South Willow Canyon provides dog-friendly camping opportunities at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating a significantly cooler environment than surrounding Rush Valley. The canyon features multiple streamside campsites where temperatures typically run 10-15 degrees cooler than valley floors. Winter conditions close most campground access roads from late fall through mid-spring.
What to do
Hiking with dogs on Deseret Peak Trail: The Loop Campground serves as an excellent base for hiking expeditions with pets. "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.
Creek access for pets: The Intake Campground offers excellent water access for dogs. "Intake was a great surprise, creekside, private, and cool rock formations," reports Jennifer M., highlighting the natural water features that dogs can enjoy.
Mountain biking routes: Several trails near dog-welcoming campgrounds accommodate mountain bikers. The terrain around canyon campgrounds provides varied difficulty levels. "We only checked out one part of the Medina trail, but it was beautiful, with lovely views," comments Naomi W. about trails near Loop Campground.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: The Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground offers opportunities to observe wildlife with your pets. "You'll love sitting around your campfire watching the deer scamper in the mountains," reports Donna L., noting the abundance of wildlife visible from campsites.
Creek sound ambiance: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise from streams running through pet-friendly sites. "There are 5 single sites all aligned in a row next to the creek," Alan B. explains about Intake Campground, highlighting the pleasant creek-side camping experience.
Spacious campsites: Boy Scout Campground offers well-separated sites that accommodate dogs without crowding. "Loved this place will definitely go back. Spacious and not too crowded," reports Becky J., emphasizing the comfortable layout for camping with pets.
What you should know
Limited services: Dog-friendly campgrounds in the area require self-sufficiency. "The campground itself is fairly primitive and is very much like all of the other campgrounds in the canyon," Alan B. says about Loop Campground, explaining that "you also need to bring your own water and trash bags as those amenities are not supplied."
Road conditions: Access to pet-welcoming sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "I have a small SUV, so I buy firewood and fill up water containers after I've set up camp... this involved a very long drive down a rutted gravel road," Naomi W. cautions about reaching Loop Campground.
Temperature preparation: The Cottonwood Campground and other canyon sites experience significant temperature drops. "It's unreal that this place is free. 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!" Mariah G. mentions, highlighting the seasonal considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Settlement Canyon provides chances to teach children about local animals. "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved," Carlee G. shares, noting how wildlife encounters enhance family camping experiences.
Group site options: For larger family gatherings with pets, specific campgrounds offer designated areas. "This is the only campground in the canyon that has a large group site capable of fitting up to 50 people," explains Alan B. about Boy Scout Campground.
Stream play areas: Horseshoe Knoll and nearby areas offer natural water features for family enjoyment. "My young son loved the nearby spring, it was very mushy but not horrible in some spots!" Cyrena P. shares, describing child-friendly water access points.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Rush Valley have restrictions on RV size. "This is a great spot to spend the night if you're on a road trip along I-80," Sara R. notes about Horseshoe Knoll, adding "from what we could tell there were probably only a couple good spots for an RV or tow-behind."
Hookup availability: Few campgrounds offer RV hookups in this area. "Great location to camp for touring Salt Lake City. Full hook-ups at a reasonable price. Sites are tight and busy on the weekends," explains Kim T. about Settlement Canyon.
Level parking considerations: RVers should prepare for potentially uneven terrain. "Some sites probably required 4WD," observes Sara R. about dispersed camping areas, noting terrain challenges that affect RV placement.
