Camping in Salt Lake City, UT, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Utah
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Salt Lake City

95% (849 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Salt Lake City

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

Capitol Reef National Park

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Smithfield

26 campgrounds

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(85)

Utah's inland ocean

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Grantsville, UT

Seabase's water was visited by the pioneers on the way to California, and then was owned by Grantsville City as a "swimming hole", and now is a SCUBA and snorkeling resort.& event locationn. Camping and events happen, and sometimes there would be no one here but you and the caretakers, sometimes a lot of people. There are 20 acres to dry camp, so getting back away from traffic, or close to the water are options.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

ENTRANCE TO OUR PROPERTY IS STRAIGHT NORTH AT THE END OF THE PAVEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT TURN LEFT ON SESSION LANE! We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground. We do not have Electrical Power or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. We have two tent areas and 1 RV spot. Sometimes we can accommodate more RV's on a exception basis **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time and call when you arrive. We will guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spots base on your type of camping. (Sleeping in trailers or van's versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

The Hundred Acre Wood

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · UT

Originally homesteaded by Edwin Whiting in the 1870s, the upper reaches of Hobble Creek Canyon have been ranched by our family since 1901. Edwin was a fruit farmer and I suspect that the lone pear tree still growing (and bearing fruit) on the ranch, may have been planted by him nearly 150 years ago. Today we raise horses, but mostly we raise kids and spirits. Come up, set a spell, and renew your soul.

93%

(14)

1959 Airstream Tiny Home- Hot Tub!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · South Salt Lake, UT

Hot Tub, Hot Tub, Hot Tub This 1959 Airstream is sure to provide a romantic and uniquely unforgettable experience. See what tiny-home living is all about! Private Deck Hot Tub Hot Water Ac/Heat year round comfort -Nostalgic mostly original/updates where it matters. -Propane fire-pit off-street gated, driveway parking -Two single beds -Fast WiFi -Streaming TV with Netflix Fully fenced yard with driveway gate. Chad, the owner lives on-site, yet provides privacy. This is located in a urban/suburban area, and Chad owns the little oasis and lives in the front home. You will likely see him and he will say hello but allows you privacy and to enjoy your alone time. If you are the kind of person who would like to connect, Chad loves meeting guests, sharing a meal or a drink, and get to know his guests. You get to the set the tone on that! With 6000+ reviews on another major platform, Chad is a professional host and has made Real Estate, STR's, experiences and hospitality his profession. As a Top 500 RE agent in Utah, out of nearly 20,000 agents, Chad is knowledgable in the Real Estate space and can talk your ear off on that, but also enjoys YOGA, Breathwork, plant medicines, and exercise.

Tiny Shiny Escape, River Runs Thru!

2 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Salt Lake City, UT

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable Airstream Basecamp escape with a river-front parking spot, clean air, bright stars access to trials out the back door! Just 20 min from Salt Lake City Center in one of Salt Lake City’s most desirable zip codes! Trailer has hot water, stove top, mini fridge/freezer, heated, AC. Cute outdoor area off my front street but not many cars up here! Access to my grill down by the magical fairyland mini water fall. Take your love up here and connect (even if that means yourself) ❤️ Fill you water bottle at the natural spring down the road! Multiple hiking trails trailheads are walking distance! Wild Turkey are abundant! Moose, Deer, Coyotes! Come reconnect to nature 🍄 : ) Meet me if you want but i can also keep to myself!

12 top campgrounds near Salt Lake City

100%

(39)

The Hundred Acre Wood

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · UT

Originally homesteaded by Edwin Whiting in the 1870s, the upper reaches of Hobble Creek Canyon have been ranched by our family since 1901. Edwin was a fruit farmer and I suspect that the lone pear tree still growing (and bearing fruit) on the ranch, may have been planted by him nearly 150 years ago. Today we raise horses, but mostly we raise kids and spirits. Come up, set a spell, and renew your soul.

Utah's inland ocean

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Grantsville, UT

Seabase's water was visited by the pioneers on the way to California, and then was owned by Grantsville City as a "swimming hole", and now is a SCUBA and snorkeling resort.& event locationn. Camping and events happen, and sometimes there would be no one here but you and the caretakers, sometimes a lot of people. There are 20 acres to dry camp, so getting back away from traffic, or close to the water are options.

