Tent camping near Tooele, Utah provides diverse experiences across both high desert terrain and alpine environments with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 10,000+ feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in lower elevations while mountain sites remain 15-20 degrees cooler. Road conditions vary significantly after weather events, with many dirt access routes becoming deeply rutted and requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Loop Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for riders seeking technical terrain. "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," notes one visitor to Loop Campground.
Climbing limestone routes: The Narrows area offers challenging sport climbing opportunities. A camper at Upper Narrows explains, "The main attraction for this and the Lower Narrows CG's is the extremely close proximity of amazing water carved bulletproof limestone climbing! The Narrows climbing in South Willow Canyon is the premier HARD climbing spot for those in SLC that want to test their grit and push grades."
Shooting sports: Several dispersed areas permit target shooting. "This location is also right in an outdoor shooting range with multiple spots so that's a plus if you're looking for entertainment," reports a camper who stayed at Skull Valley Road Dispersed Camping.
Summit hiking: Several nearby peaks offer challenging day hikes with elevation gains of 2,000-3,000 feet. "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!" shares a backpacker at Red Pine Lake.
What campers like
Sunset viewing spots: The western-facing slopes provide spectacular evening light. According to a camper at Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping: "Especially if you get here before sunset, you can hike a little ways up the mountain and watch the sun go down, but once it does start to go down it gets real windy. All the breeze from the salt flats comes right your way."
Water access: Several sites offer creekside camping where children can play. "The creek offers a nice respite from the heat in the summer and would probably be decent fishing as well. I only saw a couple trout while wandering around but I'm sure there are more!" notes a visitor to Lower Narrows Campground.
Night skies: The remote location provides excellent star viewing. One camper at Skull Valley mentions, "Nights are quiet and the moon is usually super bright," while another at Silver Lake Backcountry shares, "the fall colors during the day and the stars during the night were spectacular!"
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to spot native animals. A reviewer at Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts shares, "Everytime we come here we also see moose and deer. Best time is definitely fall."
What you should know
Water availability: Most sites require bringing all water needs. "I have a small SUV, so I buy firewood and fill up water containers after I've set up camp. I usually expect a decent drive to find what I need, but this involved a very long drive down a rutted gravel road, out of the canyon, and back to Grantsville. I think it was 40 minutes each way," reports a Loop Campground visitor.
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate significantly after rain. "You're definitely going to need 4WD and high clearance because the roads leading up to the campsite are filled with ruts and holes," explains a camper at Silver Lake Backcountry.
Site availability: Most established campgrounds have limited spaces. "This is one of 2 campgrounds that has very large group sites, so if you're coming here with a mob then this is one of the places to check out! The group sites cost $50 and $90 and can hold 30 and 50 people respectively," explains a review of Upper Narrows.
Bug presence: Insects can be significant in warmer months. A camper at Skull Valley notes, "Beautiful views, wide open spaces and super quiet. LOTS of mosquitoes and flies."
Tips for camping with families
Creek play areas: Several campgrounds feature shallow water access. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," shares a visitor to Millcreek Canyon.
Animal viewing opportunities: Wildlife sightings create memorable experiences. A camper at Split Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites reports, "Good hiking trails with great views and lots of animals to see."
Accessible trails: Many sites connect to beginner-friendly hiking paths. "The trail up to the lake starts off pretty easily, and since it follows the stream coming down, clean drinking water is always at hand," notes a visitor to Red Pine Lake.
Group sites: Upper Narrows offers designated spaces for larger family gatherings. "The group sites cost $50 and $90 and can hold 30 and 50 people respectively," states a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Road width limitations: Many access roads are narrow with limited turning radius. "We brought a 30' RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts," shares a Skull Valley camper about navigating the rough terrain.
Creek crossings: Some areas require driving through water. "Must cross a creek with 12"-18" of water at least once and up to 4 times depending on which camp site you choose," explains a visitor to Silver Lake Backcountry.
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Tooele lack hookups or dump stations. Campers must be fully self-contained with sufficient water and waste storage for the duration of stay.
Turnaround space: Many forest service roads have limited areas for larger vehicles to turn around. Scout routes before attempting with longer rigs to avoid difficult backing situations on narrow mountain roads.
