Best Campgrounds near West Jordan, UT
Campgrounds near West Jordan, Utah range from urban RV parks to more remote sites in the nearby mountains. The Salt Lake City KOA offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites within city limits, while Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper provides similar amenities about 15 minutes south of West Jordan. For those seeking a more natural setting, Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood Canyons host several established campgrounds including Tanners Flat and Spruces, which operate seasonally from May through September or October.
Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during the summer months when demand peaks. Higher elevation sites in the Cottonwood Canyons may not open until late spring due to snowpack. "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding," noted one camper about Flight Park State Recreation Area, highlighting how local conditions can vary dramatically by location. Roads to canyon campgrounds are paved but can be narrow with steep grades in places. Cell service is generally good near urban areas but becomes spotty in canyons and at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and many campgrounds in the Wasatch Mountains prohibit pets.
Campers seeking full amenities gravitate toward RV parks like Mountain Shadows, though reviews suggest variable experiences. "Facilities were clean. There were a lot of campers there on a more permanent basis which didn't affect my review. The staff clearly take pride in keeping the park clean for everyone," reported one visitor. Others noted highway noise as a drawback at several urban locations. For those willing to sacrifice amenities for scenery, the canyon campgrounds offer cooler temperatures and mountain views. Dispersed camping options are limited in the immediate West Jordan area due to urban development, but public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service provide primitive camping opportunities within an hour's drive. Water access is limited to reservoirs and mountain streams, as the Great Salt Lake's shoreline is largely undeveloped for recreation.
