Millcreek Canyon is located in the Wasatch Range just east of Salt Lake City at elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. The area serves as a watershed for Salt Lake Valley and features multiple hiking trails that connect to a broader network spanning several adjacent canyons. Winter access for camping is often restricted due to snow accumulation from November through May, with full camping operations typically starting in July.
What to do
Hiking to Donut Falls: From Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, access the popular Donut Falls trail just minutes from your campsite. "I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground and the kids love to catch fish in the stream. There are some great hikes not far from camp, Doughnut falls is very close and you are just a short drive from Silver Lake," notes a visitor to Spruces Campground.
Paddle boarding at Tibble Fork: American Fork Canyon offers water recreation opportunities at reservoirs near Granite Flat Campground. "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs," reports one camper. The reservoir prohibits motorized watercraft, making it ideal for calm water activities.
Mountain biking trails: The foothills around Millcreek provide extensive mountain biking opportunities. For overnight camping with excellent trail access, consider sites in nearby canyons. The Wasatch Crest Trail is accessible from several nearby campgrounds and offers technical rides with significant elevation changes.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tanners Flat Campground in Little Cottonwood Canyon maintains well-kept amenities. "I booked a double site here for the first time, and they are beautiful. I enjoyed the location, the space, and my whole family did as well! There was some garbage in the fire pit when we arrived, but other than that it was fantastic. Soap and water with flushing toilets, etc," writes one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife watching opportunities around campgrounds in the area. "Redman campground was a nice place. We camped next to a small stream which added nice background noise. We enjoyed a campfire and some s'mores," shares a visitor to Redman Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Quick getaways from the city: The proximity to Salt Lake City makes these areas perfect for overnight camping without extensive travel. One camper at Little Mill notes, "We live in the Valley but need a getaway for a weekend and this was perfect. Not only was it less than 20 min from our house we felt as if we were lost in the wilderness. We went on many different hikes right from the campground and a few others not far away."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Millcreek fill quickly during summer. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked," advises a camper at Granite Flat.
Water access restrictions: Due to watershed protection, access to water bodies is strictly controlled. A camper at Little Mill cautions, "Just returned from an overnight stay at Little Mill with amazing American Fork Creek right beside my sites. The campground is clean, no water, trash or electric and vault toilets."
No dogs allowed in some canyons: While Millcreek Canyon permits dogs, Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons do not. "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot. Location is right off the hwy close to Solitude and trails. Old growth trees surround the spacious campsites," notes a visitor about Redman Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded sites: Summer temperatures can reach the 90s during July and August. "I love the scenery. You can get to donut falls from the camp ground which is awesome. Sites are mostly private. Some more so than others. Drive the loop. It's breathtaking especially in the fall. My only complaint is there are no dogs allowed and a few sites not enough shade trees over the site," advises a Spruces Campground visitor.
Choose campgrounds with nearby attractions: Multiple recreation options keep children engaged. A visitor to Hailstone Campground at Jordanelle State Park shares: "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! The fishing is really good too. We catch something every time we go."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds near roads experience traffic noise that might disturb light sleepers. "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," cautions a Little Mill camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups available: Most national forest campgrounds near Millcreek offer minimal or no hookups. For full services, consider RV parks like Salt Lake City KOA. "Solid KOA campground with all the amenities you would expect including a pool and spa. Location of the campground is near the downtown area, with that you get all the noise of the city; traffic, sirens, and train horns," notes one visitor.
Narrow canyon roads: Large RVs may find access challenging on some routes. "This campground has pull-through areas for people towing camping trailers, but not much for those that want to set up a full-size tent and lounge around outside," reports a camper at Tanners Flat.
Consider elevation for larger vehicles: Higher elevation campgrounds often have steeper grades that challenge larger RVs. Several campgrounds in Big Cottonwood Canyon sit above 8,000 feet, requiring good engine cooling systems when climbing.
