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."
$50 - $189 / night
"I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"
"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."
"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."
$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"
$28 - $358 / 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."
$29 - $215 / 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."
$20 - $60 / night
"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."
$20 - $200 / night
"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."
$25 - $175 / night
"This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."
"We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."
$28 - $229 / 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 lake is right up the road and a great place to swim and fish. There is a sliding rock for kids to climb and play on near the camp grounds. So many bike and walking trails."
ScoutThis place is a little trashy, but beautiful scenery night 🌙 skies great for viewing little to no light pollution if picked place on top of hill you would see more of the city's nearby and more of the lake. Roads are very ruff, SUV/trucks to 4 wheel drive recommend.
ScoutIt’s a pretty rowdy spot you’re right in the middle of all the ohv that is happening. If you’re looking for something chill this ain’t it. Also the campsites were pretty littered with trash which is a big bummer.
ScoutGreat spot near SLC for dispersed camping. Plenty of flat areas for bigger rigs. 4x4 may be needed to access other areas. There are trees nearby for plenty of shade.
I didn’t notice any bugs on my visit. Beautiful skies at night. I’ll definitely be coming back!
GuideThe road in is a little rough. Some cell service. Pretty views. Camp spots are not too close together.
ScoutLoved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
TravelerWe winter camped here so we could ski. It’s a great location about 40-50 minutes to 6 resorts. It is in the city so not in the wilderness but all the sites have one tree and a patch of grass and a picnic table. There is a small off leash dog pen and a self dog wash. Also hot tub, showers, toilets that were clean. We did not use the hot tub or the laundry. The campground is well maintained. Our first site was slightly unleveled so we asked to switch and they accommodated that request. We did have to pay a little extra for that site. We stayed a total of 3 nights. We were going to stay longer but learned that you can’t have dogs in Cottonwood Canyon which meant we couldn’t ski at those resorts so we asked to get out of our reservation early and the KOA accommodated that as well.
TravelerThe yurt was a great experience during the winter. The entire campground was closed, except for the yurt and the couple cabins on site. It was super quiet. It had 2 electric fireplaces which kept the yurt nice and toasty. It has a bunk bed with queen size mattresses which were comfy. There was a refrigerator and microwave. There is access to potable water right outside the yurt. You do have to walk about 500 yards to the yurt from the parking space, but the privacy is worth it. Rate was $75 per night during the week and $100 per night during the weekend. I will definitely be returning.
Scout3 stars as dry and dusty with no facilities, but a good place to stop for a night if passing thru or many nights if you're an ATVer.
We live near the area and if you take the dirt Soldier Pass road off highway 68 between Lake Utah and Cedar Fort, there a many many good and level dispersed sites. Lots of junipers once you climb in elevation. No houses within miles. The Utah County gun range is located ~1 mile off highway 68 on this road, but better camping spots are further on anyway. The main dirt road is county maintained and can be done by any car. As is the road up to the Lake Mountain summit for great views and additional sites.
There is a free formal BLM dispersed camping area off highway 68 a few miles north of Soldier Pass road. Zero facilities. There are campers on it year round. Spots on both sides of the highway. Look for signs. To me, these sites are kinda bleak, but have good lake views. Between late May and late Sept sites near the lake will experience Utah Lake midges. They're a love bug that live in the lake and emerge only to mate. They don't bite, but they do swarm. You'll experience fewer as you move away from the lake.
GuideWe had the campground loop all to ourselves in mid October. Sites have a gazebo with table means less stuff to unpack and setup. We just pulled out the tent and camp stove and that was it. Clean and maintained restrooms all close in tight loop. Firepit next to tables. The view is really great and birds are nearby as it seems to be a bird sanctuary. Easy to get to and not far from highway. Star show was good as well.
Camping spots near West Valley City, Utah primarily concentrate along the Wasatch Front in surrounding canyons and state parks. Elevation ranges from 4,300 feet in the valley to over 8,000 feet in mountain campgrounds, creating significant temperature differences between locations. Mountain campgrounds generally remain 15-20°F cooler than valley sites during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Hiking trails access: Little Mill campground serves as a convenient base for exploring American Fork Canyon with direct access to Timpanogos Cave National Monument. "Great relaxing family time, fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes," notes a visitor at Little Mill.
Paddleboarding: Silver Lake Flat and Tibble Fork reservoirs near Granite Flat campground offer no-wake water recreation. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! The owner was very nice and welcoming," shares a visitor to Granite Flat.
