If you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor experiences and a chance to connect with nature, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you crave the serenade of flowing creeks or the tranquility of forests, this blog is your ultimate guide. From breathtaking scenery to meticulously maintained facilities, each campground offers unique highlights that set them apart. Let’s explore our top 10 favorite campgrounds near Salt Lake.

#1 Bountiful Peak Campground

Bountiful Peak Campground, nestled high up the majestic Wasatch Mountains, provides an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a true taste of the untamed wilderness of Utah. Located within the alpine basin of Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this campground emerged as a prime camping destination.

Aside from the spectacular panoramic views, it showcases several local trails and a variety of amenities to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable stay. The campground boasts single sites, double sites, group sites, picnic sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. In-season hunting and fishing are popular activities and Skyline Drive passes near the campground offers scenic driving opportunities.

It’s important to note a few considerations before planning your visit to this campground. While the natural beauty is abundant, modern amenities like water, sewer, and electrical hookups are not available on-site, so come prepared with your own supplies. Daily/nightly rates range from $15 to $92.  

#2 Dixie Creek Campground

Located northeast of Salt Lake City, Dixie Creek Campground has 33 partial and full hookup RV sites near the marina. On the outskirts of the RV-and-tent zone, there are 4 yurts and 2 cabin facilities in the park.

Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Park amenities and services include modern restrooms, hot showers, a comfort station, fuel services, a dump station, a picnic pavilion, a boat launch, and concessions. If you want a luxurious experience, each yurt and cabin is equipped with bunk beds, lights and power, tables and chairs, and dedicated/nearby restrooms and showers.

Aside from being rich in pioneer history, the East Canyon and its surrounding areas are popular destinations for those who are looking for water recreation close to the city. Camping fees are $35 for partial hookup sites, $40 for full hookup sites, and $100 for yurts or cabins.

#3 Little Grand Canyon Campground

Tucked away is Utah’s hidden gem, Little Grand Canyon Campground presents an unparalleled escape with a tranquil camping experience and breathtaking views. This free campground along with its stunning vistas is a haven for nature lovers.

It caters to intermediate campers, providing a balance of comfort and adventure. Backcountry camping is a popular option but you can also camp at San Rafael Bridge Campground for a small fee. There are numerous hiking trails, off-road trails, geologic formations, and hunting areas that are worth checking out.

The serene atmosphere, dark skies, and quietness of the surroundings make it an ideal location for astrophotography and a peaceful getaway. The weather can be extreme and the roads can be tough but for those who are ready to take on the challenges, the rewards are boundless.

#4 Mirror Lake Campground

Situated on the shores of the picturesque Mirror Lake, this campground highlights scenic views of the Uinta Mountains and its surroundings.

Mirror Lake Campground boasts an array of campsites, including double and single options. Each site features utility and picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and tent pads. Vault toilets, trash collection, drinking water, firewood, a parking area, and other essential amenities are also available in the campground. Exploring high alpine lakes, streams, and trails as well as canoeing, fishing, biking, and horseback riding are some of the popular activities.

Mirror Lake and its campground offer charming natural landscapes and ambiance. During summer months, the area comes alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers, painting the surroundings with nature’s own brushstrokes. Peak Season daily/night rates range from $26 to $78.

#5 Granite Flat Campground

Just over 40 miles from Salt Lake, Granite Flat Campground is located near the Tibble Fork Reservoir and the scenic American Fork Canyon. This massive campground has several double-family and single sites and three group sites, most of which are accessible.

The campsite includes picnic tables, fire rings, BBQ grills, and bear-proof food lockers but there are no hookups. Tap water, vault toilets, a baseball field, and horseshoe pits are available on-site. Biking and hiking trails are abundant and the nearby reservoirs offer various water activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and scuba diving.

Campers can also drive down to Lake Tahoe for restaurants, water sports, and beaches. The daily/nightly rates range from $25.96 to $335.66.

#6 Lagoon RV Park & Campground

Located approximately 17 miles north of Salt Lake City, Lagoon RV Park and Campground proximity to the famed amusement park of the same name is one of its standout features. Right out of your tent or RV is a world of fun and excitement.

Engage in family-friendly activities, indulge in delectable treats, and explore thrilling rides that are just a stone’s throw away from your campsite. To ensure a comfortable stay in the camp area, there are available water and electricity connections, picnic tables, cement pads, showers, toilets, laundry facilities as well as dump stations. 

It’s the perfect summer spot for maximizing your time, having fun with your family, and taking full advantage of vacation. Campsite rates range from $45 to $70.

#7 Under Canvas Moab

This exceptional campground is the epitome of luxury camping. Perfectly positioned near two renowned national parks (Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park), Under Canvas Moab offers an adventure-filled experience in one of the nation’s most exhilarating destinations.

This campsite effortlessly harmonized the beauty of surrounding landscapes, towering plateaus, and deep canyons which allows you to fully experience the desert in all its glory. It features a wide range of tents suitable for every budget and size group. All tents come equipped with towels, bedding, toiletries, heating, and a fireplace.

Picnic tables, outdoor grills, and Trailer/RV parking are available in the camp. Site rates range from $259 to $684 per night.

#8 Strawberry Bay Campground

This enormous campground has 295 single sites, 26 single full hook-up sites, 25 double sites, 6 group sites, and 1 group site pavilion. Strawberry Bay Campground is nestled among rolling hills adorned with sagebrush and is located adjacent to Strawberry Reservoir.

Sewer, electric, and water hookups, a sanitary dump, picnic tables, drinking water, wind shelters, campfire rings, boat rentals, a general store, and flush toilets are available but there’s no shower facility in the area. Water skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, and horseback riding are among the most popular activities.

During holiday weekends the camp requires a minimum of a 3-day stay and a 2-day minimum stay on regular weekends. Campsite daily rates range from $24 to $232.

#9 HTR Moab

HTR Moab, formerly known as ACT Campground, provides deluxe cottages that exude style and comfort. Each of these is thoroughly designed to bring a cozy atmosphere and include modern amenities that will make you feel like it’s a home away from home.

Site amenities include 2 EV charging stations, clean bathrooms, Moab area transit, free Wi-Fi, and coin laundry facilities. Its community kitchen is a communal space that invites guests to come together and connect with fellow campers, sharing experiences and stories over a meal. This welcoming and vibrant atmosphere creates a sense of camaraderie and adds an extra element to your camping experience.

Outdoor activities you can enjoy around the area are canoeing, hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, trail biking, and stargazing. Campsite rates range from $35 to $259 per night.

#10 Bridger Bay Campground

Bridger Bay Campground is the closest campground to the Bridger Bay Beach and Day Use Area and the largest campground in Antelope Island State Park. 

Every site has its own fire pit, prep table, picnic table, and shade structure as summer months can be quite intense on the island. There are 26 primitive sites with no electricity and water available at the campground. There are vault toilets but potable water, a dump station, showers, and flush toilets are under a mile away at Bridger Bay Bridge.

This campground is home to the Lakeside Trailhead which is a great trail for bird and wildlife watching. Reservation costs $20 per night for no hookups for one vehicle.

Takeaway

So there you have it, our top 10 best spots for camping around Salt Lake. We hope our guide has given you insightful ideas and inspiration for your upcoming holiday, whether you’re looking for picturesque lakeside views or family-friendly amenities.

The best thing, though? You are welcome to bring your four-legged companions along for the adventure at any of these campgrounds. Go forth and embrace the wonders that await in these boundaries. Happy camping!