a spot."
Road conditions: Forest access roads deteriorate quickly with weather. One camper observes, "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes."
Wildlife presence: The mountain environment hosts diverse animal populations. A Hobble Right Fork visitor 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."
Tips for camping with families
Pavilion access: Camp Maple Dell offers structured facilities for group camping. A visitor notes, "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. Covered pavilion with three picnic tables connected end to end."
Shorter hike options: Choose appropriate trails for younger hikers. According to a camper at Anderson Park, "Battle Creek Falls is a close hike," making it accessible for families with children.
Water activities: Several locations offer swimming and paddling opportunities. One visitor mentions, "We spent our afternoons paddleboarding on Silver Lake Reservoir," providing a cooling activity during hot summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Sulphur Campground accommodates some RVs but has limitations. A visitor with a 25-foot hybrid trailer explains, "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 points: Identify water sources for filling tanks. The same Sulphur Campground visitor advises, "Great tasting water, we used a 5 gallon bucket and a water transfer pump from Harbor Freight to fill up our fresh tank."
Dispersed camping clearances: Tent campers can access areas RVs cannot. At Kimball Campground, a visitor explains, "The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable. The campsites are beautiful, and within walking distance to the trailhead to hike the 2.2 mile hike up to Silver Lake."
