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Best Campgrounds near West Valley City, UT

1,196 Reviews

West Valley City camping options primarily concentrate on established campgrounds within a short drive of the urban area. Salt Lake City KOA provides a central base with 180 sites offering full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas beneath mature shade trees. Several campgrounds in the surrounding region include Great Salt Lake State Park Campground to the west and Mountain Shadows RV Park to the southeast in Draper. While most sites near the city are developed facilities with amenities like showers and electric hookups, Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive experiences.

Camping in this region follows distinct seasonal patterns, with higher elevation sites like Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Tanners Flat only operating from late May through mid-October. Lower elevation campgrounds remain open year-round, including the city-adjacent KOA and Pony Express RV Resort in North Salt Lake. Reservation requirements vary significantly, with most established campgrounds requiring advance booking while dispersed sites operate on different permit systems. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in the valley while mountain campgrounds remain significantly cooler. A camper noted, "The surrounding area is not so nice. Lots of noises from traffic, trains, airplanes, and the factory across the street. I would recommend staying outside the city."

Many visitors highlight the convenience of staying at urban campgrounds when visiting Salt Lake City. The city-based KOAs and RV parks serve as practical bases for exploring the metropolitan area while still offering camping amenities. Several campgrounds feature mature trees providing shade, though sites tend to be close together with limited privacy. Higher-rated campgrounds like Bridger Bay on Antelope Island State Park balance proximity to urban areas with natural surroundings. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, noise concerns appear frequently in urban camping locations, with one camper reporting, "We did wake up to the sounds of the street behind us and happened to come on lawn service day next door but other than that it was a pretty nice spot for a rest."

Map showing campgrounds near West Valley City, UtahExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near West Valley City, Utah (197)

    1. Salt Lake City KOA

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lake City, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 328-0224

    $50 - $189 / night

    "I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"

    "But there is an amazing Mexican restaurant right next to the campground."

    2. Pony Express RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    North Salt Lake, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 355-1550

    "Convenient location right off the highway with full hook ups and nice paved sites. Dog areas, playground, games, and a pool."

    "These sites a so close to each other. We only stop here to stay the night.

    WiFi is ok-phone hotspot is better.

    Staff is great."

    3. Spruces - Big Cottonwood

    33 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $346 / night

    "Bathrooms always close by, no showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. If you’re lucky, you can get a site close to the creek. Nice, cool nights in the summer."

    "Right up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the"

    4. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $358 / night

    "Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."

    "Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."

    5. Tanners Flat

    19 Reviews
    Snowbird, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $217 / night

    "It was quiet, tucked away from anyone.  Didn't really see anyone for the three days we are there.  Our site was next to the river, which really helped drown out all other sounds! "

    "We had site 11 close to the bathroom and in a flat, sunny clearing surrounded by trees. You could hear the nearby road a bit and see the mountains a little bit."

    6. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Magna, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 828-0787

    $20 - $60 / night

    "We really enjoyed our one night stay on the beach at the Great Salt Lake State Park. Beach sites are primitive, however, the park also offers 5 RV sites with hook-ups. Free showers. Helpful staff."

    "Nice campground next to the great salt lake. Only complaint was sand gets just about everywhere so be prepared."

    7. Mountain Shadows RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Draper, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 571-4024

    8. Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park

    50 Reviews
    Hooper, UT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 773-2941

    $20 - $200 / night

    "One of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home."

    "By far one of my favorite stops through Utah ❤️ absolutely breathtaking views, along with scenic routes to see wildlife such as the bison."

    9. Willow Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lehi, UT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 201-1000

    $25 - $175 / night

    "This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."

    "We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."

    10. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Valley City, UT

268 Photos of 197 West Valley City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Valley City, UT

1196 Reviews of 197 West Valley City Campgrounds

  • Cyrena P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping

    Bugs & More Bugs

    So many bugs it was awful, the mosquitoes ate us and our dogs even with bug repellents. The area was pretty flat it looked like on the left, but we had to go to the right as the left was full when we arrived. It was fairly quiet though at night since you’re very spread out from each other which is nice. My young son loved the nearby spring, it was very mushy but not horrible in some spots!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Squaw Peak Road Dispersed

    A hard way to the Top

    We fought hard to get to the spot. Up to Hood Campground, the road was a normal, winding road. Really great. After that, however, a stretch began that was really only suitable for 4WDs. Rocks, deep ruts, etc. We managed it with the 2WD, but we had to give it our all. There aren't many spots. The spot we found was right on the mountain in the forest, but it wasn't worth the effort. We still enjoyed the night very much. We didn't have an internet connection with T-Online. Apparently, the spot serves the locals as a picnic destination, love nest, or even wedding photo spot until sunset. We had a bit of everything that evening ;)

  • Jeff R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Beautiful spot but trash everywhere

    Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but has trash, broken glass and junk everywhere.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Heber Ranger Station

    Parking Lot Camping

    You can stay at this ranger station up to 14 days. Heber city has a lot to offer. There was a large trash can available but the ranger station was closed due to electrical problems so I don’t know if they allow you to use the bathrooms inside.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Bountiful B Dispersed

    Popular re recreation area with good camping

    There's 4 fire rings around the coords, probably only 3 actual camp sites. The one fire has trails going all around it. If you continue up the mountain, there's more sites at the top. This whole area seems to be a local atv, dirt bike, mountain bike, and shooting area. Definitely lots of people shooting guns into gulleys during the day. Everybody seemed friendly though. The road up takes about 25 or 30 minutes to get to the coords. Its a bit rough but if you have awd or 4wd its no problem. Great views on the way up and down. I have Verizon and had coverage off and on, its enough to send texts but not much more.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Many Sites of Varying Sizes

