13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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
"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
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $60 / 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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $327 / night
"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
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $355 / night
"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."
"Nice canyon and lots of walking trails. They dont have potable water, so bring plenty of water"
"We stayed here for one night didn't go past the gate we just camped pretty much on the side of the dirt road next to the reservoir."
from $15 - $40 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $215 / night
GuideNice little spot. I camped in my truck and the spot was fine. Might be tight with a large rig and not as level. But fine for a small rig.
GuideNice little campground. Know what it is. Its a campground at a theme park. Noisy during the day. Stay here if your going to Cherry Hill. I wouldn't stay here without that due to better locations. Grassy spots get slick.
GuideStayed here once for a Fallen Hero's event/concert. Campground was nice and clean. River right next to it so you can fish the river below the damn. Large grass area for hanging out. Nothing too special.
LegendI know some people had a huge issue with bugs. Maybe its because we came towards the end of October. But the only issue with bugs we had were a few annoying flies. This place is absolutely stunning. Ended up staying 2 nights. One night was very windy since there isnt much to protect you from the wind. Bathrooms have showers and flush toilets. Literally no one was here after the Bison roundup weekend. And the sunsets were spectacular !
LegendI like that the spots are paved. Close to a road causing lots of traffic noise. Not much privacy between sites either. But lots of grassy places to play
LegendA nice campground. About to close for the season so I was the only one here. Its currently dry. The water was shut off and whatnot. Lots of spots. Some better than others! I bet this place would be stunning when the leaves are green and lush!
GuideCool spot with lots of different options. However it wasn’t as peaceful as you’d expect. There were people driving around all hours of the night shooting, dumping trash, and walking around. Overall decent spot to stay for the night outside of town. Just be cautious.
GuideGreat site, kept clean both around the grounds and facilities. Staff is great, and host weekly activities that are communicated via text. Yes the jets are loud but generally only fly in the afternoon and are not that big of a deal.
LegendNice little campground with several pull through spots and several back ins Showers and bathrooms were clean and nice. Outside of the major town on Utah Lake so fairly quiet, although it is next to a smaller airport which has planes coming and going most of the time. At least they are all small planes so they don’t make too much noise. Nice playground.
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.
Keep Exploring
