Clearfield, Utah sits between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains at an elevation of 4,500 feet, offering varied terrain for campers to explore. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and winter temperatures dropping to 20°F. Winter camping options remain available at lower elevations while higher sites typically close from November through May.
What to do
Wildlife viewing on Antelope Island: Antelope Island State Park provides opportunities to see free-roaming bison, badgers, and diverse bird species. "This place is weird and awesome. There's bison roaming around, badgers, and tons of great birds to watch. There's some really cool stuff scattered along the beach along the Salt Lake," notes a visitor to Bridger Bay Campground.
Hiking trails of varying difficulty: Multiple campgrounds offer access to hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. "The hiking trails are cool. You'll see some bison, lizards, jack rabbits, and unique terrain," reports a camper at Bridger Bay. For more challenging hikes, "I highly recommend hiking to Frary Peak. There are many other great hikes, buffalo, and antelope."
Weber River recreation: The Weber River provides fishing and water activities near several campgrounds. "There is a trailhead right down the road that is along the Weber River. Mountain bike or hike, you will have a good time," writes a visitor to Riverside RV Resort. The river offers shallow wading areas and tubing options during warmer months.
What campers like
Off-season camping experiences: Winter camping receives positive reviews for avoiding crowds and insects. "We traveled to Utah from California for our annual Christmas camping adventure. This was our first spot, and it was a wonderful place to start. We don't have to worry about the bugs, being it's December," shares a visitor at Bridger Bay Campground.
Sunrise and sunset views: The Great Salt Lake creates spectacular light conditions. "This place had the most amazing sunset. It was cool to drive around and see the wildlife," notes one camper at Bridger Bay. White Rock Bay Campground offers "hands down the best campground for sunset views on all of Antelope Island! Hues of all different kinds of colors reflect off the perfect mirror surface of the Great Salt Lake."
Beach access at reservoirs: Some campgrounds provide direct lake or reservoir access. "Located right by the beach entrance, this campground has lots to offer including a very well designed campsite. Fire pits are nice benches are brand new and everything is very clean," reports a Bridger Bay visitor. At Anderson Cove Campground, "there was a lot of space to be spread out from others. The beach is so large and it's easy to camp out. The sand is soft and fun for the kids to build sand castles."
What you should know
Seasonal insect challenges: Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months, particularly at waterfront locations. "Lovely scenery, water is currently off so no showers but has a clean pit toilet. Only downside was the no see um flys you can't for a walk without getting swarmed by them and bitten. Best to visit in the autumn when the flys have gone," advises a White Rock Bay visitor.
Urban noise factors: Campgrounds closer to highways and populated areas experience noise disruption. "The interstate is 20 yards from the first row of sites. It was constant traffic noise 24/7. Sometimes it would slow up a little bit so that you could hear the airplanes flying overhead, or the train going by on the track that are 30 yards away as well," reports a visitor to Riverside RV Resort.
Weather protection considerations: The region experiences high winds in some locations and limited shade. "The campground is very open with not many trees but a great view of the lake," notes one camper at White Rock Bay. Another adds, "I have never encountered such winds! Had to chase everything!"
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds feature beach access for children. Anderson Cove Campground offers "a very clean and very convenient campground. Tons of trails nearby and being on the reservoir is great for hot days. Fishing was a blast!" Another visitor notes that "the sand is soft and fun for the kids to build sand castles. We also enjoyed the small waves while on the beach."
Developed facilities with amenities: Cherry Hill Campground provides additional entertainment options. "Beautiful, shady spots to camp. Family noises from sunup to sundown. Water park is priced separately, but access is seamless. More pools, huge splash pad, mini golf, water slides, laser tag, maze, kiddie boats all in Water Park," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing with children: Multiple campers report wildlife sightings that engage younger visitors. "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning! There is a ranch on the far side of the island (Fielding Garr Ranch) which is adorable and definitely worth a visit," shares a Bridger Bay camper.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Century RV Park offers complete services for RVs. "Clean place, lots of amenities, and great staff. Price is competitive for this area. The utilities were in the perfect position for an RV towing a car," notes one RVer. Another adds, "No frills (they do have a pool) RV Park right next to the I-15 freeway in Ogden. Great desk staff. Good prices. Great option if you just need an overnight."
Site configuration considerations: Pay attention to site layouts and hookup placement. At Riverside RV Resort, sites are "asphalt and VERY long & level—with a strip of grass and some rock gravel." While at Century RV Park, "Concrete pads were nice, but were a couple dollars more than gravel sites."
Extended stay accommodations: Some parks accommodate longer-term visitors. "Management is very professional and even helped us back in our 40 foot RV," notes a visitor at Circle L Mobile Home and RV Community. Another reports, "Great place to call home. Spacious lots for the perfect RV living."
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