Camping sites near Peoa, Utah range from 5,500 to 7,500 feet in elevation with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime hours while dropping to 45-55°F at night, making layered clothing essential for overnight stays. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but requires preparation for freezing overnight temperatures, particularly at higher-elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Smith-Morehouse Campground in Kamas offers productive fishing both in the reservoir and creek. As one camper noted, "We went up pretty early in the season and it was a ton of fun! There was still snow on the ground and we got pretty cold sleeping on the ground, but we would do it again! Fished all night with a couple drinks, caught a couple and even cooked them right up at camp!"
Hiking access: At Spruces - Big Cottonwood, trails connect directly from the campground. "We went on many different hikes right from the campground and a few others not far away. We saw moose, went fishing, and even stopped for icecream at stone hass in the solitude village right up the street," reports one visitor who appreciated the combination of wilderness feel with nearby amenities.
Water recreation: Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground provides lake-based activities with boat rentals available. One guest mentioned, "Stayed here for a weekend getaway and loved it. Great place close to SLC and park city and for the most part it was surprisingly quiet, tho that could be a fluke as it got busier during the day. Feel like we just lucked out Especially in renting water toys as sounds like they are usually booked out if not reserved well in advance."
Snowshoeing access: During winter months, some campgrounds remain accessible via snowshoe travel despite road closures. A visitor to Spruces Campground shared, "wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at! you can also stay here during the summer just be prepared to book a couple months in advance!"
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Campers at Redman Campground value the natural water features. "We camped next to a small stream which added nice background noise. We enjoyed a campfire and some s'mores," according to one reviewer, highlighting how water features enhance the camping experience through both visual appeal and ambient sound.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Redman Campground, campers report, "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site. In Addison to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site."
Proximity to Salt Lake City: Many camping areas provide a wilderness experience without requiring extensive travel. One camper at Twin Coves noted, "My family and I have been coming here for years. It's clean when we get there, you can see straight the bottom of the water. We come out here at least twice a year and every time is amazing."
Clean facilities: Pine Creek Campground maintains high standards for restrooms and sites. "Very clean place with restrooms and showers. The space was huge," reported one satisfied visitor, emphasizing how facility maintenance contributes to overall camping satisfaction.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (late May through August), same-day availability is extremely limited at most developed campgrounds. "We snowmobile on the roads up here in the winter. The fishing in the lake isn't very good though, which is a bummer. Fishing in the river is a little better. You also have the option of hiking/backpacking up to Round, Sand, & Fish Lakes which have great fishing," noted one Smith-Morehouse visitor who regularly camps in the area.
Pet policies: Several campgrounds prohibit dogs entirely. As one visitor to Redman Campground stated, "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."
Water pressure concerns: Some RV sites have exceptionally high water pressure that can damage equipment. A camper at Jordanelle State Park warned, "Great campsite. Clean and nice amenities for a State Park. Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure."
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in how sites are arranged. At Pine Creek, "This campground has 3 loops. 1 for tents, 1 for medium size trailers. 1 for large trailers. Check the website or call the guard station before booking to double check."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. At Echo Island RV Resort, "This is such a pretty and accommodating place to stay. They had a small pond for kids to fish in, two swimming pools and two hot tubs, very clean and modern facilities, well maintained campsites with fire pit, a cute little shop with firewood, treats, and other necessities and they have dvds and sports equipment you can check out."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can become a learning experience at many campgrounds. A visitor to Spruces Campground shared, "We have camped at the Spruces campground just about every year for the last few decades. They have a few large group sites which I have used for large family events and small sites when I just want to go up with my own family. I love that you can go from the busy city to this amazing site in about 30 minutes. I have almost always seen moose and deer in the camp ground and the kids love to catch fish in the stream."
Multiple recreation options: Campgrounds that offer diverse activities keep children engaged. According to a River's Edge at Heber Valley visitor, "The grounds are so well-maintained. We have two dogs and there's lots of grass for them to play in. We don't have children but there's a very nice playground and small pond where they can fish - catch and release."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures remain moderate even during hot periods. Pine Creek Campground visitors recommend, "My family and I just love this campground!! We come at least twice a year. Everything is really well kept! Clean bathrooms, has warm showers, power at your picnic tables and water at each site. Close to fishing pond, play area for kids, beautiful golf courses, hikes, Midway/Heber cities, fishing rivers and beautiful drives up the mountains for more exploring."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Full-service sites with 50-amp connections remain limited throughout the area. A visitor to Echo Island RV Resort advised, "Nicely managed campground, good website, efficient reservation process. Management very helpful and friendly. The campsites are nicely spaced, good tree cover, green well kept lawn at all sites. Gravel slots, picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Good park design for the back up sites to get a large trailer situated no problem."
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. As one RVer noted about a nearby resort, "Beautiful setting on two small rivers with shade. Full hookups, spacious sites. Nice pool and hot tub. Clear view to south for satellite TV."
Tight access roads: Larger RVs encounter challenges navigating narrow campground roads. A camper at Smith-Morehouse warned, "Nice place to get away. Road is tight. Our 26ft trailer was a little hard to navigate within the campground."
Year-round accessibility: While most campgrounds close during winter, select lower-elevation options remain open. Mountain Valley RV Resort provides consistent service as one visitor shared, "Very nice campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and yurt accommodations. This spacious RV park has two pools (one limited to adults only), two dog parks (one large enough for big dogs to run and fetch), two sets of pickle ball courts and is spacious and level and nice."
