Best Campgrounds near Millcreek, UT

Millcreek Canyon provides backcountry camping opportunities just minutes from Salt Lake City, with dispersed sites requiring a permit and at least a half-mile distance from developed areas. The canyon features both tent-only backcountry sites and yurts, making it popular for hikers seeking overnight wilderness experiences. Nearby established campgrounds include Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Tanners Flat in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which offer more developed camping options with amenities like toilets, drinking water, and designated sites for both tent and RV camping.

Access to Millcreek Canyon requires payment of an entrance fee, and camping is strictly regulated to protect the watershed. The canyon road is paved but narrow in sections, with most dispersed camping requiring hiking gear to reach suitable sites. "Hiking up Millcreek Canyon is always a treat, but seeing the sun set over the mountains to the west, and waking up to it rising over Park City is spectacular," noted one visitor. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with snow limiting access in winter months and mosquitoes sometimes being problematic during summer. Most backcountry camping areas lack cell service, and campers must follow strict fire regulations that change seasonally.

Trail runners and hikers frequently use the canyon's extensive network of paths, creating moderate trail traffic during daylight hours. Several visitors mention the relative solitude of overnight camping compared to the daytime activity. Dogs are allowed in Millcreek Canyon, making it one of the few nearby canyons permitting pets, though leash rules apply on odd-numbered days. The canyon's proximity to Salt Lake City makes it popular for quick overnight trips, with many campers appreciating the wilderness experience so close to urban areas. Backcountry sites along trails like Mount Aire offer small group camping with established fire rings, though campers should expect to share trails with early morning and evening recreational users.

Best Camping Sites Near Millcreek, Utah (234)

    1. Salt Lake City KOA

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lake City, UT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 328-0224

    $50 - $189 / night

    "I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"

    "But there is an amazing Mexican restaurant right next to the campground."

    2. Spruces - Big Cottonwood

    33 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $346 / 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"

    3. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $401 / 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."

    4. Tanners Flat

    19 Reviews
    Snowbird, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $244 / 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."

    5. Pony Express RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    North Salt Lake, UT
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Redman Campground

    15 Reviews
    Brighton, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $244 / 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."

    7. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "Millcreek is a great escape from the city."

    "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."

    8. Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    38 Reviews
    Park City, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 649-9540

    $35 - $50 / night

    "This isn't the prettiest lake. It is nice and big, but since it is one of the closest to Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, it gets a lot of traffic."

    "We stayed at the "McHenry" campground in a spot right next to a creek. The traffic noise was a bit prevalent during the day because it's close to the highway. Great tent pad."

    9. Little Mill

    20 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $256 / night

    "We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."

    "The site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."

    10. Mountain Shadows RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Draper, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 571-4024
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Recent Reviews near Millcreek, UT

1352 Reviews of 234 Millcreek Campgrounds


  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Spanish Oaks Campground

    Spanish Fork campsite with view

    Up in the hills, Spanish Oaks campground is not a typical campground. It’s close to a suburban area and there is active development of homes in the immediate area. It’s a very convenient location if you are passing through the area..

  • Janelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Middle Fork Conservation Area

    Great spot!

    My family and I were driving through and needed a place to stay for the night. We camped the first night that lot camping was allowed (9/10) so it was quiet and peaceful. It is down a dirt road in a valley surrounded by cattle and deer and elk. Beautiful sunset and moonrise. A local ranger came by to chat and told us it can get busy with local homeless people and drug users, just FYI. But overall we felt completely safe and our neighbors were nice and friendly!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Easy drive and beautiful view

    EDIT: Okay I lied. The bugs have infiltrated my tent. I don’t even know how but they have. I can hear the rest of them outside trying to find a way in. I didn’t even have any lights on. I’m scared and itchy and I hate bugs. Come here to watch the sunset and leave.

    The sites are trashed. I think people live here full time. You can hear generators running at night and occasional gunshots in the distance (shooting range). There’s giant fly swarms all over that you hear buzzing all night. There’s little to no privacy. I should really give it two or three stars but DAMN is it beautiful. Great sunrise and sunset spot right on the water with the mountains in front and behind you. Plenty of spots you can get to with 2WD. I didn’t venture up the hill because it seems a little more unlikely I’d make it, but like I said, plenty of other spots.

  • Allisson G.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Uinta National Forest Hope Campground

    Great views, lots of Yellowjacket’s

    The yellowjackets were pretty annoying to deal with until after dusk and they’re right back out as soon as it’s light. My husband and I camped at an overlook spot about a mile north of this campground and it was an amazing view, little car activity but lots of yellowjackets. I’d recommend bringing a trap and wear peppermint essential oil to deter

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lakeside RV Campground

    Nice quiet park

    Friendly staff nice level sites pull through FHU grassy spot between sites.

  • Doug B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Spanish Oaks Campground

    Great views

    Great campground with nice views. Fun mbt trails..and easy access to paved Spanish Fork river trail.

