H
Hannah B.
Scout
ScoutMountain Valley RV Resort
Feb Ski Trip
Loved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Bluffdale, UT
Camping near Bluffdale, Utah sits at the intersection of urban convenience and mountain wilderness, with options ranging from full-service RV resorts to primitive sites in nearby canyons. The area provides access to both Utah Lake to the south and the Wasatch Mountains to the east. Notable campgrounds include Willow Park Campground in neighboring Lehi and Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper, both within 15 minutes of Bluffdale. The Salt Lake City KOA offers year-round camping about 25 miles north, while more natural settings can be found in the canyon areas like Little Cottonwood and American Fork, where Tanners Flat and Granite Flat campgrounds provide seasonal mountain retreats.
Most developed campgrounds in the Bluffdale area operate from late spring through early fall, with mountain sites typically open May through October due to snow conditions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in the valley, while canyon campgrounds offer cooler conditions at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in dispersed camping areas. Cell service is generally reliable at valley campgrounds but can be limited in canyon locations. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during peak season (June-August), as sites fill quickly due to proximity to the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
The camping experience varies significantly between valley and mountain locations. Valley campgrounds like Lakeside RV Campground in Provo provide amenities including full hookups, showers, and shade trees, with convenient access to urban services. As one camper noted, "This campground is beautifully shaded and quite enjoyable for spending time outside on the grounds, even in July." Canyon campgrounds offer more natural settings but fewer amenities. A visitor to Tanners Flat described it as "quiet, tucked away from anyone" with sites "next to the river, which really helped drown out all other sounds." For those seeking dispersed camping, several areas require high-clearance vehicles and preparation for primitive conditions with no services.
Best Camping Sites Near Bluffdale, Utah (231)
1. Granite Flat (utah)
38 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT16 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $355 / 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."
2. Willow Park Campground
17 ReviewsLehi, UT6 milesWebsite+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."
3. Little Mill
21 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT14 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $227 / night
"We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."
"The site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."
4. Salt Lake City KOA
44 ReviewsSalt Lake City, UT21 milesWebsite+1 (801) 328-0224$50 - $189 / night
"I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"
"We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown."
5. Tanners Flat
19 ReviewsSnowbird, UT15 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $215 / 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. Mountain Shadows RV Park
10 ReviewsDraper, UT4 milesWebsite+1 (801) 571-40247. Spruces - Big Cottonwood
32 ReviewsMounthaven, UT20 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $327 / 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"
8. Lakeside RV Campground
27 ReviewsOrem, UT20 milesWebsite+1 (801) 373-5267$31 - $48 / night
"Lakeside was our home for 3 nights while we were in town for Provo’s annual Colonial Festival."
"You're super close to amenities and anything you could want to see in town, as well as Utah Lake."
9. Flight Park State Recreation Area
8 ReviewsLehi, UT3 milesWebsite+1 (801) 375-0731"Pulling up we were a bit confused as there were paid sites near the bathroom. It appears that anything beyond that is dispersed."
10. Nunns Park
27 ReviewsAspen Grove, UT20 milesWebsite+1 (801) 851-8640"The only bad part about this camp site is all the highway noise. It is close to the Provo river and there is lots of shade so that is nice. Great place to have a camp fire and cook some S'mores. "
"Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
Recent Camping Photos near Bluffdale, UT
295 Photos of 231 Bluffdale Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Bluffdale, UT
1337 Reviews of 231 Bluffdale Campgrounds
- EElise F.
TravelerSalt Lake City KOA
Winter camping in Salt Lake City
We winter camped here so we could ski. It’s a great location about 40-50 minutes to 6 resorts. It is in the city so not in the wilderness but all the sites have one tree and a patch of grass and a picnic table. There is a small off leash dog pen and a self dog wash. Also hot tub, showers, toilets that were clean. We did not use the hot tub or the laundry. The campground is well maintained. Our first site was slightly unleveled so we asked to switch and they accommodated that request. We did have to pay a little extra for that site. We stayed a total of 3 nights. We were going to stay longer but learned that you can’t have dogs in Cottonwood Canyon which meant we couldn’t ski at those resorts so we asked to get out of our reservation early and the KOA accommodated that as well.
