Camping around Salt Lake City offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty—all without having to trek to super-rural wilderness areas. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat in nature or an action-packed weekend with family and friends, the campgrounds around Salt Lake City have something for everyone.
While camping around Salt Lake City offers an incredible way to connect with nature, we understand that sometimes you want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. At Alta Chalets, we provide the perfect basecamp for your Utah adventures, offering cozy accommodations that keep you close to nature while ensuring you have all the amenities of home.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top camping sites near Salt Lake City, but remember—there’s no need to rough it when you can stay with us and still experience the beauty of Utah’s wilderness.
Tanners Flat Campground
- Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or make reservations online.
- Fees: $20 – $60 depending on dates and vehicle type.
- Location: Tanners Flat Rd, Alta, UT 84092
- Distance From Salt Lake City: 33-minute drive
Nestled in the heart of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Tanners Flat Campground is a serene retreat offering a tranquil escape into nature. Little Cottonwood Canyon is renowned for its soaring peaks, unique geology, pristine hidden lakes, and cascading streams. The area offers numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and rock climbing is a popular activity. Set at an elevation of 7,200 feet, this campground provides a more secluded experience with easy access to both the Wasatch Mountains and the nearby Snowbird Resort.
Amenities and Activities
Tanners Flat Campground is equipped with a variety of amenities and offers numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Amenities: Each campsite comes with a fire pit, picnic table, vault toilets, drinking water, and parking. The campground also features some accessible sites for tents.
- Snowbird Resort: Additional amenities and activities include scenic tram rides, restaurants, groceries, an Alpine Slide, zip line rides, concerts, and various festivals.
- Hiking: The campground is a gateway to several stunning trails, including the popular Gloria Falls Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, and Bell Canyon Trail.
- Fishing and Creekside Relaxation: Nearby streams provide opportunities for fishing, and the serene environment is ideal for a peaceful day by the water.
- Mountain Biking: The area around Tanners Flat features trails such as Cottonwood Creek Trail and Albion Meadows Trail, which cater to mountain biking enthusiasts of various skill levels.
- Wildlife Viewing: The campground is frequented by a range of wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species.
Please note that pets are not allowed at Tanners Flat Campground due to watershed protection regulations.
Albion Basin Campground
- Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or make reservations online.
- Fees: $28 – $80 depending on dates and vehicle type.
- Location: Albion Basin Rd, Alta, UT 84092
- Distance From Salt Lake City: 50-minute drive
A short drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon will lead you to the popular camping spot, Albion Basin Campground. Situated at an elevation of 9,600 feet in the Wasatch Mountains, this campground offers a picturesque backdrop of soaring peaks, clear alpine lakes, and vivid summer Utah wildflowers.
Amenities and Activities
Albion Basin Campground offers plenty of amenities and activities, such as:
- Amenities: Accessible tent camping, each with their own fire pit, picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water, and parking.
- Hiking: The campground provides easy access to the beautiful hike up to Cecret Lake. Other popular trails include Catherine Pass and Sunset Peak.
- Fishing and Rock Climbing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rock climbing in the canyon.
- Mountain Biking: Trails like the Albion Basin Road and Germania Pass are perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Moose, deer, and mountain goats are frequently spotted in the area.
Please be aware that no pets are allowed due to watershed protection.
Spruces Campground
- Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or make reservations online
- Fees: $28 – $290 depending on dates, group size, and vehicle type
- Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, near Salt Lake City, Utah
- Distance From Salt Lake City: 36-minute drive
Spruces Campground, situated in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is a perfect spot for those looking to explore nature while staying close to Salt Lake City. This campground, located at an elevation of 8,300 feet, offers a cool retreat during the hot summer months and a variety of outdoor activities.
Amenities and Activities
Spruces Campground is equipped with several amenities to ensure a pleasant camping experience, such as:
- Amenities: The campground features two group sites as well as numerous single, double, and triple-family sites with flush toilets and drinking water is provided. All sites come equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings.
- Hiking and Biking: Enjoy the Donut Falls Trail, Virgin Rim River Trail, Mill D North Fork Trailhead, and other nearby hiking trails and biking trails.
- Fishing: Big Cottonwood Creek, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, is popular for fly fishing.
As with other campgrounds in the area, pets are not permitted due to watershed protection policies.
Redman Campgrounds
- Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or make reservations online.
- Fees: $28 – $203 depending on dates and vehicle type.
- Location: Redman Creek Rd, Alta, UT 84092
- Distance From Salt Lake City: 45-minute drive
Redman Campground is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s a serene retreat surrounded by shady spruce and pine trees. Visitors can enjoy vibrant summer wildflowers and striking autumn foliage here, as well as great access to hiking trails and attractions.