Tiny Shiny Escape, River Runs Thru!

2 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Salt Lake City, UT

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable Airstream Basecamp escape with a river-front parking spot, clean air, bright stars access to trials out the back door! Just 20 min from Salt Lake City Center in one of Salt Lake City’s most desirable zip codes! Trailer has hot water, stove top, mini fridge/freezer, heated, AC. Cute outdoor area off my front street but not many cars up here! Access to my grill down by the magical fairyland mini water fall. Take your love up here and connect (even if that means yourself) ❤️ Fill you water bottle at the natural spring down the road! Multiple hiking trails trailheads are walking distance! Wild Turkey are abundant! Moose, Deer, Coyotes! Come reconnect to nature 🍄 : ) Meet me if you want but i can also keep to myself!

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

ENTRANCE TO OUR PROPERTY IS STRAIGHT NORTH AT THE END OF THE PAVEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT TURN LEFT ON SESSION LANE! We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground. We do not have Electrical Power or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. We have two tent areas and 1 RV spot. Sometimes we can accommodate more RV's on a exception basis **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time and call when you arrive. We will guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spots base on your type of camping. (Sleeping in trailers or van's versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

1959 Airstream Tiny Home- Hot Tub!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · South Salt Lake, UT

Hot Tub, Hot Tub, Hot Tub This 1959 Airstream is sure to provide a romantic and uniquely unforgettable experience. See what tiny-home living is all about! Private Deck Hot Tub Hot Water Ac/Heat year round comfort -Nostalgic mostly original/updates where it matters. -Propane fire-pit off-street gated, driveway parking -Two single beds -Fast WiFi -Streaming TV with Netflix Fully fenced yard with driveway gate. Chad, the owner lives on-site, yet provides privacy. This is located in a urban/suburban area, and Chad owns the little oasis and lives in the front home. You will likely see him and he will say hello but allows you privacy and to enjoy your alone time. If you are the kind of person who would like to connect, Chad loves meeting guests, sharing a meal or a drink, and get to know his guests. You get to the set the tone on that! With 6000+ reviews on another major platform, Chad is a professional host and has made Real Estate, STR's, experiences and hospitality his profession. As a Top 500 RE agent in Utah, out of nearly 20,000 agents, Chad is knowledgable in the Real Estate space and can talk your ear off on that, but also enjoys YOGA, Breathwork, plant medicines, and exercise.

100%

(7)

Off Center

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Midway, UT

Located in beautiful Midway just blocks to center of town where you’ll find shopping, dining, Farmers Market with Yoga in the park on Saturdays, E-bike rentals, ATV rentals and so much more. Just a few miles to Deer Creek Reservoir where you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing or even rent a boat for the day. Park City is just 20 mins and SLC is only 35 min. 10 minutes to world class skiing at Deer Valley. Camping with tents and RV’s allowed on the property. There are free range chickens on the property as well as owners having 2 friendly dogs. Come and enjoy the sounds of the crickets and beautiful dark skies at night.

97%

(17)

Rancho Bueno

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Park City, UT

3 acres located in park city. We have a full hook up rv spot as well as a electric only spot. Electric only spot has EPIC park city ridge line views. Full hook up only partial view. We live onsite as well. Ski resorts all within 15 min drive. 3-5min drive to restaurants and groceries located at Kimball junction. 10-15 min drive to lively park city main st. There are a few walk to hiking and biking trails, one walk to BBQ restaurant, and one convenience store. Gated property, fully secured. No all night raves or guests alllowed, keep it simple and be courteous.