Wildlife viewing: Bridger Bay Campground on Antelope Island provides opportunities to observe free-roaming bison and other wildlife. "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning! There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from with varying skill levels," reports a camper at Bridger Bay.
Urban convenience: Salt Lake City KOA offers modern facilities within city limits. "The staff here are awesome. And the camp has a lot to offer!" says one visitor, while another notes, "We have stayed here several times when visiting family in SLC. Facilities are clean and the staff is nice."
Mountain seclusion: Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon provides a forest escape. A camper explains: "We did not hear any road noise at all, just the sound of wind in the trees and the water flowing. It was so peaceful!" Another adds, "I just recently stayed at the Spruces. Loved it. Very peaceful. I stayed in campground #47. Right near the end of the loop before it goes into the peaceful forest section."
Lakeside views: Great Salt Lake State Park offers unique beach camping experiences. "We tent camped on the beach and loved it all from the oolitic sand to the absolutely insane sunrise view from the window of the tent!" shares one visitor.
Seasonal water availability: Water access varies significantly at mountain campgrounds. A recent visitor to Spruces campground reported: "I got an email informing me to bring all of the water we need, as of now there is no water."
Road noise levels: Some canyon campgrounds experience unexpected traffic noise. At Little Mill, a camper noted: "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it."
Bug conditions: Bridger Bay Campground visitors encounter seasonal insect issues. "The scenery is stunning and it's cool to see the Bison and Pronghorn. But honestly, 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."
Playground facilities: Pony Express RV Resort includes multiple family amenities. "Nice bathhouses with private shower/toilets. Great play area. Bikes available including kid sized. Paved 80 mile bike trail along Jordan River Parkway. Giant chessboard. Nice pool area," reports a visitor to Pony Express RV Resort.
Urban park camping: Willow Park in Lehi offers accessible camping for families seeking minimal travel. "This has been a great experience so far been here twice this year. I really enjoy this camping ground, clean very friendly staff and running water bathrooms," notes a camper at Willow Park.
Shoulder season benefits: Tanners Flat campground offers advantages during non-peak times. "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors. The camp hosts were excellent as well. As SLC natives, we're making this our yearly fall tradition!"
Site spacing considerations: Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper offers varying site configurations. One RVer explains: "Challenging back-in for our 30' ft travel trailer. Very cramped spot. Fortunately, we arrived before neighbors on both sides did. Neighbor on the right side was kind enough to put his awning in making our morning departure easier."
Hookup options: Great Salt Lake State Park provides limited RV accommodations. "Small RV park at state park with marina right on Great Salt Lake," notes one visitor, while another adds, "This is a pretty cool spot right next to the Great Salt Lake making for some nice views (sunset and sunrise were killer)."
Reservation timing: For national forest campgrounds, early booking is essential. A camper at Spruces advises: "Be aware of your travel plans and book early because the campground fills fast."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near West Valley City, Utah?
Within 45 minutes of West Valley City, Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park offers spectacular wildlife viewing with bison, antelope, and deer, plus stunning sunset views over the Great Salt Lake's mud flats. For those seeking a quiet retreat, Anderson Cove provides a peaceful oasis away from city noise with beach access and plenty of bathrooms. Other excellent options include Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon for mountain scenery, Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City for those wanting full amenities, and Soldier's Pass for free dispersed camping with established fire rings near Utah Lake. Most sites within an hour's drive require reservations during peak summer months.
Are there good fishing spots at campgrounds near West Valley City?
Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities with clean facilities and full hook-ups for RVs. The campground provides access to Jordanelle Reservoir, known for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. Echo Island RV Resort is another great option with access to Echo Reservoir for fishing, plus plenty of room to walk and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby alternatives include Miner's Canyon Dispersed for lakeside camping, though be prepared for some litter at this free site. For river fishing, consider areas along the Weber and Provo Rivers, which are known for their trout populations. Most fishing areas require a valid Utah fishing license.
What campgrounds near West Valley City have hiking and bike trails?
Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers excellent access to off-road trails with panoramic views of Mt. Timpanogos. The area is popular for off-road activities and hiking with spectacular mountain vistas. Granite Flat provides a quiet camping experience with access to nearby trails and two lakes, making it ideal for hikers. Site 58 specifically sits above a stream in a shaded area. For additional options, Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry camping with extensive hiking trails, while Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry features easy to moderate hiking trails and is especially popular with ATV and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Most trail-accessible campgrounds are open May through October, weather permitting.
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