Best Campgrounds near West Valley City, UT
West Valley City camping options primarily concentrate on established campgrounds within a short drive of the urban area. Salt Lake City KOA provides a central base with 180 sites offering full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas beneath mature shade trees. Several campgrounds in the surrounding region include Great Salt Lake State Park Campground to the west and Mountain Shadows RV Park to the southeast in Draper. While most sites near the city are developed facilities with amenities like showers and electric hookups, Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more primitive experiences.
Camping in this region follows distinct seasonal patterns, with higher elevation sites like Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Tanners Flat only operating from late May through mid-October. Lower elevation campgrounds remain open year-round, including the city-adjacent KOA and Pony Express RV Resort in North Salt Lake. Reservation requirements vary significantly, with most established campgrounds requiring advance booking while dispersed sites operate on different permit systems. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in the valley while mountain campgrounds remain significantly cooler. A camper noted, "The surrounding area is not so nice. Lots of noises from traffic, trains, airplanes, and the factory across the street. I would recommend staying outside the city."
Many visitors highlight the convenience of staying at urban campgrounds when visiting Salt Lake City. The city-based KOAs and RV parks serve as practical bases for exploring the metropolitan area while still offering camping amenities. Several campgrounds feature mature trees providing shade, though sites tend to be close together with limited privacy. Higher-rated campgrounds like Bridger Bay on Antelope Island State Park balance proximity to urban areas with natural surroundings. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, noise concerns appear frequently in urban camping locations, with one camper reporting, "We did wake up to the sounds of the street behind us and happened to come on lawn service day next door but other than that it was a pretty nice spot for a rest."
