Camping opportunities near West Valley City exist within a 30-60 minute drive radius across northern Utah's diverse terrain. Elevation changes significantly between valley locations (around 4,300 feet) and mountain campgrounds (up to 7,400 feet), creating temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between camping areas. Several campgrounds provide access to water features including the Jordan River, Great Salt Lake, and mountain lakes.
What to do
Mountain hiking access: Granite Flat Campground offers proximity to multiple hiking trails and fishing lakes. "The area and scenery were gorgeous! The hosts were lovely and helpful. The water was cool and there were tons of people there with paddle boards, canoos, tents, and dogs," notes Ash S. in a recent review of Granite Flat.
Silver Lake hiking: The Silver Lake Backcountry area provides access to multiple trail systems. "I spent another day only up near the site, there's a trail head that leads off to about 3 or 4 different trails I did trail 173 it was 2.5miles and it took you up so you have an amazing elevated view of the mountains and lake," reports Bethany R. about the Kimball Campground near Silver Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Antelope Island offers opportunities to see bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife. "We saw fox that came right up to our tent and lots of bison close by. Quiet place," explains Whitney K. about camping at White Rock Bay on Antelope Island.
What campers like
Clear skies for stargazing: Mount Timpanogos Campground provides exceptional night views. "One of my favorite camping sites. See all the stars at night," writes Becky J. in her review of Mount Timpanogos Campground.
Quiet camping despite urban proximity: Willow Park Campground gets high marks for tranquility despite being in town. "Spent only one night but had the whole Campground to ourselves. Nice big level spot with fire pit and separate upright grill. Bathrooms clean with flush toilets, running water but no showers," mentions Myrna G. about her stay at Willow Park Campground.
Lake and river access: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for non-motorized activities. "This campground is well maintained and nestled into some nice pine trees in view of the backside of Mount Timpanogos," says Michael J. about Timpooneke campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "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 Ash S. about Granite Flat.
High-elevation weather: Mountain campgrounds can get cold at night due to elevation. "It can get cold at night - high elevation. Not really a bad site in the campground. However it fills up fast and is about impossible to get a site on the weekend without a reservation," explains Angee D. about Timpooneke.
Insect considerations: Some campgrounds have seasonal bug issues to prepare for. "The landscape is beautiful but I cannot stress to you enough the amount of biting gnats there were. It was unbearable for us and bug spray didn't deter them one bit," reports Becca S. about White Rock Bay.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly locations: Willow Park Campground works well for scout groups and families. "We take our scout troop to this campsite at least once a year. It is close to the city but feels like it is not. really nice bathrooms, tables, and pavilions. Close to a river and have lots of space," shares Brad B.
Paddle-friendly water access: Multiple sites offer paddle sports opportunities for families. "I loved camping here! My husband and I recently moved to Oklahoma where there there isn't much camping. So to say that we were excited for our trip back home was an understatement. This campsite was near Tibble Fork which is somewhere I have been wanting to go and explore for a long time. We were able to paddle board which was a blast!" reports Kaitlin R. about her stay at Granite Flat.
Family-friendly activities: Some areas combine camping with educational opportunities. "This is a mobile home park in the middle of town. Not really a campground but a residential area," cautions Andrea P. about Mountain Shadows RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Mountain Shadows RV Park offers comprehensive services for RVs. "We only stayed here over night as we were passing through. Place was clean, friendly staff, spacious sites, ours had nice grass, dog friendly. Big beautiful dog run area with a waterfall," reports Donna H. about her experience at Mountain Shadows RV Park.
Size limitations: Mountain campgrounds often have site size restrictions. "Sites are small and primarily tent sites. There are a couple sites which would accommodate a small 16 ft trailer. We had to unhook and park diagonal to fit small trailer and short truck," advises Daniel L. about Mount Timpanogos Campground.
Horse-friendly camping considerations: While no dedicated horse campgrounds with corrals exist near West Valley City, Utah, some areas allow day-use equestrian access. "The equestrian sites can be used by people without horses too," notes Andrea P. about camping options in the area, though riders should verify current policies before arrival.
