216 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $50 - $189 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $29 - $327 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $29 - $215 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $98 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $355 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI love driving through Middle Canyon. Its 5 dollars for a day pass and it's beautiful. I have never failed to see deer on the drive. I love to drive through it when the leaves change in Fall.
GuideThis is a lovely RV park, sites are really spacious and views are beautiful- staff are friendly and extremely helpful
ScoutBeautiful, quiet for the most part. I parked at one of many, large, open spaces on the East main Canyon Road, A little traffic people going I and down, but nothing bothersome. The main highway is close, but I can barely hear it. From what I can tell, there are many options along the highway as well, including one pay to use campground. There’s also several ways to access this main road.
ScoutThis place has it all. Clean bathrooms, hot showers, washers n dryers, basketball court, playground, fenced in dog park, a clubhouse building that has arcade games, pool tables, full kitchen, skee ball, dart boards, recliners so comfy you won't wanna get up, all set up around a huge tv screen similar to being at a movie theater, BOWLING, yes bowling, an outdoor swimming pool, awesome friendly happy helpful staff and matience, green sites with power water sewer, pull thru and back in sites, picnic tables, BBQ grills, very family friendly there! And they seem to do cute things throughout the week inviting everyone to join, like free hotdogs and hangout at main pavilion, movie nights, game nights, like they actually care about you as people and not just a payment! Its a nice park for sure!
GuideEasy check in process. Fire pit is awesome with plenty of room for wood. All spots were flat enough for the rooftop tent. My spot was 59 and had the most slope. Showers/bathrooms are a short walk away. Showers do take a minute to warm up. Play ground and lake access for all visitors
GuideI am comparing this campground to Valley View RV park in Layton since we were there for a week before we stayed here- there is a stark difference for the exact same price. The sites at Sun Outdoors are extremely tight, the grounds themselves are not nearly as well maintained- dog park while bigger is just stone and not well maintained- smaller dog park mostly weeds.
ScoutHost: Justin was great. When we arrived he was walking around and checking the sites for any fallen trees because there’s a storm that brought in 50mph winds. He also gave us an update on the weather and what t expect. Campground: Cottonwood was great. The best part was the vault toilets. They were clean and did not smell AT ALL. Shout out to the camp host. There are two toilets and one of them the door does not lock. Hopefully that’s fixed by the time you arrive. Sites are spaced out nicely. Camp site C016: Was perfect, with more than enough room for our 9x14 10 person tent. There was a trail that led straight to the river about 30 yards away. The site is close to the entrance of the park so you will hear vehicles coming in and out. It wasn’t bad at all just the occasional diesel trucks and loud exhaust. The flagpole that’s located by the guard station did make a loud metal on metal tapping sound but didn’t bother us much. Overall experience: It was great experience, aside from the storm that rolled through(not the parks fault) if tent camping is your jam, stop worrying and book this place. Blessed travels my friend.
TravelerRaw land at the foot of the mountain, bring water. No tables, no amenities, quarry down the road. The road changes from old asphalt to rough gravel just past this site. There's lake nearby, but not here. Watch out for ants!
TravelerCleanest vault toilets. Nice trees area right by the water and a short walk to bridal veil falls. Tactic noise in the morning was louder than I’d expected. If you are in a tent site 6 has a little path down to the creek, otherwise it’s just a couple feet of plants and then you are there.
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
