Camping options near Fruit Heights, Utah include sites at higher elevations in the Wasatch Mountains and locations along nearby reservoirs. The Fruit Heights area sits at approximately 4,400 feet elevation with nearby camping destinations ranging from 4,200 feet in the valleys to over 7,500 feet in the mountains. Seasonal temperature variations significantly impact camping conditions, with mountain sites experiencing cooler temperatures by 10-15 degrees compared to valley locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Bridger Bay Campground, visitors can observe free-ranging bison throughout the park. "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," notes Susan R., adding that winter camping offers unique opportunities. Another visitor mentioned: "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning!"
Hiking accessible trails: Multiple trails originate near camping areas, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to challenging. A visitor at Bridger Bay noted: "I highly recommend hiking to Frary Peak. There are many other great hikes, buffalo, and antelope." For campers seeking less elevation gain, the Weber River Trail near South Weber provides gentle terrain with river views.
Water activities on nearby reservoirs: Anderson Cove Campground offers direct water access for paddleboarding, swimming, and boating. "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. We also enjoyed the small waves while on the beach," reports Whitney K. The campground includes boat ramp access and shoreline docking for watercraft.
What campers like
Mountain views with city light panoramas: Campers at Bountiful Peak Campground appreciate the elevation and vantage point. "Great time in the wilderness while overlooking the lights of SLC," shares Desiree K. Sites at higher elevations provide cooler temperatures during summer months, often 10-15 degrees below valley readings.
Abundant shade trees: Several campgrounds feature mature tree cover. As Casey S. notes about Bountiful Peak: "Really nice campground in such a beautiful Canyon. Good size camping spots and standard bathrooms. Great fire pits too!" The shade provides crucial relief during hot summer days when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in July and August.
Off-season camping options: While mountain campgrounds close seasonally, some lower elevation sites remain open year-round. One visitor at Bridger Bay noted: "We are partial to winter due to the absolute lack of bugs and stunning contrast of the bison on fresh snow." Winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear as overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What you should know
Road access considerations: Several campgrounds require travel on unpaved or steep mountain roads. Casey S. warns about Bountiful Peak: "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." Mountain access roads typically open between late May and early June, depending on snowmelt conditions.
Insect activity varies by location and season: Salt Lake City KOA visitors report minimal insect issues, while Bridger Bay campers frequently mention biting gnats. "It's hard to walk or bike because the bugs are so bad. I don't just mean the odd bite, I mean coated in biting gnats as soon as you go outside your vehicle," reports one camper. Spring and early fall typically offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures with minimal insect activity.
Urban noise factors: Campgrounds closer to highways experience traffic noise. One KOA visitor noted: "It is NOT quiet - there are multiple trains/sirens/large semis blowing by all night." When selecting sites, consider proximity to major transit corridors; mountain locations typically offer significantly reduced noise levels despite being only 10-15 miles from urban centers.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based recreation options: Anderson Cove Campground provides family-friendly beach access. As Blake T. describes: "This was a really nice place for only being 40 mins from the city. Good beach front not a far walk from our campsite. Lots of trees to hang your hammocks up on." The beach area includes shallow water sections suitable for younger children.
Campground facilities: Many locations offer specific amenities for children. "We enjoyed the camp site and the short walk to the lake. Facilities were clean and staff was great," notes David H. about Anderson Cove. Sites with bathroom facilities typically feature vault toilets rather than flush toilets at higher elevations.
Reservation timing strategies: Popular family campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "You need to reserve sites here well in advance as it fills up for the entire Summer as soon as the reservation window opens," advises Barb D. about Anderson Cove. Reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance for most sites, with holiday weekends booking within hours of availability.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Riverside RV Resort offers complete services for larger vehicles. As one camper notes: "Sites are asphalt and VERY long & level—with a strip of grass and some rock gravel." Many resorts in the area provide 30/50 amp service, water, and sewer connections, with some including cable TV and WiFi.
Spacing considerations: Several RV parks feature compact sites. At Circle L Mobile Home and RV Community, management assistance makes navigation easier: "Management is very professional and even helped us back in our 40 foot RV." Most full-service RV parks impose length restrictions, typically accommodating units up to 45 feet.
Site surface variations: RV parks offer different pad surfaces. "Recommend getting a paved site," advises Joe C. about Lagoon RV Park. Paved sites provide more stability during spring rainfall and easier leveling for larger rigs. Seasonal rainfall can affect unpaved sites, particularly during April and May when precipitation averages 2-3 inches monthly.
