Map showing campground location near Wendover, Utah

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Knolls Recreation Area

At $10 per night with reservations available, Knolls Recreation Area sits on BLM land outside Grantsville, Utah, and requires some navigation to reach. The posted coordinates have led multiple campers astray; the correct approach follows the south end of the I-80 overpass road west for roughly a mile, then crosses railroad tracks before the entry sign comes into view. The road involves bumpy pavement and some sections that call for good off-road tires if campers want to reach spots away from the main gravel corridor.

This is an OHV area. Expect the sounds of ATVs and dirt bikes during the day, plus faint highway noise from I-80. No shade exists on site. There is no water on-site either, as Janessa L. notes: "Pit toilets only and no water." Campers who arrive prepared with their own supply will find level spots near the facilities, open sand dunes, and sightlines toward sunrise and sunset. AT&T cell service has tested well here. Stargazing draws overnight visitors, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights.

Those wanting more dispersed options nearby can explore Knolls Rec Area Dispersed about a half mile south, or browse camping near BLM Land — Salt Lake Field Office for a broader look at the region. Knolls works best as a one-night highway break or a base for OHV riders with gear and water already loaded.

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Map & DirectionsKnolls Recreation Area is located in Utah near Wendover

Public Campground

Coordinates

40.71533260411652 N
113.28556581527606 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 9/8/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 9/8/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 2 min from Salt Lake City, UT
1 hr 28 min from Ogden, UT
1 hr 38 min from Provo, UT
2 hrs 12 min from Logan, UT

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Knolls Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned excellent privacy and stargazing opportunities in this ORV recreation area. Basic facilities with pit toilets only - no water available. Sandy terrain offers level spots but requires preparation for dry, salty conditions.

Scott

Traveler

Reviewed May. 17, 2025

Good boondock spot

The coordinates in the Dyrt listing are incorrect. Use 40°42′53″ N 113°17′8″ W. Follow south end of I-80 overpass road which curves right (west) continue about a mile on bumpy pavement, the turn left just past a building and cross RR tracks. You’ll see a Knolls sign. Continue til you see the entry sign then restroom after that.

This is an ORV, so we heard a few of those, and faint highway sound, but it was otherwise good. Nice skies and stars.

Month of VisitMay

Chuck M.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2021

Absolutely Gorgeous

Arrived after dark. Stargazed at the Milky Way. Cell service (ATT) wss excellent. When we woke up, it was absolutely silent besides being able to see I80 from our campsite.

Month of VisitSeptember

Payson W.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Sand dunes and amazing sunsets

I always love my time in the knolls. Great recreation area if you have atv’s or bikes. Tons of sand dunes, open space for trailers and tents, and breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.

SiteCampground by bathroom 3

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

Skyeriver .

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Long gravel dusty...

Road to the good spots. Good off road tires is a must if you wanna find a spot off the main gravel road. I opted for a tucked away spot down one of the wider ohv trails. Good stars. Watch out for wasps. Great spot to catch some Zzz on the long boring hwy80.

Month of VisitJune

Sara M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2021

Sweet spot for a night.

Our family of 5 rolled in after a day of traveling. We tow a little trailer and found a pretty level spot over by the bathrooms. Had the place to ourselves! Not much out there so bring what you need. We got there in time to make dinner and catch an amazing sunset.

There could be better signage but if you keep going into the fee pay spot, you will see more places to park. The posted coordinates lead to a parking lot (probably free) but isn't as level. We will stop again next time!

Month of VisitMay

Janessa L.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2018

Remote, Beautiful views of salt flats, Dispersed camping

This was a great stop for us on our way across I-80. Pulled over right at sunset and had the place to ourselves in the middle of July. Pit toilets only and no water. Not much shade but didn't matter to us since we got there at sunset and left early to continue our trip. Tent on the sand!

SiteDispersed

Month of VisitJuly

Daniel S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2017

Pretty but unless your offloading with something not really much here.

We got here late and only stayed 1 night, We saw a bunch of other people camping and driving around in their crazy offload rigs. If you have a rig than its definitely worth the time getting out here and staying for a few days. If your just living in a van bumming around its very dry, salty, and not probably worth the time. We enjoyed the fews and got out of there right in the morning because it was so windy. No amenities here bring plenty of water because its going to be salty, dry and windy.

Cheers!

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping options at Knolls?

Knolls Recreation Area offers primitive dispersed camping with no designated sites. You can set up tents directly on the sand or park trailers and RVs in open spaces throughout the area. There are pit toilets available but no water sources, so campers must bring all their own supplies. The area provides level spots near the bathrooms for those with trailers, while more adventurous campers can find secluded spots down wider OHV trails. The terrain is generally flat and accommodating for various camping setups, though the environment is dry and salty.

What recreational activities are available at Knolls Recreation Area?

Knolls Recreation Area is a paradise for off-road enthusiasts with extensive sand dunes perfect for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles. The area features tons of open space for riding and exploring. Beyond motorized recreation, visitors enjoy stargazing under spectacular night skies where the Milky Way is clearly visible. The location also offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views across the expansive landscape. With minimal light pollution and open terrain, photography and nature appreciation are popular passive activities.

Where is Knolls Recreation Area located in Utah?

Knolls Recreation Area is located along Interstate 80 in western Utah. To access the recreation area, follow the south end of the I-80 overpass road as it curves west, continuing about a mile on bumpy pavement. Turn left just past a building, cross railroad tracks, and look for the Knolls sign. The approximate coordinates are 40°42′53″ N 113°17′8″ W. The area is situated in a remote desert region with views of I-80 in the distance.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Horseshoe Knolls?

The available information doesn't specifically address Horseshoe Knolls as a distinct area. At the main Knolls Recreation Area, dispersed camping is definitely permitted throughout the open spaces. If you're specifically looking for Horseshoe Knolls, it's best to contact the Bureau of Land Management office that manages the region for current regulations. Generally, BLM lands in this area allow dispersed camping, but always check for any specific restrictions or permit requirements before your trip.

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