Campgrounds near Willard, Utah range from full-hookup RV sites to tent camping and cabin rentals along the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. Willard Bay State Park features multiple camping areas including Cottonwood, Willow Creek, and South Marina campgrounds, each offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The region includes both state park facilities with amenities like showers and electric hookups as well as more basic accommodations at places like Willard Peak Campground. Most established sites in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations featuring waterfront access to Willard Bay.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with most developed facilities operating from early April through late September. Willard Bay State Park campgrounds often fill quickly during summer months, particularly on weekends, making reservations highly recommended. The proximity to I-15 provides convenient access for travelers, though some campers report significant highway and railroad noise at certain sites. Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic, especially during warmer months near the water. "The mosquitoes and other bugs were relentless. That's the only bad thing I have to say about camping here," noted one visitor to Cottonwood Campground.
Several visitors mentioned the spacious sites and lake access as primary benefits when staying at Willard Bay campgrounds. The state park locations provide convenient water recreation opportunities with boat launches and beach access within walking distance of many campsites. Facilities typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, with many offering full hookups for RVs. While the waterfront locations receive positive reviews for their views and recreation access, some campers note the traffic noise from nearby I-15 as a drawback. Private campgrounds like Willard Peak offer alternative accommodations with amenities such as laundry facilities and WiFi access. As one camper observed, "This campground is right next to the I-15 and a set of train tracks that seem to see daily use. We didn't lose any sleep from noise with our AC running at night, and during the day, the freeway was like white noise."
"There's a swimming pool, playground, and doggy walking kennel. There is also a small store inside the office building and a couple amp selections for RV and trailer hookups. "
"This was a nice spot tucked away from the interstate but not super far. Clean restrooms, nice staff. Stayed here twice on our trip to Moab. Plan on staying again on other trips to southern Utah"
$30 - $40 / night
"Before we had kids, we would bike and hike along the different trails. There’s a short waterfall hike, but also a long hike that will take you up to Ben Lomond Peak & cut across to Willard Peak."
"Arrived around 2pm on a Friday and stayed at Cutler Flats. Didn't look at the other campgrounds so can't speak to them in particular. Drove up and down the loop and most were available at that time."
$60 - $150 / night
"This park is a great stopover on your way through Utah or weekend visit. The lake is clean and still very natural. The swans circling the water are something to see."
"This campground is right next to the I-15, and a set of train tracks that seem to see daily use."
$38 - $63 / night
"Great for a quick stay overnight or if you are going to Willard bay. Very economical."
"Location was good for shopping and exploring the area. Bonus, Two off leash dog parks within ten miles for our spoiled pup. Usable free wifi for internet access but not TV streaming."
$60 / night
"I arrived at around 6:30 PM with no reservation and had no issues. The guy at the front gate was a peach, super kind and helpful. It’s $25 a night for a tent site."
"We had spot 119 and had a perfect view of the beautiful mountains behind us and the lake in front. We had beach access down to the beach and got to watch the sunset completely private."
$26 - $219 / night
"We stayed here one night and liked it for all the trees and shade, and yet still being pretty close to the city and lake."
"It is only 10 miles or less off the main highway, yet very private with lots of trees! Great birding, too!"
$26 - $313 / night
"Tucked away from SLC, it's a perfect little oasis."
"We enjoyed the camp site and the short walk to the lake. Facilities were clean and staff was great."
"The location is beautiful, and full of deer. My partner and I are just starting out full time rv life and this was the first spot we stayed at."
$60 - $400 / night
"Very clean and quint campground Right next to a busy interstate that is very noisy 24/7 We were tired of driving and decided to stay the night Went for a walk with the dogs and the mosquitoes attacked"
"Very nice bathrooms, worth the $25 if you’re in Salt Lake City area and need somewhere to stay"
$55 - $1450 / night
"Great place to overnight while passing through northern Utah. Huge full hookup sites with concrete pads. Nice and quiet despite being near the intersection of I-15 and I-84. Would definitely return!"
"Bear lake is a must do and so much good in Utah!"
