Jordanelle State Park and Wasatch Mountain State Park offer several cabin camping options near Pleasant Grove, Utah, just 30-45 minutes away. Cabins at these locations range from rustic structures to fully equipped units with heating and air conditioning. The cabins in this region sit at elevations between 5,500 and 6,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than in Pleasant Grove. Winter cabin stays remain popular due to proximity to ski resorts and snowshoe trails.
What to do
Hiking at Little Cottonwood Canyon: Tanners Flat Campground provides access to numerous trails including routes to Hidden Peak. According to one visitor, "Nearby attractions include Lisa Falls, Cecret Lake and numerous summertime activities at Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. During the summer at Snowbird there are summer slides kind of like dry bobsleds and the tram runs all the way up to Hidden Peak."
Fishing opportunities: Jordanelle State Park offers excellent fishing for those staying at its cabins. A reviewer noted, "This is a simple site to get to. It's only an hour from Salt Lake City and provides awesome picnic areas! The fishing is really good too. We catch something every time we go."
Winter activities: The Cabins at Wasatch remain open year-round for winter recreation. "Wasatch campground is really the only campground in the Wasatch back. Take note that they close the gates at 10pm!" warns one camper who visited during colder months.
Mountain biking hub: The cabin area at Hailstone - Wasatch Campground serves as a great base for mountain biking. "Jordanelle reservoir is a destination of its own but is a 10 minute drive from Park City. Clean bathrooms and showers make this a great place to camp if you are doing water or mountain sports," explains one mountain biker.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Many visitors appreciate the secluded cabins at Tanners Flat when water access is important. "This place is gorgeous! If you can get a site next to the river you won't hear anybody else in the campground," shares one reviewer who had "a simply perfect one night stay."
Off-season tranquility: Fall cabin camping offers fewer crowds at popular locations. "Given how close it is to the city, Tanners Flat has always been a little too busy for our family during the full swing of summer. After finally staying here, we realized the views and proximity to hikes makes it well worth it! September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds."
Family-friendly amenities: Pine Creek Campground cabins provide convenient access to attractions for all ages. "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."
Proximity to recreation: Multiple cabin options offer convenient access to outdoor activities. A reviewer at Keetley Campground shared, "The views are great and the water is great! It is dog friendly with a leash. Each lot has a paved area with a picnic bench and fire pit."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Cabins book quickly, especially at popular locations like Mountain Valley RV Resort. "It can be tricky to get a spot here in the summer. Make sure to call ahead!" advises one camper at Tanners Flat.
Pet restrictions: Not all cabin areas allow pets. "Tanners flat is a close trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon. NO Dogs allowed in the canyon- it is a watershed. Very popular spot for locals to day trip or weekend trip," warns one visitor.
Varying amenities: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. At Pony Express RV Resort, cabins include more amenities: "Pull throughs or back in on paved level sites. Picnic table. FHU. Sites typically close with grass area separating. No shade or privacy. Narrow interior roads. Nice bathhouses with private shower/toilets."
Seasonal considerations: Odors can be an issue at some locations. One visitor to Hailstone Wasatch Campground reported, "the site smelled like sewer all night as it's about 300 ft away from the dump station. If you're in a tent or a small camper trailer there's no getting away from the smell."
Tips for camping with families
Check playground availability: Some cabin areas offer better facilities for children. "The campground is pretty, but it is not for family camping with a tent. 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," notes a visitor to Tanners Flat.
Consider cabin size for larger groups: Family-sized cabins book quickly in summer months. At Springville/Provo KOA, one visitor observed, "the spots are small and tight. Our slide was in our neighbors yard area, we were both there for only one night, so we made it work."
Look for wagon-accessible sites: Some cabin areas require short walks. At Keetley Campground, "This is a hike in area of camping. Luckily the park provides free wagons so that you can pack up and hike to your area. The hike is about a quarter mile to the general area where there are lots."
Pack appropriate bedding: Temperature variations can be significant, especially in spring and fall. A Mountain Valley RV Resort visitor staying in a cabin noted, "We stayed here in August 2020, it's less than 70 min drive for us and our first journey in our new to us trailer. We were welcomed immediately upon the drive in, Explained the amenities and given a welcome packet."
Tips from RVers
Check noise levels: Some cabin areas experience noise from recreational vehicles. At Tanners Flat, "This weekend was absolute hell of hearing those things ripping up and down the road. Starting at around 8-9am, going till 1-2pm (for lunch I'm assuming) then going right back to it."
Confirm site dimensions: Cabin areas with RV options have varying site sizes. "Very few sites built to accommodate larger rigs. Narrow loop roads with mature trees at that time not well-trimmed. My 30' TT was perched with some effort on top of a pull-through that was a mound rather than flat. Unlevel and narrow asphalt sites," warns one RVer at Pine Creek Campground.
Look for full hookup options: Some cabin areas offer better utility connections. A visitor to River's Edge at Heber Valley noted, "Nice place with trees and large play areas for kids. On-site liquor store. RV spaces kinda closely packed but still big enough to get our awning out. Camp sits at the base of the dam."
Consider seasonal closures: Not all cabin areas remain open year-round. "The sites are pretty private...separated by giant bushes. Not one of my favorites, but the proximity to Park City is key. Facilities are clean," notes a Pine Creek Campground visitor.
