Best Cabin Camping near Salt Lake City, UT

One of our favorite state parks in Utah is only~45 minutes away from Salt Lake City! There are bison, antelope, deer, and many other animals that call this island home. On the west side of the island are extensive muds flats that give you one of the best sunset views in Utah. One of our favorite things to do on the island is hike Frary Peak which is the high point of the island. The top portion of the hike is a rocky scramble, but there are plenty of side trails to beautiful viewpoints during the hike. 

As for the best season to visit the island, we are partial to winter due to the absolute lack of bugs and stunning contrast of the bison on fresh snow. Our 2nd favorite season is early spring before the bugs come out in full swarm! I wouldn't recommend visiting in late spring or summer as there are swarms of all kinds of biting bugs and the temps can be unbearable.

I attempted to camp at Bridger Bay Campground after driving from Yellowstone NP to Salt Lake City in mid August. It is located on Antelope Island within Antelope Island State Park. Antelope Island is an island located on the Great Salt Lake a few miles from Salt Lake City. I chose this campground because it seemed close to the major routes I was taking back towards California. I arrived after sunset and was happy to make it onto the causeway before they shut the gates. Arriving at the campground I noted that most of the sites were taken by trailers and RVs, which should have been a sign. After finding an open site, I got out of the car to one of the most horribly infested campsites I had ever seen. The air was thick with flies and mosquitoes making it miserable to try and unload and set up. The camp site also had several rats scurry around as I flashed my headlight around. At this point I decided to leave, so I did. I had never left a campsite before due to unsavory conditions, nor have I left one since. I got back in my car and drove back over the causeway. The gate was shut, but thankfully opened to let me out. While I’ve heard pleasant things about the island it may be best visited in a different season or time of day. I thoroughly enjoyed the motel I found. Here is more information about the campground and about the park. I hope to make it back someday to watch the Pronghorns, but will not plan on camping.

You really need to know this: No dogs are allowed because this campground is in the Salt Lake City watershed.

And this: As inviting as the water running through the campground may look, you are not allowed to swim, wade or wash in it.

One more thing: Gate closes at 10 pm although that didn't stop some partiers at the next site in from us. They partied and left around 11 or so. There was no payment tag on the post. The exit is open but has tire shredders if you enter over them.

A pleasant surprise at a Forest Service campground: 10 lbs of ice for $2! (There was also the usual bundle of firewood for $6.)

An unpleasant surprise: Old, dirty bathrooms. I've seen cleaner vault toilets elsewhere than these flush toilets.

There is no water for now (July 2018) in bathroom sinks or at spigots. The host said something about a pipe issue and water needing to be tested. That covers the amenities other than dumpsters.

What about the sites? We arrived on a Sunday morning when the host was putting up signs indictating which sites were reserved. We had 3 possible sites among 1 through 19 and grabbed #9, a pull through site with a buffer between the road in the parking/small RV area.

Sites in the other area (higher numbers) were becoming available, but that area's host said many of the sites were only appropriate for tents.

Our site #9: There are a few steps down to the picnic table, fire ring and grill plus a separate area to the left for a tent. See photos.

General site info:

• Some sites have a concrete pad for the picnic table, etc.

• Many sites have an area for the tent that is away from the picnic table and concealed from the road.

Overall, the facility is neat and clean for a campground. My visit was at the end of the 4th weekend, so some messes were expected. My campsite was in good shape upon setting up my 30ft trailer. All sites are back-in and mostly flat asphalt. A little rig leveling might be needed. The outside of the loop at Dixie C.G. is electric and water only. The inside of the loop has full hook-ups. 

 All sites have long, sturdy metal tables and a metal cover over a concrete pad. A fire pit was adjacent. Even with fire restrictions almost everywhere else in Utah, wood fires were permitted in the provided pit. Common area toilets are well maintained, containing flush toilets and running water. Most service buildings also contain free showers.

A one-star deduction is due to the effects of climate change, which is out of the Park's control to an extent. That said, my beef is with maintenance of the beach - a nice beach by the way. It's obvious where the historical water level use to be. Wish I could have seen the reservoir full because it may never happen again. But I digress. I think the park should rake or scrape the beach surface to remove offensive weeds and people's discards. That takes workers, budget and equipment. My guess is our State representatives lack interest to fund state parks for such mediation measures. It would greatly enhance the visual appeal and safety for families at the water's edge.

Photos of site online @ www.recreation.gov

If I could give it more stars I would, 5+++++. We have stayed at many campgrounds around the country and this is by far the best! Amazing staff, beautiful meticulous clean grounds and facilities, which are plentiful as well. Huge level concrete sites, with privacy bushes between, awesome hook ups, WiFi and cable. Trash pick up, huge dog parks, which are best we've seen. We have paid twice as much for far less. The scenery from the campground is breathtaking. I am writing this sitting at the heated pool looking at snow covered mountains. The town of Heber is so quaint and nice. 20 min to Provo and BYU, 25 min to Park City, and 50 min to Salt Lake City. We will definitely have to make this place a stop on our next westward trip. LOVE IT HERE.