The Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City, Utah create a dramatic backdrop for camping experiences ranging from urban-adjacent sites to remote alpine settings. Within an hour's drive of downtown, campers will find options spanning from full-service RV resorts like the Salt Lake City KOA and Pony Express RV Resort to primitive backcountry sites in the nearby canyons. The mountain canyons east of the city, particularly Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, host popular established campgrounds such as Spruces and Tanners Flat, which provide access to hiking trails and scenic mountain views. Antelope Island State Park, located on the Great Salt Lake, offers a unique camping experience with opportunities to observe wildlife including bison and antelope against the backdrop of the lake.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most mountain campgrounds operate from late May through September or early October due to snow conditions at higher elevations. As one camper noted about Antelope Island State Park, "We are partial to winter due to the absolute lack of bugs and stunning contrast of the bison on fresh snow. Our 2nd favorite season is early spring before the bugs come out in full swarm." Watershed protection regulations affect some campgrounds in the canyons, with restrictions on pets and water activities. A visitor to Tanners Flat mentioned, "No dogs are allowed because this campground is in the Salt Lake City watershed." Reservations are essential for weekend camping during summer months, with many popular sites booking months in advance, especially at scenic locations like Albion Basin at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Campers report varying experiences depending on location and season. The mountain campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their scenic beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation. One visitor to Spruces Campground described it as "a wonderful local campground close to Salt Lake City up Big Cottonwood Canyon." For those seeking convenience, the urban campgrounds provide easy access to city amenities. A KOA visitor noted it has "lots of activities from swimming to basketball to a game room with free games." Insect activity, particularly mosquitoes, can be problematic at some locations during summer months, with one camper at Jordanelle State Park reporting "by far the worst mosquito situation we had." Cell service is generally reliable near the city but becomes spotty in more remote canyon locations.
$50 - $189 / night
"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."
"Great location when visiting Salt Lake City. Very large campground but well maintained. WiFi keeps on throwing us out or is slow."
"Coming from Las Vegas to go to Montana to visit family, Salt Lake City is a great middle stop. We (3 kids, 3 adults, 3 dogs, and a cat) found Pony Express and were extremely pleased. "
"Convenient location right off the highway with full hook ups and nice paved sites. Dog areas, playground, games, and a pool."
$29 - $346 / night
"A wonderful local campground close to Salt Lake City up big Cottonwood Canyon. Best for self contained camping. Clean flush toilets with good showers."
"Winding road to get here from Park City but appears to be a shorter straight shot into Salt Lake City."
$20 - $200 / night
"One of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home."
"By far one of my favorite stops through Utah ❤️ absolutely breathtaking views, along with scenic routes to see wildlife such as the bison."
$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."
$15 - $98 / night
"The sites have plenty of room, tons of shade and easy access to bathrooms."
"They are a little close to each other but nice and clean."
$28 - $358 / 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."
"You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."
"Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."
"Friendly staff great location Offer daily, weekly and monthly rates."
$29 - $217 / night
"This is super close to my favorite mountain bike ride in Northern Utah - The Wasatch Crest Trail. As you can tell in the pictures, this area is very lush and rich with pine trees."
"The campsites are clean, the bathrooms are exceptionally clean with flushing toilets, you are a walk or hike away from Brighton and immersed in some of the most beautiful mountains around."
ScoutGreat spot near SLC for dispersed camping. Plenty of flat areas for bigger rigs. 4x4 may be needed to access other areas. There are trees nearby for plenty of shade.
I didn’t notice any bugs on my visit. Beautiful skies at night. I’ll definitely be coming back!
GuideThe road in is a little rough. Some cell service. Pretty views. Camp spots are not too close together.
GuideClean campground with full hookups. Pet areas and good communication. Fulltime supervision on site.
ScoutLoved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
TravelerWe 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.
TravelerThe 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.
Scout3 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThis was our 2nd time here. It's in the city, but you'd never know it. Nice, clean park, friendly staff. Sites are closer together than what we like but honestly wasn't bothered by anyone around us. Great central location for exploring in the area.
Camping near Salt Lake City, Utah ranges from high alpine sites at 6,400 ft elevation to lakeside spots at 4,200 ft. The Wasatch Mountains create distinct camping zones with temperature variations often 10-15°F cooler at higher elevations than downtown. Seasonal availability shifts dramatically with mountain campgrounds typically operating from late May through early October, while lower-elevation options remain open year-round.
Hike to scenic destinations: Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping offers numerous trails for hiking and backpacking. "Millcreek is a great escape from the city. All the camping is backcountry so you can pick any trail and just make sure that you are 1/2 mile off the road and at least 200 ft from developed areas and water," notes Dan G.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Bridger Bay Campground on Antelope Island, campers can observe native wildlife in their natural habitat. "Stopped here for a scenic spot to relax for the day and overnight. Nice level asphalt spots. Beautiful view of the lake. Saw bison and antelope driving in the park," reports James B.