  • Roman P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Chokecherry Campground — Deer Creek State Park

    Dead Deer Creek

    A nice camp. 30 $ for a tent is a bit more than usual, but they have nice showers :) Selected this so I can swim in the lake, but it is not allowed due HAB...

  • Peter H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sun Outdoors North Salt Lake

    Big crowded TV park

    It really depends on what you are looking for, if you to be in the city and don’t mind confined campgrounds then this is for you. Showers, laundry, pool, hot tub and store.

  • Cole A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Pony Express RV Resort

    Nice compact

    Like others have said…if you want space to spread out this is not the place for you.

    If you’re looking for a place that is convenient, full hook up, level concrete pads, subdivision desperate house wife’s camping addition this is the place to be!

    100.00 per night is high, in my opinion. For one adult and a cocker who doesn’t make a sound. Rare I know.

    Like many other places who advertise free wifi might as well plan on using your phone or star link or whatever you may have.

    If I planned on staying for a few months I would consider staying here. Only if they had a hefty monthly discounted rate. I think the state parks would be a better option for a one or two night stay.


Guide to Millcreek

Camping near Millcreek, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: The area is surrounded by stunning trails. Campers love the access to nearby hiking spots. One reviewer mentioned, "The drive and location is beautiful. The campground is large and there is a lot of privacy," highlighting the scenic views at Granite Flat.
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, check out Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground. A camper noted, "Clean campground with access to water sports, and very close to Park City," making it a great spot for swimming and boating.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds in the area are known for their wildlife. One visitor at Bridger Bay Campground shared, "Watching sunset on the lake and seeing bison lounging on the beach was magical," which adds a unique experience to your camping trip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Salt Lake City KOA said, "The facilities were clean. The hook ups worked great even in the snow."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites. One camper at Mountain Valley RV Resort mentioned, "Huge level concrete sites, with privacy bushes between," which makes for a comfortable stay.
  • Friendly Staff: Good customer service can make a big difference. A visitor at Echo Island RV Resort noted, "Roxanne at the desk was awesome," showing that helpful staff can enhance your experience.

What you should know:

  • Bugs Can Be a Problem: Some campers warn about insects. One reviewer at Bridger Bay Campground said, "The camp host did send out a notice about the bugs before our arrival," so be prepared with bug spray.
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near roads or train tracks can be noisy. A camper at Salt Lake City KOA mentioned, "Sleep was not great with the freight trains blaring through the night," so consider this when choosing a site.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Granite Flat advised, "Can get busy and hard to get reservations," so plan ahead.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Mountain Valley RV Resort said, "The park is nice and flat that kids are riding scooters and rollerblading throughout."
  • Activities for All Ages: Find campgrounds that offer games and pools. One camper at Echo Island RV Resort noted, "Pools are great! Bathrooms and showers are clean," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids. A visitor at Nunns Park mentioned, "Great campground close to town and right off the Provo River trail," which is perfect for family outings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Lakeside RV Campground said, "Pretty nice place for RV they have hookups full and nice bathroom that's clean and heated."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight. A reviewer at Mountain Valley RV Resort shared, "Our 30’ rig hardly fit in the spot," so choose wisely.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to fun activities. A visitor at Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground mentioned, "Absolutely beautiful view and great access to park city," making it a great base for exploration.

Camping around Millcreek, UT, has something for everyone. From beautiful views to family-friendly activities, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this outdoor paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Millcreek Camping areas?

Millcreek Canyon offers minimal amenities as it's primarily backcountry camping. At Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts, you'll find established trails, some premade fire pits at common camping spots, and day-use areas with picnic facilities. The canyon has a small river where kids can play and visitors can float in tubes during warmer months. For those seeking more amenities, Rock Cliff Area Campground at nearby Jordanelle State Park offers full RV hookups and modern facilities. Remember that in Millcreek's backcountry areas, you must carry in all supplies including water, and pack out all trash to preserve the natural environment.

Where is Millcreek Campground located and how do I get there?

Millcreek Canyon is located just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. To get there, you'll need to drive to the entrance of Millcreek Canyon Dispersed Camping, which requires a small entrance fee per vehicle. This fee helps maintain the canyon's trails and facilities. The canyon offers backcountry camping with multiple access points via hiking trails. Popular routes include the Mt. Aire trail, which has dispersed camping spots about 1/3 mile up the trail. Remember that all camping in Millcreek is backcountry/dispersed, requiring you to hike in with your gear. The hike can be moderately difficult, especially when carrying overnight equipment, but the scenic views make it worthwhile.

Do I need reservations for camping at Millcreek?

No formal reservations are required for dispersed camping in Millcreek Canyon, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there are specific regulations to follow: you must camp at least 1/2 mile from the road and 200 feet from developed areas and water sources. The Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry area follows similar dispersed camping rules. For a more structured experience with guaranteed spots, consider Pine Creek Campground at Wasatch Mountain State Park, which does require reservations. Remember that Millcreek Canyon charges an entrance fee per vehicle, so bring cash or a payment method for the toll booth when you arrive.