- SSandraTraveler
Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park
Stayed in yurt
The yurt was a great experience during the winter. The entire campground was closed, except for the yurt and the couple cabins on site. It was super quiet. It had 2 electric fireplaces which kept the yurt nice and toasty. It has a bunk bed with queen size mattresses which were comfy. There was a refrigerator and microwave. There is access to potable water right outside the yurt. You do have to walk about 500 yards to the yurt from the parking space, but the privacy is worth it. Rate was $75 per night during the week and $100 per night during the weekend. I will definitely be returning.
- DDouglas C.Scout
Saratoga Springs Backcountry
Multiple spots for dispersed camping
3 stars as dry and dusty with no facilities, but a good place to stop for a night if passing thru or many nights if you're an ATVer.
We live near the area and if you take the dirt Soldier Pass road off highway 68 between Lake Utah and Cedar Fort, there a many many good and level dispersed sites. Lots of junipers once you climb in elevation. No houses within miles. The Utah County gun range is located ~1 mile off highway 68 on this road, but better camping spots are further on anyway. The main dirt road is county maintained and can be done by any car. As is the road up to the Lake Mountain summit for great views and additional sites.
There is a free formal BLM dispersed camping area off highway 68 a few miles north of Soldier Pass road. Zero facilities. There are campers on it year round. Spots on both sides of the highway. Look for signs. To me, these sites are kinda bleak, but have good lake views. Between late May and late Sept sites near the lake will experience Utah Lake midges. They're a love bug that live in the lake and emerge only to mate. They don't bite, but they do swarm. You'll experience fewer as you move away from the lake.
Chris R.
GuideCrandall Cove Campground — Rockport State Park
Great view and good for quick overnight stay
We had the campground loop all to ourselves in mid October. Sites have a gazebo with table means less stuff to unpack and setup. We just pulled out the tent and camp stove and that was it. Clean and maintained restrooms all close in tight loop. Firepit next to tables. The view is really great and birds are nearby as it seems to be a bird sanctuary. Easy to get to and not far from highway. Star show was good as well.
- PPam J.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Return Trip
We stayed here in the summer of 2024 and placed it on our places to return to. We returned here in July 2025. The sites we were in was long and level. We loved sitting outside watching the numerous birds and chipmunks that were in the campground. The camp hosts were friendly and kept the campgrounds looking nice.
Adam O.TravelerSplit Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites — Antelope Island State Park
Incredible, with some caveats
Disclaimer, this was my first backpacking trip, and my first solo camping experience.
The first thing I’ll note is that I could not find a map that showed exactly where on the split rock loop trail the sites were. The maps you get at the gate do not show it. You just have to start hiking and hope you see it. That eventually led to the main issue I had with the campsite, more on that later.
I have 37lbs on my back, partly because it’s November and I want to make sure I’m warm, and partly because I’m toting in 5.5L of water since there is no water source.
I begin hiking and eventually I see another backpacker coming the other way. I say “did you camp?” He says no, he was going to stay the night, but there’s a herd of Bison that are currently crossing the trail and he didn’t want to wait. As I’m coming up on the spot he’s talking about, I catch the end of the herd moving south and I’m able to pass them with minimal wait time.
I continue hiking, up to the split rock bay loop, where conveniently there is a sign that points toward the campground. Yay! By this time I’ve seen a huge herd of Bison (50 or more individuals), a big buck, 20 or so other deer, and with the fog and haziness, some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. Quite incredible.
I find the tent site #3 (my watch says exactly 4.5 miles from the car) and set up my tent. During this time, I’m hearing some weird grunting sounds in the distance, I pop my head out of the tent and look west toward the lake shore. And there’s the herd of Bison I encountered before who crossed the trail. They went west around elephant rock, and I went east. I beat them by about 20 to 30 minutes. At this time I record a video with my phone and state “hope they aren’t coming over here”.
