Camping near Grantsville, Utah encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites between the Stansbury Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. The area includes several National Forest campgrounds in South Willow Canyon, free dispersed camping at Skull Valley Road, and the developed Grantsville Reservoir campground. Located approximately 35 miles west of Salt Lake City, this region provides access to both desert landscapes and mountain terrain within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Loop Campground and Cottonwood Campground offer established sites with basic amenities, while Horseshoe Knoll provides free dispersed camping options for those seeking more primitive experiences.
Most campgrounds in the Grantsville area are accessible from May through October, with some canyon roads closing during winter months. Many forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for accessing dispersed sites. According to one camper, "The campground itself was lovely, but this involved a very long drive down a rutted gravel road, out of the canyon, and back to Grantsville." Water is limited throughout the area, with no potable water available at most dispersed sites. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near Grantsville proper and limited or no service in canyon areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer months due to dry conditions.
The camping options near Grantsville accommodate different preferences and equipment needs. South Willow Canyon campgrounds offer more amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, making them suitable for families and tent campers. These sites are also near limestone climbing routes that attract rock climbers. Dispersed camping areas like Skull Valley Road provide more solitude but fewer facilities. Campers report that these areas can be windy and dusty, particularly in open desert sections. The Grantsville Reservoir campground accommodates both RVs and tents with basic facilities including toilets and trash service, plus access to fishing and water recreation opportunities during summer months.
"You can see other campers but they are so far away from you, and if you park facing away from them, it's nice and feels pretty private."
"A lot of sites in an open field next to mountains. Sites are pretty spaced out. LOTS of gnats and other bugs, but quite and pretty view of the sunset."
$15 - $40 / night
"We stayed here for one night didn't go past the gate we just camped pretty much on the side of the dirt road next to the reservoir."
"You’ll love sitting around your campfire watching the deer scamper in the mountains. RV camping is a must for me and full hookups are available."
"In fact it represents just as a reference for the highway road off the 80 highway you go along 196 and there are pull off roads leading to either straight up the side of a mountain or along the valley."
"We brought a 30’ RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts. Lots of ATV traffic during the day, but we rarely heard anything."
$20 - $34 / night
"There was an interesting little dam on the east side of the campground and I scared a bunch of trout out from under it as I walked across so bring your fishing pole or fly rod if you want to!"
$20 / night
"Surrounding the campground are these amazing looking rock cliffs and outcrops that look like volcanic flows or maybe a pyroclastic flow or tuff. "
"Was worth the slight detour off the highway to have a nice spot while nearing SLC. Intake was a great surprise, creekside, private, and cool rock formations."
$20 - $62 / night
"The campsites in this campground have all the same amenities as the other campgrounds in the canyon which includes a picnic table, metal fire ring, and vault toilets withing walking distance. "
$20 - $60 / night
"We really enjoyed our one night stay on the beach at the Great Salt Lake State Park. Beach sites are primitive, however, the park also offers 5 RV sites with hook-ups. Free showers. Helpful staff."
"Nice campground next to the great salt lake. Only complaint was sand gets just about everywhere so be prepared."
"The loop campground is a great spot to spend the night if you're wanting to explore the Stansbury's from a central location."
ScoutThere was trash all over the place and people were ripping through the trails till 2 am blasting music. Some people came and camped right next to us and blasted music and refused to move. They proceded to leave beer cans all over their site and never put out their fire. Would not come back
ScoutAll grass has been torn up and dusty dirt. Hour are dusk to dawn, no camping.
ScoutThis place is a little trashy, but beautiful scenery night 🌙 skies great for viewing little to no light pollution if picked place on top of hill you would see more of the city's nearby and more of the lake. Roads are very ruff, SUV/trucks to 4 wheel drive recommend.
ScoutIt’s a pretty rowdy spot you’re right in the middle of all the ohv that is happening. If you’re looking for something chill this ain’t it. Also the campsites were pretty littered with trash which is a big bummer.