    Very easy access public land right on Utah Lake. Packed gravel and dirt road going in is lumpy from use but smooths out a bit farther in. Side roads to sites are anyones guess. Some are pretty reasonable, others are like mine fields. Suggest you park on the road and walk in. Many sites are “pull-throughs” so one entrance can be better than the other. Some great spots up the hill but you’ll need high clearance and 4wd. Bugs weren’t bad on this warm mid-September day. Some trash but I’ve been to more formal places with more trash than this. Access to the lake and lots of space to hike. Nice view of lights from the Provo side of the lake at night.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Fivemile Pass OHV

    Amazing Night Sky

    This place is pretty amazing with beautiful views of the sunrise, sunset and stars. Lots of ORV trails for the off road enthusiasts. Problem…SO MANY FLIES. They don’t bite or sting but you could not be outside for very long before they were in everyone’s drinks and personal space! By sunset they were gone so watching the stars was enjoyable. I just wished we could have spent more time outside during our time at camp. We did discover someone had dumped all their garbage close by so that might have been part of the problem🤷‍♀️.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Echo Island RV Resort

    Great Nite Stay

    Clean, paved shady sites with full hookups. Lots of fun things for kids to do. Friendly staff. Pristine property. The only reason I couldn’t give 5 stars is due to the highway noise, but that made it convenient.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Hobble Right Fork Dispersed

    Solid Spot

    Th little nook at the top of the fork provides nice privacy, so felt lucky timing afforded it to me, but ample pull offs along the way ensured there would have been a spot to park. Very busy all along the forest road, though. Lots of cows (and thus manure to drive through some beware if you’re headed toward areas with flies, etc.) The leaves were changing and it was brilliant.

Guide to West Valley City

Camping near West Valley City, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore Antelope Island State Park: This park is home to the Bridger Bay Campground. Campers rave about the "beautiful views of the lake" and the chance to see wildlife like bison and pronghorns. It's a great spot for hiking and enjoying sunsets.
  • Visit Jordanelle State Park: The Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground is perfect for water sports. One visitor mentioned it has "great access to water sports" and is "very close to Park City," making it a great base for outdoor fun.
  • Check out the Provo River Trail: Located near Nunns Park, this trail is ideal for biking and walking. Campers appreciate the "great campground close to town" and the scenic views along the river.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers at Granite Flat love the "beautiful campground in the pine trees" and the sense of privacy despite the number of sites. The natural beauty is a big draw.
  • Clean facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. For example, one reviewer at Mountain Valley RV Resort said, "Everything was clean and so easy to use!"
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife, especially at Bridger Bay Campground. One camper described it as "magical" to see bison lounging on the beach during sunset.

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a nuisance: At Bridger Bay Campground, one camper warned about "literal swarms of no-see-ums and mosquitoes." Be prepared with bug spray!
  • Noise from nearby roads: Campers at Nunns Park noted that while the river drowns out some noise, the highway can still be heard, especially near certain sites.
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Granite Flat, do not have showers or electric hookups. Make sure to check what each campground offers before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Families might prefer campgrounds like Mountain Valley RV Resort, which has "huge level concrete sites" and plenty of space for kids to play.
  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with pools and playgrounds, like Echo Island RV Resort, are great for keeping kids entertained. One parent mentioned their kids loved the "playground & pool."
  • Plan for group camping: If you're camping with a larger family or friends, sites at Tanners Flat can accommodate groups well. One camper noted it was "good for groups or singles."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers at Lakeside RV Campground found that some sites are "incredibly tight," so it's wise to confirm the size of your spot before arriving.
  • Be prepared for noise: If you're staying at Salt Lake City KOA, be aware of train and airplane noise. One reviewer mentioned it was "sketchy" but noted the "mature trees" and shaded sites.
  • Look for amenities: RVers appreciate campgrounds with full hookups and clean facilities. Mountain Valley RV Resort received high praise for its "amenities included" and "friendly staff."

Camping near West Valley City, Utah, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots near West Valley City, Utah?

Within 45 minutes of West Valley City, Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park offers spectacular wildlife viewing with bison, antelope, and deer, plus stunning sunset views over the Great Salt Lake's mud flats. For those seeking a quiet retreat, Anderson Cove provides a peaceful oasis away from city noise with beach access and plenty of bathrooms. Other excellent options include Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon for mountain scenery, Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City for those wanting full amenities, and Soldier's Pass for free dispersed camping with established fire rings near Utah Lake. Most sites within an hour's drive require reservations during peak summer months.

Are there good fishing spots at campgrounds near West Valley City?

Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with clean facilities and full hook-ups for RVs. The campground provides access to Jordanelle Reservoir, known for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. Echo Island RV Resort is another great option with access to Echo Reservoir for fishing, plus plenty of room to walk and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby alternatives include Miner's Canyon Dispersed for lakeside camping, though be prepared for some litter at this free site. For river fishing, consider areas along the Weber and Provo Rivers, which are known for their trout populations. Most fishing areas require a valid Utah fishing license.

What campgrounds near West Valley City have hiking and bike trails?

Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers excellent access to off-road trails with panoramic views of Mt. Timpanogos. The area is popular for off-road activities and hiking with spectacular mountain vistas. Granite Flat provides a quiet camping experience with access to nearby trails and two lakes, making it ideal for hikers. Site 58 specifically sits above a stream in a shaded area. For additional options, Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry camping with extensive hiking trails, while Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry features easy to moderate hiking trails and is especially popular with ATV and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Most trail-accessible campgrounds are open May through October, weather permitting.

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