H
Hannah B.
Scout
ScoutMountain Valley RV Resort
Feb Ski Trip
Loved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Copperton, UT
The western foothills surrounding Copperton, Utah provide access to diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius of this historic mining community. Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground near Tooele (15 miles west) offers tent and RV sites with drinking water and fire rings in a mountain setting. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground (20 miles northwest) provides electric hookups and waterfront camping with views across the vast salt flats. For urban-adjacent options, Salt Lake City KOA operates year-round with 180 full-service sites and amenities like showers, hookups, and a market, making it suitable for travelers seeking convenience while exploring the metropolitan area.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with many canyon and mountain access routes requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snow. According to one camper at nearby Cascade Springs: "The road is atrocious. Don't come unless you have some serious high clearance 4WD vehicle or you will bottom out and destroy your vehicle." Cell service remains reliable near major highways but becomes spotty in canyons and higher elevations. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in the valleys while remaining 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Fire restrictions typically begin in June and extend through September, with complete bans common during drought years. Mosquitoes can be problematic near water sources, particularly in early summer.
Mountain campgrounds in the Wasatch Range east of Copperton receive strong reviews for their cooler temperatures and scenic settings. Granite Flat Campground, open May through October, features shaded sites along streams with nearby lakes. One visitor noted: "Quiet area, lot of room. I stayed on site 58 (tent only). Next to stream, tucked in very back." Dispersed camping options exist on public lands west of the city, though these areas often lack amenities and require self-sufficiency. Visitors to these areas frequently mention excellent mountain views but warn about dusty conditions, shooting range noise, and occasional trash issues. Winter camping is limited primarily to lower-elevation RV parks, as mountain roads become impassable and facilities close seasonally.
Best Camping Sites Near Copperton, Utah (186)
1. Salt Lake City KOA
44 ReviewsSalt Lake City, UT17 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."
2. Willow Park Campground
17 ReviewsLehi, UT16 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. Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground
9 ReviewsTooele, UT11 milesWebsite+1 (435) 882-9041$15 - $40 / night
"We stayed here for one night didn't go past the gate we just camped pretty much on the side of the dirt road next to the reservoir."
"You’ll love sitting around your campfire watching the deer scamper in the mountains. RV camping is a must for me and full hookups are available."
4. Mountain Shadows RV Park
10 ReviewsDraper, UT12 milesWebsite+1 (801) 571-40245. Granite Flat (utah)
38 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT24 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."
6. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground
7 ReviewsMagna, UT13 milesWebsite+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. Spruces - Big Cottonwood
32 ReviewsMounthaven, UT25 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. Tanners Flat
19 ReviewsSnowbird, UT21 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."
9. Flight Park State Recreation Area
8 ReviewsLehi, UT13 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. Pony Express RV Resort
15 ReviewsNorth Salt Lake, UT21 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Copperton, UT
239 Photos of 186 Copperton Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Copperton, UT
1149 Reviews of 186 Copperton 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.
- JJennifer N.Traveler
Foothill Clearing with a View
Nice views
They have camp rings for fires and also grills! One or 2 was missing the garage to the grill but other than that it was good.
Guide to Copperton
Seasonal camping options around Copperton, Utah range from high-elevation mountain sites at 6,400 feet to urban-adjacent facilities in the Salt Lake Valley at 4,300 feet. Late spring through early fall offers the widest selection of operational campgrounds, while winter limits options primarily to year-round RV parks. Water restrictions often take effect between July and September at primitive sites due to regional drought conditions.
What to do
Fishing at reservoirs: Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground provides access to a reservoir stocked with fish. According to a visitor, "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved. Had some great areas for hiking and is really close to the reservoir for some awesome fishing."
Paragliding observation: Flight Park State Recreation Area serves as a launch area for paragliders, offering campers a chance to watch this activity. "We woke up there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool," notes one camper who stayed overnight at this location.
Mountain biking: Willow Park Campground connects to the Jordan River Parkway. A visitor explained, "This is a nice spot along the Jordan River Parkway. There are nice tables, boat launch for non-motorized water crafts, bathrooms, and playgrounds."
