Campgrounds near Sandy, Utah sit between 6,400-7,400 feet elevation in the Wasatch Range, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F while dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most campgrounds require reservations well in advance, particularly for yurt accommodations that remain popular through mid-September.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: Redman Campground provides excellent access to high-mountain lakes. "We've used one of the group sites and a double site, and they are very roomy. There are all sorts of activities around that make it a perfect central spot- hiking Donut Falls and around Silver Lake are two kid-friendly ones we do," notes Jill B.
Paragliding experiences: Flight Park State Recreation Area offers camping with unique paragliding views. "When we woke up there were paragliders ready to glide. Which was cool," reports Santiago V. The recreation area provides designated camping spots near the hill behind the toilets.
Fishing access: Granite Flat campground connects to multiple fishing options. "It's clean. Has access to many fishing lakes and hiking trails!" says Whitney J. The campground sits at 6,400 feet elevation, making it a cooler escape during summer months.
Mountain biking trails: The Spruces campground provides access to some of northern Utah's premier mountain biking routes. "I would say 75% or more of the spots are full time RV'ers. Mostly everyone is friendly, sites are clean," notes a reviewer about the camping atmosphere for those staying near biking trails.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Little Mill campground offers sites directly adjacent to American Fork Creek. "Just returned from an overnight stay at Little Mill with amazing American Fork Creek right beside my sites. The campground is clean, no water, trash or electric and vault toilets," reports Myrna G.
Early season access: Some campsites open earlier than others. "Little Mill is beautiful and so easy to access. I appreciate that it's first come first serve for last minute campers like me," says Julianna P. Little Mill opens April 20, considerably earlier than many higher elevation sites.
Wildlife encounters: Redman Campground offers frequent wildlife sightings. "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site. In addition to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site," shares Outdoor T.
Yurt camping options: Multiple campgrounds near Sandy provide yurt accommodations with varying amenities. "The bathrooms were exceptionally clean with flushing toilets, you are a walk or hike away from Brighton and immersed in some of the most beautiful mountains around," notes Kristin H. about camping facilities.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Be aware that this campsite reservations for the weekend fill up quick. I checked in late may and every weekend until September was already booked," advises Ash S. from Granite Flat.
Pet restrictions: Several canyon campgrounds prohibit pets due to watershed regulations. "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot. Location is right off the hwy close to Solitude and trails," explains Natalie B. about Redman Campground.
Gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict late-night entry. "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in," warns Brad B. from Granite Flat.
Site selection considerations: Not all sites are created equal. "Granite flats is just a few miles up AF canyon and our site was very quiet and secluded. The one downside was that the tent spot was not flat, and had quite a few large rocks," reports Justin J.
Tips for camping with families
Best campgrounds for children: Timpooneke offers family-friendly sites with space for play. "Very large space. We fit a lot people there (only one tent) we were able to wake up and get on the trail," notes Easton S.
Kitchen setups: Family-sized yurt accommodations provide space for cooking and eating together. "This is a fairly large campground for such a narrow canyon. There are 31 single sites, 3 doubles, and 3 group campsites. The single sites are $23 a night," explains Alan B. about Tanners Flat.
Group camping options: Redman campground offers specific sites designed for larger family gatherings. "This is one of our favorite campgrounds! It is beautiful and covered in trees. There are flush toilets and water spigots. We've used one of the group sites and a double site, and they are very roomy," says Jill B.
Family-friendly yurt camping: Sandy's surrounding canyons offer yurt options specifically designed for families. "We camped there with tents and a Sprinter and it was perfect. Plenty of trees to string up your hammocks. Plenty of sites that are right up against the river," notes Kristin H.
Tips from RVers
Site terrain for RVs: Tanners Flat works better for specific RV types. "The campground is pretty, but it is not for family camping with a tent. This campground has pull-through areas for people towing camping trailers, but not much for those that want to set up a full-size tent and lounge around outside," advises Jason H.
Water and hookup availability: Water access varies between campgrounds. "Full hook ups and nice paved sites. Dog areas, playground, games, and a pool. Easy access to the Jordan River Trail for running, biking, or sunset walks," reports cheriana G. about RV amenities at certain sites.
Road difficulty: Some campgrounds involve challenging access roads. "There are a couple of nearby trails and amazing views all around. It can get cold at night - high elevation. Not really a bad site in the campground," notes Angee D. about Timpooneke campground, which sits at higher elevation.
