Camping opportunities near Wanship, Utah range from established campgrounds to secluded yurt experiences at elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 45-55°F at night, creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. The area's camping season generally runs from May through October, with some locations offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Fishing access: Little Mill offers multiple spots directly on the river. One camper noted, "Our family adores this location. Great staff, clean toilets, stunning camping areas near the river, some directly on it!"
Mountain biking trails: The Spruces - Big Cottonwood area provides excellent access to nearby trails. According to a visitor, "Drive the loop. It's breathtaking especially in the fall. My only complaint is there are no dogs allowed and a few sites not enough shade trees over the site."
Winter yurt camping: For cold-weather adventures, Millcreek Canyon—Big Water Yurt offers a unique overnight option. A camper explains, "This is a great place to take a small group for some winter backcountry fun not far from the city... It has a spacious bunk area with a nice wood burning stove that keeps everything toasty during the cold nights."
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: Less crowded weekday reservations are recommended at most Wanship area campgrounds. At Redman Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "Plenty of trees to string up your hammocks. Plenty of sites that are right up against the river."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. One Redman visitor shared, "Very nice campground with water running in multiple places, clean multiple bathrooms and 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."
Close proximity to Park City: Most campgrounds provide easy access to nearby towns. A camper at Dixie Creek Campground — East Canyon State Park commented, "Not terribly far to Park City though the road is among the most steep your little engine will climb!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Tanners Flat, a visitor advised, "It can be tricky to get a spot here in the summer. Make sure to call ahead!"
Water restrictions: Several campgrounds have specific rules about water access. At Tanners Flat, a visitor warned, "The nearby creek is pretty, but you cannot so much as wade in it without facing prosecution and a $1500 fine."
Gate closing times: Some campgrounds restrict late night entry. A camper at Spruces - Big Cottonwood noted, "The gate closes late at night so expect to walk from the road if you show up too late."
Elevation considerations: Most campgrounds sit at higher elevations with corresponding weather patterns. A camper at Spruces mentioned, "The elevation is about 6400 ft- so no spring camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Echo Island RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. As one visitor described, "They had a small pond for kids to fish in, two swimming pools and two hot tubs, very clean and modern facilities, well maintained campsites with fire pit, a cute little shop with firewood, treats, and other necessities and they have DVDs and sports equipment you can check out."
Fishing for kids: Several locations offer easy fishing access for younger anglers. At Echo Island, a visitor noted, "Lovely stream on property where you can fish and low mountains on several sides."
Hiking options: Family-friendly trails are available near most campgrounds. A visitor to Redman Campground shared, "There are all sorts of activities around that make it a perfect central spot- hiking Donut Falls and around Silver Lake are two kid-friendly ones we do."
Yurt camping with children: For families seeking unique accommodations, yurt camping near Wanship offers a comfortable introduction to outdoor experiences. Millcreek's yurt requires a 2.5-mile hike that may challenge very young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At River's Edge at Heber Valley, RVers should understand site layouts. One camper advised, "Not all spots have trees but there are a lot of trees. The spots are small gravel and rather level. We are happy with the size of our spot."
Hookup availability: Various campgrounds offer different levels of service. At River's Edge, a visitor noted, "We have two dogs and there's lots of grass for them to play in... Each spot has a fire pit and picnic table."
Wind considerations: Some RV sites experience significant wind issues. A River's Edge camper explained, "The wind gets pretty strong so we can't always leave up our awning. But it comes and goes."
Reservation timing: RV sites throughout the Wanship area fill quickly during peak season. An Echo Island RV Resort visitor recommended, "Reserved a few hours before arriving on a Sunday in June and there were plenty of spots. Camp host was super nice when we arrived."