Park City, Quiet, 10 mi to PC Mtn

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Park City, UT

Open to long term . Come crash in our yard and ski for the weekend! Just on the outskirts of Park City, we want to share our property with you. There is a fabulous view of the ski resorts and the Utah Olympic Park from our neighborhood. A couple miles off the freeway, so no road noise but easy access. 5 miles to Kimball Junction and 10 miles to Main Street or Park City Mountain. We sit on 2 1/2 acres in our neighborhood. This is a great place to stay if you want to explore the Park City area. Close to Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley if you want to come in for a ski weekend or an extended stay. Please inquire about available access during the winter. Great access to mountain bike trails right from the property. Glenwild Loop, Cobblestone and Flying Dog are accessible from the neighborhood. The Rail Trail is also accessible from the neighborhood and can take you to Old Town. A great eBike option. Visit mountaintrails.org for the many bike trails in the area. A great little hike up to ponds is a short distance away, also. Pet friendly but must be good around other animals. Our house is on the property and we have 2 large friendly dogs and cats. There are also deer and elk that cruise through our property and neighbors riding their horses down the street. Inquire about water and electric. We do not have sewer, but have a contact for a company that will come pump if you don't want to move, or, there is an RV park about 5 miles down the road that will pump for a small fee. Need another vehicle while you're here? Rent our Ford Expedition https://turo.com/us/en/suv-rental/united-states/park-city-ut/ford/expedition/1562001 These also may be for rent: Mastercraft surf boat, Ebikes, Mountain bikes, bike rack, paddleboards, coolers and more! What do you need? Inquire on prices.

Echo Island

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Coalville, UT

Echo Island features RV sites, NEW Glamping tents, and cabins. Resort amenities include WiFi hot spots, modern restrooms, swimming pools, and hot tubs. Also on site are volleyball, and basketball courts. From sunny days to snow days, every season is a stunner at Echo Island. On the banks of the Weber River and located so close to Echo and Rockport Reservoirs, within an hour of Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. Want a sophisticated night or day out? Drive just 30 minutes to Park City. Bring the kids and swim, or head out for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, and horseback riding in the Wasatch Back. We are a pet friendly campground.

98%

(73)

Crooked Creek Ranch

1 site · RV17 acres · Kamas, UT

100%

(7)

Moose Meadow

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Brighton, UT

This is a private driveway in a great location in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The driveway is long and surrounded by aspen, abutting the "old" unused house on my property, so it is private. Although near the main road, the site feels private. You are less than 1 minute walk to Big Cottonwood Creek, and there is hiking out the door in multiple directions, as well as easy biking to Solitude Resort. As a bonus, you are 1/4 mile from Silver Fork Lodge if you get a hankering for a prepared meal. Please note that there are NO DOGS allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. There is a high fine if so. So this is not an appropriate spot to bring your four-legged friends unfortunately.

94%

(8)

Sandy Utah Port

1 site · RV1 acre · Sandy, UT

Property has large Canopy Port on site with very close access to the Cottonwood Canyons. Port is 45ft long, 15ft wide and 12 ft wide with access to power. Location is perfect for summer and winter activities including skiing, biking and climbing. Vehicle will also be held in secure location behind gate

Under $50

100%

(39)

The Hundred Acre Wood

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · UT

Originally homesteaded by Edwin Whiting in the 1870s, the upper reaches of Hobble Creek Canyon have been ranched by our family since 1901. Edwin was a fruit farmer and I suspect that the lone pear tree still growing (and bearing fruit) on the ranch, may have been planted by him nearly 150 years ago. Today we raise horses, but mostly we raise kids and spirits. Come up, set a spell, and renew your soul.

Utah's inland ocean

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Grantsville, UT

Seabase's water was visited by the pioneers on the way to California, and then was owned by Grantsville City as a "swimming hole", and now is a SCUBA and snorkeling resort.& event locationn. Camping and events happen, and sometimes there would be no one here but you and the caretakers, sometimes a lot of people. There are 20 acres to dry camp, so getting back away from traffic, or close to the water are options.

Tiny Shiny Escape, River Runs Thru!

2 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Salt Lake City, UT

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable Airstream Basecamp escape with a river-front parking spot, clean air, bright stars access to trials out the back door! Just 20 min from Salt Lake City Center in one of Salt Lake City’s most desirable zip codes! Trailer has hot water, stove top, mini fridge/freezer, heated, AC. Cute outdoor area off my front street but not many cars up here! Access to my grill down by the magical fairyland mini water fall. Take your love up here and connect (even if that means yourself) ❤️ Fill you water bottle at the natural spring down the road! Multiple hiking trails trailheads are walking distance! Wild Turkey are abundant! Moose, Deer, Coyotes! Come reconnect to nature 🍄 : ) Meet me if you want but i can also keep to myself!

