Best Campgrounds near South Salt Lake, UT

Camping options around South Salt Lake encompass established campgrounds, RV resorts, and dispersed sites within nearby canyons. The Salt Lake City KOA provides urban camping with full hookups and amenities including showers, toilets, and a pool, while mountain camping can be found at Spruces in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Tanners Flat in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Millcreek Canyon offers backcountry camping with more primitive facilities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Pony Express RV Resort also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the region, with many mountain campgrounds operating only from May through October due to snow conditions. Spruces Campground typically opens in early June and closes by mid-September, while Tanners Flat operates from late May through mid-October. Year-round camping is limited primarily to lower-elevation RV parks and the Salt Lake City KOA. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Several campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or state park reservation systems. "The location is convenient when visiting Salt Lake City, but expect urban noise including trains, traffic, and airplanes," noted one KOA visitor.

The camping experience varies dramatically between urban and mountain locations in the Salt Lake area. City-adjacent sites provide convenience and amenities but come with urban noise and less privacy. A reviewer mentioned that the Salt Lake City KOA is "a well-cared-for campground with a playground for kids," though some visitors noted concerns about the surrounding neighborhood. Mountain campgrounds offer cooler temperatures and natural settings with access to hiking trails and scenic views. Granite Flat and Little Mill campgrounds near Provo provide more forest immersion with basic amenities like toilets and water. Elevation differences create significant temperature variations, making mountain campgrounds particularly appealing during summer heat. Several canyon campgrounds feature nearby streams or rivers, adding to their appeal despite more limited facilities compared to urban RV parks.

Best Camping Sites Near South Salt Lake, Utah (222)

    1. Salt Lake City KOA

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

    $50 - $189 / night

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

    "We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown."

    2. Spruces - Big Cottonwood

    33 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    15 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. Pony Express RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    North Salt Lake, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 355-1550

    "Convenient location right off the highway with full hook ups and nice paved sites. Dog areas, playground, games, and a pool."

    "These sites a so close to each other. We only stop here to stay the night. WiFi is ok-phone hotspot is better.

    Staff is great."

    4. Tanners Flat

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

    $29 - $217 / 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. Granite Flat (utah)

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

    $28 - $358 / 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."

    6. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts

    8 Reviews
    Mounthaven, UT
    11 miles
    Website

    "You can backpack in and camp anywhere a 1/2 mile from any road like the other nearby canyons. Good trails to approach from are Church fork and Lambs Canyon Trailhead."

    "Millcreek Canyon is home to some wonderful trails that can be accessed by foot or bike. Although the canyon offers many hiking trails, the main use of the trails seems to be for trail running."

    7. Redman Campground

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

    $29 - $217 / 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."

    8. Mountain Shadows RV Park

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

    9. Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park

    38 Reviews
    Park City, UT
    26 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."

    10. Little Mill

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

    $28 - $229 / 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 lake is right up the road and a great place to swim and fish. There is a sliding rock for kids to climb and play on near the camp grounds. So many bike and walking trails."

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Recent Reviews near South Salt Lake, UT

1304 Reviews of 222 South Salt Lake Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Miner's Canyon Dispersed

    Beautiful Area, But

    Close to civilization but far enough to get a healthy dose of quiet darkness. The campsites are drive-in and a decent size, far apart from each other, but keep your eyes peeled for deep potholes and broken glass. The few times we’ve stayed here we’ve enjoyed ourselves, but this seems to be a very popular spot; on several occasions we’ve made the 1+ hour drive out here, only to find every single spot taken. It appears that the same campers are out here frequently, and for long periods of time. Would be nice if people would limit their own stays for the consideration of others to enjoy this area as well, instead of treating it like their own personal property.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Soapstone Basin Dispersed Camping

    Soapstone Basin, Uinta Mountains – A Wild, Beautiful Reminder of Respect for the Land

    We escaped the chaos of a music festival and ran straight into the mountains—landing at Soapstone Basin for one unforgettable night. We didn’t realize a storm was closing in until the clouds surrounded us. You can reach the area without four-wheel drive if roads are dry, but if weather’s coming, trust me—bring it.

    The views are unreal, and the quiet is almost otherworldly. This is hunting land, so you’ll occasionally hear distant gunfire, but safety rules are well respected. We had a storm roll through—trees cracked all night, rain turned to snow, and we woke up under 3–4 inches of it. Freezing, beautiful, and absolutely still.

    There is absolutely no service out here, so plan ahead—know the weather, download maps, and bring a way to communicate in an emergency. We were likely the only tent campers in sight—everyone else had trailers or ATVs—but with experience and good gear, tent camping here is magic. A tree-clearing crew passed through the next morning, another reminder of how well this land is cared for.

    Places like Soapstone are a privilege. They feel sacred, untouched, and peaceful. If you come, honor it—keep it clean, quiet, and respectful. That’s exactly how we found it, and that’s exactly how it should stay.

