Tent campsites near Stockton, Utah sit at elevations ranging from 4,800 to 9,000 feet, creating diverse camping conditions throughout the seasons. Most backcountry sites in the Stansbury Mountains require at least half a mile of hiking from trailheads, while lower elevation areas provide more accessible camping options. The camping season varies significantly by elevation, with higher sites often snow-covered until late May.
What to do
Climbing limestone routes: South Willow Canyon features excellent climbing opportunities near Upper Narrows campground. According to Alan B., this area offers "extremely close proximity of amazing water carved bulletproof limestone climbing" with routes rated up to 5.14a that attract professional climbers.
Mountain summit hiking: From some camping areas, ambitious hikers can reach impressive peaks. When staying near Red Pine Lake, "you can gain the ridge and summit white baldy which gives one of the best views in the entire Wasatch!" according to Alan B. The hike rewards with expansive alpine views.
Fishing alpine lakes: Several camping locations provide fishing opportunities. Silver Lake Backcountry camping requires a short hike but provides excellent fishing access. Kati C. notes the area was "busy but beautiful" with "a lot of off road vehicles and people fishing" making it a popular destination.
Off-road exploration: The dispersed camping areas provide excellent access points for ATV trails. At Skull Valley Road dispersed camping, Rara B. mentions "tons of dispersed camping areas along the 196" where they "brought a 30' RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts" to access the trail networks.
What campers like
Distance between sites: Loop Campground offers well-spaced campsites, which campers appreciate for privacy. One visitor, Naomi W., described it as "very peaceful, good distance between sites" with a friendly camp host who even shared treats with campers.
Mountain views: The surrounding mountains provide scenic backdrops at many camping locations. At Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping, Tyler C. suggests "you can hike a little ways up the mountain and watch the sun go down" for spectacular sunset views, though he warns it "gets real windy" after sunset.
Creek access: Several camping areas feature streams or creeks. Alan B. notes that at Lower Narrows Campground, "the creek offers a nice respite from the heat in the summer and would probably be decent fishing as well." These water features provide both recreational opportunities and practical benefits during hot weather.
Wildlife sightings: The Stockton area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. While camping in the backcountry areas, Laynie R. reported they "even saw a herd of deer run by our camp" at Silver Lake, adding to the outdoor experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires appropriate vehicles, especially after weather events. For Millcreek Canyon, campers should note that some roads might be closed seasonally, as Sharon H. warns, "road is closed 3.5 miles into the park before where camping spots were indicated. No notice on when it would reopen."
Wind exposure: Several camping areas experience significant wind. At Skull Valley Rd dispersed camping, Conner mentioned "fucking windy night and dusty I hate dust so much. Maybe if I parked down road inside the sagebrush it would have broke the wind." Consider wind breaks when selecting your tent site.
Water availability: Most camping areas near Stockton require bringing your own water. At Loop Campground, Naomi W. found "no water" meant a "very long drive down a rutted gravel road, out of the canyon, and back to Grantsville... 40 minutes each way" to resupply.
Seasonal timing: Higher elevation camping has a limited season. For Upper Narrows, campsites are typically only accessible "during the peak season May-Sept" according to Alan B., while many other high-elevation sites follow similar patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible hiking options: Choose camping areas with family-friendly trails nearby. Naomi W. noted that at Loop Campground, "We were with a bunch of kids, so we only checked out one part of the Medina trail, but it was beautiful, with lovely views," making it suitable for family outings.
Water play areas: Anderson Park provides good options for water activities that children enjoy. Michelle B. mentions "irrigation ditches run throughout the park with bridges for crossing" and it's also "good for paddleboarding and fishing" according to Becky J., providing entertainment for families.
Educational wildlife viewing: Millcreek Canyon offers wildlife spotting opportunities that can excite children. Alan B. reports "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer," making it an excellent location for teaching kids about local fauna.
Spacious camping areas: Select sites with room for family activities. Michelle B. describes Anderson Park as having a "large grassy field, two wooded areas" with "several fire pits, large covered lighted pavilion with three rows of picnic tables" providing ample space for family camping.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance access points: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. For Skull Valley Road dispersed camping, Rara B. explains they used "a 30' RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts" but cautions that the "dirt road is also real rough, probably not for sedans" according to Tyler C.
Water crossings: Some camping areas require navigating water obstacles. Michelle B. notes that at Silver Lake Backcountry, you "must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose," requiring appropriate vehicle capability.
Limited hookups: Most tent campsites near Stockton don't offer RV hookups. Prepare for self-contained camping at dispersed sites, as Elizabeth noted at Skull Valley Road dispersed camping that "sites are well spaced out" but lack amenities.
Seasonal road closures: RV access to higher elevation camping can be limited by season. As Ryan G. points out for Millcreek Canyon, "camping doesn't open until July 1st so take that into account" when planning RV trips to the area.
