Best Tent Camping near West Jordan, UT
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."
