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Dispersed Camping

Knolls Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Knolls Recreation Area in Utah features flat, open terrain with sand dunes and salt flats. Temperatures can range from highs of 90°F in summer to lows of 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats and the Great Salt Lake Desert.

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Drive Time

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Location

Knolls Recreation Area is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.71489211 N
113.2844505 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Knolls Recreation Area needs a permit.


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Reviews

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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2025

Great desert camping!

This is a great desert camping spot within 1:30 of Salt Lake City. It costs $10 to camp here via the recreation.gov website but it's worth it! Plenty of sites to place your tent or RV. And lots of fun little trails and hills for your 4x4.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Knolls Recreation Area by Dominic H., June 30, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Knolls Campground?

Reservations for Knolls Recreation Area can be made through recreation.gov. The camping fee is $10, which provides access to this desert camping location. The reservation system helps ensure you have a spot secured before making the trip. Since this is a popular off-roading destination relatively close to Salt Lake City, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

What are the access roads like at Knolls Campground?

Access roads to Knolls Recreation Area are suitable for most vehicles, making it accessible for both regular cars and RVs. Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, the campground is relatively easy to reach. Once inside the recreation area, you'll find a network of smaller trails and paths that are perfect for 4x4 vehicles. The main access points are well-maintained, though interior roads may vary in condition depending on recent weather and usage.

What recreational activities can I do near Knolls Campground?

Knolls Recreation Area is an excellent destination for off-road enthusiasts with numerous trails and hills perfect for 4x4 vehicles. The desert terrain provides ample opportunities for ATV and dirt bike riding. Hiking is also possible on the small trails throughout the area. Additionally, the open desert landscape makes for great stargazing opportunities at night. The recreation area's diverse terrain caters to various skill levels of off-road driving, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced off-roaders.

What amenities are available at Knolls Campground?

Knolls Recreation Area offers basic amenities for desert camping. The site provides open camping areas suitable for both tents and RVs. While it's a primitive camping experience, the affordable $10 fee reflects the minimal facilities available. The campground is designed to serve as a base for outdoor recreation rather than offering extensive on-site amenities. Be prepared for a true desert camping experience by bringing all necessary supplies including plenty of water.