Camping sites near South Salt Lake, Utah offer access to both mountain and urban experiences, with elevations ranging from 4,300 feet in the valley to over 8,000 feet in nearby canyons. Temperature variations between mountain and valley locations can exceed 15°F, especially during summer months when canyon campgrounds provide natural cooling. Winter camping is limited primarily to RV resorts and lower-elevation facilities as mountain roads become impassable.
What to do
Hiking to Donut Falls: Just a short distance from Spruces - Big Cottonwood, this family-friendly trail leads to a unique waterfall formation. "Great one. Right by water but gets a heck of a lot of sun in the morning. Enjoyed my stay," notes Tom B. about camping at Spruces.
Winter snowshoeing: Some campgrounds remain accessible in winter months for the adventurous. "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at!" describes Shilah M. about winter options at Spruces Campground.
Jordan River biking: Near Pony Express RV Resort, visitors can access an extensive paved trail system. "Paved 80 mile bike trail along Jordan River. Giant chessboard. Nice pool area," explains Janet H., highlighting additional recreational amenities.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Campers appreciate waterfront locations for natural cooling and ambient sound. "Tanners flat is a close trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon. NO Dogs allowed in the canyon- it is a watershed," notes Andrea P. about Tanners Flat.
Wildlife viewing: Many mountain campgrounds offer opportunities to observe native animals. "This campground is quiet and has abundant wildlife. It's better for small campers or tent campers as the driveways were not designed for big rigs," mentions one reviewer about Redman Campground.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct access to fishing spots. "We catch something every time we go," writes Derek E. about the fishing at Jordanelle State Park, while Pony Express RV Resort provides access to the Jordan River for urban fishing.
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Mountain campground access depends heavily on road conditions. "The surrounding area is full of closed roads making this spot inaccessible," warns Hannah P. about Granite Flat during early season.
No-dog zones: Several canyon campgrounds strictly prohibit pets due to watershed regulations. "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot," writes Natalie B. about Redman Campground.
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds experience city noise while canyon sites can be quieter. "There are multiple trains/sirens/large semis blowing by all night," warns North Idaho N. about Salt Lake City KOA.
Reservation requirements: "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," cautions Ash S. about Granite Flat campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Certain campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "A well-sized playground that's clean but overrun with unsupervised kids," notes Amy about Pony Express RV Resort.
Stream play options: Campgrounds with safe water access provide natural entertainment. "We take tubes and float in areas of the river. The kids play in the river. Just a fun time," describes Kelli R. about Millcreek Canyon.
Multi-age activities: "We saw moose, went fishing, and even stopped for icecream at stone hass in the solitude village right up the street," shares Andy M. about Spruces Campground, highlighting varied activities for different interests.
Educational options: "Close to Timpanogos Cave trailhead," mentions Andrea P. about Little Mill campground, referencing the nearby national monument offering ranger-led cave tours appropriate for school-age children.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many mountain campgrounds have restricted RV access. "It is very very busy and pretty tight quarters. If you're looking for a little more privacy from neighbors this may not be your best bet," cautions Sydney Z. about Granite Flat.
Full hookup options: Urban RV parks generally offer more services. "Pull throughs or back in on paved level sites. Picnic table. FHU. Sites typically close with grass area separating. No shade or privacy," details Janet H. about Pony Express RV Resort.
Off-season availability: "Good place to plug in at night between ski days," notes Terry G. about Salt Lake City KOA, highlighting its year-round operation for winter sports enthusiasts.
Low clearance routes: Some mountain campgrounds require careful navigation. "We stayed in HS 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," reports Scott B. about Hailstone - Jordanelle State Park.
