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The Magna, Utah region includes developed camping options ranging from beachfront sites at Great Salt Lake State Park to established RV parks within short driving distance. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground lies directly within Magna, offering primitive tent sites along the beach and several RV spots with hookups near the marina. Additional camping areas include Salt Lake City KOA and Pony Express RV Resort, both within 20 miles east of Magna, providing full hookup sites, cabins and tent spaces. The surrounding area offers a mix of state park campgrounds and private RV parks, with accommodations for various camping styles from beach camping to full-service RV sites.
Camping in the Great Salt Lake region presents unique conditions and experiences unlike most other destinations. The area experiences extreme temperature variations with hot summers and cold winters. "Nice campground next to the great salt lake. Only complaint was sand gets just about everywhere so be prepared," noted one camper about Great Salt Lake State Park. Most developed campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though primitive beach camping is more weather-dependent. Reservations are recommended, especially for RV sites with hookups which are limited in number. The proximity to the Great Salt Lake means campers should prepare for potential lake odors during low water periods and occasional brine fly activity along shorelines. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the area due to proximity to Salt Lake City.
Waterfront camping at Great Salt Lake State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its unique views and experiences. Campers particularly appreciate the beach sites which offer stunning sunrise and sunset views across the lake. As one visitor described, "We stayed here for a night in August and it was just a magical evening - from watching the buffalo herds in the distance, to taking a dip in the Great Salt Lake, to the vibrant sunset." The campground's proximity to both natural features and industrial areas creates an interesting juxtaposition, with the Rio Tinto copper smelter visible from some campsites. For those seeking urban convenience, the Salt Lake City KOA provides easy access to downtown and public transportation, though several reviewers noted train and traffic noise. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically feature a balance between natural settings and proximity to urban amenities.
"The Salt Lake City KOA Holiday manages to pull it off perfectly. This campground is absolutely huge, serving as a massive, welcoming hub for travelers right in the heart of Utah's capital."
"I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"
from $50 - $189 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $29 - $327 / night
Check Availability"The management that runs the hotel side of it is extremely nice and reasonable I couldn't be happier with this place close to two gas stations the flying j and the TA."
from $27 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $355 / night
Check Availability"It has a pool, store and some outside games. No shade at all and no space between sites but the staff is excellent"
"Friendly staff great location Offer daily, weekly and monthly rates."
"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."
from $29 - $215 / night
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ScoutWe had a wonderful time! It was cooler up behind Timp than in the valley. Our site was shaded all day. The camp host, Sarah, was amazing! She went above and beyond for everyone! We were there from Sunday to Friday and the camp ground was quiet and peaceful! Our 20 foot trailer fit very nicely. Only drawback was no drinking water. We had to have bottled water for everything. We were sorry to have to leave!
GuideI didn't realize that this is also a family fun park when I reserved the site. It is all an extra fee, but you will get a discount if you're camping. 50 amp Sites are asphalt and the rest are dirt and grass. Sites are a little tight but they did try to leave spaces between if possible.
ScoutThis is a good stop over place. It has a pool, store and some outside games. No shade at all and no space between sites but the staff is excellent
GuideLots of spots for any size rigs, closer to the water the bugs can be crazy, lots of trash left around, we were here 10 months ago same trash still here. Be wonderfully if it was cleaned up.
ScoutSo far very pleasant. Right in the road but you can park and walk in to at least one campsite. There are dirt bikers coming down the trail. I didn't walk far beyond the one site with campfire spit and stones. A little trash has been left , but if you want ease of access and ability to walk back to camp, plus a place ten miles or so from supplies in Orem, this is very nice. Despite traffic and early morning athletes I did sleep well. And it's easier access than the unpaved Widow's peak dispersed - still paved roads here. However after a few days I realized that people think of this place as a local dump site and will steal anything not nailed down. My cat was stolen as well. People throw trash in the tree area and leave bizarre objects behind . If you drive away some one will take your parking spot and stay all night. Bikers and joggers pass constantly plus loud cars. My car was covered in Saran wrap by drunk people. You can go further up the trail and it might be nicer but due to hundreds of people per day hiking through your stuff will be stolen. All in all nice nature but creepy.
Travelercame in pretty late so had to look around in the morning, but i drove on the trail for about 20 minuites and i came across 3 sites, im sure you can find more as you go up but i didnt check. the best one in my opinion is the second one that overlooks the mountains. the only cons i have to this place is there were lots of wasps, definitely come later in the summer if you have a problem with bugs. The road up was not bad at all, it was paved up until the last few miles, some parts are bumpy but i think a 2WD could get through the trail with little to no problems. not sure if id recommend bringing a trailer though.
TravelerWe stayed here for 3 nights in July 2026. The campground is FCFS. We came up on a Tuesday and all sites were open except one. The sites are small and are not level, so be prepared with levelers of some sort. We were able to park our 24' travel trailer with some adjustments. It worked out perfectly!