Off Center

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Midway, UT

Located in beautiful Midway just blocks to center of town where you’ll find shopping, dining, Farmers Market with Yoga in the park on Saturdays, E-bike rentals, ATV rentals and so much more. Just a few miles to Deer Creek Reservoir where you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing or even rent a boat for the day. Park City is just 20 mins and SLC is only 35 min. 10 minutes to world class skiing at Deer Valley. Camping with tents and RV’s allowed on the property. There are free range chickens on the property as well as owners having 2 friendly dogs. Come and enjoy the sounds of the crickets and beautiful dark skies at night.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

ENTRANCE TO OUR PROPERTY IS STRAIGHT NORTH AT THE END OF THE PAVEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT TURN LEFT ON SESSION LANE! We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground. We do not have Electrical Power or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. We have two tent areas and 1 RV spot. Sometimes we can accommodate more RV's on a exception basis **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time and call when you arrive. We will guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spots base on your type of camping. (Sleeping in trailers or van's versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

Star Hosts in Salt Lake City

98%

(73)

Crooked Creek Ranch

1 site · RV17 acres · Kamas, UT

99%

(66)

Rasmussen Ridge

12 sites · RVs1 acre · Mantua, UT

Located in Mantua, UT, a small mountain valley in Cache National Forest on the Wasatchback of the Rocky Mountains of Utah. A ten minute walk to Mantua Reservoir for ice fishing in the winter, kayaking, boating, water skiing, fishing in Spring, Summer, & Fall. Pickleball courts and Sydney's Grill are a 10 minute walk away. Mountain biking, four wheeling, side-by-side adventure right outside your RV door to Willard Peak and the beautiful Northern Wasatchback. Use of my huge lawn (next to the field where you park) for lawn games (provided for a small fee), and my in-ground fire pit are available for your enjoyment. Friendly dogs are very welcome - my white Lab is always looking for new friends! 3 miles down Box Elder Canyon to two large grocery stores, Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and gyms. One hour to skiing at Snow Basin (home of 2002 Olympic downhill), Powder Mountain to the south and Beaver Mountain to the north. World's largest game bird refuge and museum 10 minutes west down the canyon. Utah State University 30 minutes to the north and Weber State University 30 minutes to the south. Box Elder Creek is a 5 minute walk into Box Elder Campground, the poppy hill (2 weeks in June), and wonderful hiking opportunities. The valley was settled by Danish immigrants in 1862, and the property you will be on is owned by a descendent of the original settlers. See more info about Mantua in the link below.

Off Center

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Midway, UT

Located in beautiful Midway just blocks to center of town where you’ll find shopping, dining, Farmers Market with Yoga in the park on Saturdays, E-bike rentals, ATV rentals and so much more. Just a few miles to Deer Creek Reservoir where you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing or even rent a boat for the day. Park City is just 20 mins and SLC is only 35 min. 10 minutes to world class skiing at Deer Valley. Camping with tents and RV’s allowed on the property. There are free range chickens on the property as well as owners having 2 friendly dogs. Come and enjoy the sounds of the crickets and beautiful dark skies at night.

