This article about camping near Salt Lake City is brought to you by Cusa Coffee & Tea. Their large variety of instant hot drinks will keep you cozy and caffeinated at any of these campgrounds.
Many people only think about deserts and the Great Salt Flats when they think about camping near Salt Lake City. But Utah has so much more to offer, with flowery fields in spring and fabulous fall foliage. You’ll find so much more than the desert when you visit one of these 7 camping spots near Salt Lake City.
The Best Camping Near Salt Lake City
1. Granite Flat
Image from The Dyrt camper Justin J.
Less than a mile from Tibble Fork Reservoir, up the American Fork Canyon, Granite Flat Campground provides basic amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, fire rings, and picnic tables at all the sites, which are paved.
Visitors can enjoy snow sports in the winter or water sports in the warmer months. If you are at Granite Flat in the fall, skip the hike to the upper lake if it’s been dry because there may not be much water in it when you get there.
“There is a huge spot of grass that you can play sports or baseball on.” – Brad B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-48
- Number of sites: 55
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Jordanelle State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Heather B.
Set around a gorgeous reservoir, there are several different options when you choose Jordanelle State Park. Hailstone Recreation Area is more extensive and can accommodate RVs and tents, but Rock Cliff has walk-in tent sites and more primitive amenities.
A favorite of locals because of its proximity to the Wasatch Range and Salt Lake City, Jordanelle State Park has something for everyone. If you have a special event in the works, consider using the Event Center at Jordanelle for an extra-special setting.
“Perfect for a weekend camp or just an all day kayak.”– Sheena A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-40
- Number of sites: 144
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Spruces – Big Cottonwood
Image from The Dyrt camper Heather B.
At 7,500 feet, this campground is a heavenly spot with access to some of the area’s most exciting features, like Donut Falls, named because of the donut-shaped hole in the mountain from which the cataract flows, or Big Cottonwood Canyon, a scenic canyon close to Salt Lake City.
The campsites at Spruces – Big Cottonwood are well-spaced and private, and there are even family and double family sites if you need more space. There are flush toilets and showers, and partial hookups are available for RVs.
“It is absolutely incredible here.” – Heather B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-133
- Number of sites: 92
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
4. Little Mill
Image from The Dyrt camper Brad B.
This campground is one of the most beautiful spots on the American Fork Canyon, with splashes of wildflower blooms in the spring and fiery foliage in fall. There are many hikes and trailheads nearby, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, Timpanogos Cave National Monument and its 3-room cave system are close enough for a day trip.
Little Mill’s proximity to the Alpine Scenic Highway makes it a convenient and stunning getaway for folks who aren’t inclined to heavy athletic exertion but want to see the scenery from the comforts of their car.
“This is the campground of choice if you plan to go to Timpanogos Cave.”– Michael J.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-150
- Number of sites: 37
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
This article about camping near Salt Lake City is brought to you by Cusa Coffee & Tea
Their instant Jasmine Green Tea is great hot or iced, depending on what season you’re visiting these campgrounds.
5. Tanners Flat
A superb locale for hikers and bikers, Tanners Flats is ⅔ of the way up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a picturesque spot 6 miles from Sandy, Utah, and 33 miles from Salt Lake City. This campground doesn’t have RV hookups, and it’s not suitable for larger rigs, but it is a charming canyon campground. Most of the trails lead to charming alpine lakes, like White Pine Lake, Red Pine Lake, and Maybird Gulch.
“September/early October gives cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, and we got to see some lovely fall colors.” – Sarah M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $26-53
- Number of sites: 38
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
6. Timpooneke
Image from The Dyrt camper Jeff
At Timpooneke, you spend your days looking for the beaver dam in their pond next to the campground or on the trail circumnavigating Mount Timpanogos by foot or bike. There are no RV hookups, and the campground isn’t equipped for long rigs, but there are corrals for horses and vault toilets.
“On the way, stop and check out Scout Falls. Early in the summer, the falls come pretty heavy because of the runoff.” – Shad G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24-48
- Number of sites: 30
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Salt Lake City KOA
Image from The Dyrt camper Stephanie L.
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City and close to the airport, Salt Lake City KOA is a convenient and comfortable way to explore this wondrous city. There’s a new light rail system in tow, so if you stay at this KOA, you can get around to all the sites quickly and conveniently. This KOA has full hookups, amenities for sale on-site, showers, laundry, and more.
“Very close to the city, came in late and didn’t have any issues!” – Michael A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 200
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
These campgrounds are only the beginning of your journey in the canyons and plateaus in northern Utah. Discover all that these Northern Utah mountains have to offer when you’re camping near Salt Lake City. For more options, browse The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping in Utah.
