CAMPING NEAR SALT LAKE CITY
Searching for where to camp near Salt Lake City? With its accessible camping, Salt Lake is without a doubt one of the most unique cities for outdoor recreation in the country. The Wasatch Mountains provide an absolute playground for those seeking free camping just up one of the famous Cottonwood Canyons, American Fork Canyon or Millcreek Canyon.
TOP 5 PLACES TO CAMP NEAR SALT LAKE CITY
The camping options outside of Salt Lake are up to your imagination, the truth is you can camp nearly anywhere in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The Forest encompasses 2.2 million acres (about twice the area of Rhode Island) and receives 9 million visitors annually, making it one of the most heavily visited forests in the nation. If you can’t find camping near Salt Lake you may not be much of a camper. In this post, we are going to narrow the infinite options down to the top 5 places to camp near Salt Lake.
Photo by Bradford Schaub. Source: www.schaubstudio.com
#5) Albion Basin Campground
Requires Hiking to Access: No
Difficulty to Access: Easy
Reservations: Yes (Reservations Page)
Camp Category: Campsite, Car Camping
What We Love: Albion Basin campground is only a 50 min drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Making for an easy escape into the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. The best time to camp at Albion Basin is in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. There are very few campgrounds in the Wasatch that take you up to 9,500 feet by car and include camping comforts such as picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water and toilets. This camping location is highly recommended for family adventures or those looking for a less strenuous campsite to access outside of Salt Lake City.
Photo by Bradford Schaub. Source: www.schaubstudio.com
#4) Red Pine Lake
Requires Hiking to Access: Yes
Difficulty to Access: Strenuous
Reservations: No
Camp Category: Dispersed, Primitive Wilderness
What We Love: Looking for a little more remote and wild camping experience outside of Salt Lake? Red Pine offers some amazing dispersed camping locations near the classic mountain lake. The setting is perfect for those looking to mix a little adventure and exercise into their camping experience. The Red Pine trailhead is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Then the real journey begins with a 7.5 mile out and back hike with 2,100 ft of elevation gain (see complete hike details here). With all your camping gear this does require hikers be in good shape and prepared with all the camping essentials for a night in the wilderness. Once you reach the lake you will know it was worth the effort and find a few dispersed camping options to settle into.
Photo by Bradford Schaub. Source: www.schaubstudio.com
#3) Antelope Island
Requires Hiking to Access: No
Difficulty to Access: Easy
Reservations: Yes (Reservations Page)
Camp Type: Campsite, Car Camping
What We Love: Antelope Island is a unique landscape to explore located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake and only one hour from downtown. It is called Antelope Island but it may be more appropriate to call it Buffalo Island as there are over 550 bison that roam free! Don’t let the free-roaming bison deter you from this excellent camping experience. Reservations are available for over 90 dedicated campsites across the island. Campers can drive right up to their campsites that include picnic tables, firepits, pit toilets and flat surfaces for your tent.
Photo by Bradford Schaub. Source: www.schaubstudio.com
#2) Willow Lake
Requires Hiking to Access: Yes
Difficulty to Access: Moderate
Reservations: No
Camp Type: Dispersed, Wilderness
What We Love: Willow Lake is the perfect camping destination for camping enthusiasts who want a backpacking experience close to Salt Lake that is not overly strenuous. The trailhead is only 40 mins from downtown Salt Lake and the trail is a moderate 2.5 mile loop with only 630 ft of elevation gain (See complete hike details here). Once you reach the lake pick out one of the few camp spots that look over the lake or make your way into the beautiful Aspen grove for a different feel. It is common to come across Moose at Willow Lake. They love this place, with lake, aspen grove and views of Solitude Mountain Ski Resort across the canyon, we understand why.
Photo by Bradford Schaub. Source: www.schaubstudio.com
#1) Timpanogos Basin
Requires Hiking to Access: Yes
Difficulty to Access: Strenuous
Reservations: No
Camp Type: Dispersed, Wilderness
What We Love: Mount Timpanogos is an absolute icon of the Wasatch front. This is another camping spot that requires a strenuous hike but it will most certainly be worth your effort. The drive to the trailhead is a little further south requiring a drive to American Fork Canyon which is nearly an hour drive from downtown Salt Lake City. The hike to the top of Timpanogos is quite burly with nearly 5,000 ft of elevation gain (see complete hike details here). However, you are not required to go to the top for a magical camping experience. There are plenty of excellent camping locations in the basin just below Mount Timpanogos. Set up basecamp in the basin and explore the surrounding area during your stay.
IMPORTANT CAMPING REMINDERS
When camping near Salt Lake City always bring the proper camping equipment, clothing, food rations, and water for your adventure. Being in close proximity to a city does not excuse one from being unprepared for a wilderness experience. Also make sure to check the campfire restrictions in your camping zone and adhere to them. The U.S. Forest Service website is a great resource for gathering information prior to your adventure. Know before you go, leave no trace and enjoy the enchanting camping near Salt Lake City!
FOR ADDITIONAL CAMPING INFORMATION SEE
If anyone is coming out to SLC here are some camping spots!
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