I’m filling my sleeping pad with a mini pump and when I’m done I pop my head out of the tent. They had, in fact, started coming over here. They were quite close. In sort of a panic, I grab some essentials, zip up the tent, and head for the rocks on the hills and wait them out.
Unfortunately I didn’t grab my Garmin or my warm clothes, and it is taking them forever to get past the tent site. The sun starts getting low and I’m getting cold. The Bison sometimes get curious about my tent and approach it, but never do anything. I have my Apple watch and it has an SOS feature, I thought about using it, but eventually they pass and I can get back to set up.
So, this is where knowing exactly where the campsite was in relation to everything else would have been useful. I would have seen the direction they were going and possibly known that they would be crossing right into the camp area, and I probably would have made some slightly different choices.
They (the Bison) stopped for the night in split rock canyon, so I could hear them all night while in my tent. It was always difficult to tell if they were getting closer or farther away, so the night was a bit sleepless.
Also, though the weather says the temperature is 40F, the higher humidity and breeze from the lake can make it feel a lot colder. I did have some chilly moments with a 20F comfort rated bag and a 5.4R value pad. In the morning, condensation was everywhere.
The next morning had a “dense fog” warning in effect, which made for some more awesome scenery.
I broke camp and started back to the car at around 8AM. I decided to take a detour out to Elephant Rock to see if I could see the camp site from up there. This added another 3 miles to the track back, so 7.5 miles total. As I’m coming around the corner at the top to the spot where I’d be able to see the sites, I encounter a lone Bison bull just chilling up there on the trail, no other animals in sight. So, I couldn’t actually get to the spot to see over, but the view was amazing and it was fun to see a Bison in a spot it felt like he shouldn’t be able to get to.
As I turn around, the “dense fog” warning becomes a reality, and it suddenly gets much much colder. Makes for some amazing visuals way up there.
Overall, it was a very awe inspiring and fun trip, with some interesting bits. I do think they should better mark the spots on the map just so people can plan better, especially if there’s going to be massive herds of Bison cruising through camp at any point.
tl;dr: pack warmer than you think (if you’re going to go in the later months) and watch out for Bison. Incredible views and wildlife encounters make it all worth it.
Tamie S.GuideGreat Horned Owl Campground — Deer Creek State Park
Quiet and secluded
We took a wrong turn in the campground and ended up in an area with no hookups. But it was quiet and secluded and close to the water. The campsite was fairly level and there were clean restrooms.
- Tamie S.Guide
Strawberry Bay
Fishing and Hiking
The campsite was clean, the restrooms nice, and the hosts great. We didn’t have any hookups, but they weren’t needed. Great fishing and hiking opportunities.
Guide to Bluffdale
Dispersed camping options near Bluffdale, Utah range from high-elevation mountain sites to valley locations along the Jordan River. Located at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, Bluffdale sits at the geographic transition zone between the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. During summer months, valley temperatures frequently reach 95°F while canyon locations remain 10-15 degrees cooler.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: Granite Flat Campground provides access to multiple fishing lakes and hiking trails. "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The hosts were lovely and helpful. The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs," notes Ash S., who visited Granite Flat.
Watch paragliders launch: Flight Park State Recreation Area offers unique aerial entertainment. "When we woke up there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool," reports Santiago V. The site sits on a high ridge with views of the valley, though campers should note: "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding."
Explore river trails: Campsites at Willow Park Campground connect to riverside paths. "It's next to a nice river to fish at and the bathrooms are well maintained," writes Matt R. about this Willow Park location. Another camper added: "Has a playground, sand volleyball, boat launch as your near the Jordan River."
What campers like
Proximity to water features: Multiple campgrounds offer streamside or lakeside sites. At Little Mill, Melody F. reports: "We loved it. You could hear the river and we had a great time." The campground's location provides easy access to additional recreation: "Great relaxing family time, fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes."
