H
Hannah B.
Scout
ScoutMountain Valley RV Resort
Feb Ski Trip
Loved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Murray, UT
Murray, Utah and its surrounding areas provide camping options ranging from developed RV parks to dispersed backcountry sites. The Salt Lake City KOA offers 180 sites with full hookups, showers, and year-round availability, while Millcreek Canyon features backcountry camping and yurt rentals for those seeking a more primitive experience. The region includes several campgrounds within 30 miles of Murray, including established facilities in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons such as Spruces Campground and Tanners Flat, which accommodate tent camping, RVs, and in some cases glamping options.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the area, with many canyon campgrounds only open from late May through mid-October. "We frequently come up here just to sleep outside some nights and head back home in the early morning to get food and shower," noted one visitor about Neffs Canyon dispersed camping. Higher elevation sites in the Wasatch Mountains experience cooler temperatures and potential snow into late spring. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, which become essential during summer weekends. Travelers should check current fire restrictions, especially during the dry summer months when bans are common. Cell service can be limited in canyon areas, though urban-adjacent sites maintain reliable coverage.
Campers report varying experiences with noise levels depending on location. Urban campgrounds like the Salt Lake City KOA provide convenience but experience city noise including traffic and trains. According to one visitor, "This campground is surrounded by inner city-like activity," while another mentioned it's "close to downtown" and offers "public transit to city-center and amenities a couple blocks away." Canyon campgrounds provide greater solitude and natural surroundings. Most established campgrounds feature drinking water and toilets, though amenities vary significantly. The proximity to both urban conveniences and mountain recreation makes the Murray area attractive for campers seeking both accessibility and scenic beauty. Winter camping options remain limited primarily to lower elevation RV parks that maintain year-round operations.
Best Camping Sites Near Murray, Utah (245)
1. Salt Lake City KOA
44 ReviewsSalt Lake City, UT8 milesWebsite+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
32 ReviewsMounthaven, UT13 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $327 / 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. Granite Flat (utah)
38 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT17 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $355 / 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."
4. Tanners Flat
19 ReviewsSnowbird, UT11 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $215 / 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. Pony Express RV Resort
15 ReviewsNorth Salt Lake, UT12 milesWebsite+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."
6. Redman Campground
15 ReviewsBrighton, UT16 milesWebsite+1 (801) 733-2660$29 - $215 / 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."
7. Little Mill
21 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT18 milesWebsite+1 (801) 785-3563$27 - $227 / 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."
8. Mountain Shadows RV Park
10 ReviewsDraper, UT10 milesWebsite+1 (801) 571-40249. Millcreek Canyon Backcountry Camping and Yurts
8 ReviewsMounthaven, UT11 milesWebsite"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."
10. Hailstone - Upper Fisher Campground — Jordanelle State Park
38 ReviewsPark City, UT24 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Murray, UT
346 Photos of 245 Murray Campgrounds
Angie M.
Salt Lake City KOA
Melissa K.
Tanners Flat
Jason H.
Jordan Pines
Derek E.
Red Pine Lake
Tom B.
Spruces - Big Cottonwood
Megan W.
Lake Desolation Primitive Sites
Emma H.
Silver Lake Backcountry
Jeremy J.
Affleck Campground
Michael P.
Albion Basin
Heather K.
Redman Campground
Heather K.
Granite Flat (utah)
Jenny R.
Mineral Basin Dispersed
Recent Reviews near Murray, UT
1412 Reviews of 245 Murray Campgrounds
- EElise F.
TravelerSalt Lake City KOA
Winter camping in Salt Lake City
We winter camped here so we could ski. It’s a great location about 40-50 minutes to 6 resorts. It is in the city so not in the wilderness but all the sites have one tree and a patch of grass and a picnic table. There is a small off leash dog pen and a self dog wash. Also hot tub, showers, toilets that were clean. We did not use the hot tub or the laundry. The campground is well maintained. Our first site was slightly unleveled so we asked to switch and they accommodated that request. We did have to pay a little extra for that site. We stayed a total of 3 nights. We were going to stay longer but learned that you can’t have dogs in Cottonwood Canyon which meant we couldn’t ski at those resorts so we asked to get out of our reservation early and the KOA accommodated that as well.
