The Cottonwood Heights area sits at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet where the Salt Lake Valley meets the Wasatch Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during the day and 50-60°F at night, creating ideal conditions for elevated camping experiences. Winter closures affect most campgrounds from October through May due to mountain snowpack.
What to do
Hike to Scout Falls: From Timpooneke Campground, hikers can access the trail to Scout Falls, just 1 mile from camp. "It's a great place to hammock and hike. Scout falls (while not overly impressive) is about 1 mile into the hike," notes John M.
Mountain bike the Alpine Loop: The scenic byway near Big Cottonwood Canyon offers multiple access points for cyclists. "This area is very lush and rich with pine trees. It stays relatively cool, even in the summer time. One of the best reasons to stay here is for the mountain biking though," explains Brendan A. from Redman Campground.
Explore Donut Falls: This family-friendly waterfall hike is accessible from Spruces Campground. "You can get to donut falls from the camp ground which is awesome. Sites are mostly private. Some more so than others. Drive the loop. It's breathtaking especially in the fall," advises Becky C.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites at Tanners Flat offer riverside spots with natural sound barriers. "If you can get a site next to the river you won't hear anybody else in the campground," shares David A., highlighting the privacy benefits of water-adjacent sites.
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers at several canyon campgrounds report frequent animal sightings. A camper at Redman Campground noted, "I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground and the kids love to catch fish in the stream."
Fall colors: September and October camping offers less crowded experiences with seasonal foliage. "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," reports Sara M. about her stay at Tanners Flat.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular glamping locations near Cottonwood Heights fill quickly due to proximity to Salt Lake City. "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in," warns Brad B. about Granite Flat Campground.
Dog restrictions: Not all campgrounds permit pets due to watershed regulations. "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot," reports Natalie B. about her Redman Campground experience.
Off-season access: Some higher elevation sites offer winter recreation opportunities. "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at! You can also stay here during the summer just be prepared to book a couple months in advance," mentions Shilah M. about Spruces Campground.
Highway noise: Campsites closer to canyon roads experience traffic sounds. "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it," notes Myrna G. about her experience at Little Mill.
Tips for camping with families
Moose viewing opportunities: Children especially enjoy wildlife sightings common in both canyons. "We saw moose, went fishing, and even stopped for icecream at stone hass in the solitude village right up the street," shares Andy M. about his family's Spruces Campground vacation.
Stream exploration: Kids love investigating the creek areas at Little Mill Campground. "Great relaxing family time, fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes," mentions Monica B.
Playground access: For glamping with younger children, developed sites offer structured play areas. "The playground is clean, a good sized one, but overrun with unsupervised kids," notes a reviewer about Pony Express RV Resort, suggesting early morning or evening playground visits to avoid crowds.
Family hiking options: Multiple campgrounds offer easy trails suitable for children. "There are several hiking trails within walking distance, with waterfall destinations, or a peak to summit," explains Melody O. about Mt. Timpanogos camping.
Tips from RVers
Summer site availability: RV glamping near Cottonwood Heights requires advance planning. "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," warns Ash S. about Granite Flat.
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks. Otherwise, it was great," reports Justin J. about Granite Flat.
Length restrictions: Canyon roads and campgrounds often have size limitations. "This campground is pretty, but it is not for family camping with a tent. This campground has pull-through areas for people towing camping trailers, but not much for those that want to set up a full-size tent and lounge around outside," cautions Jason H. about his experience at Tanners Flat.