Mountain biking access: The canyons east of Salt Lake City provide excellent mountain biking terrain. Redman Campground offers direct access to popular trails. "This is super close to my favorite mountain bike ride in Northern Utah - The Wasatch Crest Trail. As you can tell in the pictures, this area is very lush and rich with pine trees," explains Brendan A.
Convenience to city amenities: The Salt Lake City KOA offers urban proximity with camping comforts. "We have stayed here several times when visiting family in SLC. Facilities are clean and the staff is nice," notes Kristi R., making it ideal for those needing city access.
Spacious group sites: Larger parties appreciate the group camping options at many locations. "We've used one of the group sites and a double site, and they are very roomy. The camp hosts have always been attentive, too," shares Jill B. about Redman Campground.
Winter camping opportunities: Unlike many mountain destinations, some Salt Lake City area campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "We are partial to winter due to the absolute lack of bugs and stunning contrast of the bison on fresh snow," mentions a camper about winter camping on Antelope Island.
Watershed restrictions: Many canyon campgrounds have special regulations. "No dogs are allowed because this campground is in the Salt Lake City watershed," explains a visitor about Tanners Flat. Similarly, Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon prohibits pets due to watershed regulations.
Insect activity varies by season: Bugs can be problematic in certain seasons. "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 Georgia L. at Bridger Bay.
Canyon road access limitations: Some canyon roads have seasonal closures or require appropriate vehicles. "If you've never driven up Farmington Canyon it is a steep road with no shoulder, I'd recommend a 4X4 or all wheel drive vehicle," advises Casey S. about accessing Bountiful Peak Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Pony Express RV Resort offers facilities designed for families. "There are several different amenities including a pool, playground for the kids, life-size chessboard, and a mini-breed dog park!" shares Derek E.
Short family hikes: Many campgrounds offer nearby hiking trails suitable for young children. "There are all sorts of activities around that make it a perfect central spot - hiking Donut Falls and around Silver Lake are two kid-friendly ones we do," recommends Jill B. about staying at Redman Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Some locations offer swimming options for hot summer days. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," shares Kelli R. about Millcreek Canyon.
Site size considerations: Tanners Flat accommodates various camping setups. "The 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," advises Jason H.
Urban RV options: For those requiring full hookups, urban options may be preferable. "Solid KOA campground with all the amenities you would expect including a pool and spa. Location of the campground is near the downtown area, with that you get all the noise of the city; traffic, sirens, and train horns," notes Daniel C. about Salt Lake City KOA.
Winter RV considerations: Year-round RV camping is available, with some parks specifically catering to winter visitors. "Good place to plug in at night between ski days. Friendly helpful staff," explains Terry G. about Salt Lake City KOA, highlighting its usefulness for winter activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near downtown Salt Lake City?
For camping close to downtown Salt Lake City, Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground offers full hook-ups at reasonable rates and is specifically positioned as a great base for touring the city. Another convenient option is the Salt Lake City KOA, which provides typical KOA amenities with easy city access. If you're willing to drive 30-45 minutes, Spruces - Big Cottonwood is a wonderful local campground up Big Cottonwood Canyon with clean flush toilets and good showers, perfect for self-contained camping. Most campgrounds within the immediate Salt Lake City area fill quickly during summer weekends, so reservations are highly recommended.
What are the best times of year to go camping in Salt Lake City?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather in the Salt Lake City area. May-June brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, particularly at higher elevation sites like Albion Basin, which features moose, chipmunks, squirrels, and amazing wildflowers. July-August is peak season with warm, sunny days perfect for water activities at Weber Memorial Park, which has a reservoir popular for swimming and diving. September-October offers cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors with fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but many mountain campgrounds close due to snow. Always check seasonal opening dates, as higher elevation campgrounds like those in the Cottonwood Canyons typically open later in the season after snow melts.
Are there free camping spots around Salt Lake City?
Miners Canyon BLM offers free dispersed camping with magnificent views of a lake backed by snowcapped mountains and twinkling city lights from Provo across the water. For backcountry enthusiasts, Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts provides free primitive camping options in a beautiful canyon setting close to the city. When using free camping areas, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be prepared with your own water supply. Most free camping opportunities are found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or National Forest land surrounding the Salt Lake City area, typically requiring at least a 30-45 minute drive from downtown.
What are the best campgrounds near Salt Lake City?
The most highly-rated campgrounds near Salt Lake City include Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park, located about 45 minutes from the city. This unique destination offers wildlife viewing opportunities including bison and antelope, plus stunning sunset views across the Great Salt Lake's mud flats. For water recreation enthusiasts, Smith-Morehouse Campground is a scenic option under an hour from Salt Lake City, perfect for camping and kayaking amid beautiful mountain surroundings. Other excellent options include Albion Basin for wildflowers and wildlife, and Jordanelle State Park for fishing and family-friendly amenities. The best campgrounds combine scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and reasonable proximity to the city.
Keep Exploring
