1 campground with availability next weekend
Several tent camping options surround the Wasatch Range near West Jordan, Utah, with established sites at Red Pine Lake and Millcreek Canyon Backcountry offering distinct wilderness experiences. Silver Lake Backcountry provides tent-only sites in alpine settings while Lake Blanche Trail offers backcountry tent camping opportunities with permit requirements. Most locations require hikers to travel at least half a mile from trailheads, with camping regulations restricting proximity to water sources and developed areas.
Tent campsites in this region typically lack amenities, with most requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water. Many backcountry tent areas prohibit campfires due to watershed protection regulations, particularly in Little Cottonwood Canyon where Red Pine Lake is located. Walk-in tent sites at Millcreek Canyon require camping at least half a mile from any road and 200 feet from water sources. Several primitive tent camping areas operate seasonally, with Millcreek Canyon's camping season beginning July 1st. Backcountry permits are required for most locations, and pet restrictions vary by site.
The tent camping experience in these areas offers exceptional alpine views and access to mountain lakes. Silver Lake Backcountry provides scenic tent sites with views of Timpanogos Massif, Box Elder Peak, and Alpine Ridge. Higher elevation tent campgrounds like Red Pine Lake require steep hikes but reward campers with pristine alpine settings. Many locations provide access to fishing, paddleboarding, and extensive trail networks. Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends when day hikers are common. One visitor noted, "Red Pine Lake is magically beautiful, and at least during the week in mid-August, is relatively uncrowded at night. There are a lot of day hikers but not too many overnighters."
"Red Pine Lake is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon, on the south side of the road."
"wonderful place to backpack up to during the week. can access 3 different beautiful lakes from this drainage and 2 beautiful peaks!"
"You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
"Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."
"An amazing spot to drive to and spend the day or backpack in and spend a night or two. Be warned you will need a 4wd vehicle if trying to go up the road after a rain storm. "
"You can’t drive to the coordinates, you have to park at the uppermost parking lot for Silver Flat and hike up to a camping spot. Camping anywhere along that road will give you gorgeous views, though!"
"I love driving through Middle Canyon. Its 5 dollars for a day pass and it's beautiful. I have never failed to see deer on the drive. I love to drive through it when the leaves change in Fall."
from $20 / night
"It’s a beautiful hike in and there are a lot of open spots not on top of each other. You can just hike back out in the AM or there are a lot of options to explore!"
"great hike to the lake!"
"It was just off the road and basically no privacy but I was just looking for a safe place to sleep and that’s what I got!"
"These campground spots are hidden within trees up the dirt road just past Silver Lake flats on the dirt road. The dirt road gets rough and rocky, but is driveable."
"Several fire pits, large covered lighted pavillion with three rows of picnic tables. Large grassy field, two wooded areas, boarders a residential neighborhood, flushing toilets."
"It is a dry area and hot mid-summer, but good base for ATV, bike, and hunting areas. No ATV/bike riding or hunting on the campground - just a good base camp for those types of activities."
from $26 - $38 / night
TravelerHead up the hill to get away from the trash and bugs. Pick a spot by the giant sunken in campfire circle, or pick a spot by the cave if your rig can travel up the rocky road beyond the main site by the entry, great for highway RV's/prius's.
GuideLet’s talk pro’s! Super nice staff, playground for kids, dog park rates are fair, easy to get in and out of. Cons: spots are a tad narrow and a somewhat uneven, there is a minor airport next door that does generate some noise so if you are a light sleeper you will notice!
GuideNice little spot. I camped in my truck and the spot was fine. Might be tight with a large rig and not as level. But fine for a small rig.
GuideNice little campground. Know what it is. Its a campground at a theme park. Noisy during the day. Stay here if your going to Cherry Hill. I wouldn't stay here without that due to better locations. Grassy spots get slick.
LegendI know some people had a huge issue with bugs. Maybe its because we came towards the end of October. But the only issue with bugs we had were a few annoying flies. This place is absolutely stunning. Ended up staying 2 nights. One night was very windy since there isnt much to protect you from the wind. Bathrooms have showers and flush toilets. Literally no one was here after the Bison roundup weekend. And the sunsets were spectacular !
LegendI like that the spots are paved. Close to a road causing lots of traffic noise. Not much privacy between sites either. But lots of grassy places to play
TravelerBeautiful fall weather.
LegendNice little campground with several pull through spots and several back ins Showers and bathrooms were clean and nice. Outside of the major town on Utah Lake so fairly quiet, although it is next to a smaller airport which has planes coming and going most of the time. At least they are all small planes so they don’t make too much noise. Nice playground.
TravelerRight up the road from where the campsite marker is we found this private little circular site with fire pit. Ground was at a slope, good to keep in mind, for this specific spot.
Tent camping near West Jordan, Utah ranges from alpine lakes to backcountry wilderness, with several established sites within an hour's drive. Red Pine Lake offers tent camping accessible via a moderately challenging 3-4 mile hiking trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon, while Millcreek Canyon provides backcountry tent camping opportunities with proximity to Salt Lake City.
Most tent sites in the area require campers to set up at least half a mile from roads and 200 feet from water sources. Millcreek Canyon charges a $5 per vehicle entrance fee, and backcountry camping is generally not permitted until July 1st. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with several areas including Red Pine Lake prohibiting fires year-round due to watershed protection. Silver Lake Backcountry requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to access the trailhead, as roads can become rutted and include water crossings of 12-18 inches. Many primitive tent sites lack amenities like running water, requiring campers to pack in all supplies or filter from streams.
Tent campers visiting higher elevation sites like Red Pine Lake should pack light due to the steep ascent, but are rewarded with impressive alpine scenery. The area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with moose and deer commonly spotted in Millcreek Canyon. Silver Lake Backcountry offers tent campers spectacular views of Mount Timpanogos and Box Elder Peak. Weekday camping generally provides greater solitude, as many backcountry areas become crowded on summer weekends. The tent-only sites at Red Pine Lake restrict pets and swimming since the lake serves as a drinking water reservoir. One visitor noted, "Red Pine Lake is stunning. Busy on the weekend, but still able to find solitude near the water. Peaceful camping even on a Saturday night!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Jordan, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Jordan, UT is Red Pine Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Jordan, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near West Jordan, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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