Winter recreation: For winter camping near ski areas, Tanners Flat in Little Cottonwood Canyon offers proximity to ski resorts. A camper noted, "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors."
Swimming in Great Salt Lake: Great Salt Lake State Park Campground provides direct access to swimming in this unique body of water. "We stayed here for a night in August and it was just a magical evening - from watching the buffalo herds in the distance, to taking a dip in the Great Salt Lake," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Flat camping surfaces: Campers at Mountain Shadows RV Park appreciate the level sites for easy setup. One reviewer noted, "The facility had wonderful laundry and bathrooms."
Sunrise views: Great Salt Lake State Park Campground offers exceptional morning vistas. A camper shared their experience: "We tent camped on the beach and loved it all from the oolitic sand to the absolutely insane sunrise view from the window of the tent!"
Stream-side campsites: Granite Flat Campground provides sites adjacent to running water. A visitor mentioned, "The camp hosts were excellent as well," with another adding, "Close by but feels remote."
Clean facilities: Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and common areas. A camper reported, "Very friendly gate staff. Highly recommend."
Urban proximity: Salt Lake City KOA earns positive reviews for its urban convenience. "Convenient when visiting SLC. We have stayed here several times when visiting family in SLC. Facilities are clean and the staff is nice," notes a repeat visitor.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Flight Park State Recreation Area experiences significant wind speeds. A camper warns, "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding. Unless you're coming here to fly then it's a terrible spot!"
Night arrival challenges: Dispersed camping areas can be difficult to locate after dark. "Girlfriend and I stayed here and we went at night. Very hard to find. We aren't sure if we camped in the right spot," shares one visitor about Flight Park.
Urban noise levels: Salt Lake City KOA experiences city sounds throughout the night. A camper reports, "Be warned, it is NOT quiet - there are multiple trains/sirens/large semis blowing by all night."
Bathroom closures: Facilities at Spruces Campground have experienced maintenance issues. One visitor stated, "The campground is sadly not taken care of. My wife and I had a reservation, but cancelled it, because we drove up and found the restrooms were closed and porta potties installed."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Copperton require advance booking. For Granite Flat Campground, a visitor advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly locations: Willow Park Campground accommodates youth groups effectively. A leader shared, "We take our scout troop to this campsite at least once a year. It is close to the city but feels like it is not. Really nice bathrooms, tables, and pavilions."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Settlement Canyon offers animal sightings that appeal to children. A camper mentioned, "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved."
Child-specific amenities: Pony Express RV Resort provides dedicated recreational facilities. "Bikes available including kid sized. Paved 80 mile bike trail along Jordan River. Giant chessboard. Nice pool area," notes a visitor.
Wide open play spaces: Willow Park has ample room for active children. A visitor describes, "This is a great place to camp within the city of Lehi. Big camp sites for trailers or tents and nice bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Urban security concerns: Salt Lake City KOA has varying reports about safety perceptions. A camper reported, "Did not like references to keeping things locked up due to vandals. Uncomfortable feeling," while another noted, "Location of the campground is near the downtown area, with that you get all the noise of the city."
Full hookup availability: Pony Express RV Resort offers complete services for RVs. A visitor commented, "Very helpful employees, clean and pet friendly. Can see mountains all around you. Great WiFi and good water. Three dog parks and dog washing bay."
Size limitations: Mountain Shadows RV Park can present challenges for larger rigs. One visitor warned, "Challenging back-in for our 30' ft travel trailer. Very cramped spot."
Winter accommodations: Some RV parks remain operational during cold months. A reviewer at Salt Lake City KOA stated, "Good place to plug in at night between ski days. Friendly helpful staff."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Copperton, UT?
What camping is available near Copperton, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Copperton, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near Copperton, UT and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Copperton, UT?
Which is the most popular campground near Copperton, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Copperton, UT is Salt Lake City KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Copperton, UT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Copperton, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Copperton, UT.
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