ScoutGreat spot near SLC for dispersed camping. Plenty of flat areas for bigger rigs. 4x4 may be needed to access other areas. There are trees nearby for plenty of shade.
I didn’t notice any bugs on my visit. Beautiful skies at night. I’ll definitely be coming back!
GuideThe road in is a little rough. Some cell service. Pretty views. Camp spots are not too close together.
RangerWe only stayed one night but enjoyed the campground. Our site was next to a restroom but was not too busy
TravelerWe winter camped here so we could ski. It’s a great location about 40-50 minutes to 6 resorts. It is in the city so not in the wilderness but all the sites have one tree and a patch of grass and a picnic table. There is a small off leash dog pen and a self dog wash. Also hot tub, showers, toilets that were clean. We did not use the hot tub or the laundry. The campground is well maintained. Our first site was slightly unleveled so we asked to switch and they accommodated that request. We did have to pay a little extra for that site. We stayed a total of 3 nights. We were going to stay longer but learned that you can’t have dogs in Cottonwood Canyon which meant we couldn’t ski at those resorts so we asked to get out of our reservation early and the KOA accommodated that as well.
Scout3 stars as dry and dusty with no facilities, but a good place to stop for a night if passing thru or many nights if you're an ATVer.
We live near the area and if you take the dirt Soldier Pass road off highway 68 between Lake Utah and Cedar Fort, there a many many good and level dispersed sites. Lots of junipers once you climb in elevation. No houses within miles. The Utah County gun range is located ~1 mile off highway 68 on this road, but better camping spots are further on anyway. The main dirt road is county maintained and can be done by any car. As is the road up to the Lake Mountain summit for great views and additional sites.
There is a free formal BLM dispersed camping area off highway 68 a few miles north of Soldier Pass road. Zero facilities. There are campers on it year round. Spots on both sides of the highway. Look for signs. To me, these sites are kinda bleak, but have good lake views. Between late May and late Sept sites near the lake will experience Utah Lake midges. They're a love bug that live in the lake and emerge only to mate. They don't bite, but they do swarm. You'll experience fewer as you move away from the lake.
Dispersed camping options near Grantsville, Utah provide access to both desert landscapes and alpine environments, with elevation ranges from 4,300 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet in the nearby Stansbury Mountains. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in the valley while staying 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Winter access becomes limited as snow accumulates, with many forest service roads closing completely from November through April.
Fishing opportunities: The Grantsville Reservoir offers stocked trout fishing from spring through fall. According to one visitor, "The reservoir is stocked with trout almost 1 a month during the spring though fall. The reservoir is also completely man made so you get the feeling that you're in a bowl within a bowl!" Grantsville Reservoir
Hiking trails: Access mountain trails from Loop Campground that connect throughout the Stansbury range. "The main trail leaving the campground is a loop trail for Deseret Peak but you can split off on numerous side trails to follow the range to the north or south," notes one regular visitor to Loop Campground.
Rock exploration: The canyon areas feature unusual rock formations worth exploring. At Intake Campground, "Surrounding the campground are these amazing looking rock cliffs and outcrops that look like volcanic flows or maybe a pyroclastic flow or tuff. Its really crumbly and doesn't make for good climbing but forms pretty 'melting mud' walls."
Privacy and quiet: Campsites at Horseshoe Knoll Dispersed Camping provide considerable separation between sites. One camper noted, "It was fairly quiet though at night since you're very spread out from each other which is nice." Horseshoe Knoll - Dispersed Camping
Fall colors: The mountainside campgrounds offer spectacular autumn displays. "The sites are a little close together but there weren't many people there at the end of September and the changing leaves were spectacular!" reports a visitor to Cottonwood Campground.
Creek access: Several canyon campsites offer streamside locations. At Intake Campground, "There are 5 single sites all aligned in a row next to the creek. 2 of the sites are on the opposite side of the road, however, away from the creek." A recent visitor described it as "Surprisingly beautiful/secluded... creekside, private, and cool rock formations."
