H
Hannah B.
Scout
ScoutMountain Valley RV Resort
Feb Ski Trip
Loved this spot! Very affordable, great amenities.
Best Campgrounds near West Jordan, UT
Campgrounds near West Jordan, Utah range from urban RV parks to more remote sites in the nearby mountains. The Salt Lake City KOA offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites within city limits, while Mountain Shadows RV Park in Draper provides similar amenities about 15 minutes south of West Jordan. For those seeking a more natural setting, Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood Canyons host several established campgrounds including Tanners Flat and Spruces, which operate seasonally from May through September or October.
Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during the summer months when demand peaks. Higher elevation sites in the Cottonwood Canyons may not open until late spring due to snowpack. "Very windy—20-30mph winds nearly everyday. That's why it's popular for hang gliding," noted one camper about Flight Park State Recreation Area, highlighting how local conditions can vary dramatically by location. Roads to canyon campgrounds are paved but can be narrow with steep grades in places. Cell service is generally good near urban areas but becomes spotty in canyons and at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and many campgrounds in the Wasatch Mountains prohibit pets.
Campers seeking full amenities gravitate toward RV parks like Mountain Shadows, though reviews suggest variable experiences. "Facilities were clean. There were a lot of campers there on a more permanent basis which didn't affect my review. The staff clearly take pride in keeping the park clean for everyone," reported one visitor. Others noted highway noise as a drawback at several urban locations. For those willing to sacrifice amenities for scenery, the canyon campgrounds offer cooler temperatures and mountain views. Dispersed camping options are limited in the immediate West Jordan area due to urban development, but public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service provide primitive camping opportunities within an hour's drive. Water access is limited to reservoirs and mountain streams, as the Great Salt Lake's shoreline is largely undeveloped for recreation.
Best Camping Sites Near West Jordan, Utah (209)
1. Salt Lake City KOA
44 ReviewsSalt Lake City, UT12 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. Granite Flat (utah)
38 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT20 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."
3. Spruces - Big Cottonwood
32 ReviewsMounthaven, UT19 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"
4. Tanners Flat
19 ReviewsSnowbird, UT16 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. Mountain Shadows RV Park
10 ReviewsDraper, UT9 milesWebsite+1 (801) 571-40246. Willow Park Campground
17 ReviewsLehi, UT15 milesWebsite+1 (385) 201-1000$25 - $175 / night
"This campground was nestled in the middle of Lehi Utah and it was a great place for us to swing in for one night."
"We were able to get a spot next to the Jordan River under a beautiful tree. We brought our 16ft camper and didn’t need to back it in or anything."
7. Pony Express RV Resort
15 ReviewsNorth Salt Lake, UT16 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."
8. Little Mill
21 ReviewsMutual Dell, UT20 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 site we stayed at had many trees around to hang hammocks and also eat and picnic in the shade. There are brand new camp fires in all sites."
9. Flight Park State Recreation Area
8 ReviewsLehi, UT12 milesWebsite+1 (801) 375-0731"Pulling up we were a bit confused as there were paid sites near the bathroom. It appears that anything beyond that is dispersed."
10. Great Salt Lake State Park Campground
7 ReviewsMagna, UT14 milesWebsite+1 (801) 828-0787$20 - $60 / night
"We really enjoyed our one night stay on the beach at the Great Salt Lake State Park. Beach sites are primitive, however, the park also offers 5 RV sites with hook-ups. Free showers. Helpful staff."
"Nice campground next to the great salt lake. Only complaint was sand gets just about everywhere so be prepared."
Recent Camping Photos near West Jordan, UT
271 Photos of 209 West Jordan Campgrounds
Angie M.
Salt Lake City KOA
Becbecandbunny O.
Great Salt Lake State Park Campground
Timmy B.
Willow Park Campground
Melissa K.
Tanners Flat
Derek E.
Red Pine Lake
Jason H.
Jordan Pines
Emma H.
Silver Lake Backcountry
Adam D.
Spruces - Big Cottonwood
Kati C.
Ophir Canyon Campground
Lilliana J.
Sawmill Picnic
Justin J.
Granite Flat (utah)
Stacy R.
Little Mill
Recent Reviews near West Jordan, UT
1224 Reviews of 209 West Jordan 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.
- JJennifer N.Traveler
Foothill Clearing with a View
Nice views
They have camp rings for fires and also grills! One or 2 was missing the garage to the grill but other than that it was good.
Guide to West Jordan
Camping sites near West Jordan, Utah range from urban state parks to canyon campgrounds at elevations of 6,400-7,500 feet. The region experiences high temperature variations with summer days reaching 90°F in the valley while mountain camping areas remain 15-20 degrees cooler. Canyon campgrounds typically open May through October, with some sites requiring advance booking up to six months before arrival.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Granite Flat Campground, campers can access multiple hiking trails including the route 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. We were right next to a beautiful river and it was pretty quiet," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Just 15 minutes from the campground, Tibble Fork and Silver Lake Flat reservoirs offer fishing and non-motorized boating. "There are two reservoirs close by in Tibble Fork and Silverlake flat that are both beautiful," mentions a camper who visited in July.