Amenities and Activities
Redman Campground provides a range of amenities and activities to enhance your camping experience:
- Amenities: Redman Campground offers essential amenities, including drinking water, vault and flush toilets, and is operated by a concessionaire but does not provide electric or water hookups.
- Hiking and Mountain Biking: One of the highlights is access to the Twin Lakes Trailhead, which offers hikers stunning views and a peaceful trek. Other nearby trails include the popular Lake Mary Trail.
- Fishing: The nearby Silver Lake provides ample fishing opportunities in a serene setting. Big Cottonwood Creek is another popular fishing spot nearby.
- Wildlife Viewing: The area around Redman Campground is rich in wildlife, including sightings of deer, elk, and various bird species.
Please note that, like other campgrounds in the area, pets are not allowed due to watershed protection regulations.
Little Mill Campground
Reservations: For reservations and more information, visit Recreation.gov
Fees: $25 – $213 depending on site type and group size
Location: 4 miles up American Fork Canyon on Utah Highway 92
Distance From Salt Lake City: 45-minute drive
Little Mill Campground, situated along the banks of American Fork Creek in American Fork Canyon, offers a cool retreat during the summer. Located just 1.5 miles from Timpanogos Cave National Monument, this campground is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and escaping the summer heat.
Amenities and Activities
Little Mill Campground provides essential amenities and access to various recreational activities:
- Amenities: The campground includes one group site and several family sites, many of which are accessible. It also includes picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. However, no water is available on-site, so bring what you need.
- Natural Features: Dense stands of aspen, oak, and maple provide ample shade and beautiful autumn colors. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant.
- Recreation: Fly-fishing in American Fork Creek, stocked with rainbow trout. Access to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range. Nearby hiking and biking trails include Tibble Fork Trail and Pine Hollow Trail.
- Nearby Attractions: Tibble Fork, Silver Flat Reservoirs, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
Granite Flat Campground
Reservations: Make reservations on Recreation.gov
Fees: $25 – $355 depending on site type and group size
Location: American Fork Canyon, near Tibble Fork Reservoir
Distance From Salt Lake City: 1-hour drive
Granite Flat Campground is located in the beautiful American Fork Canyon, just a short distance from Tibble Fork Reservoir. This campground offers a serene environment surrounded by dense stands of aspen, Douglas fir, spruce, and pine trees, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Amenities and Activities
Granite Flat Campground provides a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities:
- Amenities: Group, single, and double-family sites with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, horseshoe pits, and a grassy baseball field. Paved roads and parking.
- Natural Features: Set at 6,400 feet, surrounded by Wasatch peaks, with abundant wildlife and summer wildflowers.
- Recreation: Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at Tibble Fork and Silver Flat Reservoirs. Access to multiple hiking and biking trails, including Tibble Fork Trail, Pine Hollow Trail, and Mill Canyon Trail.
- Nearby Attractions: Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork Creek, and Lone Peak Wilderness areas
Pony Express RV Resort
- Reservations: Book online at Sun Outdoors Salt Lake City’s website.
- Fees: Rates vary depending on site type and season.
- Location: 1012 Recreation Way, North Salt Lake, Utah.
- Distance From Salt Lake City: 10-minute drive
One of the best RV resorts near Salt Lake City, Pony Express RV Resort, recently renamed Sun Outdoors Salt Lake City, offers a blend of outdoor adventure and modern amenities. Located minutes away from the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the United States, and downtown SLC, this resort is perfect for exploring the area or simply relaxing.
Amenities and Activities
Pony Express RV Resort is packed with amenities and activities for a memorable stay, such as:
- Swimming Pool: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated swimming pool.
- Life-size Checkers & Chess: Challenge your friends and family to a game of life-size checkers or chess.
- General Store: Pick up any essentials or souvenirs from the on-site store.
- Dog Park: Let your furry friends stretch their legs in the fenced-in dog park.
- Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the resort and surrounding areas.
- Hiking: Enjoy exploring local trails nearby, such as the Jordan river trail.
Plan Your Stay For A Comfortable Trip Alta Utah
At Alta Chalets, we’ve spent over 30 years curating the ultimate vacation experiences for our guests, and we’re thrilled to share our insider knowledge of the best camping sites near Salt Lake City.
If you prefer a bit more comfort on your travels, Alta Chalets is the perfect spot to keep you within nature and close to the best Utah hiking trails while still having all the comfort of home!
Visit Alta Chalets to explore our properties and book your stay. Experience the best of Utah with personalized vacation experiences, high-quality amenities, and passionate service.