RIVER BEND CAMP GROUND

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Morgan, UT

ENTRANCE TO OUR PROPERTY IS STRAIGHT NORTH AT THE END OF THE PAVEMENT. PLEASE DO NOT TURN LEFT ON SESSION LANE! We are currently in summer mode and with the river we can get mosquitoes, so bring your protection. The river level has dropped and water activities will be allowed. We have ten acres that our home sit on but about 9 acres and consist of dry farm grass. We use 1 acre for camping and parking. The Weber river runs across the back of our property where we have a campground with tables and firepits. This is a family campground. We do not have Electrical Power or Water hookups. We have added 4 wooden porta potty enclosed in small tents which we service every day or as needed. Unfortunately Morgan County is now under a complete fire ban. We do not have potable water at our sites but we can and will provide water from our home if you provide your own container. Site selection is determined by type of sleeping accommodations. We have two tent areas and 1 RV spot. Sometimes we can accommodate more RV's on a exception basis **We allow 2 adults per site and/or 2 adults and minor children per site. (Exceptions must be approved and additional fees paid) We are not a public campground and only list through Hipcamp and so our property is posted with NO TRESPASSING SIGNS. It is very important to let us know your approximate arrival time and call when you arrive. We will guide you down to the campgrounds and show you the best spots base on your type of camping. (Sleeping in trailers or van's versus tent campers) One draw back to our property is that we are within 1/2 mile of a well use highway (US 84) and railroad track. We have only had one camper who was concerned about the noise. Here at the house we don't notice it and maybe we are just use to it. Limited swimming and use of paddle board based on river conditions. Fishing is limited because we are on private property and the river is not stocked by the Utah fish and game. So, we are dependent on normal reproduction of the fish. Fly fishing being the best however you can use lures but not bait of any kind . We would prefer catch and release. ALL UTAH FISHING REGULATION APPLY. WE HAVE INDICATED WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE. THE WHOLE AREA IS BASICLLY LEVEL AND GRASS AND BARK COVERED.

Moose Meadow

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Brighton, UT

This is a private driveway in a great location in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The driveway is long and surrounded by aspen, abutting the "old" unused house on my property, so it is private. Although near the main road, the site feels private. You are less than 1 minute walk to Big Cottonwood Creek, and there is hiking out the door in multiple directions, as well as easy biking to Solitude Resort. As a bonus, you are 1/4 mile from Silver Fork Lodge if you get a hankering for a prepared meal. Please note that there are NO DOGS allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. There is a high fine if so. So this is not an appropriate spot to bring your four-legged friends unfortunately.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

91%

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Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

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Salt Lake Field Office

South Salt Lake, Utah

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Salt Lake City guide

Overview

Salt Lake City, Utah sits in Salt Lake Valley with Oquirrh Mountains to the west and the Wasatch Range to the east. The city’s borders make up the banks of Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the entire western hemisphere. After swimming and boating around the lake, set up camp at Great Salt Lake State Park on a tent, RV, or primitive campsite on the beach. Nearby parks like Antelope Island State Park offer campers views of free-range bison right from their tent window. Or, take a break from the saltwater and discover Utah Lake State Park, where warm fresh waters await swimmers and anglers alike.

Where to go

Great Salt Lake State Park

A short drive west of the city brings Hipcampers to Great Salt Lake State Park for year-round camping. Campsites for trailers up to 40 feet with water and electric hookups are available by the lake’s rentable marinas for swimming and boating. Or reserve a spot right on the beach in primitive tent campsites with firepits and access to hikes that lead to views of Black Rock National Historic Landmark. There’s no fishing because of the lake’s high salinity and mineral content, but the thriving brine shrimp bring migratory birds that are great for birdwatching.

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island is the largest island in Great Salt Lake, a wonder of geography that becomes a peninsula when water levels are low. The geography of Antelope Island State Park creates great backcountry trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking (eBike rentals are also available at the visitor’s center). Then, stay at RV or primitive campsites in the park among local free-ranging bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. The pet-friendly park also has accessible campsites with full hookups, hot showers, and picnic tables.

Utah Lake State Park

The mouth of Provo River empties into Utah’s largest freshwater lake. Warm, 75°F Utah Lake waters are rife with catfish, walleye, and white bass available to fish year-round. It’s also great for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding—with canoes and kayaks available to rent within the state park. Campers can rent boat slips too, but they do fill up fast during popular camping seasons. After a day of fishing, set up camp at pet-friendly paved pads that offer back-in and pull-through options as well as full hookups and firepits.

When to go

The humid continental climate of Utah’s Great Basin area provides Salt Lake City hot, dry, and mostly clear summers, averaging high temperatures of 86°F. Winter temperatures range from 27°F to 49°F, which makes for great winter camping opportunities for skiers and snowboarders who visit the area. Pacific Ocean jet stream air currents flow right over SLC, which does send large storms from October through May.