Weather considerations: The canyon areas can be significantly cooler than surrounding valleys. "The campground is at a pretty good elevation and will be much cooler than the surrounding desert, especially at night so make sure you're prepared appropriately."
Road conditions: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. One camper at Skull Valley Rd Dispersed Camping shared, "We brought a 30' RV with a lifted Ram 2500 and had no problem driving over the washouts," while another warned "Dirt road is also real rough, probably not for sedans."
Insect awareness: Bug activity varies significantly by season. A summer visitor to Horseshoe Knoll reported, "So many bugs it was awful, the mosquitoes ate us and our dogs even with bug repellents," while others visiting Skull Valley noted "LOTS of mosquitoes and flies."
Settlement Canyon advantages: The campground offers family-friendly amenities close to town. One visitor shared, "We brought a whole bunch of teenage girls for my daughter's birthday party and they were able to be loud and did not disturb anybody. The dry camping spots are very spacious lots of space for the walk around and play and run." Settlement Canyon/Legion Park Campground
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to see local animals. "Each one had a fire pit and picnic table. We woke up to see cows in the morning which the kids loved," mentioned a camper who visited Settlement Canyon.
Water recreation: For family swimming, the Great Salt Lake State Park offers unique floating experiences. "From watching the buffalo herds in the distance, to taking a dip in the Great Salt Lake, to the vibrant sunset and then a wild lightning storm, it was just an absolutely beautiful place to camp."
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited but available. At Settlement Canyon, a regular visitor notes, "RV camping is a must for me and full hookups are available. The price is very reasonable and anything you could ever need is easily accessible in Tooele right outside the gate."
Site selection: The best sites for RVs aren't always obvious. At Oquirrh Mountain Inn & RV Park, one visitor explains, "My wife and I stayed here for about 2 weeks place is pretty nice for an RV hookup spot full hookups water sewer 30 amp power."
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions determine RV access. "The road to the campground is closed from late fall to mid spring so check ahead to see if it's open for the season," advises a camper familiar with the mountain campsites near Grantsville, Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Grantsville, Utah?
Grantsville offers several excellent camping options. South Willow Canyon features Upper Narrows and Lower Narrows Campground, with the latter boasting amazing overhanging tree canopies and nearby fishing opportunities. For dispersed camping, consider Soldier's Pass Utah Backcountry, which is popular for ATVs and off-road vehicles with established fire rings. The area has easy to moderate hiking trails, though it's located near a shooting range. Each location offers a different experience, from developed campgrounds with amenities to more rugged backcountry options. South Willow Canyon provides a cooler escape during summer months, while dispersed areas offer more privacy and flexibility for larger groups or those with specific recreational interests.
What facilities are available at Grantsville Reservoir Campground?
Grantsville Reservoir offers basic facilities for campers. The campground provides vault toilets for visitors, which is especially convenient for those staying overnight. The area is big-rig friendly, making it accessible for RVs and larger camping vehicles. Water is not provided at individual sites, so campers should bring their own supply. The reservoir itself offers recreational opportunities including fishing and boating. The campground is primarily designed for drive-in access, making it convenient for most vehicles. For campers looking for more amenities, Loop Campground is located further up South Willow Canyon, though be prepared for a long drive on rutted gravel roads to access services like firewood and water.
How much does it cost to camp in Grantsville, Utah?
Camping costs in Grantsville vary by location and amenities. Miner's Canyon Dispersed and other dispersed camping areas are free, offering lakeside views without facilities. For those seeking more amenities, developed campgrounds in the area typically range from $15-25 per night. Riverside RV Resort, a maintained facility with grass sites and river access, charges higher rates reflecting its additional amenities and services. For budget-conscious campers, the best option is dispersed camping on public lands around Grantsville, which remains free but requires packing in all supplies including water. Always check current fee information before your trip, as prices may change seasonally or annually.
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