Off-season tranquility: September and October camping provides unique advantages. Sara M. found Tanners Flat ideal in early fall: "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors. The camp hosts were excellent as well." She added, "As SLC natives, we're making this our yearly fall tradition!"
Shaded sites: Tree cover provides relief from summer heat. Lakeside RV Campground earns praise for its environment: "Nice simple camp ground no hook up but a good place to stay if visiting Salt Lake City and don't want to pay a lot for a camp ground big rig friendly!" The park features "nice level sites pull through FHU grassy spot between sites."
What you should know
Reservation demands: Competition for campsites intensifies during summer months. For Granite Flat, Ash S. warns: "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked."
Water restrictions: Watershed protection impacts camping regulations. Jason H. explains about Little Cottonwood Canyon: "The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1500 fine."
Urban noise factors: Campgrounds near population centers experience traffic sounds. Regarding Nunns Park, Michael L. notes: "Nice little park, sites are a little close. Our 20' trailer does fine. Close in to town, very pretty with Provo river next to it. Bike path and highway noise can be distracting."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly spaces: Some sites accommodate multiple tents. Helen A. found Nunns Park had "a couple spots that were semi private but most were very exposed. Lots of area on some of them though for multiple tents. The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise."
Recreational amenities: Look for campgrounds with additional activities. Brad B. reports that at Willow Park Campground: "This is a great place to camp within the city of Lehi. It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away. Big camp sites for trailers or tents and nice bathrooms."
Easy access options: Consider beginner-friendly sites for young children. About Little Mill, Caden W. observes: "This is a really easy-access campground so it's great for little kids. beautiful canyon, lots of spots, and just a great time! If you're looking to really rough it though, go further up the canyon."
Tips from RVers
Late season access: Some campgrounds extend operating dates. Jack B. appreciated Little Mill because: "We arrived late but found maybe the last campsite available. Check in was easy, campsite was nice. The other campers weren't loud when trying to sleep. Plus it's open longer than any other campsites around so that makes it a real treat when it gets cold."
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Mountain Shadows RV Park, one camper found "Challenging back-in for our 30' ft travel trailer. Very cramped spot. Fortunately, we arrived before neighbors on both sides did."
Urban convenience: Some RV parks offer proximity to city services. Jeremy H. describes Salt Lake City KOA as "An inexpensive stay in town near great places like Silicon Slopes, Thanksgiving Point, Utah Lake, Traverse Mountain and centered between Salt Lake and Provo. This is a nice spot along the Jordan River Parkway."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Bluffdale, Utah?
What are the best campgrounds near Bluffdale, Utah?
For camping near Bluffdale, Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park stands out with its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities including bison and antelope, plus spectacular sunset views over the mud flats. It's only about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Another excellent option is Cascade Springs Dispersed Site which offers panoramic views of Mt. Timpanogos and provides a more secluded backcountry experience. For those seeking developed campgrounds with more amenities, consider Willow Park Campground near Lehi or Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Are there any kid-friendly campgrounds near Bluffdale?
Are there any kid-friendly campgrounds near Bluffdale?
Payson Lakes is a fantastic family-friendly option about 45 minutes from Payson. It features great fishing opportunities specifically designed for children and youth, along with safe swimming areas and kayaking. The absence of motorized boats makes it particularly safe for families with kids. For a state park experience, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers traditional camping with more moderate amenities, though site selection requires some attention for larger vehicles. Both locations provide natural settings where kids can safely explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
What RV camping options are available around Bluffdale?
What RV camping options are available around Bluffdale?
Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City is one of the top RV options in the area, featuring concrete pads and an adult-only section for those seeking a quieter experience. The resort offers a full-service experience with friendly staff and premium amenities. Another excellent choice is Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park, which was recently renovated from a tent-only area to a full-hookup RV campground. The clean, functional sites and scenic setting make it appealing for RVers. For those seeking more basic options, Mountain Shadows RV Park near Draper provides convenient access with standard hookup facilities.
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