The Salina, Utah area sits at approximately 5,161 feet elevation in central Utah, surrounded by dramatic red rock formations and forested mountain ranges. Temperatures range from winter lows averaging 18°F to summer highs reaching 90°F, creating distinct camping seasons. The region's volcanic history and unique geological features make it popular for both short-term travelers and extended outdoor recreation stays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fishlake National Forest Doctor Creek Campground, visitors can access excellent fishing in nearby waters. "Beautiful campground with amazing views all around. Best part is you get to sleep inside Pando!" notes camper Rayna D. The campground provides both potable and non-potable water stations for campers.
ATV trails access: Monroe Canyon RV Park provides direct access to local ATV trail systems. "The great part for us was that it is accessible to the Paiute trail system within minutes," shares Shad G., who also mentioned the park offers "BYU creamery ice cream" at their red barn office area.
Petroglyphs viewing: Located within driving distance of Fremont Indian State Park, Sevier River RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring ancient rock art. "Fremont Indian State Park is nearby. We found this to be a very interesting park to see petroglyphs and rock art, along with some examination of cultures and explorers," writes Richard & in their review.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Monroe Canyon RV Park, the large pull-through sites accommodate various rig sizes. "We had trouble booking on line, so called. Not a problem. They held a spot & for our inconvenience gave a discount rate, shower money & a bag of popcorn," reports Scott W., highlighting the personalized service.
Mountain views: Campers at Thousand Lakes RV Park appreciate the panoramic landscapes. "The views on the north and east were stunning, North was all back in and East had some pull through spots, aim for these if you can," advises Matthew S., who also mentioned the "large park area in the center with a playground and volleyball court."
Dark skies: The remote location of many rv parks near Salina provides excellent stargazing. "The night sky was magnificent and may have made up for our inability to shower for a couple days. We were the only ones in the park, Winter camping. It's located in a dark sky area, so the skies are clear and the air is clean," reports Carlyne F. about Sand Creek RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the area close facilities seasonally. "They're still open in the Winter, but we didn't find out they closed their showers and bathrooms until we were told upon arrival. (They close 10/31)," notes Carlyne F. about her winter camping experience at Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents.
Wind conditions: Exposed campsites often experience significant winds. "The site had nice views but is very exposed and very very windy which means we kept time outside of the van to a minimum as it wasn't very relaxing. There are wooden shelters for tent spots to mitigate the wind but this would still make me nervous if I were in a tent!" explains Kayleigh T. from her stay at Sand Creek.
Power reliability: Check electrical capacity during peak times. "When all the large RVs returned for the night, our electricity browned out and we couldn't run our AC. Our power also cut out during the night," reports Pam R. about their experience at Thousand Lakes RV Park, particularly important for those needing electricity for medical devices.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Families appreciate cooling off during hot summer months. "The small swimming pool was loved by the kids. The grassy park area was nice," notes Scott O. about his stay at Thousand Lakes RV Park, which features family-friendly amenities despite having "not enough trees" for shade.
Farm animal experiences: Some campgrounds feature on-site animals children can interact with. "There is a fishing pond that was also home to geese, ducks and other birds. There is also an enclosure containing chickens and turkeys. The office provided food so our 3 year year old granddaughter could feed those birds," shares Richard & about their experience at Sevier River RV Park.
Playground availability: When evaluating rv parks in Salina and surrounding areas, ask about recreational spaces. "Super kid friendly. There is a large park area in the center with a playground and volleyball court," writes Matthew S. about Venture RV Richfield, noting that the facilities were "very clean" overall.
Tips from RVers
Airport noise awareness: Some RV parks experience noise from nearby facilities. "This RV park offers pull through spaces perfect for if you're pulling a motorhome and a trailer or a bigger rig set up nice right off the highway stopped for one night, easy in and easy out however it is by an airport so there's a little noise at night, not too bad," explains Craig G. about Venture RV Richfield.
Off-season discounts: RVers traveling outside peak season may find special rates. "We were on our honeymoon from Denver to LA, booked this camp for one night but decided to stay for two nights because it was super nice, lovely views super clean bathrooms and restrooms laundry. The owner Dan is super nice he even let us stay for free the second night because of our honeymoon!!" shares Deborah P. about her experience at Sevier River RV Park.
Tent camping considerations: For those in RVs with accompanying tent campers, note site limitations. "No room in RV site for tent so moved to grassy tent site. Most sites appear to be occupied by long term rentals. Host was very friendly and helpful in accommodating my needs," reports Kim L. from her stay at Wagons West RV Campground.