- SSandraTraveler
Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park
Stayed in yurt
The yurt was a great experience during the winter. The entire campground was closed, except for the yurt and the couple cabins on site. It was super quiet. It had 2 electric fireplaces which kept the yurt nice and toasty. It has a bunk bed with queen size mattresses which were comfy. There was a refrigerator and microwave. There is access to potable water right outside the yurt. You do have to walk about 500 yards to the yurt from the parking space, but the privacy is worth it. Rate was $75 per night during the week and $100 per night during the weekend. I will definitely be returning.
- DDouglas C.Scout
Saratoga Springs Backcountry
Multiple spots for dispersed camping
3 stars as dry and dusty with no facilities, but a good place to stop for a night if passing thru or many nights if you're an ATVer.
We live near the area and if you take the dirt Soldier Pass road off highway 68 between Lake Utah and Cedar Fort, there a many many good and level dispersed sites. Lots of junipers once you climb in elevation. No houses within miles. The Utah County gun range is located ~1 mile off highway 68 on this road, but better camping spots are further on anyway. The main dirt road is county maintained and can be done by any car. As is the road up to the Lake Mountain summit for great views and additional sites.
There is a free formal BLM dispersed camping area off highway 68 a few miles north of Soldier Pass road. Zero facilities. There are campers on it year round. Spots on both sides of the highway. Look for signs. To me, these sites are kinda bleak, but have good lake views. Between late May and late Sept sites near the lake will experience Utah Lake midges. They're a love bug that live in the lake and emerge only to mate. They don't bite, but they do swarm. You'll experience fewer as you move away from the lake.
Chris R.
GuideCrandall Cove Campground — Rockport State Park
Great view and good for quick overnight stay
We had the campground loop all to ourselves in mid October. Sites have a gazebo with table means less stuff to unpack and setup. We just pulled out the tent and camp stove and that was it. Clean and maintained restrooms all close in tight loop. Firepit next to tables. The view is really great and birds are nearby as it seems to be a bird sanctuary. Easy to get to and not far from highway. Star show was good as well.
- PPam J.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Return Trip
We stayed here in the summer of 2024 and placed it on our places to return to. We returned here in July 2025. The sites we were in was long and level. We loved sitting outside watching the numerous birds and chipmunks that were in the campground. The camp hosts were friendly and kept the campgrounds looking nice.
Adam O.TravelerSplit Rock Bay Backcountry Campsites — Antelope Island State Park
Incredible, with some caveats
Disclaimer, this was my first backpacking trip, and my first solo camping experience.
The first thing I’ll note is that I could not find a map that showed exactly where on the split rock loop trail the sites were. The maps you get at the gate do not show it. You just have to start hiking and hope you see it. That eventually led to the main issue I had with the campsite, more on that later.
I have 37lbs on my back, partly because it’s November and I want to make sure I’m warm, and partly because I’m toting in 5.5L of water since there is no water source.
I begin hiking and eventually I see another backpacker coming the other way. I say “did you camp?” He says no, he was going to stay the night, but there’s a herd of Bison that are currently crossing the trail and he didn’t want to wait. As I’m coming up on the spot he’s talking about, I catch the end of the herd moving south and I’m able to pass them with minimal wait time.
I continue hiking, up to the split rock bay loop, where conveniently there is a sign that points toward the campground. Yay! By this time I’ve seen a huge herd of Bison (50 or more individuals), a big buck, 20 or so other deer, and with the fog and haziness, some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. Quite incredible.
I find the tent site #3 (my watch says exactly 4.5 miles from the car) and set up my tent. During this time, I’m hearing some weird grunting sounds in the distance, I pop my head out of the tent and look west toward the lake shore. And there’s the herd of Bison I encountered before who crossed the trail. They went west around elephant rock, and I went east. I beat them by about 20 to 30 minutes. At this time I record a video with my phone and state “hope they aren’t coming over here”.
