Camping spots near Bountiful, Utah offer access to the Wasatch Range at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October at lower elevations, while higher sites like Bountiful Peak have shortened seasons due to snow. Many dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles, with 4WD recommended for rougher forest roads.
What to do
Bicycle on the Jordan River Trail: Near Pony Express RV Resort, you can access the paved 80-mile Jordan River Trail. "Paved 80 mile bike trail along Jordan River. Easy access to the Jordan River Trail for running, biking, or sunset walks," notes a reviewer who found it convenient for outdoor activities.
Wildlife viewing at Antelope Island: Bridger Bay Campground offers opportunities to see bison, pronghorn, and burrowing owls. "We saw bison and antelope driving in the park," one camper reported, while another mentioned, "An amazing place to kick back, relax, and hangout with bison. They walk up and graze through the campsites which is a beautiful thing to wake up to."
Fishing at East Canyon Reservoir: The reservoir at Dixie Creek Campground provides good fishing opportunities. "The state park features lots of good fishing as well as picnic areas and some exposed hot hiking trails. Good sized smallmouth bass can be caught," according to a reviewer who caught and cooked smaller fish.
What campers like
Concrete parking pads: Many RV parks offer level sites with concrete pads. At Salt Lake City KOA, "Every space is paved and has plenty of shade. Cable, WiFi, and phone signals are good," according to one camper who stayed for a week.
Diverse amenities: Campers appreciate facilities like swimming pools, dog parks, and clubhouses. "Amazing clubhouse with pool table, foosball, large TV, comfy chairs, guest kitchen area. Complimentary coffee, tea and fresh made cookies," noted one visitor about Pony Express RV Resort, which also offers "bikes available including kid sized."
Private bathrooms: Some campgrounds offer individual bathroom facilities. Salt Lake City KOA features "nice bathhouses with private shower/toilets" while another camper mentioned "hot tub/clean bathrooms/showers/dog park/trash/laundry" making it "one of the nicer KOAs."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds at higher elevations close during winter. A visitor to Bountiful Peak Campground reported in 2020, "Drove up and it is still closed," while another noted the Forest Service confirmed it opens July 1st. Another reviewer clarified payment options: "Correction on the scan n pay bring cash or check only."
Urban noise levels: Campgrounds near Salt Lake City experience city sounds. Multiple reviewers at Salt Lake City KOA noted, "It is NOT quiet - there are multiple trains/sirens/large semis blowing by all night," and another mentioned "with that you get all the noise of the city; traffic, sirens, and train horns."
Insect concerns: Be prepared for seasonal insects in certain locations. At Bridger Bay Campground, a camper warned, "Lovely scenery, water is currently off so no showers but has a clean pit toilet. Only downside was the no see um flys you can't for a walk without getting swarmed by them and bitten. Best to visit in the autumn when the flys have gone."
Evidence of recreational shooting: Many dispersed sites show evidence of target practice. At Bountiful B Dispersed camping, "Everybody seemed friendly though. This whole area seems to be a local atv, dirt bike, mountain bike, and shooting area. Definitely lots of people shooting guns into gulleys during the day."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and organized activities: Families appreciate designated children's areas. "There are several different amenities including a pool, playground for the kids, life-size chessboard, and a mini-breed dog park!" reports a visitor to Pony Express RV Resort, while another mentioned seeing "kids and barking dogs everywhere!"
Consider water recreation options: Big Rock Campground provides water activities for children: "Nice paved paths for our kiddos to right their scooters and fun water activities available to the kids for free (water bounce house etc)," making it suitable for families with energetic children.
Choose spots with wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy seeing animals. One reviewer at Big Rock Campground enjoyed "watching wildlife. We were able to spot many species of birds as well as deer, sheep, & prairie dogs," providing educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Account for site spacing: Many RV parks have closely positioned sites. "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!" notes a Pony Express RV Resort reviewer, while another mentioned, "The sites are pretty close together so if you like your space, this probably isn't the best place."
Consider gated parks for security: Some parks offer additional security measures. A camper at Pony Express RV Resort appreciated that "It's gated too, which is also pretty great!" while noting it "backs up to an RV sales and service place which I think is pretty convenient!"
