The Ogden area sits at the junction of the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake, with elevations ranging from 4,300 to 9,700 feet across nearby camping options. Summer temperatures regularly reach 100°F during July and August, with cooler mountain camping sites typically 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. Campsites in Ogden Canyon provide refuge from summer heat with natural shade and proximity to mountain streams.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Antelope Island: Drive 30 minutes west of Ogden to Bridger Bay Campground for bison and antelope sightings. "This place is weird and awesome. There's bison roaming around, badgers, and tons of great birds to watch. There's some really cool stuff scattered along the beach along the Salt Lake," notes Kaila R.
Mountain biking trails: Access the extensive trail network from North Fork County Park in Ogden Canyon. "Had a great stay at North Fork. Camped in the canyon near the trailheaad for the waterfall hike. We stayed at campsite 6 which was great, but they were all really nice. Excellent mountain bike trails also," writes Rich J.
Tubing on Ogden River: Campsites at South Fork Campground provide direct river access. "Access to Ogden River for tubing! Causey and Ouneview very close!" notes Barb D. Life jackets are required for all river activities, and water levels are typically best for tubing from mid-June through August.
What campers like
Cool swimming options: Pineview Reservoir at Anderson Cove Campground offers sandy beaches and warm water. "There was a lot of space to be spread out from others. The beach is so large and it's easy to camp out. The sand is soft and fun for the kids to build sand castles," Whitney K. explains.
Morning wildlife encounters: Early risers at Bridger Bay Campground might spot free-ranging bison. "The bison are free grazing all around and a few came right up to our campground in the early morning!" Steven M. reports. Best viewing times are dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Waterfall hiking: Access hidden cascades directly from campsites. "There's a hidden waterfall you can hike too, and a river runs through the park. It's a must!" shares Debbie P. about North Fork County Park. The waterfall trail is approximately 1 mile round-trip with minimal elevation gain.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway and transportation noise affects several campgrounds. "This RV park was overall a good experience. We didn't use the pool, but they had one. Our biggest complaint about this park was the minimal distance between sites," notes Rachel H. about Century RV Park.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and biting gnats are prevalent at waterfront campgrounds, especially Willard Bay. "But honestly, it's hard to walk or bike because the bugs are so bad. I don't just mean the odd bite, I mean coated in biting gnats as soon as you go outside your vehicle," warns @57overlander C.
Reservation timing: Popular mountain campgrounds fill quickly during summer. "We've camped all over in North Fork sites! Our family has our anual family reunion in Mustang Flats every summer... All sizes of sites for all sizes of groups! First come first serves except for large group sites," advises Fale L.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Splash pads provide additional recreation for children.
