Glamping in South Salt Lake, Utah offers access to both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during day and drop to 50-60°F at night. Most canyon campgrounds enforce watershed protection rules that prohibit wading in creeks, with fines up to $1,500 for violations.
What to do
Hiking to mountain lakes: From Granite Flat campground, access numerous hiking trails leading to alpine lakes. "There are two reservoirs close by in Tibble Fork and Silverlake flat that are both beautiful," notes Justin J., adding that despite some limitations, "the site was very quiet and secluded."
Mountain biking on established trails: The Wasatch Crest Trail near Redman Campground offers technical riding for experienced mountain bikers. One camper describes it as "the perfect wooded campground" with "the smell of pine trees, a babbling brook" and proximity to multiple recreational activities.
Paragliding observation: Flight Park State Recreation Area provides unique opportunities to watch paragliders take off from the mountain. While camping conditions can be challenging, Mariah G. reports, "This place is up pretty high with mine, town, and mountain views... It's a great place if you're in the area and looking for a last minute free place to crash."
Fall color viewing: Late September through mid-October offers spectacular fall foliage viewing. "The drive through the loop is breathtaking especially in the fall," mentions Becky C. about Big Cottonwood Canyon, though she notes "no dogs allowed" is a limitation for some campers.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report seeing wildlife near their sites. At Redman Campground, Outdoor T. experienced "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."
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. One visitor to Pony Express RV Resort appreciated that "the facility is spotless! Seriously, the staff keep the entire grounds in great condition" with amenities including "a pool, playground for the kids, life-size chessboard, and a mini-breed dog park!"
Evening ambiance: Campsites along creeks provide natural white noise for sleeping. Helen A. describes Nunns Park: "The river is right there and makes some beautiful yet subtle white noise. It is in Provo canyon and the cliffs on either side are very impressive."
Close proximity to urban areas: Many campsites are surprisingly close to Salt Lake City. Jenny W. notes that Spruces 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 office the next day."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. For Timpooneke, Angee D. advises, "It can get cold at night - high elevation. Not really a bad site in the campground. However it fills up fast and is about impossible to get a site on the weekend without a reservation."
No-pet policies: Several canyon campgrounds prohibit pets due to watershed regulations. Jason H. warns that Little Cottonwood Canyon is strict: "The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1,500 fine."
Weather variability: Mountain campgrounds can experience dramatic temperature changes. Shilah M. notes you can "snowshoe into [Spruces] in the winter and camp at! You can also stay here during the summer just be prepared to book a couple months in advance!"
Road noise concerns: Campgrounds near highways may experience traffic noise. Myrna G. explains about Little Mill: "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it."
Tips for camping with families
Look for group sites: Family gatherings work well at campgrounds with designated group areas. At Little Mill, Brad B. recommends, "There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on. Can't remember the site we had but there was a huge rock that was fun for the scouts to climb on."
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Facilities like flush toilets make family camping easier. Jill B. shares about Redman Campground: "There are flush toilets and water spigots. We've used one of the group sites and a double site, and they are very roomy. The camp hosts have always been attentive, too."
Consider elevation for temperature: Higher elevation campgrounds stay cooler in summer. Andrea P. notes that Timpooneke is a "high elevation (7400ft) campground up the popular Alpine Loop" which makes it cooler than valley temperatures.
Plan for early wake-ups: Some campgrounds experience morning activity. Tiffany A. warns that at Nunns Park, "in the morning bikers/joggers run by you on the path and it doesn't feel very much like wilderness camping."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many canyon campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. Jason H. observes that Tanners Flat "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."
Consider RV resorts for amenities: Full-service options exist near South Salt Lake. Cole A. describes Pony Express RV Resort: "If you're looking for a place that is convenient, full hook up, level concrete pads, subdivision desperate house wife's camping addition this is the place to be!"
Expect tight spacing: Many RV parks prioritize capacity over privacy. Nicole B. notes about Pony Express: "The sites are pretty close together so if you like your space, this probably isn't the best place. You can't burn firewood but you can have a propane fire pit."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly at all campgrounds. As one camper warns, "I checked in late May and every weekend until September was already booked."