Campfires are allowed in the Uintas, as of the date of this review. The camp host has wood for purchase. There is plenty of kindling all around.
There is a stream that runs behind the campground with plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and horse trails near the campground. There are also ATV/UTV trails close by and throughout the Uintas.
It was a wonderful trip!
ScoutJuly 3-4th was pretty quiet, I assume it’s busier on the weekends. Spots have picnic tables, are a good distance from each other, close to the creek, and there’s a pit toilet. Lots of cow pies, woke up up surrounded by 12 cows.
GuideThis place has many amenities to get away for a few days or until you feel like leaving. There is a swimming pool, hot tub, adventure canopy with zipline, treetop trampoline, and obstacle course. There's many other amenities that haven't been mentioned. This place is great for kids to get the energy out while parents can relax and watch them have fun. This is the second summer we have come here and hope to make it a long standing tradition.
Magna, Utah features camping areas ranging from established RV parks to primitive sites along the Great Salt Lake shoreline. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground, located within city limits, provides both developed sites with hookups and primitive beach camping with views of the lake. Salt Lake City KOA, situated approximately 15 miles east of Magna, offers full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The camping landscape includes a mix of state park facilities, private RV parks, and limited primitive sites that accommodate various camping styles from basic tenting to full-hookup RV camping.
Seasonal conditions significantly impact camping experiences in the Magna area, particularly at Great Salt Lake State Park. Summer brings warmer temperatures that can exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions ideal for outdoor activities. "The campground has a unique dynamic with the lake on one side and industrial views on the other, creating a really interesting setting for camping," noted one visitor about Great Salt Lake State Park. Winter camping is available at some locations like Salt Lake City KOA, though beach camping at the lake may be less comfortable during colder months. Many developed campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer weekends when availability becomes limited. Most primitive sites at Great Salt Lake State Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers should prepare for potential lake odors when water levels are low.
The Great Salt Lake shoreline provides distinctive camping experiences that several visitors highlight in their reviews. Beach campsites at Great Salt Lake State Park offer direct access to the unique salt water swimming experience and remarkable sunrise views across the water. As one camper described, "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!" Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences. Noise levels vary significantly between locations - urban sites like Salt Lake City KOA experience traffic and train noise, while lakeside camping may have industrial sounds from nearby facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several campgrounds, with some visitors reporting bison sightings from Antelope Island State Park. The combination of mountain views, lake access, and proximity to Salt Lake City makes these camping areas particularly appealing for travelers seeking both natural experiences and urban convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the driving distances from Magna to popular trailheads in Little Cottonwood Canyon?
From Magna to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon is approximately 28 miles, with a driving time of 40-45 minutes. Popular trailheads at the canyon entrance are about 45 minutes from Magna, while those higher up the canyon like White Pine trailhead are around 50-55 minutes away. For those looking to camp in the general area, Bridger Bay Campground on Antelope Island is about 45 minutes from Magna and offers a convenient alternative. Hikers looking for camping options closer to Little Cottonwood might enjoy Granite Flat in the nearby American Fork Canyon area.
How far is it from Magna to campgrounds like Spruces and Albion Basin?
From Magna to Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon is about 30 miles with a driving time of approximately 40-45 minutes. Albion Basin Campground, located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, is slightly farther at about 35 miles from Magna, typically taking 50-60 minutes to reach. For those looking for alternatives in the region, Rock Cliff Area Campground at Jordanelle State Park is about 50 miles from Magna (roughly an hour drive) and offers full hook-ups for RVs in a clean, well-maintained setting. Pine Creek Campground in Wasatch Mountain State Park is a similar distance.
How far is Magna, Utah to Big Cottonwood Canyon for camping and hiking?
Magna, Utah is approximately 25-30 miles from Big Cottonwood Canyon, with a typical driving time of 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. The canyon offers excellent camping options like Spruces - Big Cottonwood, which features reservable sites, water access, and toilets. For those willing to drive a bit further into the canyon, Anderson Cove provides a peaceful retreat that's worth the extra drive time, with beach access and plenty of bathrooms. The scenic drive from Magna takes you through Salt Lake Valley before climbing into the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
What is the travel time from Magna to Millcreek Canyon recreation areas?
The travel time from Magna to Millcreek Canyon recreation areas is approximately 35-45 minutes, covering a distance of about 25 miles. This beautiful canyon offers numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and outdoor recreation opportunities. While Millcreek Canyon itself has limited camping, nearby options include Great Salt Lake State Park Campground, which is much closer to Magna at just 10-15 minutes away. For those willing to drive a bit further from Magna, Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City provides excellent amenities including an adult-only section for those seeking a quieter experience.
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