Best Campgrounds near Sandy, UT

Sandy, Utah provides access to diverse camping environments ranging from mountain canyon sites to lakeside recreation areas. Tanners Flat Campground in Little Cottonwood Canyon offers tent and RV camping from May through October, situated at 40.57 latitude and 111.69 longitude. The Cottonwood Canyons contain several established campgrounds with varying amenities, while Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon provides additional options for those seeking higher elevation camping. Both tent campers and RV users can find suitable accommodations, though RV hookup availability varies significantly by location.

Road conditions and accessibility change dramatically with elevation and season in the Sandy area. Many campgrounds in the Wasatch Mountains close during winter months, with most operating from May through September or October. "I went in June, and it was lovely. It was chilly for sure, but it was so nice. It was quiet, tucked away from anyone," noted one visitor about Tanners Flat. Higher elevation sites like those in Big Cottonwood Canyon typically open later (early June) and close earlier (mid-September) due to snow conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during summer months, as sites fill quickly, especially those with water access or shade.

The camping experience near Sandy features notable contrasts between developed sites and more remote options. Campers report high satisfaction with locations near streams and lakes, with several mentioning the peaceful sound of running water as a highlight. Mountain views dominate the landscape, with many sites offering panoramic vistas of the Wasatch Range. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The campground is very clean and fully functional. The views are fantastic." Sites at higher elevations provide cooler temperatures during summer heat, while valley locations offer easier access and longer seasons. Proximity to Salt Lake City means most campgrounds experience moderate to heavy use, particularly on weekends and holidays, though midweek camping often allows for more solitude.

Best Camping Sites Near Sandy, Utah (244)

    1. Granite Flat (utah)

    38 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $401 / night

    "Tucked in very back. Long ways to walk from car. Water spout next to car area. Will be sharing parking with 2 other sites. 2 lakes nearby. Fire pit with grill gate. Shaded area."

    "Utah is such an amazing place to visit for the outdoors. My family and I come here once a year because we love hiking and being in the outdoors."

    2. Spruces - Big Cottonwood

    33 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $346 / night

    "Bathrooms always close by, no showers. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. If you’re lucky, you can get a site close to the creek. Nice, cool nights in the summer."

    "Right up Big Cottonwood Canyon, this campground has the advantage of being up the canyon so you feel far away from the city, but close enough that you could go on a work night and still make it to the"

    3. Salt Lake City KOA

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lake City, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 328-0224

    $50 - $189 / night

    "I had the wonderful opportunity to stay the night at Salt Lake City KOA!"

    "But there is an amazing Mexican restaurant right next to the campground."

    4. Tanners Flat

    19 Reviews
    Snowbird, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $244 / night

    "It was quiet, tucked away from anyone.  Didn't really see anyone for the three days we are there.  Our site was next to the river, which really helped drown out all other sounds! "

    "We had site 11 close to the bathroom and in a flat, sunny clearing surrounded by trees. You could hear the nearby road a bit and see the mountains a little bit."

    5. Little Mill

    20 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $256 / night

    "We got a site with access to the river which my kids really enjoyed. There was a fun giant "sliding rock" in the area to climb on. Lots of trees for hammocks."

    "The site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."

    6. Willow Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lehi, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (385) 201-1000

    $25 - $175 / night

    "This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."

    "It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away. Big camp sites for trailers or tents and nice bathrooms."

    7. Mountain Shadows RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Draper, UT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 571-4024

    8. Redman Campground

    15 Reviews
    Brighton, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 733-2660

    $29 - $244 / night

    "This is super close to my favorite mountain bike ride in Northern Utah - The Wasatch Crest Trail. As you can tell in the pictures, this area is very lush and rich with pine trees."

    "The campsites are clean, the bathrooms are exceptionally clean with flushing toilets, you are a walk or hike away from Brighton and immersed in some of the most beautiful mountains around."

    9. Timpooneke

    15 Reviews
    Mutual Dell, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 785-3563

    $28 - $205 / night

    "I love how it is near a river. You can hear it at night. It's so nice to get to a cool area out of the hot valley and into the cool scenic back country of Utah county."

    "While there are many campgrounds in Utah that rival it, this one is special because it's such a short drive after work."

    10. Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    38 Reviews
    Park City, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 649-9540

    $35 - $50 / night

    "This isn't the prettiest lake. It is nice and big, but since it is one of the closest to Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, it gets a lot of traffic."

    "We stayed at the "McHenry" campground in a spot right next to a creek. The traffic noise was a bit prevalent during the day because it's close to the highway. Great tent pad."