TravelerI am comparing this campground to Valley View RV park in Layton since we were there for a week before we stayed here- there is a stark difference for the exact same price. The sites at Sun Outdoors are extremely tight, the grounds themselves are not nearly as well maintained- dog park while bigger is just stone and not well maintained- smaller dog park mostly weeds.
TravelerThe coordinates on the map are not exactly right for this campsite, at least in early may. If you drive up the road there are a lot of pull off spots that specifically say no overnight camping, but there is one probably about halfway up the canyon where you can pull in (on the right side when heading up) on a dirt road into a spot that looks like a classic dispersed camping spot with a fire pit good space and a river at the back. It is bordering next to a fence line, but of course not within it. At first we were worried we were wrong in it being a legal dispersed site but we stayed for two nights and never had any issues, including with police officers and natural resource officers coming up and down the canyon as there was an incident at the top. The space does go off into a decently secluded space if you pull all the way to the back but it is right on a decently busy canyon road as people go up to an offroading trail at the top. though it is a bit noisy with the traffic the site is absolutely beautiful with a rushing river right in the back. We personally could not find any other clear dispersed camping sites in the canyon but we can in approaching darkness and were unable to really tell, we were recommended this canyon by an REI worker though so I believe there very well could be more than one site.
GuideBeautiful view of the great salt lake. Very few camp sites for RVs. Looks like there are some long termers. It is a marina. But as for a beautiful sunset... awesome. You can walk down to the waters edge. Was a walk in site for this stay. 20 mins to any restaurants.
GuideLocated just inside east gate. Visitors are required to get a pass prior to entry. Camp is adjacent to a park and a busy road. Bathrooms were adequate. We dry camped on a gravel lot. No frills but absolutely adequate and located just off the interstate.
ScoutThe drive is doable in any vehicle, the road has many dips/ruts so it is slow going. The area was pretty and green, there are spots available with fire rings.
This campground is extremely busy that it is impossible to enjoy a peaceful time outdoors. From the few hours I was there, there were people constantly walking or biking on the road.
While I was sleeping, I was woken up by a police officer questioning me. Police will come and question you; be prepared to speak to the police and explain what you are doing there, how long you are there for, and any other questions they have for you.
This was the absolute worst campground I’ve ever been to; do not recommend this to anyone who is looking for a peaceful and pleasant experience.
You may find a spot that looks nice, but be prepared for vehicles, lots of people, and to be questioned by the police.
TravelerBeautiful boating lake, lots of bathrooms, plug spots and none plug spots, lots of access points to the water, popular fishing destination. Cute town with nice shops and people. Pretty close to other campers, not secluded in any way, and Hyrums farm cow smell is pretty brutal when it’s hot.
ScoutSo my parents bought a new motor home and were unsure how to do anything with it. We brought them on their first trip to help them learn the ins and outs of camping. All in all great time and a fun experience for them.
GuideWhat a cute spot! Lots of trees, clean bathrooms, little creek running through. The spots can be a little tight, I stayed in loop A, so I’m not sure what the other loops look like. Looked like the main bathroom had a roof cave in, but the portapotties were spectacularly clean. Camp hosts were very nice. Firewood available to purchase.
TravelerWe decided to go here instead of our planned stop. What a good decision. Pretty campground, nicely landscaped. Had a spot towards the back so no road noise. Easy to visit the Great Salt Lake from there. People in the office really great- helped us figure out where to eat that we could park camper. Told us how to use the light rail which stops right in front of the campground. We were able to use TV and computer games on the wifi, something we had not been able to do at other campgrounds. Next morning we went into Salt Lake City on the light rail, easy, quick, inexpensive. Beautiful downtown area! The only downside was they would not let us park in huge empty parking lot in front when we were worried about getting back for check out. They did say we could stay in our spot for extra time for a small fee. We wound up getting back in time so not needed. Bathrooms clean.
Camping sites near Willard, Utah offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from 4,226 feet at Willard Bay to over 9,000 feet in nearby mountains. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters bring snow accumulation primarily in higher elevations. Fall camping conditions typically feature cooler temperatures with nighttime lows dropping into the 40s and periodic windy conditions along the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake.