I’m filling my sleeping pad with a mini pump and when I’m done I pop my head out of the tent. They had, in fact, started coming over here. They were quite close. In sort of a panic, I grab some essentials, zip up the tent, and head for the rocks on the hills and wait them out.
Unfortunately I didn’t grab my Garmin or my warm clothes, and it is taking them forever to get past the tent site. The sun starts getting low and I’m getting cold. The Bison sometimes get curious about my tent and approach it, but never do anything. I have my Apple watch and it has an SOS feature, I thought about using it, but eventually they pass and I can get back to set up.
So, this is where knowing exactly where the campsite was in relation to everything else would have been useful. I would have seen the direction they were going and possibly known that they would be crossing right into the camp area, and I probably would have made some slightly different choices.
They (the Bison) stopped for the night in split rock canyon, so I could hear them all night while in my tent. It was always difficult to tell if they were getting closer or farther away, so the night was a bit sleepless.
Also, though the weather says the temperature is 40F, the higher humidity and breeze from the lake can make it feel a lot colder. I did have some chilly moments with a 20F comfort rated bag and a 5.4R value pad. In the morning, condensation was everywhere.
The next morning had a “dense fog” warning in effect, which made for some more awesome scenery.
I broke camp and started back to the car at around 8AM. I decided to take a detour out to Elephant Rock to see if I could see the camp site from up there. This added another 3 miles to the track back, so 7.5 miles total. As I’m coming around the corner at the top to the spot where I’d be able to see the sites, I encounter a lone Bison bull just chilling up there on the trail, no other animals in sight. So, I couldn’t actually get to the spot to see over, but the view was amazing and it was fun to see a Bison in a spot it felt like he shouldn’t be able to get to.
As I turn around, the “dense fog” warning becomes a reality, and it suddenly gets much much colder. Makes for some amazing visuals way up there.
Overall, it was a very awe inspiring and fun trip, with some interesting bits. I do think they should better mark the spots on the map just so people can plan better, especially if there’s going to be massive herds of Bison cruising through camp at any point.
tl;dr: pack warmer than you think (if you’re going to go in the later months) and watch out for Bison. Incredible views and wildlife encounters make it all worth it.
Tamie S.GuideGreat Horned Owl Campground — Deer Creek State Park
Quiet and secluded
We took a wrong turn in the campground and ended up in an area with no hookups. But it was quiet and secluded and close to the water. The campsite was fairly level and there were clean restrooms.
- Tamie S.Guide
Strawberry Bay
Fishing and Hiking
The campsite was clean, the restrooms nice, and the hosts great. We didn’t have any hookups, but they weren’t needed. Great fishing and hiking opportunities.
Guide to Murray
Camping in Murray, Utah provides access to both mountain canyon sites and urban-adjacent facilities. The Wasatch Range creates a dramatic elevation shift from Murray's 4,300 feet to nearby camping options at 8,700+ feet, leading to temperature differences of 15-20 degrees between valley and mountain campsites. Upper canyon campgrounds typically operate from late May through mid-October with primitive facilities, while RV parks in the valley maintain year-round operations with full hookups.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Granite Flat, campers can access numerous trails including routes to Stewart Falls. "We were able to paddle board which was a blast! I loves being so close and having access to so many beautiful hikes and Rick climbing," mentions Kaitlin R. The campground's proximity to Tibble Fork Reservoir provides additional recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: Jordanelle State Park provides reliable fishing just 30 minutes from Murray. "Fun for the whole family; kids, seniors, pets, etc! The fishing is really good too. We catch something every time we go," reports Derek E. The reservoir supports rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and perch populations.
Winter camping adventures: Despite seasonal closures at many campgrounds, Spruces Campground offers winter backcountry camping options. "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at!" shares Shilah M. Winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear and awareness of avalanche conditions.
What campers like
Proximity to Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City KOA offers convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining campground features. "We have stayed here several times when visiting family in SLC. Facilities are clean and the staff is nice," notes Kristi R. The location provides a practical base camp for exploring the city.
Wildlife viewing: Redman Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon offers frequent wildlife encounters. "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," states one camper. Another mentions, "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and incredible wildlife coming right into your site."