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Showing results 1-10 of 244 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandy, UT

1382 Reviews of 244 Sandy Campgrounds



Guide to Sandy

Camping near Sandy, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a longer stay, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The area is perfect for hiking and biking. Campers love the access to trails, especially near Granite Flat. One reviewer mentioned, "The drive and location is beautiful. The campground is large and there is a lot of privacy."
  • Water activities: If you enjoy water sports, Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park is a great spot. A visitor shared, "Clean campground with access to water sports, and very close to Park City."
  • Wildlife watching: Many campers appreciate the wildlife in the area. One reviewer at Echo Island RV Resort noted, "This was my dog's favorite campground so far. They have so much room to walk, and plenty of wildlife around to keep them interested."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Mountain Valley RV Resort said, "Everything was clean and so easy to use! We will definitely be back."
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Salt Lake City KOA remarked, "The staff was very helpful and answered all of our questions."
  • Shady spots: Campers appreciate shaded areas for relaxation. A reviewer at Lakeside RV Campground mentioned, "This campground is beautifully shaded and quite enjoyable for spending time outside."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Salt Lake City KOA noted, "Sleep was not great with the freight trains blaring through the night."
  • Site proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Nunns Park said, "Camp spots are snug but do the job."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities like showers. A reviewer at Granite Flat mentioned, "There are plenty of toilets and water spigots with potable water, but no trash receptacles."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. One camper at Mountain Valley RV Resort said, "We had a back-in site at the end of the row and there was a large grass area and fire pit that was great!"
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A visitor at Tanners Flat noted, "There was some garbage in the fire pit when we arrived, but other than that it was fantastic."
  • Bring earplugs: If you're near busy roads, earplugs can help ensure a good night's sleep. A camper at Little Mill mentioned, "The road noise was a lot more than I expected."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lakeside RV Campground said, "Our spot incredibly tight and the entire camp packed in like sardines."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Echo Island RV Resort shared, "Full hookups, trash dumpsters, decent space between RVs."
  • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds are near airports or busy roads. A camper at Mountain Valley RV Resort noted, "To the west of the campground, separated by a fence is the Lakeside Storage Facility that houses a TON of petrol signs."

Camping in Sandy, UT, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Sandy, Utah?

Sandy offers convenient access to several excellent campgrounds within a short drive. Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park is a recently renovated option featuring full hook-ups for RVs with beautiful views and clean facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers panoramic mountain views of Mt. Timpanogos with excellent off-road access. Other notable options include Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon for cooler summer temperatures, Pine Creek Campground at Wasatch Mountain State Park for traditional camping, and Soldier's Pass for free dispersed camping. The best choice depends on your preference for amenities, from full-service sites to primitive backcountry camping.

Can I find waterfront camping spots near Sandy, Utah?

Yes, there are several waterfront camping options near Sandy. Payson Lakes offers excellent lakeside camping about 45 minutes from Payson with great fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating opportunities, making it perfect for water activities. Anderson Cove provides a peaceful waterfront retreat not far from Salt Lake City. For those willing to travel a bit further, Miner's Canyon Dispersed offers lakeside camping, though be aware that some areas have trash issues. Jordanelle State Park also features waterfront sites at Hailstone campground with boat access. These locations offer varying levels of development and amenities, from established campgrounds with facilities to more primitive dispersed camping options.

Are there family-friendly camping options near Sandy?

Spanish Oaks Campground is an excellent family-friendly option with clean facilities, playground equipment, and beautiful views overlooking a reservoir. The campground offers plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park provides a unique family experience with wildlife viewing opportunities, though it offers basic amenities. Other family-friendly options include Salt Lake City KOA with dedicated facilities for children and Timpooneke Campground with hiking trails suitable for various ages. When camping with family, consider reservable sites at established campgrounds like Redman or Spruces that offer amenities such as flush toilets and potable water to ensure a comfortable experience for children of all ages.

What RV camping facilities are available near Sandy?

Mountain Valley RV Resort in Heber City is one of the premier RV facilities near Sandy, featuring concrete pads, full hookups, and an adults-only section for those seeking peace and quiet. The resort is known for its excellent maintenance and friendly staff. Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers a more traditional camping experience, though many sites are better suited for smaller rigs with narrow roads and unlevel pads. Other options include Mountain Shadows RV Park near Draper with full hookups and Jordanelle State Park's newly renovated RV campground with full hookups. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season, and typically offer water, electric, and sometimes sewer connections.