Campgrounds in the Wasatch Range surrounding Snowbird, Utah range in elevation from 6,400 to 7,400 feet, creating distinct microclimates with temperature variations of 10-15 degrees compared to the Salt Lake Valley below. Many sites remain covered in snowpack until late May, with some higher elevation locations not opening until June. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during daytime with 45-55°F nights.
What to do
Hiking to mountain lakes: Redman Campground offers access to popular trails including Donut Falls, which families with young children can complete. "Donut Falls is also a very worthy destination if you don't like mountain biking. It is a family friendly hike we've done many times with a three year old, especially considering how rewarding the waterfall payoff is at the end," notes a visitor to Redman Campground.
Fishing spots near camps: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities within walking distance. At Little Mill Campground, campers appreciate "fishing on river close, close to tribble fork and silver lakes," according to a reviewer. One camper at Timpooneke mentioned how the site "provides easy access to one of the best hikes. Mt Timpanogous provides some stellar views of the backcountry and the valley below."
Warm weather boating: For water activities during summer, Jordanelle State Park offers boat rentals. "We didn't make a reservation and were nervous we weren't going to get in anywhere, but we went to the jordanelle and they told us about a campsite that's about .5 mile hike and its first come first serve. It was great - it had a firepit and picnic table and was right on the lake," reports one visitor to the park.
What campers like
Creek-adjacent sites: Several campgrounds feature sites directly alongside streams. At Little Mill, "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," shares one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The mountain setting provides chances to see local wildlife. A visitor to Redman Campground observed "wildlife coming right into your site. In addition to numerous deer, we had two moose munching away at the willow at the adjacent site."
Quiet camping outside peak season: Visiting in late spring or early fall means fewer crowds. One camper at Tanners Flat explained, "September/early October gives cooler temperatures and less crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors. The camp hosts were excellent as well."
What you should know
Watershed restrictions: Little Cottonwood Canyon has strict watershed protection rules. A reviewer at Tanners Flat notes, "The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1500 fine."
Site-specific limitations: Some sites have physical constraints that may affect your stay. At Spruces - Big Cottonwood, one visitor mentioned they "stayed in campground #47. Right near the end of the loop before it's goes into the peaceful forest section. Great one. Right by water but gets a heck of a lot of sun in the morning."
Early reservations required: Demand exceeds availability for most sites. "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," explains a visitor at Granite Flat.
Gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict late-night access. According to one visitor, "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children appreciate designated play areas. At Mountain Valley RV Resort, "This is a great place for kids because there's plenty of space for them to ride bikes, play basketball, swim, and also a playground."
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "We went on many different hikes right from the campground and a few others not far away. We saw moose, went fishing, and even stopped for icecream at stone hass in the solitude village right up the street," a visitor to Spruces notes.
Hammock-friendly areas: Several campgrounds have well-spaced trees ideal for hammocks. At Timpooneke, one reviewer mentioned, "We only stayed for a few hours to rest up, but it did the job! There were lots of great trees for hammocking, fire pits, and bathrooms!"
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RV sites may require leveling equipment. A visitor to Pine Creek Campground noted their experience with "site 100. Absolutely beautiful view and great access to park city. Showers were clean. Only downside was the dump station near us was pretty awful smells and the site was very unlevel."
Water pressure considerations: Some sites have unusually high water pressure. "Great campsite. Clean and nice amenities for a State Park. Be careful hooking up your RV to water. Very high pressure," warns one RVer who stayed at Mountain Valley RV Resort.
Limited large rig access: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. As one reviewer observed about Pine Creek Campground, "This is typical camping from the past. Very few sites built to accommodate larger rigs. Narrow loop roads with mature trees at that time not well-trimmed. My 30' TT was perched with some effort on top of a pull-through that was a mound rather than flat."
