Best Campgrounds near Tooele, UT
Campgrounds surrounding Tooele, Utah range from established facilities with amenities to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground offers both tent and RV camping with fire pits and picnic tables, while Ophir Canyon Campground provides a more rustic experience in a canyon setting. Grantsville Reservoir accommodates RVs with concrete pads arranged in a cloverleaf pattern. The area includes a mix of county, state park, and Forest Service managed camping areas with varying levels of development and accessibility.
Road conditions and facility availability fluctuate significantly with the seasons, particularly at higher elevations in the nearby canyons and mountains. Most campgrounds in the canyon areas lack potable water, so campers need to bring their own supplies. "It's a lovely forested area and the fall colors are just turning," noted one visitor to Settlement Canyon. Winter weather typically limits access to many sites, while summer brings higher visitation rates to reservoirs and stream-side camping areas. Cell service varies considerably, with coverage generally better at campgrounds closer to town and limited or nonexistent in canyon areas. Some campgrounds like Settlement Canyon require fees ($15-20 per night) while others like certain dispersed areas on BLM land may be free.
The camping experience near Tooele offers diverse terrain and settings within a relatively compact area. Campers at Settlement Canyon frequently mention wildlife sightings, with one noting, "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved." Sites near Grantsville Reservoir provide fishing opportunities with monthly trout stocking during spring through fall, though the exposed nature of the landscape means limited shade and potential for windy conditions. Ophir Canyon features a small creek running through the campground, making it popular with anglers. Visitors seeking more solitude might prefer the smaller, less-developed sites like Cottonwood Campground, which has only two campsites but offers creek access and a more secluded forest setting. Proximity to Salt Lake City makes these camping areas convenient weekend destinations for urban residents seeking outdoor recreation.
