The landscape around Hooper offers diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 4,200 to 9,000 feet in nearby mountains. Several glamping locations provide lake access where temperatures can reach the high 90s in summer months, making water recreation particularly popular. Campgrounds in this area feature varying levels of shade and wind protection across different seasons.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 30-minute trail access from North Fork County Park leads to a hidden waterfall. "There's a hidden waterfall you can hike too, and a river runs through the park. It's a must!" says local camper Debbie P. The park also offers mountain biking opportunities with "excellent mountain bike trails" according to Rich J., who "can't wait to go back and ride more of them."
Wildlife observation: Bison viewing is available at White Rock Bay Campground. "We saw fox that came right up to our tent and lots of bison close by," reports Whitney K. who enjoyed the "wide open space with wild animals." The campground provides multiple wildlife viewing spots, with Caroline N. noting "the views of the island mountains and the Great Salt Lake were another plus."
Water recreation: Swimming and boating options at Anderson Cove include designated beach areas. "We enjoyed the camp site and the short walk to the lake," writes David H., who found it "a great place for a family reunion." The sandy shoreline makes for easy water entry, with Whitney K. mentioning "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."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: North Fork County Park earns praise for site separation. "There are so many spots, and they are all very private," reports Debbie P. This sense of space extends throughout the park, with Dave D. confirming "even with the ample size of each site, you don't feel like you're in your neighbor's lap."
Mountain views: Glamping close to Hooper provides scenic perspectives, especially at Willard Bay State Park Cottonwood Campground where "amazing sunsets" can be viewed. According to Meredith S., "the lake is clean and still very natural. The swans circling the water are something to see." Evening ambiance enhances the experience with "sounds of the crickets made for a very magical feel just after sunset."
Convenient amenities: Sites often include sheltered picnic areas. Erin A. mentions that at Willard Bay, "they provide a ramada on a cement pad over the picnic table which was great." For glamping locations with full hookups, the concrete pads are "very spacious pull ins" with quick access to beach areas.
What you should know
Bug activity: Insect populations vary by season at White Rock Bay. Jeron E. warns "this place has terrible bugs!" while Becca S. emphasizes "I cannot stress to you enough the amount of biting gnats there were. It was unbearable for us and bug spray didn't deter them one bit." May appears particularly challenging, with Caroline N. noting "we visited in early May when the No See Ums were at their peak, so forget enjoying a campfire at dusk, or anything at dusk."
Wind exposure: Many sites lack natural windbreaks. "The wind shook our tent back and forth all night. No sleep," reports Caroline N. about White Rock Bay. Sites with trees offer more protection, though not all glamping locations have sufficient coverage.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. Derek E. notes that Willard Bay "is literally right off the NB/SB freeway" and "your day and night will be filled with freeway noises." Laura K. confirms "I-15 noise was horrible, no sleep even with a fan going and earplugs."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Brigham City-Perry South KOA offers family-friendly facilities including "a well-stocked store, laundry room, propane fill-up, etc." according to Jen R. Kristan J. adds "Our kids had a blast swimming, playing at the playground and then spending time in the arcade."
Beach features: Sandy shorelines with gentle entry points make for safe swimming. At Anderson Cove, Whitney K. notes "the sand is soft and fun for the kids to build sand castles. We also enjoyed the small waves while on the beach."
Close-to-home options: Glamping near Hooper provides easy weekend trips. Morgan L. appreciates that North Fork Park is "close to home" making it convenient for families with young children who "found joy in simply throwing pebbles in the creek and making mud."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Hill AFB FamCamp offers military families specific advantages. Chris L. notes "The sites are tightly packed. The hook ups (especially sewer) are awkwardly to the far rear of the sites." For easier access, Tony P. suggests certain areas: "Pull in sites are best with nice sized yards and easy in/out. Some of the backins are tricky for large rigs that need a large turning zone."
Seasonal considerations: Many glamping sites near Hooper have limited operating seasons. At Willard Bay, Laura K. advises "If it is hot, get a shady site as many are in full sun." Water availability also varies, with some locations shutting off services in shoulder seasons.
Reservation timing: Booking in advance is essential for popular sites. "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. For last-minute trips, weekday arrivals offer better availability.
