Settlement Canyon offers camping sites with varying access conditions. Located within a short drive of Tooele, the campground provides both dry camping and sites with electrical hookups. Each spot features a fire pit and picnic table, with basic facilities including vault toilets. Sites toward the back offer more spacious grounds where larger groups can spread out, while the location maintains a buffer from urban environments despite proximity to town.
What to do
Mountain trails with elevation gain: From Mt. Timpanogos, hikers can access multiple routes with significant elevation changes. The Emerald Lake trail leads to camping opportunities at the basin. As one camper notes, "We hiked up the Emerald Lake at the basin of MT. Timpanogos, and set up camp there. Water is available through the glacial Emerald Lake. Bring all your own camping gear and flashlights!"
Fishing opportunities within walking distance: Several campsites provide direct fishing access to creeks and lakes. At Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "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."
Off-road vehicle trails: The mountain terrain surrounding several campgrounds supports motorized recreation. Some areas have designated routes for ATVs and 4WD vehicles. Near Mt. Timpanogos, campers can find "different things to enjoy including fishing, off roading (ATV, 4 wheelers), hiking, kayaking."
What campers like
Shaded sites with tree coverage: Payson Lakes receives positive reviews for its forested campsites. A camper observed, "Great campground. Bathrooms and drinking water available. Lots of shade. Easy walk to the lake. Great fishing. Very fun for kids." The natural canopy provides relief during summer months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. At Little Mill, campers can witness natural animal movements throughout the day. One visitor shared, "We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved." Other campgrounds report deer sightings at dawn and dusk.
Convenient lake access: Sites near water bodies appeal to families seeking multiple recreation options. According to a camper at Payson Lakes, "Being that we already live in southern Utah county, this place has become a go to for our family. Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe."
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Many campgrounds operate on restricted schedules due to elevation and weather conditions. For instance, Little Mill operates "April 20 to October 14" while Timpooneke has an even shorter season running "June 1 to September 3." Winter closures affect road access to higher elevation sites.
Variable cell phone coverage: Connectivity differs significantly between camping areas, even within the same general region. A Settlement Canyon visitor reported, "There is no cell service at all unless you're up near the gate." Travelers requiring consistent communication should research signal availability beforehand.
Wind exposure at certain sites: Some locations experience significant wind patterns. At Flight Park State Recreation Area, one camper warned, "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding. Unless you're coming here to fly then it's a terrible spot!"
Insect populations vary by location and season: Mosquitoes concentrate near water features and can become problematic during certain periods. A camper at Utah Lake State Park observed, "The mosquitoes here are terrible. I came here early on a holiday to get a good spot and was ambushed by swarms of mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Designated swimming areas: Some locations provide safer water recreation specifically designed for younger visitors. At Payson Lakes, a camper noted, "Great fishery for children and youth, as well as an amazing area for swimming and kayaking. They do not allow motorized boats, so it is safe."
Playground access: Certain campgrounds incorporate built recreational facilities. At Utah Lake State Park, despite some challenges, a visitor mentioned, "Good playground for the kids but the campsites themselves really don't do it. $50.00 for a night on top of it all."
Group site options for larger family gatherings: Camp Maple Dell caters specifically to larger assemblies with special site arrangements. One camper explained, "This camp can be rented by camp ground for $150 per night. Multiple tents fit per site. We had 6 tents, and had room for several more. Covered pavilion with three picnic tables connected end to end."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies widely: Electric and water connections concentrate at specific campgrounds rather than throughout the region. At Settlement Canyon, a reviewer advised, "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."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain considerations affect vehicle placement at some campgrounds. As one camper at Settlement Canyon noted, "The site itself had a bit of a steep access." Bringing leveling blocks or selecting sites carefully makes a significant difference in comfort.
Site size restrictions for larger rigs: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate extended-length vehicles due to access roads and site dimensions. At Little Mill, site selection matters: "Spot 10 was great for our 33ft rig." Travelers with larger RVs should confirm specific site measurements before committing to reservations.
