Stockton sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in western Utah, with nearby mountains rising to 11,000 feet. Camping options range from desert reservoir sites to forested mountain canyons, creating significant temperature variations between locations. The area experiences hot summer days with cool nights, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking Deseret Peak: Access the 7-mile trail to Deseret Peak from Loop Campground for panoramic views of the Great Salt Lake Valley. "A wonderful place to set up camp for a week or to use as a basecamp to climb the high peaks that surround the terminus of the South Willow Canyon road!" notes a Loop Campground visitor.
Creek exploration: Search for trout in small mountain streams at Cottonwood Campground, where visitors report: "There was an interesting little dam on the east side of the campground and I scared a bunch of trout out from under it as I walked across so bring your fishing pole or fly rod if you want to!"
Stargazing: Clear desert skies at Horseshoe Knoll provide excellent night viewing opportunities. "Amazing landscape upon waking up!" reports one camper, while another notes "Beautiful views and a fun place to hang out alone in the desert."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Loop Campground offers well-spaced sites for a quieter experience. "Very peaceful, good distance between sites. The camp host was really nice," writes one visitor who appreciated the campground layout.
Budget-friendly options: Free dispersed camping at Horseshoe Knoll provides economical accommodation. One visitor shared: "Good dispersed campsite, especially if you're on a road trip along I-80. There are no hookups or services. This is really just a spot of BLM land that has some fairly level sites cleared."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Ophir Canyon Campground, campers enjoy "a little creek" in what one visitor described as a "nice and somewhat isolated campground" with "beautiful, clean" surroundings.
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds require self-sufficiency. A visitor to Grantsville Reservoir advises: "There are the standard concrete fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There are also a few gazebos around with the campsites radiating off of them like spokes of a tire."
Water planning required: No drinking water exists at most sites. A Loop Campground visitor warns: "I have a small SUV, so I buy firewood and fill up water containers after I've set up camp. I usually expect a decent drive to find what I need, but this involved a very long drive down a rutted gravel road, out of the canyon, and back to Grantsville. I think it was 40 minutes each way."
Seasonal considerations: Elevation affects accessibility and temperatures. "The road to the campground is closed from late fall to mid spring so check ahead to see if it's open for the season. The campground is at a pretty good elevation and will be much cooler than the surrounding desert, especially at night," cautions a Loop Campground camper.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend planning: Consider weekday visits for quieter experiences. "I've only ever camped here on a weekend and have never had a problem getting a spot but holiday weekends or mid-summer may be different. I have hiked from the trail head several times mid-week and the campground is usually completely empty," suggests a Loop Campground reviewer.
Insect preparation: Some areas have significant bug populations. At Horseshoe Knoll, campers report: "So many bugs it was awful, the mosquitoes ate us and our dogs even with bug repellents," and another warns of "LOTS of gnats and other bugs."
Kid-friendly features: Some sites have natural features children enjoy. A visitor to Settlement Canyon reported: "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved. Had some great areas for hiking and is really close to the reservoir for some awesome fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Fivemile Pass OHV, a visitor notes: "This is our go to campground if we don't want to drive too far from our house. We camp just about 1/2 mile from the south side of the 5 Mile Pass exit, there are dozens of flat places to put down a tent."
Limited RV sites at dispersed areas: Horseshoe Knoll offers some RV options but with limitations. "From what we could tell there were probably only a couple good spots for an RV or tow-behind. There are no reservations, just find a place where your car fits and park it," reports a visitor.
RV hookup availability: Full hookups are available at Settlement Canyon for those needing services. "RV camping is a must for me and full hookups are available. The price is very reasonable and anything you could ever need is easily accessible in Tooele right outside the gate," shares a frequent visitor to this pet friendly camping near Stockton, Utah.
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