Winter camping: Experienced winter campers can access Spruces Campground during snowy months via snowshoe. "Wonderful winter wonder land you can snowshoe into in the winter and camp at! You can also stay here during the summer just be prepared to book a couple months in advance," advises a winter visitor.
What campers like
Urban convenience: The Salt Lake City KOA provides campers with urban amenities while remaining close to outdoor recreation. "If you are traveling in an RV and wish to stay parked, there is public transit to city-center and amenities a couple blocks away," shares one reviewer who appreciated the transportation options.
Canyon camping with water features: Little Mill Campground receives praise for its creek access. "Just returned from an overnight stay at Little Mill with amazing American Fork Creek right beside my sites. The campground is clean, no water, trash or electric and vault toilets," reports a camper who enjoyed the riverside location.
Lower density options: For those seeking less crowded alternatives, Willow Park Campground in Lehi offers riverside camping with fewer neighbors during weekdays. "Spent only one night but had the whole Campground to ourselves. Nice big level spot with fire pit and separate upright grill," notes a mid-week visitor.
What you should know
Road noise impacts: Many campgrounds near West Jordan experience traffic sounds due to canyon acoustics or highway proximity. At Little Mill Campground, one camper reported, "My only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is due to the horrible road noise. I seriously thought I was at a truck stop off the interstate. Honking and racing cars until 3am just ruined it."
Reservation requirements: Most canyon sites fill months in advance, especially for weekends. "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," warns a Granite Flat visitor.
Altitude considerations: Canyon campgrounds sit at higher elevations, resulting in colder nights even in summer. Pack appropriate gear for temperatures that can drop below 40°F overnight in mountain locations, even during July and August.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: Pony Express RV Resort provides family-friendly facilities including a playground and recreational areas. "Really nice RV resort near Interstate. Pull throughs or back in on paved level sites. Nice bathhouses with private shower/toilets. Great play area. Bikes available including kid sized. Paved 80 mile bike trail along Jordan River."
Scout-friendly locations: Several local campgrounds accommodate scout troops with space for activities. At Willow Park Campground, one scout leader reported, "This is a great place to camp within the city of Lehi. It is close to the water and in the hot summer it is a fun spot for a night get away. Big camp sites for trailers or tents and nice bathrooms."
Day trip options: When camping with families, consider base camping at lower elevations and making day trips to higher elevations for activities. This strategy allows easier adjustment to altitude changes while maintaining access to full facilities.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Canyon roads can present challenges for larger RVs. For those with larger rigs, look for sites with pull-through options like Pony Express RV Resort. One RVer noted the benefit of convenient repairs nearby: "There is a plant nearby so it kind of smells. And there's a decent amount of road noise since it's in town. It also backs up to an RV sales and service place which I think is pretty convenient!"
Budget options: For cost-conscious RVers, consider the campground at Great Salt Lake State Park which offers water and electric hookups at more affordable rates than private parks. "Small RV park at state park with marina right on Great Salt Lake," reports one visitor who enjoyed the lakeside location.
Winter access: Most canyon campgrounds close during winter months. For year-round RV camping, urban locations like Salt Lake City KOA remain open with full hookups. "Great spot to plug in at night between ski days," notes a winter visitor who appreciated the amenities during ski season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in West Jordan?
Where are the best camping spots in West Jordan?
While West Jordan itself has limited camping within city limits, several excellent options exist nearby. Cascade Springs Dispersed Site offers panoramic mountain views including Mt. Timpanogos and is ideal for those seeking a more rugged experience with off-road accessibility. For those preferring established campgrounds, Pine Creek Campground — Wasatch Mountain State Park provides a traditional camping experience with asphalt sites, though some are better suited for smaller rigs. The campground features mature trees providing nice shade, making it a good option for summer camping trips within driving distance of West Jordan.
Are there any campgrounds with water access near West Jordan?
Are there any campgrounds with water access near West Jordan?
Several campgrounds with water access are available within driving distance of West Jordan. Anderson Cove offers an idyllic beach access experience and is described as a perfect little oasis tucked away from Salt Lake City. The location features readily available bathrooms and stunning scenic drives to reach it. Miner's Canyon Dispersed provides lakeside camping, though visitors should be prepared for possible trash issues at this free site. For those willing to drive a bit further, Bridger Bay Campground — Antelope Island State Park offers water access about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City with excellent sunset views over the water.
What overnight camping options are available in West Jordan?
What overnight camping options are available in West Jordan?
West Jordan and its surrounding areas offer diverse overnight camping options. For RV enthusiasts, Rock Cliff Area Campground — Jordanelle State Park provides full hook-ups in a clean, well-maintained environment. Another excellent RV option is Mountain Valley RV Resort in nearby Heber City, featuring concrete pads and an adult-only section for those seeking quieter surroundings. For budget-conscious campers, Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry offers free dispersed camping, though without amenities (you must carry in all water). This area is particularly well-suited for off-road enthusiasts but be prepared for noise from the nearby shooting range.
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