Family camping options extend beyond RV parks in the Midway area, with tent sites and cabins available at several campgrounds. Midway sits at 5,584 feet elevation in Wasatch County, experiencing warm summer days with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Salt Lake City. Winter camping options remain limited, with seasonal closures affecting most tent sites from October through April.
What to do
Water activities at Jordanelle State Park: The reservoir offers boat rentals, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities just 15 minutes from Midway. "This is a simple site to get to. It's only an hour from Salt Lake City and provides awesome picnic areas! Fun for the whole family; kids, seniors, pets, etc!" notes a visitor to Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground.
Hiking nearby trails: Access walking and biking paths directly from several campgrounds. At Echo Island RV Resort, one camper mentioned "It has a lot of trailer spots that are almost all pull throughs and have hook ups. It's fun to bring kayaks and float the river."
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. "We catch something every time we go," reports one Jordanelle visitor. Knotty Pine RV Resort campers note proximity to streams for fishing, with one reporting the area is "Clean camp grounds, close to a running creek, lots of trees and green grass, kids loved it."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers prioritize well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. One Mountain Valley RV Resort visitor noted, "The bathrooms that were the most well maintained bathrooms we've ever used on the road. To top it all off, they have a gorgeous fitness center with weights, a treadmill and elliptical available to all guests."
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds offering quick access to outdoor recreation and towns receive high marks. "Convenient location right off the highway with full hook ups and nice paved sites. Dog areas, playground, games, and a pool. Easy access to the Jordan River Trail for running, biking, or sunset walks," explains a Pony Express RV Resort visitor.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer better site spacing than others. At Lakeside RV Campground, a camper reported, "We stayed in a back in spot which was very spacious and we had a good distance from our neighbor." This contrasts with tighter spacing at other RV sites near Midway, Utah.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, advance planning proves essential. At Knotty Pine RV Resort, which operates from April through October with 98 sites, reservations fill quickly. One Jordanelle camper shared: "We didn't make a reservation and were nervous we weren't going to get in anywhere, but we went to the jordanelle and they told us about a campsite that's about .5 mile hike and its first come first serve."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Jordanelle State Park, a visitor noted: "Only downside was the dump station near us was pretty awful smells and the site was very unlevel."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A Mountain Shadows RV Park reviewer mentioned: "There is a tent camping and picnic area adjacent to the pool. Office has a small store with a limited selection of goods."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for children. At Lagoon RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate "lots of shade from trees" though note that pool facilities might close seasonally. One visitor to Mountain Valley RV Resort explained: "This is a great place for kids because there's plenty of space for them to ride bikes, play basketball, swim, and also a playground."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There seem to be three levels with the bottom level by the creek, with mostly partial hookups, looking the most attractive... The bottom level also had nice grassy areas for kids to play in," noted a Park City RV Resort visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly bathrooms make camping with children easier. Echo Island Ranch visitors reported "Bathrooms are okay" while another camper noted their "Showers are clean and well kept, the pool and hot tub are great."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research site dimensions before booking. At Park City RV Resort, a camper advised: "Some spots are tight and close together. Booked this location for the pool... would have been up in the mountains more if I knew ahead of time no pool."
Water pressure management: Bring a pressure regulator for some campgrounds. "Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure," cautioned a Jordanelle State Park visitor.
Laundry availability: Limited laundry facilities exist in the area. A Pony Express RV Resort visitor reported "Laundry 24 hours" availability, while others noted the need to bring quarters as change machines aren't always functional.