Waterfall hiking: North Fork Park features a popular waterfall trail accessible from the campground. "There's a hidden waterfall you can hike too, and a river runs through the park. It's a must!" notes camper Debbie P. The trail is suitable for beginners and families with children.
Lake recreation: Willard Bay State Park's South Marina Campground provides direct water access for boating and swimming. "Lake and Mountain View were awesome... Our site had no shade source, and was infested with bees," reports Matthew L. The marina area includes boat launches and rental facilities during summer months.
Mountain biking: North Fork County Park maintains a network of singletrack trails. "Had a great stay at North Fork. Camped in the canyon near the trailheaad for the waterfall hike... Excellent mountain bike trails also. Can't wait to go back and ride more of them," writes Rich J. Trails range from beginner to advanced technical routes.
Spacious sites: Cottonwood Campground offers larger camping spots than many nearby alternatives. "I loved that the sites were spacious, the grounds were clean and there were some great amenities. There's a nature trail through the grounds, a nice playground, and a 5 min walk to the beach," explains Rara B.
Shade coverage: Box Elder Campground provides natural protection from summer heat. "This is a wonderful campground. There are trees everywhere that offer lots of shade. The campground is clean and the hosts are great. The campsites feel very private," reports Jenn. Most sites include established fire rings and flat tent pads.
Wildlife viewing: Anderson Cove Campground offers opportunities to observe local animals. "Wild life is abundant here, birds, raccoons, deer. I loved the crickets chirping," notes Laura K. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Bug issues: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect problems, particularly during summer months. "If it is hot, get a shady site many are in full sun. Worst for me was the trash. It was everywhere," warns Laura K. about Cottonwood Campground. Mosquitoes tend to be most problematic near water features, especially in July and August.
Highway noise: Willow Creek Campground sits close to Interstate 15, creating significant ambient noise. "Got in around 945, nobody at the gate. Was and to have a choice of several spots for my campervan. Nothing with a killer view of the water, but I did have a nice view in the morning of the mountains. It was fine," notes Kimberley M.
Strict check-in rules: State park campgrounds enforce specific entry times. "Be aware that they DO NOT allow early arrival and will turn you away before 3pm even if the site is empty," shares Erin A. about Cottonwood Campground. Some campgrounds also restrict entry after 10 PM.
Beach activities: Willow Creek Campground provides lake access with sandy shorelines. "There are quite a few trees, some amenities like toilets and a playground on site. There's also a walk from the campground to the lake and a nice beach area there," explains Rara B. Beach areas include designated swimming zones with gradual entry.
Creek play: Box Elder Campground features safe water features for children. "We stayed in the group A site with a bunch of families and 15 kids ages 2-10. Tons of shade, picnic tables, and seating around the fire pit. The kids had a blast playing in the creek. It's not too deep, and it runs fast enough to not be gross or slippery," shares Anastasia E.
Group spaces: Several campgrounds offer group sites designed for family gatherings. "We've camped all over in North Fork sites! Our family has our anual family reunion in Mustang Flats every summer, CW8 & CW9 are great for 5 families because they're connected by a little road," recommends Fale L. about North Fork County Park.
Site selection: Brigham City-Perry South KOA offers varied RV accommodations but with limited space. "They pack them in tight here! Each pitch is no wider than 15', which actually makes it pretty challenging to back in. There isn't really any outside space, unless you want to squeeze some chairs next to your neighbor's sewer hookup," cautions Jen R.
Maintenance considerations: Campground infrastructure varies significantly across the area. "Currently upgrading about 12 spaces all new power water and sewer lines. Very nice people and they are making the facilities better. Great wi-fi," reports Lynn S. about the KOA. Many older sites have uneven pads and limited hookup access.
Overnight alternatives: Aspen Grove RV Park provides convenient access from major highways. "Conveniently close to Freeway (but not too close) and brand new! Great and personal friendly service! We couldn't be happier!! Showers, Laundry and meeting areas were perfectly cleaned, locked and used only by tenants," explains James and Susan K.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Willard, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Willard, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Willard, UT and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Willard, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willard, UT is Brigham City-Perry South KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Willard, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Willard, UT.
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