  • Bill B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Century RV Park

    Friendly and helpful staff

    Convenient and reasonable. They closed the swimming pool and spa for the winter. The shower was clean.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Springville / Provo KOA Holiday

    KOA

    Well it's your topical RV resort. It doesn't have a fire ring and it's by train tracks and a freeway. Also, your packed in like sardines. However, it will do for overnight. I have to say it is clean and kept up well. But if you're into private camping with space, this isn't for you.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Fox Den Campground — Deer Creek State Park

    Beautiful uncrowded campground

    We stopped here after leaving Salt Lake City. It is mid October so the campground is mostly empty. We were able to get our pick of sites. Beautiful views of water and the mountains. Super nice bathrooms that look brand new. Not much hiking right here but close enough to the Alpine Loop to Sundance with hiking along the way. Not far from a bike path along the Provo River. Only a few minutes into Midway with many restaurants to choose from.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Salt Lake City KOA

    Urban campground convenient to SLC

    We wanted to explore Salt Lake City so decided to stay at this downtown KOA. It is a large and crowded RV park but right on a Transit line (UTA light rail Trax) and biking distance to downtown. The facilities are older but clean. Standard Holiday amenities like pool, dog park, dog wash, basketball court. We’d stay again if I wanted to be close to downtown.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Valley View RV Resort

    Newer place with some nice ammenities

    Nice RV Resort with many amenities including pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit, pickleball courts. Friendly staff. Laundry machines are limited given the size of the park. Also showers are inexplicably small. Bathrooms with toilet, sink, shower are adequate size but the showers are quite small (and I am not a large person). Paved sites but not level. I’d stay again but perhaps do my laundry somewhere else on the way in.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park

    Beautiful remote campground

    The positives: a beautiful remote spot with huge spaces between campsites. Gorgeous views of the Great Salt Lake. Right now there is no water on the island due to construction at the visitors center. The visitors center is closed though there is a temporary one. One other detractor is the mosquitoes here. We were out at dusk locking our bikes and were swarmed by them!! It has been very windy here. Don’t know if that is usual or a temporary weather thing due to remnants of a Pacific hurricane. If you are looking for solitude without backpacking into the mountains the primitive loop at Bridger Bay campground could be your thing. Nice place to bike also if it weren’t for the wind.

  • Claire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Little Mill

    Our favorite place

    Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it! Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig. We will be back Little Mill! Love you


Guide to South Salt Lake

Camping near South Salt Lake, Utah, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Antelope Island State Park: This park is home to the Bridger Bay Campground. You can enjoy stunning views of the lake and watch bison roam around. One camper mentioned, "Watching sunset on the lake and seeing bison lounging on the beach was magical."
  • Visit Park City: Just a short drive away, Park City offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Campers at Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground appreciated the easy access to Park City, saying, "Absolutely beautiful view and great access to park city."
  • Enjoy water sports: At Granite Flat, you can hike to nearby Tibble Fork Reservoir for swimming and fishing. One visitor noted, "The campground is large and there is a lot of privacy."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review for Bridger Bay Campground highlights, "Beautiful views of the lake. Hook ups were really easy to use for the trailer."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, like Salt Lake City KOA, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper said, "The facilities were clean. The hook ups worked great even in the snow."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. A visitor at Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground mentioned, "Plenty of pronghorns prancing around."

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Some campgrounds, like Bridger Bay Campground, have issues with bugs. One camper warned, "The camp host did send out a notice about the bugs before our arrival, but we did not anticipate the literal swarms of no-see-ums and mosquitoes."
  • Noise levels vary: Campers at Salt Lake City KOA noted that the area can be noisy due to nearby trains and traffic. A review stated, "Sleep was not great with the freight trains blaring through the night."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Granite Flat, lack certain amenities like showers. A visitor mentioned, "I would not recommend camping here unless you have an RV with a bathroom."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Mountain Valley RV Resort, which has plenty of room for kids to play. One family said, "The park is nice and flat that kids are riding scooters and rollerblading throughout."
  • Plan for activities: Campgrounds like Echo Island RV Resort have pools and playgrounds, making them great for kids. A camper shared, "The campground kids enjoying the playground & pool were on the other side of the creek."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby, so bring your own food. A visitor at Nunns Park noted, "Wish there were showers. Great little secluded access points into the river."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lakeside RV Campground mentioned, "Our spot incredibly tight and the entire camp packed in like sardines."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Mountain Valley RV Resort offer full hookups, which are convenient for longer stays. One reviewer said, "We have paid twice as much for far less."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some RV parks, like Salt Lake City KOA, can be noisy due to nearby roads and trains. A visitor noted, "The sites are close, train and airplane noise."

Camping around South Salt Lake has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy some of the best camping experiences in Utah. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a family-friendly campground, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near South Salt Lake, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Salt Lake, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 222 campgrounds and RV parks near South Salt Lake, UT and 52 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near South Salt Lake, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Salt Lake, UT is Salt Lake City KOA with a 3.7-star rating from 43 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Salt Lake, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near South Salt Lake, UT.