The best camping near Golden Spike National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Golden Spike National Historic Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Golden Spike National Historic Site

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Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

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Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

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The Hitching Post

61 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Snowville, UT

The Hitching Post is a quiet, calm, and pet-friendly RV Park. There is lots of grass and we are big-rig friendly located just off I-84 in Snowville, UT. The Hitching Post RV Park is a family-owned and operated RV park located in Snowville, Utah, United States. The park is situated just off Interstate 84, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the area. The RV park offers more than spacious and well-maintained RV sites with full hookups, including water, sewer, and electricity. The sites are designed to accommodate a variety of RVs, including large rigs, and offer easy access to the park's amenities. The Hitching Post RV Park is located in a picturesque setting with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is conveniently located near several attractions, including the Golden Spike National Historic Site, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, and the Crystal Hot Springs. The park's friendly and accommodating staff is available to assist guests with their needs, and they strive to provide a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all visitors. Overall, The Hitching Post RV Park is a great option for travelers looking for a peaceful and relaxing stopover while exploring the scenic beauty of northern Utah.

The best camping near Golden Spike National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Where can you relive one of the most important moments in American history? Hint: it's in not in Washington D.C.—it's in the middle of the Utah desert. Here, two steam locomotives met in 1869 to complete the first transcontinental railroad. At Golden Spike, you can stand in the exact spot that changed the country's future.

The history is palpable as two replica steam engines ride the rails. Afterward, be transported to the 1800s as volunteers reenact the Last Spike ceremony. Stand close to the front—you might even get to participate. If you're a fan of trains, the boiler wash is a must-see. Want to get up close and personal with the railroad? Walk the 1.5-mile Big Fill Loop along the Central Pacific and Union Pacific grades. You can even walk out onto the Big Fill, a ravine-spanning engineering marvel. Rangers lead guided hikes of the trail on summer weekends.

If you're visiting in the winter, there's still plenty to do. Drive the east or west railroad grade to see how the workers navigated the landscape. Look for the spot where workers laid 10 miles of track in one day. When the weather is rough, head to the Engine House to see the locomotives.

Golden Spike is remote—find great camping options in Wellsville or Willard Bay State Park.