Streamside sites: Little Mill Campground features numerous sites adjacent to American Fork Creek. "Just returned from an overnight stay at Little Mill with amazing American Fork Creek right beside my sites," writes Myrna G. The sound of flowing water masks road noise at many sites and provides natural cooling during summer months.
What you should know
Campground access limitations: Some areas have restricted entry times or seasonal closures. At Little Mill, "Make sure you get camped and in because they lock the gate coming into campground at 11PM and you have to hike in," warns Brad B. Similarly, Millcreek Canyon has periodic road closures and restricted camping seasons.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: While some campgrounds offer flush toilets, others provide only basic facilities. The Spruces Campground recently experienced facility issues, with one reviewer noting: "We drove up and found the restrooms were closed and porta potties installed. It is beautiful up there, but the campground is not being taken care of."
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. For Granite Flat, one camper advised: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly spaces: Tanners Flat provides good options for family camping, especially in double sites. "I booked a double site here for the first time, and they are beautiful. I enjoyed the location, the space, and my whole family did as well!" shares Heather K. The campground includes clean bathrooms with flushing toilets.
Budget considerations: Entry fees apply at many sites beyond camping costs. At Jordanelle State Park, one camper notes, "Be ready to pay the state park fee too!" State parks typically charge $10-15 daily entrance fees per vehicle in addition to camping fees ranging from $20-40 per night.
Pet restrictions: Several canyon campgrounds prohibit dogs entirely due to watershed regulations. "We had planned to camp here but dogs are not allowed. This campground looked like an awesome spot," explains Natalie B. about Redman Campground. Similar restrictions apply at Tanners Flat where "NO Dogs allowed in the canyon—it is a watershed."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: At Pony Express RV Resort, campers appreciate the practical design. "Pull throughs or back in on paved level sites. Picnic table. FHU. Sites typically close with grass area separating," notes Janet H. The resort includes narrow interior roads requiring careful navigation for larger rigs.
Urban noise factors: City-adjacent RV parks experience consistent noise issues. "Convenient location right off the highway with full hook ups and nice paved sites," reports Cheriana G., but others note the proximity to traffic. Another camper states, "You are in the city so that comes with its own atmosphere but we never felt unsafe."
Winter RV options: RV parks in the valley maintain year-round operations when mountain sites close. One visitor to Salt Lake City KOA noted it's a "Good place to plug in at night between ski days." Winter RV camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures and potential road conditions when traveling to ski areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paid campsites are available near Murray?
What paid campsites are available near Murray?
Several excellent paid camping options surround Murray. Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park offers full hookup RV sites in a clean, recently renovated facility. The campground was previously tent-only but now accommodates RVs with modern amenities. For a luxurious camping experience, Mountain Valley RV Resort in nearby Heber City provides premium concrete pads with an adult-only section for those seeking peace and quiet. Other paid options within driving distance include Pine Creek Campground at Wasatch Mountain State Park and Bridger Bay Campground at Antelope Island State Park, both offering developed sites with basic amenities.
Where are the best camping spots in Murray?
Where are the best camping spots in Murray?
The Murray area is surrounded by exceptional camping destinations. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers some of the region's most spectacular views, with panoramic vistas of Mt. Timpanogos and opportunities for off-road adventures. It's typically less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Anderson Cove provides a peaceful retreat away from Salt Lake City's hustle with beautiful lake access and plentiful bathroom facilities. The drive there is stunning, making it worth the trip. Other excellent options include Lilly Lake Campground in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest for roadside convenience and Bridger Bay Campground on Antelope Island for wildlife viewing opportunities.
What tent camping options exist in the Murray area?
What tent camping options exist in the Murray area?
Tent campers near Murray have several appealing options. Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park offers traditional tent sites with asphalt pads in a wooded setting, though some sites may be unlevel. Granite Flat provides spacious tent-only sites with enough room for multiple medium tents in a quiet environment. For those seeking free dispersed camping, Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers no-cost options with established fire rings, though you must bring all water and be prepared for noise from nearby shooting ranges and off-road vehicles. These sites provide varying levels of amenities, from developed facilities with bathrooms to primitive experiences requiring self-sufficiency.
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