Rush Valley camping options span from free to fee-based sites at elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, creating significant temperature differences between canyon and valley locations. Seasonal closures affect many campgrounds, with most higher elevation sites closed from late fall through spring. Rush Valley's camping areas feature rocky, high-desert terrain and scattered juniper trees, with creek access available at several locations.
What to do
Hiking to Deseret Peak: From Loop Campground, access the main trail to Deseret Peak for panoramic views. "The main trail leaving the campground is a loop trail for Deseret Peak but you can split off on numerous side trails to follow the range to the north or south," notes Robert G., who adds that weekday visits often mean having the entire campground to yourself.
Fishing in small creeks: The creeks at Intake Campground provide fishing opportunities during spring and summer months. Jennifer M. describes it as "surprisingly beautiful/secluded" with "creekside, private, and cool rock formations" that make the "slight detour off the highway" worthwhile.
Off-road vehicle trails: Fivemile Pass OHV offers extensive trails for off-road enthusiasts. Scott C. says, "if you're into SXS the trails are AWESOME!" This free camping area allows stays up to 14 days, though campers should note there's "no water to play in" and it gets "VERY hot in the daytime."
What campers like
Unique rock formations: The area around several campgrounds features distinctive geological formations. At Intake Campground, Alan B. describes "amazing looking rock cliffs and outcrops that look like volcanic flows or maybe a pyroclastic flow or tuff" that form "pretty 'melting mud' walls," though he cautions they're "really crumbly and doesn't make for good climbing."
Fall colors: Cottonwood Campground offers spectacular autumn scenery. Mariah G. notes, "The sites are a little close together but there weren't many people there at the end of September and the changing leaves were spectacular!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Settlement Canyon, Donna L. says you'll enjoy "sitting out by your fire pit watching the deer scamper all over the mountains that surround you," while Carlee G. mentions, "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most Rush Valley campgrounds require self-sufficiency. At Boy Scout Campground, Alan B. advises, "bring all the water you need or a filtration system and then trash bags to haul all your garbage out as there are no trash cans!"
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires travel on dirt roads that can become impassable in poor weather. Naomi W. describes "a very long drive down a rutted gravel road" to reach Loop Campground, noting it took "40 minutes each way" to get supplies from Grantsville.
Temperature variations: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures than valley sites. Robert G. warns about Loop Campground: "The campground is at a pretty good elevation and will be much cooler than the surrounding desert, especially at night so make sure you're prepared appropriately."
Tips for camping with families
Creek play areas: Several campgrounds feature shallow creeks perfect for children. At Clover Springs Campground, Joseph F. describes the water as "more like a babbling brook than a stream. Great for kids and dogs to play in. Very few deep spots."
Spacious sites for activities: Look for campgrounds with room for games and exploration. Regarding Settlement Canyon, Warren W. states, "The dry camping spots are very spacious lots of space for the walk around and play and run. We brought a whole bunch of teenage girls for my daughter's birthday party and they were able to be loud and did not disturb anybody."
Weekend crowds: Plan for busier conditions on weekends, especially during summer. Robert G. notes about Loop Campground: "I've only ever camped here on a weekend and have never had a problem getting a spot but holiday weekends or mid-summer may be different."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many Rush Valley campgrounds require leveling equipment. Joseph F. notes about Clover Springs Campground, "Sites are fairly level. However you will definitely need blocks if you bring a trailer/pull behind."
Generator considerations: In the high desert heat, air conditioning may be necessary. Joseph F. mentions, "Felt bad running my generator for a couple hours but needed ac as mid day hit."
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. While Niko L. reports "Full bars on Verizon" at Clover Springs Campground, others like Settlement Canyon have limited service, with Warren W. noting "there is no cell service at all unless you're up near the gate."
